The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1881-01-27
Washington Letter.
WASHINGTON. Jan. 21. l


The reelection of Senator Cockrsll
by the legislature of Mo-, is a well de-
served compliment to one of the most
industrious and clear headed members
Of the United States Senate. Real
and effective legislation in the Senate
of very few men. One Of these is Sen
stOr Cockrell, and but for him and his
like, useless and promiscuous spread
eagle debate would sadly interfere at
all hours of tho session with. the pro-
per dispatch of business. He never
hesitates to attack a measure he re-
CARDS as wrong, nor to make pet meas
ures of his brother Senators subordi-
nate to the general public business,
hence he often gets some good scold
Jugs from those whose toes he treads
on. Yesterday, for instance, Mr.. Rol-
Inns wanted a bill passed which more
particularly affected his little State,
Rhode Island, than any other, but Mr..
Cockrell insisted upon the regular or
der, which was the consideration of
bills upon the calendar. This resulted
i'll the passage Of nearly a dozen bills
which otherwise might have gone over
perhaps for q fortnight. Much as we
differed in opinions and in action from
Mr.. Cockrell during the war, as we'll
as differ from him now on national
issues, yet it is a pleasure to recognize
his large merit as a legislator, and to
wish that we had more such at the
Capitol. The next Senate will have u
high standard in its talents and work.
ing efficiency. Mr.. Hale, Of Maine,
and Mr.. Sherman, of Ohio, are Drained
Legislators, and we look for good re-
suits from this fortunate combin alton
of talent and experience found in these
and other working men of that august
body.
The funding bill passed the House
after prolonged but tameless debate,
which seemed to be more a series OF
speeches for the benefit of Constituents
than for the actual good of the country.
The fact was apparent that the major
ity of the House was exceedingly ad-
verse to granting any discretion what
ever to the Secretary of the Treasury
in financial negotiations. 1t seemed
that the more inexperienced and igno-
rant the member and the ruder his
constituents in all matters Of finance
and business, the less inclined he was
TO grant power of any kind to the head
of the Treasury. One of these once
said to us: We want more green
backs. Before the war we had 80 per
capita in my State, aud now we have
but S3." But, said we, chestnuts are
the principle commodity in your dis
trict, and they bring more money than |
ever before the war. Other districts of
your State get double the money for |
cotton now, than then. Why do you |
need more greenbacks per capita when
you have really . plethora Of money? |
His reply was, Well. L don't know
about finances, only this,
that we must have as much per capita
Is We ever had" Such solons are of |
course wiser in funding matters than
an a lexander Hamilton.
''Small favors thankfully received"
The House grants the District of Co
Iumbia one night session now, instead
Of two days month as under the old
code of rules. OF course no quorum
will attend non political night ses-
sion, hence we will be in bad fix for
the want of proper legislation.