Lexington weekly intelligencer. (Lexington, Mo.) 1871-1887, 1879-05-24
OUR WASHINGTON LETTER.

WASHINGTON, II. u, May IL, '79.
We had yesterday the second veto
from Mr.. Hayes of the democratic prop
osition to hold elections free from the
presence of troops. The veto of what
is known as the Ladd bill is in some re-
spects more Objectionable document
than the previous one. There is not
about 1t the same appearance of grasp
ing for straws. 1t is to the point. Its
author, whoever he is. confines himself
simply to brief misstatements OF history
and perversions of facts. The gallaries
were not half full during the reading,
and members Of the house were absent.
There was occasional applause on the
republican side, To-day the message
will be considered by the house. OF
course the bill cannot be passed.
l adhere to an early expressed belief
that failing to accomplish all they de-
sire, the democrats will provide for the
army, Legislative and other expenses for
An unlimited time-say till December
and allow the people to consider whether
they prefer to have entire free elections
and entirely fair ijuries, or the reverse.
There IS little doubt what their real
preference is.
There has been much talk, of late, of
passing the Warner silver bill; but the
best information can get is to the effect
that the measure will lack many votes
when the time to vote comes.
MIR. Lapham, ot New York, proposes
a constitutional amendment, similar to
existing law in some of the states, by
which the executive may veto any por-
ton of an appropriation bill, the remain
der OF 1t not to be thereby affected. The
objection to such a measure would be
much less if it had not almost become q
part of our unwritten law that general
legislation may be attached to such
bills. do not think Mr.. Laphan will
make much progress with his amend
msnt at present.
The democrats OF California are for
tunate. if, as reported, they are to have
Mr.. Randalps service in the coming
campaign in that state.
1t is extremely gratifying to the
friends OF Senator Thurman that
the supreme court sustains as con-
stltutional his bill, by which it was
sought to compel the Pacific railroad to
secure the debt they owe the govern
ment. Only those judges dissented who
have been charged with holding pecu-
liar relations to railroad companies
prior to their elevation to the bench.
Capt. Jas. Eads gets this week the
half million now due him on his jetty
contracts. The promptness of congress
in voting these stipulated payments is
creditable. Secretary Sherman OCCASION
ally bubbles. but has to yield. In deal
ing with the crippled soldiers of the
country, however, this statesman shows
the small malice which makes up so
much OF his disposition. Though thou
sands OF payments might be made to-day
under the arrears of pension bill, and
the money is ready. only few men,
and those men ofinfuence, like General
Schenck. have received their money.
The press ought to shame into activity
those officials who have the control of
the S2OO.OOO voted by congress to ap-
ply to the disinfection of vessels coming
from yellow fever ports. The money
will do no good alter those vessels reach
New Orleans.
Senator Window made one of the
longest speeches of his lite yesterday on
the legislative bill. Much more atten-
ton Is paid now than formerly by re-
Publlcans to what the senator says. He
is In the presidential field, and he has
backing. and they know it. HILTON.