, 1878-05-22
Washington Letter.
OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.
WASHINGTON, d. c., May. IS, 1878.


The past week has been one of unusual
activity in Congress, and with sessions
to begin hereafter at II o'clock and to be
held occasionally in the evning there
will be no lack of time to finish up all
needed legislation. The status OF Mr..
LOIS not to be changed and the Indian
Bureau will not be turned over to the
cvar Dept. This course is no doubt wise,
as the change me. with great opposition
from men of both parties, and did not
secure the support of the country. 1t
cannot be denied that there has been
great improvement in the condition of
the Indians during the last ten years
and in the next decade 1t may be safely
expected, that these scattered tribes
numbering 175,oOO, souls will become
incorporated into our body polite as
citizens, 10000 of these Indians now
dress as Americans, most of them having
cast off their native garb since 6S. Then
they had 7476 houses, now they occupy
20, 199.-1, 1903 having been built last
year. In 1868 there were III schools,
1874 teachers and AIS scholars. They
now have $50 schools, 437 teachers and
1915 scholars. Their churches number
2O7, supported by $4,000 members. Last
year they cultivated s92 ,55Oa acres, raising
6sS,27S bushels of wheat and 4,656,952
Of corn. Their herds include some 5S7,
444 sheep. Time and education seem
likely to wipe out the heretofore trouble
some question, of what to do with "ye
noble red d-man." The House has passed
the Indian appropriation bill at $4,772
545 70. The never-to to- be. silenccd ques-
tion Of Hayes, or Tilden-is again at the
front, quickGned into newness OF life by
the so called confession, of Florida con
spirators. 1t is evident that the people
are becoming vexed and 'lisgusted with
this whole matter and like one of old
are ready to exclaim: Oh Lord how long.
Neither Republican or Democratic candi.
duties tor Congressional honors, will find
the reopening OF this question: popular
theme for discussion either IN legislative
halls, or before their constituents at
home, during the canvass. The people
say "Let us have peace" The campaign
paIaphanalia is now being put in read
mess for the coming contest and the
modification OF the President civil service
order turns loose $1,000 officers in the
country, who will now be expected by
party leaders to do effective work in
their respective localities. The Demo
Gratis nre sanguine as to their ability to
hold the ascendancy in the next House
and from present Indications will secure
the control of the Senate.
The repeal Of the Bankrupt act at the
present time seems most unwise and
unpolitic. The uniform experince Of
nations older than ours, justlaes the
wisdom Of statute relating to bank
ruptcy. Thousands Of active business
men who have been bnffeting the storm
during these years of depression. may
yet have TO face the inevitable, and the
law should stand until the slumbering
energies of the entire nation shall have
oeen awakened. From careful canvass
oil the House it is evident that Woods
tariff bill will be bear en-. The country
will drop no tears over this fact.
We should like to tell the lady readers
in this letter, something abu fashions
and society, but must leave that till next
time. We will Say that the Capitol
since since the season of Lent has passed
has renewed its wonted gayety, and all
the bellies and beaux are making up for
last time. FAX.