San Marcos free press. [volume] (San Marcos, Tex.) 1877-1892, 1879-03-29
WASHINGTON LETTER.
WASHINGTON, D. O., |
March l9, '79.

Yesterday saw the opening OF a DEM
ocratic Congress the first in more than
half a generation. Boys who were
learning their A. 3. Cs when we last
had q Congress of Democrats are now
old enough to take seats in such
body. Since then we have had the
bloodiest and costlicst of modern wars,
unparalleled depression Of business
and changes in legislation which
amount almostto an overthrow OF cur
former Government. The organization
of the House yesterday was an exceed
ing quiet affair. just enough men vot-
ed for Mr.. Randall to give him a major
ity of the elected members. Every man
who entered the Democratic caucus
voted for him. 1t may not have need
ed Mr.. Blackburn's eloquent words or
example to have insured this, but his
highly honorable course after being
beaten 10 the contest Tor the nomu-
alton is not the less to be commended.
OF Mr.. Randall it is hardly necessary
to say anything, lie is an admirable
Speaker, and perhaps, next to Senator
Blaine, the. best informed man in the
country in general politics.
The first question in all minds now
is that raised by Senator Beck, wheth
er or not Congress shall proceed with
general legislation or only pass the two
defeated appropriation bills aud the
reform measures attached to them.
1t is noticed that the two propositions
80 far formally made among Demo
cratic members to thus restrict less-
lation have not been acted on. The
Republicans, on the contrary, uuani
mously and enthusiastically voted, at
their House caucus, against going into
general legislation. Evidently it will
crafty that party if rigid inquiry into
the past, and thorough reformation can
be put off for a season.
Speaker Randall was sercnaded last
night by large number of his par;-
san friends, aud he made speech il
which he claimed that the repeal OF
the Federal election laws was 10 the
interest OF national peace. He was
greeted with great enthusiasm. | should |
not fail to mention that his triumph
has given a new impetus to the Tildeu
Presidential stock, and TO Presidential
speculation in particular.
The case of breach OF promise of
the Widow Oliver against
Simon Csmeron, has been on trial here
for several days, and is The sensation.
Gen. Butler represents Mr.. Cameron.
he cross-examiDed the plaintiff
yesterday in a way which would have
made modest woman withdraw from
the suit. The case is developing some
fifth, snd probably good deal of IN
truth. MIR. Oliver, the late husband
of the Widow arpeard in Court to
as.ouish his vie yesterday. aud she was
made to identity him. This was ratn-
ther a damr,r. and 1t is slid the ''wid.
ov" would be wiling To- settle the
case now Nr sna / consideration.
IL j. wcrihvo %! note that the imm.-
grafton to thls counuy Is on tire iu-
crease VERY largely. The fi-n-es at
the Bureau oi Statistics SHOW that
l2S ii0 persons landed in New York
slonc ju-iu- February as &c. ust o6 O00
Tor the sara mouth yeara"o. Those
who are posed say iast the figures Cor
Tor the Spring moG;hs WI show a
still rrea'er iasF-ase. The bard iiues
n En-'aad al the sorial d;seorieni ia
Germany are hsvirs rhe,T effect urnn
be v'lsae o! iaaOw 10 this county.
RrN