The New Bloomfield, Pa. times. (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1877-188?, 1877-12-04
OUR WASHINGTON LETTER.
wAsn1NoroN, D. G., Nov. 30, 1877

We talk and hear and read of nothing in
these last few days, but the freshet from
which this and surrounding vicinities are
suffering. The rain was not violent in
this District, although it fell during most
of the last three days of the week past.
But the Potomac overllowed its banks, and
the whole lower part of the city is flooded,
besides numerous cellars and basement.
Day before yesterday a man and two horses
were drowned while attempting to cross
Virginia Avenue The mails were detain-
ed for some days and a general confusion
has ensued. Much loss of property has
been occasioned along the river both here
and in Georgetown, but the worst is now
over and the water is falling.
should not have said that we are think
ing of nothing but the freshet, for there
are one or two other subjects that can but
interest u.s. Washington has reason for
great concern regarding the recent marine
disaster-I refer to the loss of the Huron
off the North Carolina coast last Saturday
for several of her citizens were lost
Lieutenant Palmer was one. He was
son of Dir. Palmer of the U. S. Navy, was
married three or four years ago, and leaves
wife and two babies. His sisters we'd
ding has already been announced to take
place ton Thanksgiving Day, she
having been engaged to young English
man of the Diplomatic service, for over
year. The wedding will be postponed, of
course, and the afflicted family win scarce
ly be in a mood for giving thanks.
There are more interesting events tran
spiring at the Capital too, in the last few
days, than has been the case before during
the present session. The Senate remained
in session all Monday night, struggling
over the seating of Butler OF South
Carolina. The Republican element has
received a severe stirring through the
action Of two Senators from that side in
voting with the Democrats, and the agita.
tion appears to be caused by an attempt
to gain very near majority on the one
losing it on the other. Thurman and Ed
munds are the leaders in the strife, and
the unmereiGul hits they make at each
other are enough to make one shrink from
politicians life. He must have lived a
truly God-like life, who can run the
gauntlet of a term in Congress and not
have his name mirched by the pulling
into light of some deed done in darkness.
If man has ever told lie, even though
it be when be was but child, he
can't come into the publicity of seat in
our legislative halls without being twitted
Of it. 1t is no wonder the members get
hardened to it and come to care very little
what is said or thought of their private
lives. Apropos to this quote the follow
ing telegraph from the pen of con-
scientous Washington correspondent to
leading paper, which, although consider
il little exaggerated, certainly contains
much truth and faithfully portrays some
women and some men who may be seen
almost any day "You can see flirtations
too 'disgraceful too report. Not only are
the,entrances to the Capital thronged by
b4d--sA SiS~tuiHS WHO nave I0Sb all woman
ly medesty, but there are girls scarcely
past childhood, leaving on Senator's arms,
listening with glowing checks to compli-
ments paid them by the great men in the
corners of the corridors, eating with them
in the restaurant, and unsuspectiugly be-
ing the Subjects of winks between Con-
gressmen. They high-minded legislators
will leave their seats any time, no mat
ter how urgent the subject in debate, to
answer the card Of an attractive woman.D
do not believe in the universal corruption
of our Congressman, but have seen and
known enough to show me that these great
law makers are ordinary men and mortals.
as liable to temptation and as subject TO
the snares of the crafty as are other per-
sons. 1t is fact that the lobbies are sell
dom clear of female friends of the members
and that their cards call out the presence
of the Senators and Representatives much
more promptly than those Of the other
persuasion.
Tomorrow will be holiday with us, it