The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1881-03-03
Washington Letter.
WASHINGTON. Feb. 25. 1881


and through him we have lost two of
our staunchsst friends. These are
Senator Matt, II. Carpenter and Ex-
Gov. H. d. Cooke. The Senator has
always been a warm advocate of every
measure calculated to improve the
National Capital, and thereby has
placed US under great obligations to
him. In his death we realize our
heavy loss, and our citizens will be
found among his sincerest mourners.
Mr.. Carpenter has been a doomed
man for several years, because, as his
physician said, he could not long sur
vive the strain he was putting upon
poor human nature, and it would seem
that he has endured his ills thus long
simply from the exercise of an indom-
liable will to live.
Gov. Cooke was our first Governor
under the territorial form of govern
ment which ruled this District under
Gen. Grants administration, and he
carried into that executive position all
those financial abilities which had
made his firm of Jay Cooke & Co. SO
successful as bankers. Since his re-
TRACY from Office he has led quiet
life in our midst, respected and honor
ed by all who knew him, not only for
his fascinating personal qualities but
for his energy and wisdom in beautify-
ing our city and in laying broad
foundation for future improvement.
He found our city quagmire, but he
made it blossom like a rose before he
retired To accomplish this he sacri-
feed many valuable private interests,
He built the beautiful Grace Church
of Georgetown, at his own expense, and
gave it to the congregation. He also
rebuilt st. Johns Church, of that city,
and in other ways expended large
sums of money for the benefit of our
people, hence our deep regard for him.
The Inauguration of course is the
one great topic of comment here. Gen.
Sherman stirred up some bile"
among the Boys in Blue," by assign
ing an exrebel to command one of
the divisions. But the mass of our ex-
soldiery don't care fig about it, say
ing they perceive no improperly in
such course and will march under him
as freely as under an ex-Union officer.
In the House we had an exciting de-
bate on the proposition to buy the pri-
vate papers of certain rebel Generals,
which Gen. Bragg, a warm Democrat,
opposed, and reused the ire of General
Blackburn, of Kentucky, who strong
ly favored it. The colloquy being be-
tween two whose courage had been
tested by actual war, attracted deep
attention. However, Gen. Bragg's
calmness averted what might have
been made q serious matter. General
McCook, of N. Y, another Union
General, backed Gen. Bragg, but ut
tered the sentiment that "the day
would come when the American peo-
pie, while not sanctiOning the cause,
would be proud of the pluck and cour-
age of the Confederate soldier" Some
of our Boys in Blue" evidently think
that time has not yet arrived, or they
would not demur to the above order of
General Sherman.
ANTI.MONOPOLY.
Great Mass Meeting at Cooper In
| stitute, Now York.
An immense meeting was held at
Cooper Institute, in New York City,
oD Monday night of last week, to take
action against tho growing powers Of
monopolies.. Judge Jere. S. Black
made lengthy and able address, de.
clsring thatthe tendency to monopoly
is 50 great as to threaten great danger
to the country. He said unless some.
thing were done to check this grew
ing power, it was only a question of
time when the whole machinery OF
government would be thrown into the
hands of the monopolists. He said
that railroad men should not be allow
ed to hold Office under the govern
ment, and that government possesses
an undOubted right to reg sulate rail
roads by law. The speaker was fre
quently interrupted by applause, and
at one time, when he asked the qnes
ton, "What shall we do with these
corporations man in the audience
shouted, Confiscate their stealings."
.Well," was the answer, 1--WE would
like to, but they've buried them out OF
sight"
Senator Window wrote a. letter,
pointing out the great danger that
threatens the country by reason OF
one man having control of a vast sys-
tenn of railroads, and that he even
threatened to reach out and control
the press and news disseminating ia
cilities of the country. The following
resolutions were adopted:
That it is the duty of citizens every
where to organize anti-monOpo,y
leagues,an endeavor to secure among
others the following specific results:
First-Laws compelling transports-
zion and telegraph companies to base
their charges on risk and cost of SER
vice.
Second-Laws to prevent pooling
and combinations.
Third-Laws to prevent diserimin-
ations against any class OF citizens on
public highways.
Four,h-Courts to give effectto laws
placed on the statute books.
Finh-Laws TO make it official duty
by officers to defend citiz-ns against
corporate Injustice.
SixiE-L,ws to prevent public tax
alton to pay dividends on national
stock. I
Seventh-Laws against bribery.
Eighth---Laws to regulate The COM
merce OF the several States.
Ninth-Liberal policy toward water
way.
Speeches were made by other well
known gentlemen, and letters read
from persons in all parts of the coun-