The Carbon advocate. [volume] (Lehighton, Pa.) 1872-1924, 1878-05-25
Our Washington Letter.


Election Of President and TIce-P President
Discussed -lnrestigdtion C5RindrunS.
WASHINGTON, May IL, 1878.
Among the reasons urged in opposition to
the reconciliation of silver, one of the
most prominent has been the increased pro-
duction lodes of silver ore in Nevada and |
elsewhere. 1t now seems, however, that a I
gold bonanza has been discovered about six |
teen miles from Helena, Montana, which |
promises to be as productive as the famous |
big bonanza itself; and while the latter
yields about forty-fve per cent. gold to fifty
per cent. of silver, the former yields almost |
pure gold In view of this fact, and of the
great increase Of the gold product to be ex-
pected as the result of introducing the new
system of hydraulic mining (Which is not
applicable to silver mining), it is of gold
rather than of silver that excessive supply
is to be apprehehded.
One of the strongest arguments in favor
of the double standard system is furnished
by Professor W. S. Shaler, of Harvard Uni
versity, in his article in the May number of
the Atlantic Monthly on "The Silver Ques-
tion Geologically Considered" In this ar
tcle Professor Shaler not only shows from
the best authorities on the past production
of the precious metals that the supply of
silver has been vastly steadier than the sup
ply of gold but that from the geological dis
tribution of these metals and the conditions
under which they are found, it is to be an
ticpated that the fluctuations i'll the gold
supply must always be omparatively great,
a 4 yf.,,.l L.,
used, q silver standard would be far more
nearly uniform in value than gold one.
This excellent article, expressing the views
of a scientific man who regards the subject
from the standpoint of geologist, and not
from that of q partisan, deserves to be
widely circulated both here and in Europe.
If the facts SO clearly set forth by Professor
Shaler coald be made generally known to
European statesmen and economists, there
would be but little difficulty in securing the
appointment of the international commits
sion asked for under the silver act recently
passed, and still less in inducing such a
commission to take the requisite action to
insure the full rehabilitation Of silver as
money.
The reception of Speaker Randall last
night was an ovation to the gentleman who
occupies the third official position in the
government of the United States. Over 200
invited guests, members Of Congress and
other distinguished gentlemen, filled his
house, No. 120 street, southeast, and dis
cussed tariffs and terrapin, Gates and COM
munism, flowers and finance, with equal
gout and grace. Mrs. Randall's taste had
adorned parlors and dining room with a
lavish display of flowers, and the Speakers
tact met each guest with such grateful cour-
tesy as made him think the flowers were q
II. 4..l l. -, A 81
hours were spent pleasantly and pleasurably,
and the guests departed equally satisfied
with supper and Speaker. A majority Of
the guests were republicans, who, while
condemning the Speakers politics, com
mended his politeness, and though heartily
lamenting what they held to be his heresies
yet highly lauded his hospitality. The
Speaker, to avoid the discomforts Of al
overcrowded house, very sensibly invite
his friends by installments, and the result i
that the number present at each reception j
never more than can be satisfactorily enter
taned. Another innovation made by hin
upon usage is that no drink stronger thai
coffee is supplied at the supper table; bu
the edibles are the best of their kind, an,
the Speaker is personally so much liked b.
his fellow members that they rally at hi
receptions quite unanimously, despite tn
drawback of the mild nature OF the beyeI
age dispensed.
The Committees of the Senate and Hous
on the Revision of the Electoral Laws he'll
another joint meeting yesterday, and en-
tered freely upon discussion of the severa
propositions submitted. The constitutions
amendment proposed by Southard's sui
committee was rejected. This amendmer
proposed to elect the President and Vice
President by direct vote of the people, an
to divide the electoral vote of each Stat
among the candidates in proportion to th
popular vote received by each. The Senat
bill was discussed at length, and the Senat
committee was in favor Of its adoption. 4
meeting of the House committee, hel
subsequent to the joint meeting, substitu
for the Senate bill was adopted. The onl
change of importance made in the Sena
bill was in relation to the decision of col
tested returns. The Senate bill left the
cison with the State absolutely, and Il
House substitute provides that the decisiC
shall stand as made by the State unle
changed by the concurrent action Of the tv
Houses of Congress. The committee vi
hold frequent meetings from now on, al
are confident Of being able 10 present q pr
position that will receive the approval
Congress during the present session.
The Judiciary Committee of the Hou
are having frequent conferences, and, as
member of the House says, trying to Ii
into shape" resolution providing for
investigation into the alleged Florida frau
1t is not the intention OF any member
the committee TO offer the resolution,
they will act as advisory counsel for wh
ever does offer it. Yesterday Frye,
Maine, member of the Judiciary Comm
tee, asked for ten days leave Of absen
He had a conference with colleagues on t
committee, and stated that he was goi
away, but that if the committee oontel
plated the offering of any resolution on t
Florida subject before the expiration of I
days, he would postpone his departure un
the subject was disposed Of lie was
sured that the committee had no present
tention of bringing the matter to the attf
tion of the House, and upon this assural
Frye will take the leave granted him. II
understood that Speaker Randall holds Il
the offer of resolution for investigation
not question of privilege. EDWARD
A LINE OF BATTLE.
You often read about A" a line of b