The Portland daily press., 1878-02-04
Washinton News and Gossip.
DOORKEEPER POLK,

DooRKEEPER POLK.
The dulDess of private bill day In the House
was varied Friday by an exciting episode pre-
cipitated by Mr. Baker of Indiana. The Dem
ocrats appear to be unable to find man in
their party capable of bearing the honors and
responsibilities of doorkeeper of the House of
Representatives, without falling into scandal
lous practices. Fitzhugh who nicknamed him
self "biger man than old Grant," was door
keeper and Colonel Polk of Missouri has been
in hot water constantly. His own party have
had his case under consideration in caucus two
or three times but not so serious charges as
those contained in the affidavits presented by
Mr.. Baker. The Democrats made as much re-
sistance as they dared as matter of party
pride, but they conld not go to the extent of Sc
fusing an investigation. After they had done
everything in their power to break the force of
the resolution there was strenuous opposition
to having the affidavits 90 into the Record
Speaker Randall did not deal very fairly,
more than once, allowing the Democrats
who claimed the floor on point of order, to get
in considerable speech in which no point of
order was made, in spite Of the protest of Mr..
Baker who had the floor by right. After the
resolution for an Investigation had been passed,
Mr.. Ellsworth of Michigan, new member dis
tinguished himself unfavorably by moving
TO omit from the records the affidavits The
Republicans supposing that he would not have
presumed to take such a step except with the
consent and with the desire of Mr. Baker, of
whose speech they were part, and who had
left the hall, did not oppose the motion, and
the Democrats largely eagerly voted for it.
Just as the vote was announced Mr. Baker re-
turned, and as soon as he learned what had
been done, moved to reconsider the motion.
and made an indignant protest against having
his speech suppressed in that summary fash
lon. The less judicious and more partisan
Democrats opposed reconsideration, and even
after the Speaker and Alexander Stephens had
declared that the matter was gross wrong,
persisted in voting not to undo il, but they
weres overruled. The Democrats made a very
bad record for themselves in this whole bust
ness, and their conduct in struggling so eagerly
against an investigation of specific charges
made on oath contrasted strangely with their
action on Woods resolution for drag-net in
vestigations, without charges, three weeks ago.
THE SALARIES OF LETTER CARRIERS.
The committee on post offices has reported a
bill fixing the pay OF letter-carriers 1t pro-
vides that in all cities having population OF
$4,000 or more there shall be two classes of let
ter carriers, the first class to have salary of
$1,000, and the second class of $500. Cities
with a population of between 10000 and 75,-
600 shall have bat one class with salary of
$3.50. Upon the recommendation of the post
master of any city third class, to be known as
auxlllaries, Shall be established, having salary
OF S400. Appointments shall be made to the
lowest class and promotions shall be made after
years service on certificates of the postmaster
to the candidates faithfulness and efficiency,
The bill contains a provision that no boxes for
the collection OF mail matter by carriers shall
be placed inside of any building except pub
lie building or railway station.