Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1881-10-26
Our Washington Letter.

VAohiNoioN, ~ ", Octoocf 80 1901.
Mr.. Editor Those who have been watching
for occurrences in this city during the week,
which were of national interest, have hardly found
the usual allowance. The senate adjourned until
yesterday on account Of the Yorktown celebra-
tion, and yesterday and to-day have not seen
much accomplished outside Of the routine confir-
nation Of minor appointments. 1t is now ex-
pected that there will be two cabinet nominations
early next week. The attorney general and the
secretary Of the treasury are imperative in asking
TO be relieved, the latter that he may become SEN
ator, he will doubtless be elected to that posi-
ton next week In the criminal court Captain How
gate has been formally indicted for some seventy
acts of embezzement. Guiteau has been assigned
counsel and allowed the benefit of witnesses at
government expense, who must come more than
one hundred miles Mr. Scoville has conducted
the case 80 far In such manner as to gain great
deal Of praise. He is fine looking old gentle-
man, and has the appearance and air Of an able
man as well as a shrewd lawyer Mr. Robinson,
who has been assigned as Guiteau's counsel, is
young lawyer, not above forty years old, and is
said to be one Of the best read lawyers OF the city
A prominent lawyer said to me that he did not
know young man to whom the case could be
more safely trusted.
The arrivals from Yorktown to-day have been
even more numerous than yesterday. The visit
ors and those with them were due this afternoon,
and the German members were to be toasted by
their brethren Of this city and Baltimore this
evening. The ninth Massachusetts regiment came
in at noon. They were drawn up on the avenue
and put through a drill before marching about
the city They made fine display, but hardly
equal to that Of the New Jersey battalion, who
won the prize for drilling at Yorktown. This
regiment was eight hundred strong, and marched
through the principal streets this evening The
illumination Of Pennsylvania avenue was success
fully accomplished on Thursday night and re-
peated last night and tonight. Electric lights
were suspended over the middle of the street at
intervals Of eight or ten rods. They were sur
rounded by globes to temper their brilliancy, and
reflectors were placed above them to throw the
light wholly upon the avenue and the buildings
on either side. 1t seemed as though the city with
its crowd of visitors had come out to prom enade
up and down the sidewalks and when these were
filled crowd out upon the smooth concrete pave
ment Of the street The scene Is worth remember
ing not only for the multitude moving along in
light almost as brilliant as the day, but for the
surroundings and the place Beside the way are
government omces, numerous hotels, merchant
palaces and here and there little trianges OF
grass and trees. AT one end is the capitol,
grand structure standing on the brow OF hill
which gives a symmetry and beauty that 1t has
not when viewed from other directions At the
other end OF the Illuminated portion OF the avenue
the solid columns OF the treasury building Just
snow themselves and beyond the magnificent
edih'e wnieh is being erected Tor the state, navy
ana war departments Along this route soldiers
nave passed on their Journey southwark, and
marched through 1t when returning victorious.
Statesmen whom we revere have gone this way to
the court room and senate chamber, where their
honors were won; and presidents pass over 1t,
alive, to their inaugurations; dead, to their
funerals.
One OF the most appropriate projects for the