Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1877-05-29
WASHINGTON LETTER.

WAsHINGToN, D. c., May rs, 1871
There are Q few "internal improvements"
which seem to have claim ON tho general
government for aid, and the Administration
seoms willing to use its influence in their be-
half The difficulty is. NOT to select the
worthy few At this time, bat to stop after the
government once begins. An enormous
amount of money has been advanced by the
nation to one Pacific Railroad, and if another
road, in another section, and with equal prom.
Use Of good results to the country ct large,
shall ask for much less aid, and such aid is
found to be necessary in order to complete
the road, there is at least an appearance of
fairness 10 granting the request. The claim
good condition by the Governments assistance
is even stronger than the other. It is q truly
rational work. While it is eminently neces-
sary that care should be taken in selecting
enterprises to be encouraged and assisted. aud
while the policy and traditions of the Dom
ocratie party are not in the line of such cx-
penditures there are at this time peculiar aud
forcible reasons why the two projects men,
toned should receive respectful consideration
by the Democratic House whenever il meets.
and it is gratifying to know that the Demo-
cratic press generally. urges q full discussion
of the subject at the October session. There
can be no harm in fully understanding all
the facts of the case.
At the White House Of late the rush of
ofice-aeekers has been unprecedented. As
the clamor for Office increases. the Admins
tration becomes apparently more indisposed to
make appointments. There have been various
times named when men should. be selected
for important Offices, but the anxious SEEK
err is still left unsatis6ed, and still haunts
the Executive Mansion.
Secretary Evarts has decided to do rs other
occupants of his high Office have done, and
will not hereafter appear in Court. The
enormous Government expenditures during
the war 40 revolutionized and increased busi>
ness throughout the country, that lawyer ia
large practice can hardly escape cases 10
which tho United States is directly or indi-
rectly interested, and for that reason il would
| appear more than ever desirable for legal
| gentlemen who hold high Offices to confne
| themselves to the duties of their position.
| The Unitsrian Church property of this city,
| being q small lot and I'D inconvenent build
ing. has been leased for = term of years to the
District Government. It will be used for a
| Police Court room. John Quincy Adams
and ] ohm G. Calhoun worshipped here in the
early days of the society, and Charming
preached. The society, which has gained
strength Of late, has purchased another and
more eligible piece OF ground, and will soon
erect q larger church edlice.
There is certainly an influence at work in
tho Army favorable to vigorous mcasureAt
against Mexico, and people who are usually
we'll posted in Administration matters attach
somo Importance to it. No doubt American
citizens on the line between the two countries
often suffer FROM raids of Mexican bandit,i,
aud no doubt also the Mexican Government
is too weak to prevent such raids. Possibly
the pursuit Of these marauders into Mexican
territory by II. 8. troops might BIO justified
in ordinary times, but the full signifcsntce of
such M act at this time is found in the fact
tina, the troops are apparently designed to be
on Mexican soil when q large party of unlaw
full invaders of Mexico will be there too.-
| We shall soon know definitely what, if any
| thing, is to be done. MEMO.