The Carbon advocate. [volume] (Lehighton, Pa.) 1872-1924, 1883-02-24
Our Washington Letter.
[Fnon ouR srEclAL ConnEsrorpExr.l J
wAsHINoroN, D. O.. Feb. II. 1883.

FROM OUR SPECIAL CoRREsPofDENT'J
WASHINGTON, d. O.. Feb. II, 1883.
Montford @. Rerdell, one Of the de-
fen1ants in the so-called star.route cases
and one Of the persons convicted at the
last trial, yesterday plead guilty in open
court. Shortly afterward he was placed
upon the stand and proceeded to testify
to his knowledge of the alleged conspir-
acy. lie was still under examination
when the court adjourned. The news of
his confession spread rapidly over the
city, aud the interest in the trial, which
has been more or less dormant during
the niue or ten weeks Of its monotonous
continuance, suddenly revived. The
court room became an object of more
than usual interest and it was speedily
fill d with large aud attentive crowd OF
spectators.
1t is expected the House Of Represen-
tatives will at two more night sessions
complete the legislative appropriation
bill. This will loaye only two addition
al appropriation bills to be reported the
sundry civil and the deficiency. The
river aud harbor bill has been reported,
but has not yet been acted upon. A
number OF members do not believe 1t will
pass.
The ways and means committee has
instructed Mr.. Randall TO ask for sus-
pension of the rules ON Monday next TO
pass bill already reported to the House
to prohibit the importation of adulterated
tea. The Senate committee on commerce,
having the same bill under consideration
has agreed to press the immediate pas
sage of the House bill when it reaches
the Senate.
President Arthur who left for New
York last night to be Que of tue pail
bearers at Ex-Governor Morgap's funeral,
was quartermaster general Of the state Oh
his gubernatorial staff during three years
of the war, of which Office his title OF
G neral is o souvenir. lie was enter
tlined by Governor Morgan at his New
port home last summer, and deeply feels
his personal loss by the latter's death.
It is one of chain of providences which
have visibly depressed the genial spirits
of the President this year, beginning
with the sudden death of Minister Allen,
at the Executive Mansion, on New Year s
morning.
The growing ard grasping monopolies
in this country, though managed with
adroitness in many respects, seem incap-
able of learning the lesson of self-preser-
walton. The railroad kings when they
add another road to their combinations
exult over their increased power to extort
fro the people. When the telegraph
monopoly absorbs competing line the
cost of the purchase is expected to be
drawn from the pockets oc its patrons.
The monopolsts congratulate themselves
upon having fastened their grip more
firmly upon the people and sees only to
use their increased power for selfish pur.
poses. The number of men in Congress
who now advocate the establishment OF
government system of telegraphy is
much greater than year ago. The
ranks of those who urge tho regulation
of railroad traffic by law have been large
ly increased. The growth of the senti-
ment in Congress in favor of government
telegraphy and of railroad legislation
represents the increasing opposition OF
the people to monopolies.
In the United States Senate yesterday
a report was made from the finance com.
mittee in favor of the purchase of Arling-
ton from Gen. Gusts Lee. The tariff
bill was taken up and all the amendments
proposed in committee of the whole dis
posed of. A motion to Increase the duty
on iron ore from so cents to ST. a ton was
voted down. In the House the confer
ence report on the Japanese indemnity
fund bill was adopted. The tariff bill
being under consideration, q motion to
place sugar on the free list was voted
down. At the evening session the con
sideration of the legislative appropria
ton bill was resumed in committee o
the whole. August.
| II I
WASHINGTON Feb. 20. 1883.
Though the session is narrowing dowr
to close limits the outcome of the tariff
di ,cussion. which now occupies almos
exclusive attention, is as much in doub
as ever. Randall and Carlisle are hav
ing BEAUTIFUL struggle for D,mocrati,
leadership, and the prospective speaker
ship. The daily exhibition is watched
with consider .ble interes', not only from
the floor aud the galleries, but the coun
try as we'll. Carlisle" says an old OBJ
server. "has the best of it at this stage
and il the people could see him viii
physical eyes they would be compelled
to admit his vast intellectual superiorit!
over his Pennsylvania rival; but, uufor
tuaatrly for him, the very aggressivenes
which has forced him into prominenc
in the tariff debate is liable to hurt hin
in the long run, Randall would like I,
let hins.lf out, but he is handicappet
by high protective constituency au
compelled 10 go slow and take the mid
die around. This hurts him now, but i
will be apt to help him in the end" Som