The Carbon advocate. [volume] (Lehighton, Pa.) 1872-1924, 1880-12-25
OUR SPECIAL LETTER.
W WAsHIKeroN, D. G. Dec. 20, Is

One event outside of Congress attracted
more attention this week than anything
that has occurred in that body. This was
the return of General Grant and the recep-
tion extended him by the organizations of
"Boys in Blue" and other veteran and po-
litical associations The demonstration was
one of considerable magnitude and as the
hero ofthe occasion passed up Pennsylvania
Avenue at the head of the procession, seated
in carriage with Gems. Logan, Burnside,
and HawleY, he was greeted with cheers
aud salutes on every hand. To many of
the vast throng that lined the streets he was
personally known, at least by sight, and it
seemed like the greeting to an old friend,
but there were others in the crowd attracted
there out of curiosity to see man who has
had such homage paid him all over the
world. There may be few like the indi-
vidual who remarked in my hearing that
he had "never seen Grant or heard Pima
fore." To those who had not seen the ex-
President since he left Washington nearly
four years ago the increase of gray hairs and
other traces of advancing years were plain
ly visible. But he is still the short, square
faced, quiet, and determined-looking man
we used 10 see riding along our streets.
The arrival of General Grant has recalled
few pleasant "reminiscences in congression-
al circles. One little story told of Veteran
Democratic Representative touches upon the
Investigation era which began in 1875 and
has continued with varying degrees of vigor
down to the last year. Said the Congress-
man: al was cast on the committee investi-
eating expenditures in the Navy Depart
ment. Our committee called on Secretary
Thompson, laboring under very pronounc-
ed impression that we had the bulge on
him in that little matter of Transporting
General Grant on United States men-of- war
l said, "Mr. Secretary, what authority had
you for incurring the expense Of transport
| ing General Grant across the Mediteranian
on his way to the East" He replied, '1 as
sumed that authority, SIR" "But," said
"where did you get the money from 2
"From my contingent fund.-" was the re
ply. Just then it flashed upon me big as Q
hay-stack that we had the ancient marine
on the hip, but he interrupted me and said
"You perhaps do not fully understand thi
matter. When our vessels are cruising W,
keep up steam, and our expenses are rela
lively about the same throughout. WheI
General Grant was carried across the Medi
teranean the actual cost of the voyage wa
$Sl.65 for harbor dues" That settled il
The African in that wood pile seemed mos
too small an object for legislative report.
It is evident that the attitude of the Re
publieans in Congress has somewhat sappe
ability to pass the joint resolution for count
ing the electoral vote. After all the tim
spent upon it the majority are at preser
, unable to pass il even by the application {
. the previous question, because they have u
/. quorum of their own side. The Republican
E by refusing TO vote could prevent any effec
o i've vote. The matter is now virtually stoo
> over until after the holidays, when th
e Democrats expect TO have all their membe
a here, making a quorum without Republ
can votes 1t is their purpose to pass Il
o resolution, and think they will suceee
I but do not aPprehend that any dangeroI
g results touching the approaching count al
Z, TO be anticipated. Whether the resolutic
e is passed or not all the votes belonging
Q General Garfield will be counted for hi
/. without a question. This non-attendani
), Of members is very trying thing som
b timsG For instance, the majority we