Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1880-12-25
WfSHINGTOY LETTER.
Changes IN Cabiaet AMI ia C6rrt "A Oca-
ton to General Grant. Vomla Suffrage
Rhetoric ia Lincoln HIH.

Changes IN C1biaet AMI ia C6rrt. "A Oga-
ton to General Grant HomIa Suffrage
Rhetoric IN Lincoln Hun.
From our Regular Correspondent.)
Washington, Dec. IS, 1880.
A week characterized By changes in the
Cabinet and in the Supreme Court, by an
ovation to Gen Grant, and convention of
women clamOrous for the ballot cannot be
called dull in Washington. The Secretary
of the Navy has resigned his portfolio 10
accept the Craftsmanship of an alien Inter
oceanic Canal Company, and there is much
talk about it in poll. and amateur dipio-
matte circles. No doubt NJ de Lesseps had
diplomatic reason for comforting the honor
and the salary on Secretary Thompson. He
has genuine French appreciation Of the
prestige and eclat that great enterprises ac-
quire from distinguished names and official
position. But it is doubtful if the Secretary
of the Navy had other than pecuniary rea-
sons for accepting the position. In two
months he would have ceased 10 draw his
salary rs a Cabinet officer, and an emolument
of 50, 600 year for, perhaps the reminder
of his life was doubtless strong consldera-
ton with an old man not rich but having
many daughters.
The resignation Of Justice Strong of the
Supreme Court of the United States has
been long expected, so that comment turns
chiefly upon the Ohio judge, via Georgia,
who has been appointed to succeed him.
There is gossip to the effect that the PreSl-
dents ruse to foist another Ohio man upon
the Supreme bench by appointing Buck
eye emigre from Georgia, will be resented by
the majority OF the Senate, and that Judge
Woods will fail of confirmation. The APP
pointee. however, has friends among South
crn Senators, and am disposed to think he
will meet no effective opposition.
General Grants snowy military and civic
reception on Tuesday was in striking con-
trast with General GIrtield's quiet visit to
the city three weeks ago. The EX-President
was received by such 4 crowd As his expert
encc during the last sixteen years must have
made him very familiar with. Tohave seen
PENNSYLVANIA Avenue thronged with patient
eager waiting thousands must have been very
suggestive to Susan b. Anthony, Hannibal
Hamlin, and others, who can remember re-
mote events, Of the triumphal professions of
Cesar, Pompey, Tragan, and other Roman
cOnquer0rS. There was, however, more
curiosity than enthusiasm in the crowd
The weather was delicious, and Washington
has thousands of well-dressed people who
delight to display their fine clothes and seal
skin jackets on Pennsylvania Avenue
Notwithstanding Gen. Grants long residence
here. there were many who had never before
seen him who has been glzed at by more
eyes than any other living individual.
Mesdames Lucy Stone, Liyerm2re, Back
we'll and other wi-rl sufferers for wom..
Suffrage are here once more in annual con
vention, repeating, with slightest variation,
the same dreary speeches, and passing the
same impotent resolutions. Alas! why will
these ladies continue to agitate us, and
shake Us to the very centre. Why will not
bonnets and babies suffice, as in the golden
age of grand-mamas? Alas, that female
women, who were once so divine and nice i'll
sickness and in wellncss, should now wish to
figure in torchlight procession, stuff a
ballot-bOx, and shoot off rhetorical sky
rockets with their mouths.