Centre Democrat. [volume] (Bellefonte, Pa.) 1848-1989, 1880-03-18
LETTER FROM WASHINGTON
From our regular Correspondent.

From our regular Correspondent
WASHINGTON, d. c., March Is, 1880.
The House still has its wits wool. gath
ering over its new rules, which, though
adopted after protracted discussion,
prove stumbling blocks to even such
old parliamentarians as Speaker Ran.
dali and Mr.. Conger. There is con.
stant and puzzling collision between the
new and the old rules when interpre-
tation is desired, and, as a consequence,
the whole body of Solons at times seem
ut sea and in ignorance as to what course
TO pursue. These difficulties and fric.
tion will, of course, disappear when,
after more experience and discussion,
the legislative wheels get duly lubri-
Gated, as it will indeed be tough sub
.ject that won't revolve under the ap.
pliances of such astute hsirsplitters as
Messrs. Randall and Conger. Mr..
Kelley raised a breeze by stating that,
for the first time in his nineteen years
of Congressional life, he had been cor
ruptly approached for the purpose of
controlling his vote in the Committee
on Ways and Means, and in the House
on the sugar bill. This sugar question
is, and always has been, bone of con.
tention in and out of Congress, and
serves to show the impossibility of hav.
ing one rule for the whole country.
Prior to the war the South inscribed
"Free Trade" on its banners, and yet
forced prohibitory tariff on the coun-
try on sugar. To this the North de-
INJURED, but on the other hand, it Sc
cured its tariff on iron. In 1856 the
political parties had virtually two plat
forms. One of protection in the North
and free trade in the South, barring su
gar, of couse, in the latter section. The
same old fight is coming to the surface
again, and the chapter recited by Mr..
Kelley is only in keeping with those of
ante bellum times.
Ms. Stephens. of Georgia, has made a
slight ripple in the Capitol current by
threatening to resign his seat because
of the refusal by the Democrats of the
House to allow him to state, in ten
minutes speech, the grounds Of his op
position to the 2lst rule, which permits
rider on an appropriation bill. 1t is
not at all likely that resignation will
ensue, as everybody wants the old vet
eran to remain, and all are united in
the proper coaxing and soothing syrup
applications upon him, with every pros
pect of success. 1t would be misfor
tune to lose him at this juncture, and
we doubt whether there is Republi
can in Congress but what would deeply
regret his exodus. Though not par
liamentarian in that fighting sense
which puts Speaker Randall where he
is, and makes DIR. Conger leader of tho
Republicans, yet he has a perception
Of parliamentary law which gives hin
great stfenBtn ~ u coohseiAoi' WheH
in the 45th Congress, the Republicans
prevented the introduction Of bills, il
was Mr. Stephens who suggested the
successful flank movement of the pc
tition box, through which all bills could
be brought before the House. lie il
undoubtedly a man OF power and o.
great use, hence his resignation is TO be
deplored.
On the surface, skinf
here seems 10 have no particular excite
ment i'm it. But the under current set'
strongly, indeed, and each candidate Ii
exerting all his strength tc secure favor
able influences for himself. No matter
into what company one goes, the topic
of conversation will inevitably drift into
that of the next Presidency. Washing
ton is peculiarly q city of politicians
and it is as natural for a Washington
ian, whether congressional soiournei
or citizen, TO discuss White House mat
ters as for fast horse man TO stalk
horse" 1t 10 naturally the uppermosl
eubject of thought here, hence it i
irrepressible. Mr. Blaine has resumed
his card receptions, and weekly gathers
IN his parlors hundreds Of politicians