Orleans County monitor. [volume] (Barton, Vt.) 1872-1953, 1880-12-27
WASHINGTON LETTER.
ESPECIAL coRnEsrosDrSo OF THE MONITOR.

AANhA NAO NAeSAbOVd tidlA unu CoOOAtOO
through the main avenue of the city,
past the Treasury and White House to
the residence of Gen. Beale, opposite
Lafayette Park, amidst the firing of
cannon, ringing of bells and the cheer
ing of the people. The mounted police,
the finest looking body of men our coun-
try can produce, we're the most consplc-
uous in the parade. All the veterans of
the army who are in the Departments
were dismissed on petition, by the Pres
ident, to honor their old commander.
Pennsylvania Avenue was literally pack
ed with vehicles of every description,
besides the thousands of spectators who
occupied every available point of stand
ing room. The Avenue was gay with
bright flags, and Grant, in crimson
lined carriage. lifted his hat now and
then in token of acknowledgement, as
handkerchief and scarfs waved from
either side of the street Indeed, Wash
ington put on her Sunday clothes to
welcome him. Yesterday he visited
Congress. In the Senate recess of
ten minutes was taken in which to have
general greeting on the occasion of
his appearance amongst his old friends !;
but in the House there was opposition
to proposed recess, and some of the
members left the room, whilst some of
the democrats moved back out of the
range of even random shots. The north
ern democrats, it was noticed, were less
cordial than the southern.
The day the General dined at the
White House the city police had their
annual review and parade. They elicit
ed great praise from the President,
Grant, and all who were professed judg-
es of true military bearing.
Secretary Thompson has resigned his
position in the Navy, to accept that of
chairman of the American division of
the Panama Canal enterprise, with a
salary of twenty-five thousands dollars,
what is to become of the Panama pro-
ject is hard to determine for in an in
terview with the Nicaraguan minister
day before yesterday, Gen Grant as
sured him that the Panama speculations
must succumb to the Nlcaraguan canal
or railway whichever it proves to be.
In that case M. deLesseps must fail, and
with his failure the hopes of Secretary
Thompson must perish. As many think
foreign assistance is trampling upon the
Monroe doctrine 1t may be we'll for us
if the Panama is "lost cause" The
President has recommended to Congress
the creating of a new military rank
which means, perhaps place for some
man short of funds and not rem arkably
fond of manual labor.
The Arrears of Pension act, which
expired July /, 1880, was great drain
upon the Treasury, yet it has staunch
advocate in Mr.. Cofforth. who desires
an extension of time until July l, 1882
If the bill is passed, the soldiers will
have much to thank this staunch friend
} for, as many-more than one can be.
lieve-amongst the soldiers have not tc
this day learned that they were emit
, tied to anything. Although an appro
: priation of $32,4O4,OOO was made t.
meet the pension and Arrears outlay
: there was deficiency of $l7,60O,OO
} which is yet to be paid by an appropri
alton but if the country is worth saving
: those who bent their heads to the storm
of battle, deserve more than mere hon
f orable mention.
Our Congress has been severely crit
, sized by the English for voting an ex
preston of sympathy for the Irish il
: their present troubles. | strongly sus
r pect some members and senators ma,
2 have green ribbon under their waist
coat, or touch of Erin in their genera
e make up. All homer to him who sol
rows for suffering humanity of whateve
, nation or tongue 1t may be.
Congress is awakening to the impor
3 lance of clearing the upper Potomac o
q distractions that the rich coal field
: may be reached and other resources b
e developed, which the far seeing survey
q or, George Washington, in his wisdor
, suggested at the close of the revolution
t airy war. Quite sensation was create
: Wednesday by the supposed attempt @
e a well-known lawyer to throw himsel
: from the dome of the Capitol. What
Y ever his intentions were one Of the CAP
y itOl Police sounded the danger sigma
e and in company with another officer
t who responded to his call, assembled t
: the place where the man still crouche
: ready for the fatal leap, taking him b
$ the arm they hurried him down to
G common level with the rest of US. 1t
l. not known what the mans intention
G we're. There are persons who are a
IS ways tempted to leap from high alt
i tudes and there are a few who cannc
e resist the inclination.
b AS the holidays approach the cit
d grows brighter, and the markets groa