Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1881-04-22
WASHINGTON LETTER.

w Ds W., Iot
II is not quite clear what these old rock
rooted Bonrbons OF The Senate expect to
gain by their present policy of obstruction,
in opposition to the Republican majority
of that body; but 1t IS evident that they
propose to keep it mp. The debate drags
along from day to day with only an occa-
sional episode to break the monotony.
There is no prospect of ending the farce
without interference of the President in
some way, and for all that can now be fore
seen, an all summer session, or play at
session, is imminent. Important us it is
that nominations now before the Senate
should be confirmed, the Republicans can
not yield their struggle for the principle OF
majority rule. Besides it is lle duty of
the Republicans TO stand up TO the support
of Senator Malone, who has undertaken,
singlehonded, as it were, 10 break Bourbon
power in the Solid South. The position of
the gallant Malone is certainly trying
one, standing MS lie does the tnrget of as
sault from the entire Democratic battery.
But he has met all corners with blow for
blow, as Ben Hill and the Tall Sycamore
OF the Wabash can testify. Meanwhile
the traditional "courtcsv of the Senate"
is getting some very heavy strokes. I'm.
less something occurs to change the aspect
OF affairs during the ensuing week, il Is be-
lieved that only few Senators on each
side will remain, and that they will sim
ply watch each other and adjourn from
day to day from now until Fall.
The financial policy of Secretary Win.
dom, especially that relating to The manr-
ing bonds of the Government, isa absorb
ing subject in financial aud political circles
at present. Undoubtedly the great major
ity OF all parties approve the course he has
adopted, and unquestionably, so far as
it goes, accords with the views OF a major
ity OF both houses of Congress, ms expressed
through the enactment of the Funding bill.
But there IS grave legal or constitutions
al question involved, which sufIices to
throw cloud over an otherwise satisfacio-
ry situation. 1t is n question whether the
Secretary has the power to extend or con.
time the bonds called in at Il lower rate OF
interest, orat any other rate of interest. If
he has power to continue six per cent. he
Wou'N h"'C S'lubt pOWel " COutluue lHt
same bond Mt ten per cent. In other words,
if it is in his discretion to reduce the rate
OF interest, il is equally in his power to
increase 1t, and there are serious doubts
whether any such exercise of discretion
rests with the Secretary. What would be
the sense of Congress spending three
months in discussing the subject of interest
and refrnding if, after all, the discretion
raotal ~; hn Il r
Treasury Department? In this case the
action taken Is generally approved, and
works to the advantage OF the Government !;
but in some other case the exercise of this
same discretion might produce very differ
ent results. From advices so far received,
it is evident that nearly all holders OF the
six per cent. bonds called in will accept
the offer to continue them at three and
one-half per cent, and it is expected that
call for the five per cents. accruing will
be made upon the same terms.
While political matters are at a COM
para,ive s,nnd-still, there are other things
in and around the National Capital which
may be written about to the interest and
profit OF people at distance. The Con-
gressionnl Library, Government Printing
Office, Bureau of Engraving and Printing
the new Museum and numerous other in.
stitutions will furnish material for coming
letters, tos say nothing Of the things thai
are likely to happen. Looking through
the new Navy and State Department build.
ing day or two ago, discovered what nm
inviting office the new Secretary has. Ii
beats everything ever saw. "A life or
the ocean wave" may have its charms fol
the bold mariners OF the Navy, but
doubt not many of them are ike the Ad
miral in " Pinafore," who says:
when the winds begin to blow
l generally so below"
YET better than this is remaining on shor,
in such marble halls and cosy apartment,
as those now occupied by that hearty old
salt who commands our immense Navy
Polished marble and rosewood, rich carpets
and glowing CRATES have an attraction tina
is irresistible, especially in such weathe
as Vennor has inflicted upon us of late.
This new building which is now nearl,
completed, is the most elegant and lnxuri
ons OF all the Department buildings. On
OF the most beautiful rooms in il is the Ii
brary, which is said to exceed in splendo
anything OF the kind in this country. Th
reception room is thirty by forty feet, an,
ia inlaid will, the finest English tiine
The center.pece is very imposing, and rep
resenls blazing star. The walls are orna
mented with panels OF malachite, with
narrow borde! OF Sienna marble and n wi
der border of red girotte from France. Tn
whole panel is encased in a massive iro
frame, richly bronzed. These panels ar
separated by pilasters ol:the Corinthian OF
der OF architecture. The second story /
open to the room, and is guarded with
handsome bronze balustrade, ornaments
with NEUROLOGICAL figures and inlaid will