The Eaton Democrat. (Eaton, Ohio) 1875-1903, 1880-12-16
WASHINGTON LETTER.
From Jul Regular Correspondent.
WASHINGTON, DC,
Dec. ID. 1880.


Dec. II, 1880.
Mr.. Hayes is entitled to all the
credit or discredit involved in the re-
tiremeat of Generals Mcdowell and
Ord, and thatSof several Bereau Gen
erals soon to be announced. On the
whole, 1 think he has done just what
the law certainly intends, although
it does not distinctly command it.
Most men, however, will disapprove
of the substitution of Howard, who
is a sentimental General, for Soho
field, who is a solid thinker and an
equally good General, as Command
ant of West Point. There is consid-
cradle danger that the Academy will,
under Howard, be an experimental
school for the study and develop
ment of negro morality and negro
capacity, rather than, as heretofore,
a school of military education.
The annual message from the
White House was received by the
Senate and House of Representatives
WITHOUT manifestations of applause.
In fact, the messages of MI. Hayes
have not attracted much Congress
sional attention for several years.
That portion of the present one which
speaks of progress in reform of the
civil service under the present Ad-
ministration is so absurd that it
must have inclined members to
laughter, but they suppressed their
feelings while it was being read.
Everybody knows that there has
been more absenteeism among office
holders during the present Admin
istration than during any other, and
more meddling with politics, and
more contributions for political pur-
poses. These things were not done
boldly, as the Jack Shepherds of
Grants time did them, but slyly, as
Noah Claypole would do them. ..
Mr.. Hayes is able to %truthfully say
that the crops would have been good
during his Administration, and there
fore he argues the people have been
more prosperous than for years. He
points to the fact and receipts from
import duties have been large but
does not say, as he might, that this
indicates an accumulation of wealth
in a few hands as compared with the
great of people. / do not think
it unlikely that we shall have start
ling evidence soon that the importa-
tions are greater than the solid in
crease of wealth will justify.
Mr.. Hayes also suggests that the
office of Captain General be created
for ex President Grant.
The meeting of Congress on Mon
day was without any event Of note.
The two measures which have so far
attracted attention either in Com
nittee or ia the House are the re-
funding bill, and the resolution pro-
Yiding a ".joint rule" for counting
the electoral vote. This latter prop
%osition which is simply TO restore
the cor ditions of affairs under which
in 1868 aad 1872 the vote was count
ed, was considerably discussed yes
terday in the House. So far as the
speaking was concerned, it was on
the part of Democrats favorable to
al early vote on the the joint rule,
while the Republicans demanded un-
limited time for debate. There will
be an early disposition of the whole
matter, 1 think, and I do not see that
either party will gain anything, no
matter what is done on the subject.
The highest interest any one may
suggest for the proposed 800, O0O,-
600 of refunding bonds, is three and
one-half per cent. Secretary Sher-
man, of course, is the man who sug,
gested the highest figures. The
House Ways and Means Committee
have agreed on three per cent. Mr..
Kelly, however, thinks two and one
half per cent. enough. DEM.