Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1881-04-16
WASHINGTON LETTER.
From our Regular Correspondent.
WASHINGTON. April IL. 1Ss

Il uC CCudLO uCdQlOCh 10
old story but it promises to continue
long enough to become even mere
tiresome than now. There is talk
among the knowing ones Of both
sides that an all summer session is
not improbable. That would GER
tainly be interesting. For these
grave and reverend Senators to sit
through the broiling heat of July
and August doing nothing but bad
gering each other and talking about
reputation, bulldozing and the like,
while the executive business which
they were called to act upon remain
ed untouched, would be highly
edifying spectacle. But if it is to
come, l imagine we here in Wash
ington can stand it quite as we'll as
the anxious appointees of President
Garfield, who are waiting the advice
and consent of the Senate to enter
upon the duties of their offices. OF
the three or four hundred nomina-
ton sent in since the executive ses-
sion began but twenty five have been
confirmed, these including the Cabi-
net officers. The Republicans are
firm in contending for their right as
a majority to control the officers Of
the body, while the Democrats are
equally determined in holding on
to what they have and in contend
ing against what they term the bar
gain made with Malone. There is
at present no indication of back
down on either side. Many Sena-
tors have paired and gone home or
elsewhere, so that at times there is
barelya quorum present, but still
the talk goes on. 1t has been init
mated that the President would
change his decision about an extra
session and assemble Congress for
the purpose of compelling break of
this deadlock, but there is good au-
thority for stating that this will not
be done.
The financial policy OF Secretary
Window, especially that relating to
the maturing bonds of the Govern
ment, is an absorbing subject in fl
nancial and political circles at pres
ent. Undoubtedly the great major
~ Nf nj NJ nc
he has adopted, and it unquestiona-
bly,, so far as it goes, accords with
the views of a majority of both
houses of Congress, as expressed
through the enactment of the Fund
ing bill. But there is a grave legal
or constitutional question involved,
which suffices to throw a cloud over
an otherwise satisfactory situation.
1t is question whether the Secreta-
ry has power to extend or continue
the bonds called in at lower rate of
interest, or at any rate of interest.
If he has power to continue six
per cent. bond at three and One-half
per cent, he would have equal pow
er to continue the same bonds at
ten per cent. In other words, if it is
of interest, it is equally in his power
to increase it, and there are serious
doubts whether any such exercise of
discretion rests with the Secretary.
What would be the sense of Congress
spending three months in discussing
the subject of interest and refunding
if, after all, the discretion rested
with the Administration of the
Treasury Department F? In this case
the action taken is generally approx
ed, and works to the advantage of
the Government; but in some other
case the exercise of this same discre-
ton might produce very different re-
suits. From advices so far receiv-
ed, it is evident that nearly all hold
ders of the six per cent. bonds call
ed in will except the offer to contin-
ue them at three and one-half per
cent, and it is expected that call
for the five per cents. accruing will
be made upon the same terms.
While political matters are cor
porative stand-still, there are other
things in and around the National
Capital which may be written about
to the interest and profit of people at
a distance. The Congressional Lii
brary, Government Printing Office,
Bureau OF Engraving and Printing,
the new Museum and numerous
other institutions will furnish ma
terial for coming letters, to say moth
ing of the things that are likely to
happen. Looking through the New
Navy and State Department build
ing day or two since, | discovered
what an inviting Office the new Sec
rotary has. 1t beats everything |
ever saw. "a life ON the ocean
waven may have its charms for the
bold mariners of the Navy, but /