The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1880-12-17
WASHINGTON LETTER.
Washington, D. &, December l4th, 1880

We did not have first week of the House
of which any oDe-Democrat or Republi-
can-could be proud but there is promise
of better things hereafter. What is known
as the Morgan resolution to control the elec
toral count may pass before February, when
the vote will be counted, but it will not be
permitted to interfere in the meantime with
such imperatively necessary things as ap-
propriation bills, the refunding bill, the re-
apportionment bill etc There is no reason
why it should. There are many reasons
why it should not. In the debate yesterday
on the resolution, which was permitted only
because the refunding bill was not quite
ready, Mr.. Reed, of Maine and Mr.. Davi
OF North Carolina took the principal paris
To-day, the reiunding bill will be consider
ed and one or TWO more appropriation bills
probably reported. Adjournment will nots
he before the 18th or 2lst, and by that time
a majority of the appropriation bills will
be before the House.
A certain amount of bulldozing is being
applied to Justices of the Supreme Court
and it resulted yesterday in the retirement
of Justice St.ong, In January Justice
Swayne will follow. Soon after, by the pas
sage of bill which the administration and,
Senator Conkling are joined in desiring,
Justice Hunt will go. The pressure upon
Justice ClifIord-the uoblest Roman of them
all-s great. ! am informed, however, that
he will retire only when he believes his USE
fun ,, s a. a member of the Court is en-.
ded. His mental faculties are unimpair-
ed.
Reference to the Court reminds me that il
made yesterday a decision of far-reaChing
importance. The particular case was OF
slight importance, but the principle was one
involving almost everything that is neces
ssry to the preservation OF the individual
rights of citizens The facts, briefly stated,
are that the Secretary of the Interior had
prepared and completed in favor of an in,
dividusl patent for piece of government
land, but subsequently refused to deliver it,
aud, still later cancelled it. The pstentee
asked through our District Court for a man.
camus compelling the issue Of the patent
he blSlTlCl COuIl ItluScui bOluluB ludt IL
had not the power to issue such writ upon
a Cabinet officer. The Supreme Court yes,
terdsy rryeIses this decision, and hereafter
Cabinet officers act will be-as they have
not practically been heretofore subject to
consideration by the Courts of the United
States. There was one prey ious decision Of
the question as to the powers of the Courts
but it was not considered in the Depart
ments that the principle was established
There can be no further doubt. There is no
longer any legal reason tor believing that
Cabinet officer "cau do no wrong"
General Grant was well received last even
ing in this city. The formal part of the
arrangements were all in the hands OF the
."boys in blue, radical organization which
the General commands. Tonight, another
demonstration Of the Generals friends will
be made, He will stay but few days. 1t
said his visit is in some way connected
with the Nicaragua canal project, and be
said Last night that he did not believe any
bat that route could ever be used successful
iy.
HILIOS.