Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1877-05-17
OUR WASHINGTON LETTER.

WASHINGTON, d. c., May II, 1877.
II We may believe the somew hat
fiorid accounts coming from Philadel-
phia, the formal opening CT the per-
manent exhibition yesterday was mol
90 very far behind that of year ago
in point of numbers, enthusiasm, and
the elaborate character of the prepara-
tions made. The display in the Main
Building appears from all accounts to
that of last year, both in varl-
ETY. and beauty of the exhibits, and al
so in the facilities Tor ihiriiigently and
leisurely examining them; and in the
other buildings they are quite as inter-
esting to the general public. The
President and a number of the men,
hers of the Cabinet were pre-ent, and
of course enhanced the attractions to
many of the leo, 600 people who wit
nessed the opening cereninies. 1t Is
said that all the space that could be
spared to foreign exhibitors, was taken
up in very short time, and that
many applicants had to be refused be-
cause the room was all taken.
Among the many unfortunate omis-
siops of Congress at the last session
was its failure to make any provision
for a representation OF the Government
at the Paris Exposition in 1878; and the
postponement of the extra session to
date so late that no time will remain
in which to make the necessary prepa-
tions, makes it all the more regretted
by many who hold that not only ma
tional interests but international cour-
tesy as well, demanded a return in kind
of the great interest France manifest
ed in our success last year.
Political matters are rather quiet
nothing Of special importance having
occurred to disturb US since the an
uouncement of the postponement of
the extra session. 1t is pretty we'll set
tied that many of the officers will find
themselves reduced to rather severe
straits by this decision, and they Will
be forced into the hands of the scores
of sharks who infest Washington, al
ways on the lookout for investments at
5 per cent month. The Secretary OF
the Navy has decided that he cannot
use any portion of the appropriation
for his Department which becomes
available on the first of July, for the
first OF July, for the deficiencies of the
the present year; and the three months
pay which will be due the officers and
men of the naval service on the 30th
of June, aud which cannot be paid be-
cause the appropriations for the pres
ent year are exhausted, Will have to
remain unpaid until such time as Con-
gress specially provides for it.
The Department of Justice is in like
impecunious candition; and in some
instances the United States Marshals
have been notified that the usual term
of court will not be held. Other bu-
reaus of the Departments are similarly
embarrassed, and every day other
awkward consequences likely to result
from this attempt to run the Govern
ment 'on tick are being discovered by
the researches of dismayed bureau of
ficers. It is also felt that by q little
wise congressional action at this time,
we could have put ourselves in posi-
tion 10 have derived many advantages
from the war that threatens to involve
all Europe, and to have avoided at the
outset many dangers menaclng us In
onr defenseless condition.
The appointment of Mr.. Kasson to
succeed Cushing at Madrid is citcd by
Cuban sympathiZers as possible step
towards the recognition of the bellig'
erent rights of the patriots. At least
the appointment of a man holding
his well-known views in favor of the
patriot cause will, it is argued, be ac'
cepted as protest on our part, against
the continuation of the barbarities ol
Spanish rule in that Island.
From the reported decision of the
Cabinet it appears that the Mexican
Government Is to be formally notified
once more to suppress her marauding
eattle-stealers; and if there is not
prompt compliance, Gen. Ord will be
instructed TO pursue and punish such
as trespass on Texan soil, if the chase
leads him to the very gates of the Mex
lean Capital.
Mr.. Evarts, it also appears, has q
sharp eye Oh the contestants across the
water, keenly noting every change
likely to affect US; and it seems to be
the prevailing opinion about the Wal
Department, that the surrender of Cra
zy Horse reduces Sitting Bull to the al
tentative of submission or cxpatriation
LOGAN.