Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1883-02-14
Washington Letter.

WASHINGTON, ID. O., Feb. 10, ~.
During this winter Washington has been
allowed only an occasional day of sunshine
three consecutive days Of fair weather
being considered an especial favor, land the
city saw the lenten season ushered in with
sombre clouds and falling sleet. But the
bad weather did not prevent the morning
and afternoon services ut the different
churches on Ash Wednesday from being
wall attended by -penitential devotees,
whose pale, haggard countenances told
that the end of the season had come mono
100 soon, for the mad rout of the past few
weeks has left we'll defined marks upon
the constitutions and faces of even the
hardest society veterans and wireist of
walters.
The tariff continues to be the absorbing
question at the capitol. The Senate is
rapidly approaching the end of the bill,
and the House, as means of forcing
things. has followed the example of the
Senate in holding nightly sessions. The
republicans understand now that they
must take decided stand on the question
and define their position before congress
adjourns. They will probably let the
discussion 60 on long enough to satisfy
tho country that the democrats will defeat
the bill if possible. and then turn around
and pass the bill as it came from the ways
and means committee. But parliament
tary breaker threatens. The Senate has
tackled its tariff bill TO a House internal
revenue bill as an amendment thereto.
When it cones before the House, point
of order can be raised that the amendment
is not germane to the subject matter of
the House revenue bill, and that the
Senate cannot attach an entire revenue
system TO House bill in The form of an
amendment. The House wonld have nc
objection to the Senate lacking its tariff
bill to the enacting clause of the House
bill. but it is jealous of its constitutional
rights and will defend them regardless OF
party. Business must be done in proper
form, you know. Senator Lamar made a
lengthy speech yesterday upon the tariff
question, which was voted a very able
fort by both political friends and oppo-
| aents. Senators Window. Saunders and
! Ferry are in their seats again this week.
Senator Ferry is reputed a bankrupt
through the failure Of mines in Utah, and
| although his anxiety on the senator ial
question is not yet relieved, does not bear
himself like a ruined man politically or
financially.
1t would seem that the men who build
palaces in Washington never have any
political luck afterwards. Senator Win
| dom, ex Senator Blaine and Mr.. Robson
are warning examples. Senator Pendleton
is forewarned of political decay by the
same token. But then General Butler
builded himself palace here and he is not
vet on the retired list, if there is anything
in signs and prophecies.
Two weddings that have long interested
fashionable circles took place Tuesday
The marriage of Col. Coppinger, major
enth infantry U. S. army, TO Miss Blaine
eldest daughter of the ex.secreiary, was
solemnized at the Blame residence. II
was intended to be very quiet ant
exclusive affair. although hundreds Of
guests were present by invitation. The
wedding of Mr.. Robert Rooms, of Phila
delphia. to Miss Brewster. step.daughtel
of the attorney general, took place at The
Epiphany church, and was the most bril-
liant affair of the kind witnessed ir
Washington this season. The president
honored both ceremonies by his presence
and while on his way, with his daughter
to attend the latter, a panel of his carriage
was crushed by the pole of carriage il
the rear. Neither of the occupants were
hurt, but as they returned from the church
the wheels of the presidents carriage
became locked with those of severa
others, and, knowing the accident would
cause considerable delay, the presiden
abandoned his already damaged drag, ant
walked home with his daughter through
the rain An hour afterwards, the presi
dent, assisted by Mrs. McElroy. severa
ladies of the cabinet, and Others, wa
holding the last White House reception o
the season. which was given to the officer
Of the Amy, navy, and marine corps. thu
ladies of their households, the members o
the diplomatic corps and their families
Special preparations were made for thi
reception, but there was no effort t.
marshal the guests according to rank
each took place in line as he emerge,
from the cloak room. General Sherman
and staff being preceded by two youn.
midshipmen.