Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1878-02-04
letter from Richmond.
CorrcsponGonce of TIC Alexandria GrZette.
RICHMOND, February 2, 1878.

RICHMOND, February 2, 1878.
All eyes a;c turnc3 towards tho House OF
Delegates, AID the dcblto upon the Barbour
tax bill is attracting large crowds. So lar
Speaker Allen and MIR. Henry, OF Richmond,
have distinguished themselves as men of de-
cided ability. Mr.. Henry has come forward as
oBe Of the best debaters in the House, and L
am Inclined to believe that the position OF best
debator must be divided between Mr.. Henry
and DR.. Moffett. In comparison between the
two DR.. Moffett has the advantage in possess
ing a wonderfully clear and magnetic voice, the
volume and intensity of which never decreases
no matter how long the debate may 90 on
There is dash and vigor too in DR.. Moffctt's
method OF delivery which always secures him
attention Mr.. Henry has no voice. Before
he had been speaking half an hour be was so
boarsc that he could With difficulty BIO heaSd.-
lie is wonderful quick in replying to questions
witch are prOpounded to him, and has so far
shown that be can not be annoyed by questions.
! His remarks discussed principally tho errors 10
the report of the subcommittee on finance
| This report was prepared by Mr.. Talisferro, Of
Norfolk, aid he was very proud oft lie com
| pletcIy lost his temper when hr. Henry began
to criticise it. Mr.. Henry Notwithstanding Mr..
Taliaferros corrections completely demolished
the report and undertook to show that it did
not correctly estimated the revenues that may
be derived from certain sources. Mr.. Barbour
will close the debate Wednesday night or
Thursday morning. Until that time We arc to
! have night SESSIONS.
1t is noticeable fact in tho history Of the
| Virrnia Legislature, that before the session Is
much more than half over some new member
jumps up aud proposes that the house meet at
an early hour iu the morning and meet at
night. All the old members know from expc'
ricnce that this only retards legislation as Its
curtais the time for committee work. So MIR.
Hanger said to-day when one OF those propo
slion was advanced.
Senator g. +. Smiths friends are pushing
forward his claims in connection with the post
ton OF treasurer with good activity.
A curious looking individual who calls HIM
self professor Coz NdrawOc Bey' and who
claims to be q Greek, came to this city few
day ego ard adveriiscs to lecture during tic
coming week on music"
Sir. Rainsford will preach to all the Sunday
school ctlicars ard teachers in the city next
Saturday.
Some mcn who had regulations for ability
have lost them by coming to the Legislature.
MExGcANlzING OUR CURRENCY. MIR. Eos
ter, OH Minister to Mexico, has lately ar
rived ia Washington on business connected With
his mission lie finds Congress absorbed in
the si!scr question, and having resided tol
mauy gears 10 the capital OF . country which
has no moucy but silver he has something to
say Gu this subject which is worth attention. it
il true that gold AZ we'll silver is legal tender
in Mexico but this is only nominal silver hay
ing baushcd gold from Transactions Mr.. Eos
ter is a citizen Of Indiana, and he tells the re,
pubican members Of Congress from that State
that they are perpctratiug supcndGus potl-
cal and financial hlunder by their hot advocacy
of silver. Judging by his representations the
Bland bill, by Merchandising our currency,
would be as bad thing in its way as it would
bo to Mexcanizie our politics.
Mr. Foster says that it is universally felt in
Mexico that silver is the most inconvenient, the
most costly, the most oppressive currency that
can BIO imagined. It's constant fluctuations
dcrango All business Nobody who makes q con-
tract for the payment Of money. nobody who
buys or sells on credit knows what to expect. Ii
9 man travels he must carry a special valise to
hold the dollars for his travelling expenses. II
ho goes to bank with considerable check nc
must take q porter or hack, and II the check
be large & wagon, to bring away his money
Exchange botwaon different cities Of Mexico
varies from 5 TO ~ per cent; exchange on Now
York from s to IS per c!nt. 1t is ossy TO con
coivo what an obstruction end embarrassment
this must be to business, and how costly j. must
provo 10 consumers OF goods. Shall wo com
init so srcnt folly ~ that Of MexlcanZng
our currency and our commercially Y.
| Herald