The new dominion. [volume] (Morgantown, W. Va.) 1876-1904, 1877-10-06
WASHINGTON LETTER.
WASHINGTON d. C, Oct. 1st, 1877.

Olllcc uullulHS Is Ol STcitocl lhOcicSO
than political events. Mr.. Hayes and
his rangers have come home from the
South, but all washington was medi-
tating on the fire, and no one met him
at the depot. Indeed, this city is so
free from fires, and so accustomed to
high officials, that the burning Of a
corner grocery will attract a greater
crowd at any time than the coming or
going of aP resident, fraudulent or 9th
erwisc. The actual pecuniary loss
by the fire is now estimated at nearly
100000. The loss to the country
by the lowering of the dignity of the
Presidential office by Mr.. Hayes cleo
pioneering trip cannot be counted.
Most Of the models in the patent office
have been saved, though some valu
able ones were lost which cannot be
replaced. The Washington relics
were saved by great exertion, but Mr..
Hayes was, at the same time, wanton-
" disregarding the far more precious
example of our first President by
making a political tour through the
states. Public sentiment is very
strong now against putting up any
other but strictly fireproof buildings.
When Congress meets | trust sugges-
tons heretofore made in this cores
pondence, that, this government cease
to keep its records in Undertook build
ings, whether hired or not, will be
needed.
The fire will have the effect of scat
tering the different Bureaus Of the
Interior Department. Numerous
buildings have been rendered to the
Secretary, and the employees will soon
be at work again.
Six months ago | wrote You of the ex
pected death of Alex. H. Stephens,
then believed to be dying at the Ma
tional Hotel in this city. Soon after
that the wonderful man started for his
home in the South, and last evening
he retulned to us to take part in the
Extra Session of Congress. He is ap-
parently better than at any time for
some years. He is being called on
today by his numerous friends.
A delegation of Indians is here to
make treaty. We ought long ago
to have outgrown the folly of making
solemn treaties with bands of Indians
whose condition forbade their under
standing the force of any agreement,
the more especially as the constant
extension of our people westward
made it impossible for us to live up
to the letter or spirit of the treaties.
A treaty which one of the parties is
incapable of understanding and the
other party of observing, is not such
a one as ought to be made. Perhaps
the turning over of all the tribes to
the War Department-with a provis-
ion that Genl. Howard shall be kept
out of the Indian country-would be
the best that could be done, and we
may expect a great effort in that
direction this winter in Congress.
There will be unprecedented effort
made this winter to secure Federal aid
in some shape to the Texas Pacific
Railroad. Col. Tom Scott will occu-
Ply large house here, and entertain.
He believes evidently in reaching the
Congressional brain through the Con
gressional stomach. There are evil
dences, too, that various Southern
members, heretofore not favorable to
such aids by the Government, are
prepared to support subsidy Gust
once" On the whole, this will be
the great question Of the session.
Next in Importance will be the lobby
in interest of a vigorous policy
which means warm our dealings
with Mexico. This is probably the
most mercenary and soulless lobby
that ever existed. | do not believe
any man of national reputation will
be found doing its bidding.
Randall arrived here October LIST,
and will have rooms for few days
at Sanderson's Hotel. His coming
means that he is determined to be
Speaker if he can. About four per-
sons out of every five here expect his
election, and the fifth man is fearful
ly divided among the other candi-
dates. Randall is very popular
here
Westinghouse are organizing to
present to Congress some definite
plan for the Government of the Dis
trict, and decision as to the proper
q n