The Elk County advocate. [volume] (Ridgway, Pa.) 1868-1883, 1880-03-18
Washington Letter.
From our regular Correspondent

SduIlSGluB over lIS new rules, WHICH
though adopted after protraoted dis
cussion, prove stumbling blocks to
even such old parliamentarians as
speaker Randall and Mr.. Conger.
There is II constant and puzzling col
lision between the new and the old
rules when Interpretation is desired,
and, as consequence, the whole body
OF solons at times seem at sea and in
ignorance as to what course to pur-
sue. These difficulties and frictions
WILL of course, disappear when, after
more experience and discussion, the
legislative wheels get duly fabricated,
as it will indeed be tough subject
that won't revolve under the applian-
ces of such astute hair splitters as
Messrs. Randall and Conger. Mr..
Kelly raised breeze by stating that,
for the first time in his nineteen years
of Congressional life, he had been
corruptly approached for the purpose
of controlling his vote in the Com
mittee on Ways and Means, and in
the House on the sugar bill. This
sugar question is, and always has been
a bone of contention in and out of
Congress, and serves to show the inn
possibility of having one rule for the
whole country. Prior to the war the
South inscribed "Frep Trade on its
banners, and yet forced a prohibitory
tariff on the country on sugar. 70
this the North demurrcd, but, on the
other hand, it secured its tariii'ou iron.
In 1886 the political parties had vir-
tually two platforms. One of protec-
ton in the North and free trade in
the south, barring sugar, of course, in
| the latter section. The same Old
| fight is coming to the surface again.
and the chapter recited by Mr.. Kelly
is only in keeping with those of the
ante bcllum times.
The Senate has disposed OF its clc-
plant, the litz John Porter case, by
! laying it on the table, which means
| burial until next winter, and after the
| presidential election. 1t has been ably
argued by Messrs. Logan, Carpenter,
Bayard, and Randolph, who have COW
cred tie whole ground in issue in
| their exhaustive pro and con speeches.
No one, OF course, has had his con
viclions changed by this debate. But
it answers a political purpose. 1t is a
! pity that the entire matter cannot be
| buried forever, without thrusting it
into the arena Of politics. Porter was
q good soldier. But there can be no
question as to his failure to do his
whole duty at Bull Run, just as with
MctIellan. Let him he pardOned by
the President, and thus in restoration
to foil citizenship, the political feature
! given his case will be removed.
MIR. Stephens, of Georgia, has made
4 slight ripple in the Capitol current
by threatening 10 resign his seat be
cause OF the refusal by the Democrats
OF the House to allow him TO state
III Il ten minutes speech, the ground o.
his opposition to the Dist rule, which
permits rider on an appropriation
bill. 1t is not at all likely that re
signatiOn. will ensue, as everybody
wants the old veteran to remain, and
all are united in the proper coaXing
and soothing syrup applications Npor
him, with every prospect OF success
1t would be misfortune to lose hin
at this junction and we doubt whether
there is Republican III Congress bu
what would deeply regret his exodus
Though not a pariamentarian in that
fighting sense which puts Speaker
Randall where he is, and makes Mr.
Conger leader of the Republicans, yet
he has perception of parliamentary
law which gives him great strength
as counsellor. When, in the 45tl
Congress, the Republicans prevented
the introduction Of bills, it was Mr.
Stephens who suggested the success
full flank movement of the petition DO!
through which all bills could b
brought before the House. He is un
doubtedly man of power and Q
f great use, hence his resignation is t.
be deplored.
On the surface, President-makin
+ here seems to have no particular eN
, citement in it. But the under cul
rent sets strongly, indeed, and eac
| candidate is eXerting all lis strength t
: secure favorable influences for himse
] No matter into What company on
! goes, the topic of conversation wi
e inevitably drift into that Of the neS
= Presidency Washington is peculiarl
f 4 city Of politicians, and it is as ma
i ural for a Washingtonian, whether
;. congressional sojourner or citizen,
: discuss White House matters as for
4 fast horse man to "talk hOTse.n 1t ct
: naturally the uppernOst subject
|, thought here, hence it is irrepressibl
: Mr.. Blaine has resumed his card +
s ceptions, and weekly gathers in h
: parlOrs hundreds of politicians of bot
4 sexes and parties color alone eXcepte
- He is an astute politician, and it is
shrewd move for him to mingle wit
those Of his class in levres just in u
vance Of the coming struggle at Oh
cago He is in fighting condition tn
ls year, as he is not Handicapped, as
II 1875, with personal attacks, and we
4 not doubt will be hear from at Chica,