Clarksville weekly chronicle. (Clarksville, Tenn.) 1873-1890, 1882-12-09

The First Day OF the Sessfon.-A
View from the Reporters Cal
Iery.-TabIaux Vfvanf.

View from the Reporters GaI-
| iery.-TabIaux vivanf.
From our regular Correspondent
Here we are again, looking down
from the unelouded heights of the
Reporters Gallery upon the Con-
gress of the United States. Below
are the chosen representatives of
fifty millions of the most progress
i've people in the world. The House
has not been called to order, and for
this reason perhaps, is in great 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; while Massa-
chusetts and South Carolina have
half lest their individuality in this
common Hall of States. We see no
political sections or bi sections yet
no shades of blue and gray. ALI are
moving, writhing, talking, laugh
ing, and greeting each other with
the abandon of boys returned to the
campus of their Alma Mater after
long separation. And what an
eventful separation it has been
But see, the hand on the dial plate
points to eleven. The sharp RATA
tat of the gavel is heard. To your
seats, Legislators Divide your
selves antagonistically, irreconcila-
bly,, politically, North, South, East,
West, tariff and anti-tariff, Repub-
lican and Democrat, while the pale
chaplain intones blessing on your
common country, the United States,
amen!
Now, gentlemen, perform your
promises made on the hastings and
proclaimed in the platforms, to say
nothing of your unpublished prom
ises of place and preferment, that
you should never have made, to in
fiuential constituents, and above all,
be vituous, and the country will be
happy.
1t Is too early to foretell the course
Of legislation. Influential members
and Senators do not hesitate to ex-
press their views, bat the views of
Legislators do not always result in
accomplished legislation. There is
wide consensus of opinion among
the Republicans that there should
be an almost total abolition of In
ternal revenue duties, but it is be-
lieved that a majority of Congress
will oppose any change in the whis-
ky, beer and tobacco taxes, which
make the bulk of the internal reve-
nue. assessment. A large element
of the Republican side of the house
and Senate, whether tariff men or
free traders are opposed to any re-
duction whatever on whisky and
tobacco, though they may consent
to slight reduction on the latter.
1t is believed that no comprehen-
sive review OF the tariff schedules
will be made, but it is possible that
the tariff may be removed from a
dozen or two articles on which there
is universal agreement.
There will doubtless be much
discussion of the civil service re-
form question, and it is probable
that bill fixing the tenure of Office
during good behavior for stated
term of years will be passed.
The second trial of the Star-route
cases is set for to-day in the Crimi-
nal court. By reason of the recent
developments, public interest in
these cases has been much intensi-
fed. The selection of the new jury
will be watched with the most Wig
liant scrutiny, both by the govern
ment counsel and the counsel for
the defense. Public sentiment is
strong that conviction is sure to
follow this second trial, and the
counsel for the government express
the utmost confidence that such
will be the result. The govern
ment counsel aver that they have
additional and exceedingly impor-
tant testimony of a most convinc-
ing character to offer. The defend
ants are very frequently seen in
public places, but they look much
subdued and have little to say.
Washington, Dec. 4, 1882.