Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1878-02-27
Our Washington Letter.
WASHINGTON, Feb. 10.

Senate was about its most lively one.
From the opening hour Of the new le-
gislative day (Friday), up to its close
at 5 O'Clock Saturday A. NJ, friends and
opponents were unusually active, the
former flushed with the victory they
felt within their grasp, the latter de-
pressed but none the less determined
to die game, by the shadow of defeat
that had fallen on them. Many brief
but painted and comprehensive argu-
ments were crowded into the few hours;
aud many sharp encounters occurred to
arouse the participants below and en-
hance the interest of those filling the
galleries above. Mr.. Dlain's amend
ment, making the dollar to weigh 435
grains was rejected by a two-thirds
vote. The free coinage feature was
stricken out and the seignorage is to
accrue to the benefit of the Govern
ment. The proposition fol an iuterna-
tional convention, looking 70: some uu-
form usage relative to the bi-metallic
currency and securing fixed relative
value between gold and silver was
adopted. Amendments were offered by
Messrs Chatfee and Cake, allowing
bullion holders to deposit it Ia sums OF
$40 and upwards, receiving certificates
Of like denomination In return Ga
motion of Mr.. Booth, substantially as
proposed by Mr.. Blaine is his speech
of the other day, coin was substituted
| for bullion, and the amendment as thus
modified was adopted. The final vote
uear 5 o'clock was: yeas, as; nays q
| 1t now goes back to the House for
concurrence in the amendments; and
as they do not in any manner impair
the principle upon which remonetlza
tion was asked, it is not apprehended
that there will be long discussion ov-
er them. With the heavy majority in
favor of the measure now ascertained
by actual vote in both Houses, it would
not seem that Presidential veto could
have any other effect than to delay
matters few days. 1t is hoped now
now that this matter is SO nearly dis.
posed of that the press of buslness, the
ordinary work Of the session-will be
taken up and disposed of. The same
procra stination as was observed relative
to the appropriation bills last year, has
thus far obtained this session, net one
of the large bills having yet been re-
ported TO the House by the committee.
Gen. Butler throws brick at the Ad.
ministration, through the columns of
the National Republican, this morn
ing. It is enporte of course, but cer-
tainly has the general effect to confirm
the general feeling Of distrust enter
tanned relative to the sincerity or abil-
ity brought to the work of reforming
the civil service. The instance cited
by the General adds another to the
long list of appointments that are re-
garded as grossly inconsistent with all
that has been said and professed by the
Administration in the premises. But
ler charges in addition that the law has
been conspicuously disregarded and
positively violated in the case in ques-
ton. His caustic illusions to Sena-
tor involved 10 the case and his prom.
ise to make his name historical, leads
US all to anticipate very hot engage
ment if that Senator is not indisposed
to accept the challenge that is thought
likely to soon issue.
Doorkeeper Polk's local organ here,
yesterday, for the FIRST time, indicated
the line Of whitewashing that is to be
undertaken in his behalf, if q majority
of Democratic members are found
afraid to provoke Polk to open his
mouth. Polk has virtually confessed
that he has administered his Office with
regard to nothing but the corrupt in.
terests he was elected to subserve.
According to his statements the Com
mittee on Accounts was fully informed
of his violations of law, and tacitly at
least, approved them by the members
holding their tongues. The names of
several Reform members Of the House,
if not Of the Senate, have already been