The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1882-12-02
Washington Letter.
(RepulRr @,
WASHINGTON, ID. c., Nov. 20, 1888:

WASHINGTON, ID. c., Nov. 20, 1882.
In two weeks from today the Thirty
seventh Congress will assemble for its f.
nal session. A large number of senators
and members are already here, and during
the past week many familiar faces, absent
during the vacation, have been seen on the
streets and about the lobbles of the hotels.
The session Will be short, for the
term OF the present congress Will ex.
pire on the 4th OF March, and if the usual
holiday adjournment is taken there will be
scarcely more than two months for leg,sa-
tive work.
The message OF the president is under
stood to be nearly ready Tor presentation to
congress, and it's rumored that it will
urge the adoption of radical civil service
reform measures, the almost total abolition
of the present internal revenue system, and
a reduction of tariff duties. 1t is not be.
lieved, however, by those who know the
temper OF congress, that any important
changes IN the tariff will be made this
session.
The first business that Will come before
the house of representatives Will be rela-
tive to nearly two hundred bills passed by
the senate and now awaiting the action of
the house. These bills are simple in their
character, and many have already been fa-
vorably reported upon by house commit.
tees. 1t Is thought that the larger number
will be passed without debate.
The secretary of war will recommend
that no river and harbor bill DO passed this
session, there being an unexpended sur
plus OF S0,O0O,OOO from the appropriation
OF last session. Gen. Sherman in his re-
port has urged an increase of the army,
but it Is not probable that congress Will
see necessity for such increase. No I'm.
portant Legislation, it IS thought, will pre-.
vail IN relation to either the army or the
navy. Appropriations will be passed main.
tanning the military and navy establish.
ments at about their present status. There
Is much talk in both the army and navy
departments of more rigid enforcement
OF real service upon large number OF
gilded shirks from West Point and from
the naval academy, who manage TO remain
at Washington, New York, Fortress Mon
roe, Philadelphia and Boston, or who get
Oft to Europe, on full pay, thus securing
the delights of society and travel at the ex.
pense of the taxpayer, and uniting them.
selves for the work they were educated at
public expense to perform. 1t is doubtful,
however, If legislation can affect this much
needed reform. Army and navy officers
are so entrenced by relationship and mar.
rage connections with influential senators
and members that nothing short of hero.
ism that plucks ont the offending right
eye Will eradicate this evil.
It's expected that the coming fashlona-
Die season will be brief, busy and bril-
liant. 1 am told by real estate agents that
the demand for houses Is greater than II
has ever been before, and hotel keepers
say that this promises to be the most pros
porous season they have known. The
Garfield Memorial FAIR will bring large
number of visitors to the city, and many
more are expected to come with the begin.
ming OF the congressional session. A large
number will doubtless remain until the
adjournment OF Congress.
Those who are familiar with the capital
Will not fail to observe improvements of
both public and private character. The
work of demolishing and rebuilding has
been going on all summer Many elegant
private residences have been built and
many streets have been paved and other
wise improved. A new sidewalk has
been laid on the north side of Pennsylva.
MIA avenue the entire distance from the
capitol to the treasury department, and this
national promenade will doubtless again
attract the distinguished and fashionable
throng that had almost deserted II.