The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1881-12-22
Washington.

Washington.
ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE HOUSE COMMIT.
TEEs-A DEMOCRAT ELECTED TO A HOUSE
0PFTCE-PERsOSAL.
From Our Regular Correspondent
/ WASHINGTON, December 21.-The Demo
cratic side OF the House was much thinner
than usual this morning. The announce
ment that the committees would be made
public had but little attraction for them, as
their expectations were not OF that charac-
ter TO justify an enthusiastic attendance.
On the Republican side there were but few
absentees, each in anxious expectation OF a
much-coyeted craftsmanship or a place on a
desirable committee. After reading the
Journal, which occupied mach time, thus
causing some restlessness. The Speaker
had read from manuscript the standing
committees. 1t is usual to have them
printed at the time Of announcement. 1t
is understood that Speaker Keifer was
compelled to make changes up 10 and
within an hour Of the meeting Of the
House. II was evident that some disap-
pointment was created, if the coun-
tenances and conversation Of those in
terested was any indication. The Dem
ocrats were calm, quietly accepting
the positions assigned them. Penn
sylvania being more interested in the
makeup Of the Committee Of Ways and
Means, gets three out OF thirteen OF its
mcmbers-that is, Kelly. Randall, and En-
rett. This is said to be Il part OF the
arrangement by which the vote OF Pennsyl-
yania was transferred to Keifer from His
cock. to whom ii had been pledged. Nr-
ginia gets one chairmanship-Dr. Jorgen-
sen on Committee on Mileage. Tucker is
still on Ways and Means. MeSsrs. Paul
and Fulkcrson have been well provided
for. The impression is that the Committee
on Elections has been constituted TO cor
rect, or, in other words, 10 increase the
Republican majority. Neal, Of Ohio, VINO
is chairman OF the District Of Columbia. Is
pronounced 10y General Ilunton to Dc a
good man for the position.
HOUSE MATTERS.
After the announcement Of The commit
tees several resolutions were ofleredand re-
ferred, amongst them one to pay the COM
mittee clerks Of last session who were COM
PEELED to be present at the opening OF this
Congress a months extra compensation.
This was referred to the Committee on Ac-
counts.
Mr.. Henderson Republican,, Of Illinois.
offered resolution appointing Colonel g..
l.. Bacon. a former Democratic employee, TO
the position OF First Assistant Doorkeeper
Of the House, OF salary Of $4,000 per an
nun. No objection being offered, il was
declared adopted, though il gave afterwards
some dissatisfaction TO the Stalwart Repub-
licans.
The House took a recess Of thirty min
utes in order to allow the return OF two
Joint resolutions which had passed both
houses, and had been sent TO the President
for his signature, after which il adjourned
until the 9TH of January.
SENATORIAL LEGISLATION.
Mr.. Call. of Florida, addressed the Sem
ate i'm advocacy OF the bill for the protec-
ton OF homestead settlers under the laws
of the United States with his usual ability
and earncstneSS. Senator Johnston intro
duced to-day two bills in regard to w.
Wheeler IIubbel's improvements in fire
arms. The resolution to appoint an assist
ant to the head of the Senate document
room was further discussed, and finally
went over until after the holidays. After
an executive session the Senate adjourned
until after the holidays.
BRIEF NOTES.
jack Grayson, who, by resolution Of the
House. has been made q messenger in
charge OF the seal-room, was appointed a
PAGE in the Fortyfourth Congress. He is
engaged in merchandising at LTay, Page
county. Representative Flowers, OF New
York. gives weekly entertainments to his
political friends. This gentleman, on ac-
count Of his limited means, was elected
over Astor, the millionaire. General Gil
bert 5. Meem, Of shenandoah, Va, one Of
the most successful farmers in the
state. is in the city. He called on the
Commissioner OF Agriculture to-day.
Senator Johnston leaves for Richmond
tomorrow. Senator Garland, OF Arkan-
sas. occupied the chair dufing portion Of
the session of the Senate. General John
b. Gordon, of Georgia, was ut the Capitol
to-day. About one half Of the members OF
both houses will remain in the city during
the holidays. The day has not been set for
the memorial services on the life and char
actcr OF President Garfield. President
Arthur had a number Of callers from mem-
bers leaving the city.
Associated Press Reports 10 The Dispatch.I
NOMINATIONS BY THE PRESIDENT.
WASHINGTON, December 2l.-The Presl-
dent sent the following nominations to the
Senate to-day: Pierre c. Van Wyck, OF
New York, to be superintendent of the
ASSAY Office. New York city; Jesse Spald-
inc. collector OF customs for the district OF
Chicago. H.: AionZo j. Edgert0n, Of
Minnesota. chief Justice OF the Territory Of
Dakota: Napoleon Il. Johnston, post
master Of Weatherford, Tex.
The &uifeau Trial.
WASHINGTON, December 2l.-ln the Gui-
team trial DR.. Hamilton was croSS-eXamined
and testified that he believed Guiteau to be
sane.
DIR. Worcester, OF Salem, was then called
and testified TO the same effect.
FrishtfuI Plunge Of an Engine IN the
Chicago River.
CHICAGO, December 2l.-As IN engine
and nay-car OF the Northwestern railroad
were nearing the bridge across the north