The news and herald. (Winnsboro, S.C.) 1877-1900, 1878-12-07
WASHINGTON GOSSIP.


Going to Work In Earnest--The Our
rency Question--The Texas Paciflc--
Tho Indian Bureau. .... .'.
(CoRRRsPoNDENcE OF TUE NEWS AND HERALD
WASHINGTON, December 6,-The
House on yesterday, the second day
of the session, passed woapproria-
ton bills-the Fortitication bill
amounting to $275,0O0, tho same as
last year, and tho West Point bill,
amounting to about 100000. There
was no opposition and but little
discussion, The appropriation COM
mittee will have it's bills ready as
fast rs tho House can take care of
them.s On the larger ones there will
OF course bo debate, but everything
so fur indicates n working rather
than talking session. Even Sena-
tor Blaines buncombe resolution as
to tho intimidation Of voters, whloh
comes up to"day, will probably pass
with little or no discussion. The
Democrats will attempt to secure
amendments, but seem disposed not
insist on them. Senator Thurman
and perhaps ono Southern Senator
will make short speeches. Many
bills on financial subjects have been
presented, but it becomes clearer
every day that none Of them will
ever receive consideration until
aftor the fixed day for resumption
january l. ." q.
Secretary Thurman prepared and
had submitted to the House and
Senate the bill providing for the
issue by government Of certificates
for $40 and larger amounts, bearing
interest at 3.65 per cent, and oon-
vertible within year into four per
cent. bonds. This will have the earn
est support of Secretary Sherman
and other members of the Cabinet.
The interest of yesterdays ses-
sion WAS almost entirely confined to
the speech of Senator Stanley Mat
thews in support of the bill in aid
of the Texes Pacific Railroad. Mr..
Matthews is pleasant speaker, had
a subject just now attracting at
tention throughout the country, and
was attentively listened to through
out. He claimed that the oontem-
plated aid would result in great and
general benefit, would not cost the
government dollar, and was not q
subsidy. The ablest mon in the Senate
will be heard on this subject. The
friends of the measure are very SAN
guinc. and, apparently. with reason.
General Sherman and Quarter,
master General Meigs yesterday
gave their opinion at length on the
subject of the Indian Bureau trans
fer. Genoral Meigs is an officer of
experience and sense, and has the
confidence Of Congress to as great
an extent, perhaps, as any other
man living. His opinion will have
great weight. He thinks the trans
fer will be beneficial to both races,
General Sherman fayors it also, but
General Sherman is not man of
great influence with Congress. The
proposed change is certainly grow
ing in favor. especially since Secre--
tary Schurz says it is now impossible
for the Department to take care OF
the Indians without a great deal
more money and without saddling
upon the country u new and nume
rous class Of Office holders. It is
safe to predict that government
money will not be spent as loosely
in the next few years as in the
past, and that the Secretary will
soon be laughed at who proposes to
increase TIE already absurdly large
number OF officials. 2- REX.
SERIOUS SHOOTING ScRApE.--Dur--
ing Saturday Mr.. Thomas Fl. Kir-
ton had some difficulty with Mr.. D.
+. Berry. He related the fact to
Mr.. J. T. Dozier. and expressed ap-
prehensions of further trouble, as
Berry, he said, had made threats
against him. To avoid O collision
with Berry, it appears that Kirton
in going home about $50. =. M,
went q roundabout way. Mr..
Dozier seeing him.. and thinking
to play a practical joke upon Kir-
ton, walked rapidly towards him,
whereupon Kirton fred his pistol,
he says, in the air. Dozier also
fred his, it is said, into the air,
whereupon Kirton, believing his