New Ulm weekly review. [volume] (New Ulm, Minn.) 1878-1892, 1881-12-21
Washins i Letter.
Washington. ID. C. Dec Il

w aStllngCOn, u. VI, Dec., 1881.
Here we are again, looking down.
from tho nnclouded heights Of the
Reporters Gallery upon the Con-
gress of the United States. Below
are the chosen representatives Of IF.
ty millions of the most progressive
people in the world. The house has
not yet been called to order, and,
for this reason, perhaps, is in grea,
dis order. Maine is shaking hands
with Texas; Western heartiness and
Southern warmth are actually pat.
ting each other on the back, from
Oregon to Florida; whole Massachu-
setts and South Carolina have half
lost their indentity in this common
Hall of States. We see no political
sections or bi-sections yet; and the
only shades Of blue and grey are no
ses aud grey heads. All are moving,
writhing, talking, laughing, and
greeting each other with the aban-
don of boys returned to the campus
of their Alma Mater after long Sc.
paration. And what an eventful Sc.
paration it has been! A few sit
alone and take but little part in the
genial h.bbub These are. the 1e-
Gently elected Freshmen, who are
on the eve of their first session.
They will soon feel at home in the
House and in Washington, howev.
er, tor, outside the Army, the Ma.
w, and the holy village Of George
town, there is not much caste in the
Capital of the United States. If a
member of Congress has wealth, or
influence, or a fore. father, he may
even be able to penetrate thu above.
named ''quite too utterly utter
heightened circles. But see, the
hand on the dial points to twelve.
The sharp rat-ta.tat Of the gavel is
heard. To your seats legislators!
Divide yourselves antagonistically,
irreconcilably, politically, North.
South, East, West; tariff, and anti.
tariff; Republican and Democrat,
while the pale chaplain intones a
blessing on your common country
and the United States, Amen! And,
now the formality Of electing the
elect of the caucus is finished, Spea-
ker Kiefer is conducted to the chair
by Ex.Speaker Randall and Mr.. His
cock, and, for the first time in six
years, the Republicans have com.
plete legislative control of the coun.
try. Now, gentlemen, perform,
your promises made ON the hust
ings, and proclaimed in plat.
forms, to say nothing Of your un
published promises of place and pre-
ferment, that you should never have
made, to influential constituents,
and, above all, be virtuous and the
country will be happy.
No committees are yet formed,
and it is too early to fortell the
course Of legislation. Besides, it is
so much safer to reflect than to pre-
dict. What momentous changes
have taken place since Congress ad.
journed at II NJ. on the 18th of
March! And what momentous
changes must yet take place, will
take place, during the next month
in the executive offices and thu ough.
out the immense civil service of the
United States, all on account of the
loathsome reptile, whose worse thai
worthless life is now being weighed
in the balance Of law, under the sha.
dow of the Capitol.
The Senate met, duly organized,
and with only about two.tl irds 70 the
senators in their seats. At ha|f.past
one o'clock, both houses of Congress
were ready for BUSINESS, and sent a
joint committee, Of two senators
and two members. to adyise the
President of the fact.