The Wheeling daily register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1864-1878, 1877-11-29

Horrors OF Washington Society,"
Intemperanee and Prostitution in
Public Life-The Departments are
snares for the Away
From Washington.
WASHINGTON. Nov. q, 1877.
Perhaps at no time in the history OF
the country have political parties occu-
pied such uncertain positions. In fact II
is doubtful whether there are any par
ties or not. or if there are, 1t is equally
as difficult to tell who constitute the par
ties. No man living can tell from his
policy whether Hayes is q Republican
with Democratic proclivities or whether
he is a Democrat with 3 slight leaning
to Republicsnism, or whether he is not
an enemy to both of the old parties.
When we 90 to the Senate and House 1t
is Just as hard to locate the members OF
Congress. Conkling and Stanley
Mathews both claim to be
Republicans yet they are con-
stantly::at each others throats. When
the army appropriation bill came up In
the House for vote on the Senate
amendment to increase the army, Mr.,
Atkins threw himself into the breach,
but Notwithstanding his great effort TO
present solid Democratic phalsnx on
the first party vote OF the session, the
Republican minority walked over the
track and gained the day. II is useless
to say that Atkins was maids mad yet
and will be mad the balance Of the ses-
sion. But getting mad doesn't help the
cause. The bill las been passed, and that
ends it. While the Democrats were or
g.nizing to capture the Senate, the Re-
publican minority took possession OF the
House, and now 1t is hard to tell which
holds the power IN either branch OF Con-
gress.
THE RECREANT FOUR.
There were four Democrats who failed
to vote on the Army Appropriation Dill,
and their failure gave the victory to the
Republicans. Milton Sayler, Ben
Douglass, Gilbert Walker and Clark
of Kentucky are the members
who are receiving an old fash
Toned Democratic cufsing about this
time. "Why we're they not on hand2" l
inquired OF a prominent Congressman.
The answer was as conclusive as it was
brief-"druuk." do not knew that the
reason assigned was in accord with the
facts, yet it is stated that Douglass has
not been sober since Congress opened. 1t
is humilisting that any constituency
should send a representative to Congress
who disqualifes himself from rendering
them service, and by his disqualification
is doing the country serious harm. 1t
is denied by Clsrk's friends that he was
intoxicated. Mr.. Clark is something O.
a fop, and at the time the vote was taken
was in cloak room brushing his balr
and adjusting the wrinkles in his coat.
This excuse is poor one, but it is better
than the other.
SOCIAL EVILS OF WASHINGTON LIFE.
Intemperance is a common vice among
Congressman, but fortunately for the
honor of our State the West Virginia
delegation, in both houses, is free from
this aid all other vices common to
Washington society.
An open carriage was standing IN
front OF the postotice u few days ago. In
it was man with one foot stuck out
over the das hboard, while his body was
thrown back in the vehicle; a mashed
hat drawn half down over his face, and
he beastly drunk. 1t was broad day
light, in public street, and the hum
dreds who were passing stopped to look
at the disgusting spectacle. Yet L was
told that the drunken individual making
a public exposure of himself was none
other than United States Senator'S
man by the name of Conover, from
Florida.
Women of the town daily frequent the
galleries and corridors of the Capitol, and
as I'm blushingly ply their trade as II 1t
WAS a legitimate business. The public
departments have come TO be looked
upon as vast prostitution establishments.
There are women in the departments
who have preserved their honor, but
they do it in the lace OF continued temp
tstions and with the backening
results of communicating influences
a | around them. While So much is said
about reform of the civil service, in the
nsme of God can nothing be done In the
WAY of social reform Fred. Douglass
was soundly abused for his lecture NJ
Baltimore, in which he showed up the
of Washington life, yet those
who are most familiar with the facts say
that Frederick was more truthful than
elegant 10 his remarks.
LEAD Us NOT INTO TEMPTATION"
Members OF Congress are constantly |
receiving applications from their female !
oastituents-youhg women and wild
owed women-tor positions as Clerks In |
some of the public departments. Now |,
!e. me say word 10 those females who |
only dream of the salary, the six hours
work, and the gsyeiies OF city lite, and |
know nothing of the true side of the
picture: Ii you value virtuous name,
that priceless jewel of a womsn's soul,
keep away from Washington. Better
for you to work your fingers of as 3
sewing girl or hired servant in your
home, better to 60 TO the poor
house, aye, better to die of bodily hun
ger, than to come here and be drawn
into that vortex which, if it
does not completely engult you,
will so blscken and blister your
character that life will be worth
less to you. You may preserve
YOUR virtue, but you will be the daily |