The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1878-02-23
OUR WASHINGTON LETTER.
Especial Correspondence TO The Republican. i
WASHINGTON, D. c., Feb. 10, 1878.

Especial Correspondence to The Republican j
WASHINGTON, D. c., Feb. 10, 1878.
The last day of the silver bill in the
Senate was about ITS most lively one.
From the opening hour of the new
legislative day Friday, ap to its
close at s. O'Clock Saturday a. M.
friends and opponents were unusual
ly active, the former flushed with
the victory they felt within their
grasp, the latter depressed but none
the less determined to die game, by
the shadow of defeat that had fallen
on them. Many brief but pointed
and comprehensive arguments were
crowded into the few hours; and
many sharp encounters occurred to
arouse the participants below and
enhance the interest of those filling
the galleries above. Mr.. Blaine's
amendment, making the dollar to
weigh 425 grains was rejected by
more than a two thirds vote. The
free coinage feature was stricken out
and the seigniOrage is to accrue to
the benefit of the Government. The
proposition for an international con-
venti0n, looking for some UNIFORM
usage re alive to the bi.metaIlic cur
rency and securing a fixed relative
value between gold and silver WIS
adopted. amendments were rtftrpd
by MesSrs. Chaffee and Coke, allow.
ing bullion holders to deposit it in
sums of SO and upwards, receiving
certificates Of like denomination i'm
eturn. On motion of Mr.. Booth,
substantially as proposed by Mr..
Blaine is hiS'speevh of the other day,
coin was substituted for bullion, and
the aInenlIAent as thus IN Iditied was
accepted. The final vote near 5 O'Clock
was yeas 48, nays 81. 1t now goes,
back To the Hbu3e for concurrence in
the amendments and as they ito not
in any manner impair the principle
upon Thict recommendation Was
asked, it is rot unprecedented that
there will he q long discussion over
them. With the heavy majority in
favor Of the measure now ascertained
by actual vOle in 9th Houses, it
would not seem that Il Presidential
veto could nave any other effect than
to delay matters few days. 1t is
hoped now that this matter is so
nearly disposed of that the press OF
business, the ordinary work of the
session. will be taken up and dispos-
ed of. The same procrastinati0n as
was observed relative 10 the apprO-
priation bills last year. has thus far
obtained this session, not one of the
large bills having yet been reported
to The House by the Committee.
Gen. Butler throws brick at the
Administration through the columns
of the National Republicans, this
morning, 1t is erparte of course, but
certainly has the effect to confirm the
general feeling of distrust entertained
relative to the sincerity or ability
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 regard
ed rs grossly inconsistent with all
that has been said and professed by
the Administration in the premises.
Butler charges in addition that the
law has been cOnspicu0usly disre-
garded and positively violated in the
case in question. T. is caustic a usions
to Senator involved in the case and
his promise to make his name hist0r-
zeal, leads us alb to anticipate very
hot engagement if the Senator is not
indisposed to accept the challenge
that is thought likely to soon issue.
Doorkeeper Folks local organ here;
yesterday, for the first time indicat-
ed the line of embarrassing that is
to be undertaken in his behalf if a
of Democratic members are
found afraid to provoke Polk to open
his mouth. Polk has virtually con-
fessed that he has administered his
Office with regard to nothing but the ,
interests he was elected to