The Donaldsonville chief. [volume] (Donaldsonville, La.) 1871-current, 1878-06-22
1unalOsonbille Chief.
Two Dollars a Year.
Our Washington Letter.

i
dead carcass of the tariff bill lies
bleaching on the Congressional battle
ground, and the unhappy Fernando
huns disconsolately "since it was so
quickly done for, Pray what was it
begun for !" and all the people join
in the heartiest of Amens. The dor
mant Congress is just beginning to
rub its eyes and become restless, for
it is but Il few days at Elost TO the 18th
when the great machinery at legisla-
tion is to come to a stop. The army
bill, the deficiency bill, the Eads' jet
ties bill and others have been acted
uSon, aud the WORK ofpuslting along
the bills to which there is no objec-
ton is urged forward. A conference
repolt was submitted on the District
bill which was adopted by the House
and Senate 1t goes into force July
], so that the President will at once
appoint two civilian residents as Com
missioners, and one civil engineer of
the army. They win make all the
minor appointments, subject to the
approval of the President and Senate.
The Texas Pacific bill has been
made the special order Of business for
the first "Wednesday in December,
when the friends of the project ex-
pect to have it pass in fine shape.
The maaner in which Mr. Thomas
Scott, the President Of the Texas Pa
cific Company, has conducted the
scheme before Congress has been
everywhere noticeable and the sub
iect of the most complimentary re-
marks. Congress as well as the coun-
try at large can afford to help this
proposed road, as it will open up an
immense area of country and open
wide the gates of the great and fertile
Southwest for immigration. There is
certainly no logic in Withholding Il
subsidy from this road when to less
deserving enterprises millions of
money and acres have been voted.
The fact that Mr.. Scott is at the head
of the concern is guarantee that all
the articles of agreement will be car
1ied out to the letter.
The notorious electoral fraud inves-
tigation moves on, butdoesi't pan out
as largely as Potter,et ais, expected
it would. The incivility of this man
Potter toward his superiors is attract
ing universal comment. He calls
upon the President, Secretary Sher-
man and others for what lie wants in
the most bravado style. The reflec
1 ton of public sentiment as indicated
y at this point is averse to any move
y that will disturb the President, to
any great extent. 1t is qnite likely
that the whole thing will end in more
smoke than Same. When the inves-
tigatien first began there was the
greatest sort of excitement here, but
now the public doesn't "'thuse" at
all.
The tobacco planters and manufac-
turers are here from every section of
the country the twenty -four cent
men and the sixteen centers. Both
sides are in bitter warfare in support
of their views, one-half or more
favoring the tax as it is at present
aud the others praying and striving
for reduction The halls and lob
bies of the hotels are filled every eve
ming by the plugs and buffers,
making stump speeches, but alai
the cud of sweet fancy is nov
mostly consumed and the cud O
bitter reality will soon waken some Il
the legislative delusion of which they
have been the victims.
One of the most alarming feature,
of legislation was recently proposed
in the House. 1t was q bill proposin;
that the President should he PIE
vented from calling ont the troops ii
cases of riots and disturbances. Wer,
this to become 4 law, mob in New
York might take possession of til,
Custom House, Post,office, ETC., ant
the Executive would be powerless t,
protect the government property ant
interests.
The annual council of the lady re
gents of the Mount Vernon estate ha
commenced at Mount Vernon. 1t vii
be remembered that the old home
stead was purchased a while ago b,
contributions raised By the represent
ative ladies from the different States
1t is now run by a board of regent
appointed from their number, VIII
every year hold fortnight's session
at the old house, which they live il
for the time being. They employ
superintendent, who resides there al
the year and looks after the plac
and grounds.
The wedding at the White Hous
to-night-tlat of Mrs. Hayes niece
Miss Plat, and General Russell
Hastings is the great topic in socia
circles just now. 1t will be The sew
enth wedding that has ever occurre
in tho Executive Mansion. The frs
took place in 1871, in Presiden
Madison's time, the bride being Mis-
Todd, a relative of Mrs. Madison. |
1920 Martha Monroe, daughter c
President Monroe, was married I
Mr.. Gouyerneur, of New York. |
1896 President John @. Adams so