San Marcos free press. [volume] (San Marcos, Tex.) 1877-1892, 1881-01-06
WASHINGTON LETTER.
Regular corresponds nee Of the Fsss PsSnl
WASHINGTON, D. G. Dec, %, 80

Irregular corresponds nee Of the FRsx Pskss.l
WASHINGTON, D. G. Dec, %, 80.
After all, the recess does not com.
mence soon enough. An earlier be-
ginning by two days would have
saved the infamous personal alterca-
ton of yesterday between representa-
tive Weaver andrepresentativeS Sparks.
Happily, Or unhappily-I don't know
which-no blood was shed, but such
words as liar, coward, william, scound
rel, etc., were freely used, and blows
were prevented only by the interpo-
sition of members who managed to
keep their heads. One excited gen.
tleman rushed around the place
where Weaver and Sparks were dis
gracing themselves, pulled of ms
coat, and shouted, "If this is q free
fight I want to be in it." No doubt
Mr., Weaver was much more blame
worthy than Mr.. Sparks, but they
both acted and talked like denlzens
of the Five Points. The House
ought to refuse the apology both
the gentlemen will probably make to-
day, and censure them.
Mr.. Wood was unable to get action
on his funding bill when he called it
up yesterday. More opposition was
developed than he expected, though
there is undoubtedly q majority in
favor of the bill. He hoped to get a
vote to-day prior to the ADJOURNMENT,
but will not be able to do so,
Messrs. Wills and Weaver opposed
the bill yestesday.
The army bill, being the ff5h a.
preparation bill, was reported on
Monday in the house. 1t provides
for 25,OO0 men. Amendments will
be offered increasing the number.
The amount of money mentioned In
the bill is 29,OO0,OO0.
The Pension bill for next year, a.
ready passed by the House appropri-
ates $50, 100000. The appropriation
for the present year, which was
about 3O,OOO,OOO, isnearly exhausted
and The commissioner asks for about
$4,000, 900 more I have some know
ledge of this subject, and do not be-
lieve the S5O,O0O,O0o just appropriat-
ed will cover the expenditures OF the
next year by twelve or fifteen millions.
Anunexpected amount of opposition
10 the confirmation of Jadge Woods,
nominated to the Supreme Bench,
has been developed. The vote on
confirmation showed that eight Sena-
tors apposed, but motion was made
to reconsider, and the subject will re
main open until several absent mem
bers return.
The course Mr. HAYES has taken
in relation to army matters-promot.
ing personal or political friends with
out regard to regularity or precedent
and retiring Or omnlitting TO retire
officers for the same insuffic ent rea
son-is sure to have a demoralizing
effect upon the force.
Some feeling is manifested in fa
vor of The Oklahoma sevtlers-Payne
band. There agent is here, and will
see Mr.. Hayes and the Secretary ol
War. He has talked with may
members of Congress. Personally
he is not the man to mike many con
verts, or to secure executive favor,
but the case ofthe settlers now stand:
better than ever before with all class
es of officials because several trusted
army officers who have knowledge OF
the subject have recently declared
their belief in the righteousness ol
what the settlers demand Colonel
Dodge, Just appointed in the staff ol
Gen. Sherman, is one OF these officers
DEN.