Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1881-10-15
WASHINGTON LETTER.
From our regular correspondent.
WAsHINGToN, OCT. rs, 1SS1.

ACAiCc 0iu SOlAluOio VA WIG NdpleOl
when Congress assemblies, pressed
for admission on the opening of the
special session of the Senate. Long
before II O'Clock every seat in the
public gallery had had an occupant,
and throngs on the outside were
still trying to get in. The House is
generally the attractive side and it
is rarely that the dignified Senate
presents such an animated appear
ance. A previously announced de-
bate on some important question, or
a set speech by Blaine, Conkling,
VOORHEES,, Thurman or Lamar, are
the occasions which heretofore have
caused the crowd to flock in that di-
rection. But at this time there was
a general expectation that something
lively or sensational would occur.
The evenly balanced condition of
parties in the body rendered the
events of the day uncertain, and the
people of Washington, are SO famil-
lar with the wiles and plots, and
counter-plots of politicians that they
know a circus is possible under such
circumstances. 1t is all a squabble
for power and the offices. But for
the everlasting greed of office such
an occasion as the present would
not be turned into a mere squabble
over presiding officer for the Sen
ate. The possibility that that Off
Ger might in the course of events be
called upon to discharge the duties
of the President of the United States
and dispense the entire patronage of
the country, accounts for the milk
in the cocoa-nut. Senators Malone
and Davis have been objects of con-
siderable interest by reason of their
peculiar position. Senator Davis
now really holds the balance of pow
er which formerly rested with Ma
hone, and upon whichever side he
elects to throw his ponderous weight
the scale is sure to turn. 1t can
not be very agreeable position to
occupy in these times,
Statements are going out concern
ing Army changes soon to be made
and it is true that several retire
ments and promotions are already
booked. Gen. Mcdowell, Major
General, will be one of the first of
ficers to be retired. He is over 81
years of age and would have been
retired in place Of Gen. Ord, had it
not been for his personal relations
with the late President. Gen. Terry
who is brigadier, will, in all prob
ability be promoted to major gen.
eral, to fill the vacancy caused by
McDowell's retirement. Gen. Ter
ry is not a graduate of West Point.
His promotion would be compli-
ment to the volunteer forces OF the
Army during the late war. Quar-
termaster General Meigs will be re-
tired. Col. Rucker, of that depart
ment, who is father-in-law TO Gen.
Sheridan, will be his successor, as
the programme now runs, but short
ly after his appointment he will re-
tire, to be succeeded by Colonel In
gals who is the friend of Ex-Presi-
dent Grant. This suggests reference
to the many changes in personal for
tunes wrought by Guiteau's fatal
bullet. Col. Rockwell, Gen. Gar
fields faithful friend would have
been made Quartermaster General
had the late President survived.
But his prospects with those of many
others, Cabinet officers included, are
now changed. 1t is alleged that the
papers for Col. Rockwell's promo
tion were all made out in August,
ready to present for the Presidents
signature should an opportune NOM
ent occur, but Mr.. Blaine-so the
story goes-vetoed the project. At
ter Gen. Garheld's death Mrs. Gar
field wrote to President Arthur on
behalf of Col. Rockwell. About the
same time, Gen. Grant wrote, stat.
ing that he had long desired the APP
pointment of Col. ingalls,, aud In-
gals will be appointed. In the med
ical department OF the Army, Sur
geon General Barnes will be retired