The Dillon tribune., 1882-03-11
Correspondence.
WASHINGTON LETTER
tFsom our regular Correspondent
WAsHINGroN. March ,rd. 1S

WAsH1NGroN, March 3rd, 1852.
The principal event since my last letter
Is the Garfield memorial service, which
brought TO the Capitol Hill the largest
throng since the obsequies in September
and to the inside Of the grand old structure
the most imposing gathering have ever
seen there. The National Capital recalls
but one otl.er occasion to which this NAV
be compared-the spectacle Of the whole
bier; Of the first martvred President, the
heroic Lincoln. The scene was brilliant
and profoundly impressive. The orator,
the most magnetic Of his time, like his
great prototype, Mill Boy Of the Slashes,
had filled great space in the contempora-
rv history Of his country, had been Speaker,
Senator and Secretary OF State, and desired
the Presidency at the hands Of the party, Of
which he was the most idolized member,
only to see II twice snatrhed from him
just as his hands were closing upon the
convicted prize almost within his grasp.
Everybody expected Of MIR. Blaine an
effort worthy Of the occasion, aud so great
was the arxiet, to hear it that as high as
T:S was offered for II single ticket, IL num-
Der equivalent to the pacity Of the hail
havin. been given out by Congressman
days beforehand.
There was conspicuous absence OF
floral decorations, and no display of
mourning sirapery. On the Speakers desk,
reaching up over the parapet Of the ,e-
porters gallery, was a faithful full-lcngth
portrait nf the late President. The tall
spare figure OF General Sherman, the form
Of General Sheridan, and the splendid pro-
portions OF the gallant Hancock, il their
blue and gold unfit rms, while Generals
Howard and Mcig>, occupied seats near
the presiding officer, acting President
Davis. The diplomatic gallery was bril-.
liantly filled, representatives Of all the
nations having legations here being pres
ent, all in court uniforms. The members
OF the Chinese, and Japanese Legations
were attiyed in the costumes OF their count
| ry and attracted considerable attention as
they sat with their heads covered during
the ceremony. \ sister Of Mr.. Blaine
the wife OF Major Walker a retired army
officer, came all the way from Montana, a
distance Of $500 miles to near her broth
cr> Grafton, arrived just in time, and or
going to the Capitol was unable to get /;
seat until given one by the courtesy OF a
stranger. The eulogy was accepted as
meeting the largest expectations Of theau
dience, exalted rs they were. The last forma
tribute to Garfield has now been rendered
First the Inauguration less :han year ago
then the funeral services, and last the; Ma
tion's tribute to the honored dead. Thes,
three scenes, each marking an epoch in ou
history, the Capitol has Witnessed with,
the space OF few months.
| One of the best kept and most genuine
surprises have ever known in publi'
/ atf;lir> was the nomination Of ex.Senato
Conkliny for the Supreme Court. Ii tn,
| fact that The nomination was to he n,ad
was communicated to anybody BY the Pres
ident the custodian OF the secret WAS se
lecttL with unusual care. for State secret
of that kind and even Executive session
proceedings held under sworn pledge o
secrecy, nearly always tind their way out
and into the newspapers. Senator Ed
nunds, it will be remember, q naugurate.
il sort of inquiry into these latter leak
sometime ago, and was unable to find on
whether the report. r had Il secret recess il
the walls or whether thcv invoked the ai
OF clairvoyancv. But the nominations G
Conkliny was really an exception, and tn
man who knew all about it bciorell;,r,'
has not vet been found. On the very ta
it was made Il Senator who WAS suppose,
to have the inside of things told me tin,
chances were that Edlnun.s would bc tn
man. After the Presidents mcsscnge
handed in the little packet and the prcsid
ing officer had opened it, assisted nv tn
CLERK, single glance >utiired for tn
whole Senate to know that so,ncthir
surprising was contained in the message
Judge Davis puckrred up his mouth for
prolonged whistle, but restrained h;mSel
and gave a Jerk Of his head for Senate
Window, who set near, to come up ant
look. The clerk stepped down to- his plac
and was whi>pcrin. to his associate clerk.
The first Senator to come up and look, hur
ritd back aud began whispering to hi
associates. Then, in as dccorous pro
cc>>iOn as the Senators could well form
without bringing all business TO a sto
by ii di>order'ly rush, the members Of tn
Uprer House sauntered up and locke
over the enhancing bit of tin,sv tissue ra
per on which the name OF Rosco Conkl lin
headed the list. No o,c seemed to b
satisfied with the assurance from hi
fellows, but went up to make him>el
doublv assured that there was M erro
about the identity ot the nominee. The
here and there about the floor were group
OF Senators exchanging smiles Of dout
and surprise. What does it mean !:
"Will he accept" ibid he know it:
were a few OF the questions put but no
answered, and within an hour it was til
talk of the town.
! There is in the United States Treasury
tritling matter of about million and a ha
OF dollars belonging to Japan, which thi
country for its own good name should re
turn. 1t is called the Japanese indemnit
| fos ~,