Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1882-06-14
WASHINGTON GOSSIP.
TARIFF COMMISSION SWINDLE.
Florida Place HunterS-Rev. w. w.
Hicks Again-The HOteI LObbles
Thinning out.

WASHINGTON, June 12.-The Tariff Commits
sion continues to attract the most attention of
any topic just now. One point of interest, and
a minor one, is the fact that two members of
the commission as nominated have declined.
These are Phelps. of Missouri, and Wheeler,
ex-Vice President, of New York. 1t is stated
by some that the vacancies caused by their
declins alton will be taken advantage of by the
President to allay if possible the animosity to
the commission which is expressed in terms
not to be mistaken. The way the President
is supposed to intend allaying the opposi-
ton to his high protection commission is
by the appointment of anti-high-tariff men in
the place of those who have declined. Such
course on mis- part would certainly tend, to a
certain extent, in that direction, but would not
entirely soothe righteous wrath There has
been quietly discussed among Senators and
members what appears to be a well-founded
charge Of bad faith somewhere in this commits
sion. he idea of commission on the tariff
originated with ex-senator Eaton, of Connect
cut, Democrat, who went out in 1881 The
bill which he originally proposed was practi
cally the one which has become a law When
there was some doubt whether the bill
would become a law, ex-senator Eaton
came on here and had an interview about it
with the President-in fact he had several in
terVlewS with him on the subject The result
or these personal interchanges of views was
that Senator Eaton assured the Democrats.
who were the opponents of the bill, that if it
went through five out of the nine men,
bers of the commission would be anti-high-
tariff men. When the commission was nomi-
mated there was not such man on the whole
list Here was the bad faith. Those who know
Ex-senator Eaton also know that the bad faith
could not have been his part. 1t is certain
that the commission bill could not have gone
through but from the assurances which the
Democrats had that the full minority of its
nine m0mbArS WOnl1 he of tbPir vi of fhiulr-
ing There is a tinge of scandalous interest
given to even such dry subject as the tariff
SOME INTERESTING FLORIDA MATTERS
Here are some Florida points. Howell, who
has been here for some time looking after his
confirmation as Collector at Fernandina has
Senatorial Slnction. e. N. Shipman, who
wanted Howelrs place. has also gone back to
FlOrida-or will go in few days Ex-Lieut.
Governor Ledwith is here making a break
for the Postmastership at Jacksonville, and is
exercising considerable vigilance and industry.
Despite this, however, it seems to be fairly
certain that Jay, the present incumbent, will
be reappointed Dennis, the so-called Little
Giant OF Alachua, has been here some time
looking for recognition" on the part OF the
administration. Not having received it he
has gone over to New York to recuperate and
then renew the attack. Judge McBee Is here
and wants very badly to be made Collector at
Key West in place of Wicker He will proba
bly, be disappointed, and Wicker get another
mated for Collector at St. Augustine. will proba-
bly, be confir med this week and then go home.
J. M. Tarble will get his confirmation this week
Gs Postmaster at Pensacola James Curry
will probably be made special agent of the
Treasury Department shortly.
The commission of Epping, as Postmaster of
DARN. has just been sent him, His wife has
been appointed his Deputy Postmaster.
THE REV W. HICKS" AGAIN.
The REV" w. w. Hicks, who announces
himself from Florida and who always turns
up in sort of sensational way when least eX
pected, has again come to the surface. 1t is
not necessary TO tell the people of Georgia and
Florida who this clerical mountebank ana
fraud is. His record is too well known. He
has been working upon the susceptibiities Of
a congregation in this city which worship at
what is known as the Tabernacle Hicks
breaches good sermon and then goes away,
l am creditably informed, and INDUCES in
quiet game OF draw poker for the drinks with
the boys. He apes Talmage in pulpit gymnastics
and sensational discourseS He has not been
prominent. however, for some time until the
present. Now he is again prominent. Guiteau
has accepted him above all others as his spir
itual (witnout the poker accompaniment ad
wiser. This will give Hicks a chance of which
he will not be slow to take advantage He will
play it for all the notoriety there is in it. It is
perhaps most fitting that Guiteau, who became
an assassin because he could not get an office,
should select for his adviser a broKen-down
politician, who returned to the ministry be-
cause he could no longer hold office in the
South 1t is certain that with Hicks to guide
him Guiteau will go the right way.
HAULING OFF.
The crowd that has been IN Washington dur
ing all the session is thinning out. The hotel
lobbies begin to look deserted, and the corri
dors of the capitol have not as many button
holers as a few weeks back. This is a sure
sign that most Of the legislation is over, and
that particular schemes and jobs stand no
chance as rule, of receiving consideration
at this session. In fact, the business of the
session. except the regular appropriation bills
and an election case or two. is through with.
There is no use of the promoters of egsIa-
tion tnging around. Therefore they are de-
parting. And it is not bad thing for the city
that they are going. Potomac.