Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1881-10-12
Letter from Washington.

Mr.. Editor The criminal court has been the
center Of interest in this city during the week
past. Three great cases are now commenced In
IT, The trial Of Guiteau has proceeded to the
point where bill has been found against him
which reterates in eleven formal counts the fact
that James A. Garfield died Of a wound inflicted
by him. The line Of defence is to be, not any
legal clubbing over jurisdiction, but insanity.
Doubtless his brother-in-law, scovile, will find
many proofs that Guiteau has not shown sound
mind, but there has been too much method In his
madness recently to allow doubts Of his sanity to
keep him from his just deserts He is beginning
to realize his position and fear the consequences.
The cases of Captain Howgate and Of the per-
sons implicated in the alleged star route frauds
make up the three prominent ones. The latter
case is too well known to need any comment, and
the former Is like unto 1t, except that Captain
Howgate Is charged with directly helping himself
to some hundred thousand dollars, more or less,
while in the United States signal service. What
ever may be the decision in these cases, 1t Is we'll
that they are called up. In this way officials are
taught that they must live above suspicion, or
answer in court to the charges laid at their door.
II the decisions adverse to the accused 1t will
show that there has been laxity in the admins
tration of the departments by the higher officials
that ought to be remedied The pension office
ring, which has been called into notice within q
few days, is another indication of inefficient
methods of conducting official business. This
ring, It is said, pushed many fraudulent ficti-
tious claims through the office and divided the
spoils among themselves and their associates
outside.
a.. tl.a. ~ 90
has come to an end. 1t has consisted in putting
the senate chamber and ante-rooms into shape for
occupancy, and in reftting and refurnlshing the
hotels for the accommodation Of the senators and
the army OF officeholders which follow them.
The number Of these is not as great as 1t would be
we're 1t certain what disposition President Arthur
will make of them. Certainly he has many and
important appointments TO make, but 1t Is hoped
by some and feared by others that he will not be
good subject for the ordinary otiice-seeker to
work upon He is reticent, and pursues his way
in business-lke manner, receiving callers only
when they have claims on him or he on them.
On Friday he had pleasant interview with the
pastors of the city churches President Arthur
will attend St. Johns church, which previous to
Lncoln's time was conspicuously the presidents
church. 1t has a small cross-shaped structure
and is not far from the White House.
The organization Of the senate is In the han DIS
| of the democrats and the caucuses on Saturday
failed to agree upon any compromise as to senate
officers. Bayard, their leader, who Is to be pres-
dent pro tempore, is rs satisfactory candidate
as they could have offered 1t is to be hoped that
the remaining officers will be as unobjectonable,
and that the business Of the session, which is con
fined to the ratification of few treaties and the
| confirmation of nominations, will be speedily &C.
complished. 1t might be done in a few days, so
far as any one can see
| With the senate in session, the annual fair in
progress, and the reception Of the Yorktown Wis.,
| itors, there Is promise Of a lively week ahead.
This city cannot boast Of three days OF uuremitted
festvity as there will be at Baltimore but there
is to be a respectable military display and an H.
| Elimination, with abundance of fireworks. With
Baltimore near at hand and over twenty trains
daily on each of the two railroads connecting the
cities, Washington people can go at their pleasure
either when, on Monday, the new water works
are opened, or on Tuesday to the.grand concert by
Gimores band and the parade, or on Wednesday
to the great ball which is to be held in honor OF
/ the Yorktown visitors. s.