South Branch intelligencer. [volume] (Romney, Va. [W. Va.]) 1830-1896, 1878-05-31
Letter from Washington.
Correspondence Of the In,elligenoer.
wAsHlNGros. d. C. May

"AsHiNGToS, ~. u. May 2S.
MIR. HARPER We may be sure now
that the Army will cost about as much
Tor the next year as for the past. A few
salaries may be cut down, and possibly
a few useless officers dropped, but a force
OF $4,000 men will be maintained. and
the present proportion of ofIlcers-one
to five or six men-will be continued.
One amendment to the Army appro-
priation bill which deserves serious at.
tention was offered on Saturday. 1t
provides for the performance by the
War Department of the duties now sup.
posed to DO performed by the Indian
bureau oil the Interior Department.
believe the change would save a great
deal oil money now stolen by contr actors
and officials, and tend TO prevent Indian
outbreaks. 1t would thus be beneficial
to both rates. While, one man has the
management Of this unwieldy machine
known as the Interior Department, he
cannot do justice to to any one OF the
numerous Bureaus that make it up. The
War Department has the officers ready
who are trained men and familiar with
the habits and ideas Of the Indians. By
all means the change should be made.
In connection with this subject it is
ofinterest TO know that Secretary Schurz
asks Congress for important changes in
the laws relating TO the Indians. He
asks that the number OF reservations be
greatly reduced. and the number of A.
gents from 20 to 8.
Capt Eads, whose work at the mouth
OF the Mississippi has been so valuable
will probably secure the change he de-.
sires in his contract. lie wishes the
money paid faster, and no one seems to
object, now that the success Of the plan
is assured.
Speaker Randall was in the Chair on
Saturday. During his late absence Hon.
Milton Saylor, performed the duties of
the Speakership in a very acceptable
manner, especially when we consider
the frequent and important rulings he
was called upon to make while the Ar
my appropriation bill has been under
discussion.
Mr.. Wood gives up his tariff bill for
the session, as there is general desire
Tor an early adjournment, and he real.
ICES the impossibilty of getting his bill
passed without long discussion. The
House Democrats hold a caucus So
MORO" on the subject OF adjournment,
and will probably agree to the Senate
resolution naming June 10th.
1t is now suggested that all the sur
vlving General Officers Of the Mexican
War there are but three of tl,em-be
placed upon the retired list Of the Ar
my. Some honest Republicans, who
have professed to believe the ATTEMPT
To give That rank TO General Shields,
was partizan movement, would proba-
bly, vote for bill which included all the
survivors. shields, Of Missouri, Butler.
OF Kentucky. and Cushing, Of MassaS
chusetts, are the three men. They were
volunteer officers. The East, the West,
and the South should unite in honoring
them. The great material benefits dc.
rived from the Mexican War and the
reputation for courage which our troops
then earned. would be gracefully recog-
nized by the bcstow:l Of this honor up.
on the few surviving officers of rank.
Mr.. Randall returns TO the Chair not
made a whit less courteous and afFable
as presiding officer, because lie didn't
have everything his own way at the
Pittsburgh Convention. All that needs
be said is that what was his loss was
some other COOL Democrats gain. But
no temporary defeat will ever make the
Speaker less favorite with the masses
who regard him as one Of the truest OK.
poncnts Of National Democracy and "a
the man Of destiny that is never disturb
cd by the little vicissitudes resulting
from a friendly rivalry "a appears TO ex.
let among the leaders Of the keystone
Democracy. The South, particularly,
remembers him "a the man above all
Others who, by his matchless leadership
against and final defeat OF tho infamous
force bill, rendered her emancipation
possible from the incubus Of negro, sea.
lawag and carbct-bag domination.
MEMO.
a WAr RETIC.-Durino the war. Mr..