The Carbon advocate. [volume] (Lehighton, Pa.) 1872-1924, 1879-12-20
our WASHINGTON sPECIAB.


wAsHrNGroS, D. c., Dec. Is, 1879.
Nothing remarkable has transpired in the
Congressional arena as yet, and there is little
probability Of any very exciting times until
after the holiday recess at least. The first
hard work Of Congress upon assembling in
December is to consider the subject of a re-
cess, and the settlement of that question is
about the only accomplished fact SO far this
session. Unless some change in the pro-
gramme is made necessary, there is to be an
adjournment from the 10th instant 10 Janu-
ary 6th-two weeks. II is understood that
three Of the appropriation bills-the Pen
sions, Fortificatons and Military Academy
will be ready and pass the House by the
time fixed. Many members favored short
er recess, but the prevailing disposition was
to allow time enough for the distant Con-
gressmen to return home and eat Christmas
turkey with their families. Perhaps it is
because havn't any family, or any turkey
either, that this strikes me as an extremely
inconsiderate proceeding, in view ofthe fact
that majority of the member have but just
come in from the enjoyment Of Thanksgiv-
ing dinners in the bosom of their families.
Yet it is not likely that the material inter
ests of the country would greatly suffer if
the session were a continued succession OF
recesses from now till warm weather.
The House committee raised to consider
the subject of changing the mode ofcounting
the electoral vote for President and Vice
President have prepared bill which they
wish to have take the place Of the one now
pending in the Senate. The main features
in which this bill will differ from the Senate
bill-which, believe, was drawn by the
late Senator Morton--elate to disputed votes
The House bill provides that il a dispute
arises in any State as to which set of electors
has been chosen, the case shall be submitted
to the highest judicial tribunal of the State
for its decision, and the decision shall be
conclusive unless both Houses of Congress
| agree TO reject it, The Senate bill provides
that in a similar case the subject shall be
referred to whatever State tribunal the State
law may direct, the decision of that tribunal
to be final. 1t can be said in favor of the
House bill that it is hardly probable that
both Houses of Congress would agree to
override the decision of the highest court OF
any State, even though the decision should
be adverse to the political opinions and de-
sires of majority of both Houses. For ex-
ample, decision of the New York Court Of
Appeals would probably be sustained in one
or both branches of Congress in any case,
though it is true that the Electoral Commits
sion, in the last count, failed to recognize
decision of the Supreme Court Of Florida in
reference to the vote Of that State.
Among the rumors going round is one that
the Democrats will attempt to put bill
through this winter retiring General Sher-
man on full pay. The idea is to give Penn
sylvania and Hancock little prominence.
Ohio has had quite honors enough. Han
cock, being the senior Major General, can
get up a step if Congress should retire Sher'
man and continue the rank OF General. 1t
; is possible, even by act Of Congress, to place
him at the head of the army. My inform
ant SAYS that one object of this course is to
put Hancock out of the way of the Demo
cratic politicians for President. How such
a course would put him out of the way is
more than can say. Perhaps the Demo
Gratis will make him promise never to bt
President. 1t isn't necessary. Thete ii
very little sense in the whole rumor. Presi
dent Hayes would never sign the bill retir
ing Sherman, for they are the closest Q
friends, and he would never sign the bill
making Hancock General Of the Army whil'
y there was an Ohio soldier in the field! Al
of us Ohio fellows know that.
u The Washington Post made furious ant
almost indecent assault upon Secretary Nc
;, Crary, in opposition to his confirmation +
the circuit judgeship. Mr.. Hutchins is doubt
: less proud ofhjs influence, as indicated by
the result--a unanimous confirmation by tn
. Senate, every Democratic Senotor voting ay
. with the Republicans. There is no dout
that the Secretary, or Judge McCrary as h
now be called, is man Of fairness and abil
ity, just the particular kind of ability, tot
well fitting him for the position. Th
II Democrats could not expect better appoint
" ment, from their standpoint, at the hands
~ =, an administration opposed to them Politica
IL ly. The new judge is as little likely to TAX
politics into the administration of his offiC
y as any man in the range ofpossible appoin
ment. The confirmation ofex SenatorRan
~ sey as his successor secures a satisfactory a,
'e minstration ofthe War Department.
4' DON PEDRO.