The Carbon advocate. [volume] (Lehighton, Pa.) 1872-1924, 1881-12-17
WASHINGTON.
[Fson OUR RKouLAR CoRREsPoNDrNr.l

The opening of the first regular session
of the Forty seventh Congress was attend
ed with more than the usual interest at
tached 10 such an important event II is
remarked that there are now more straD-
gers here than at the opening of any
Congress since the first session was
changed from inaugural week to the first
Monday in December. This is naturally
Incidental to the beginning of a new ad-
ministration conformity with the opening
session. The hotels are rarely so crowd
ed as at the present time. When the
House opened it was shown that there
was a very full attendance. The absen-
tees were so few that IL seemed as If every |
man was in his seat. The sight within
was very exhilaratirg one. The sea of
faces rising from the lower tier and bank
ed high toward the cornices presented an
unbroken surface, save in the space re-
served for the diplomatic cops, There
but half dozen foreign gentlemen with
a single lady could be seen. Below, up
on the floor of the House, the
m mbers were chatting and laughing and
shaking hands as II they had met for the
first time in many months and we're very
glad indeed to be there. Like the crowd
Of spectators, they had gathered early
and appeared to be in frolicsome mood.
Of course all eyes in The galleries were
bent on those who are expected to be the
principal actors in the national drama of
legislation. Among those were Mr.. Kei-
fer, the Republican nominee for the
Speakership; Mr.. Randall, the Speaker
that was; Messrs. Kasson, Hiscock, Dur
nell and half dozen others, Speakers
who wanted to be. Around each of the Sc
figures clustered busy and talkative lot
of gentlemen discussing the topic of the
hour. New members were being intro
duced here and there to the veterans, and
the latter we're making themselves gener-
ally agreeable, as if in anticipation of the
votes to come. There was an internal
seriousness during the taking of the vote
for Speaker and good many side tally
sheets were kept by those impatient ones
ment of the result. The result showed
2S5 votes, 143 of which were necessary
fer choice. OF these Keller received
l4S, Randall 129 and Ford, the Green
back candidate 8. The result is gener-
ally accorded as due to the stalwart in
fuences which were brought to bear at
the decisive moment. 1t is, in truth, q
victory for the administration, and is SO
frankly admitted by the intelligent
crowds of gossiping politicians.
Cabinet news is confined entirely to
speculation. II there is any body in Wash
ington except President Arthur who
knows the slate it is some one that can
keep secret. The only thing which
everybody seems to think settled is that
Mr.. Frelinghauysen is to have the State
Department. Mr.. Howe is no longer
talked Of Senator Chaffees name is still
canvassed. Secretary Lincoln is thought
sure to stay, and Mr.. Hunt likely to go.
Boutwell, is a possibility, little more.
Lopgstreet and Settle are talked of il
Hunt goes out, and Gen. Beall is still
considered by limited circle as among
the possibilities.
The defence in the Guiteau trial closed
its testimony on Tuesday, and it is con-
ceded by everyon= that the assassin has
been doing considerable hard work in the
erection of his own gallows.
The President took possession of the
White House yesterday. The gossips
have not yet settled the question as TO
whom will belong the honor of being the
first lady of the land, but as the Presi-
dent has shown himself equal to greater
emergencies than this, it is presumed he
will be equal to this one also. The White
House has always been mecca" to the
stream OF strangers constantly pouring
into the city. Many of them are here
only for day, and may never be in the
city again, aud to miss entering the Presi-
dental Mansion when they are on the
very threshold is to some lifelong dis
appointment. What interests centers
about the old place! Every nook and
corner has its own peculiar interest. Con-
gress may appropriate the money for and
architects and artisans may plan and
build in more healthful spot more
imposing structure. but it will lack the
charm surrounding the present site.
New faces are daily seen promenading
our streets, and the fact that their own
ers are strangers is evidenced by the de-
light exhibited at our commodious side
walks, broad, clean, and well-paved
streets, and our system of parking, the
beauty of which the frost has not yet
greatly marred save in the removal of the
leaves from the trees. As one beautiful
girl was heard to remark upon the Avenue
yesterday, Il find the grass is still n
beautiful green here and the air AS nalmy
as early spflng; yet at nome "heh lel'
we had slight suow-storm and every
thing wore the desolate look of winter
The fact that has so often been stated
that Washington was the most desirable
city as a residence in the country, aDC
especially i'll the winter months, is fast
becoming recognized by the wealthy ant
refined in every state. AUGUST.
FRoM OUR SPECIAL CoRRKsPoNDEsT.1
WASHINGTON, Dec. IL, 1881.
At no time since the war has Congress
r assembled under such favorable auspices
. as the present, We have no foreign trou
( bles to annoy us aud are confronted by
= nothing but peace and prosperity a
/ home. The financial condition of oul
q ! IL. hatta. th., .,,a. l. -