The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1880-03-18
Washington, Letter.


tFrom Our Regular Correspondcn..l
WAsHINGToN, D. c.. Mar. 13. 1880.
The House still has its wits WOOL
gathering over its new rules, which,
though adopted after protracted dis
cussion prove stumbling blocks to even
such old parliamentarians as Speaker
Randall and Mr.. Conger. There is a
constant and puzzling collision be-
tween the new and the old rules when
Interpretation is desired, and, as con-
sequence, the-whole body of solons at
times seem at sea and in ignorance as
to what course to pursue. These diff
culties and friction will, of course, dis
appear when, after more experience
get duly fabricated, as it will indeed
be tough subject that won't revolve
under the appliances of such astute
hair-splitters as Messrs. Randall and
CODger. 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 Committee on Ways and Means,
and in the House on the sugar bill.
This sugar question is. and always has
been, 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 Free Trade" on it's
banners, and yet forced probibitory
tariff on the country on sugar. To this
the North demurred, but, OH the other
hand, it secured its tariff on iron. In
1856 the political parties had virtually
two platforms. One of protection in
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 ante-bellum times. p
The Senate has disposed of its ele.
phant, the Fitz 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 the whole ground in issue in their
exhaustive pro and con speeches. No
one, of course, has had his convictions
changed by this debate. But it an
swers a political purpose. 1t is pity
that the entire matter cannot be buried
forever, without thrusting it into the
arena of politics. Porter was good
soldier. But there can be no question
as to his failure to do his whole duty at
Bull Run, just as with Mcclellan.
Let him be pardoned by the President
and thus in restoration to full citizen
ship, the political feature given his
case will be removed.
Mr.. Stephens. of Georgia, has made
a slight ripple in the Capitol current
by threatening to resign his seat be-
cause of the refusal by the Democrats
of the House to allow him to state, in
a ten minutes speech, the grounds of
permits a rider on an appropriation
bill. 1t is not at all likely that resig-
nation will ensue, as everybody wants
the old veteran to remain, and all are
united in the proper coaxing and
soothing syrup applications upon with
every prospect of success. 1t would be
a misfortune to lose him at this juno
ture, and we doubt whether there is a
Republican in Congress but what
would deeply regret his exodus
Though not parliamentarian in that
fighting sense which puts Speaker
Randall where he is, and makes Mr..
Conger leader of the Republicans, yet
he has a perception of parliamenta
a counsellor. When in the 45th Com
gress, the Republicans prevented the
of bills, it was Mr.. Ste
phens who suggested the successful
flank movement of the petition box
through which all bills could be
brought before the House. He is un-
a man of power and of great
use, hence his resignation is to be de-
plored.
On the surface, President-making
here seems to have no particular eX
element in it. But the under current
sets strongly, indeed, and each candi-
date is exerting all his strength to Sc
cure favorable influences for himself.
No matter into what company one
goes, the topic of conversation will in
evitably drift into that of the next
Presidency. Washington is peculiarly
a city of politicians, and it is as natural
for a WashingtOnian, whether u con-
gressiOnal sojOurner or citizen, to dis
cuss White House matters as for fast
horse man to talk horse" 1t is nat
urally the uppermostsubjecto of thought
here, hence it is irrepressihle. Mr..
Blaine has resumed his card receptions
and weekly gathers in his parlors hum
lreds of politicians of both sexes and
alone excepted. He is
IN astute politician, and it is shrewd
move for him to mingle with those of
MS class in levees just in advance of
he coming struggle at Chicago. He
s in fighting condition this year, as he
l.