The Delaware ledger. (Newark, Del.) 1879-19??, 1883-11-03
WASHINGTON GOSSIP.

1t is not hard task at present to keep
abreast of the feeling oil politicians in
Washington over the political situation.
AS the result of sort Of general inter
view, in the course of which your CORES
pendent has talked to leading men of
both parties, and of no party, the con-
clusion is reached that we are all at sea
as to what is to be expected in the future.
Both sides are doing all the blufiing rea-
son will bear, but both are anxious. The
Democrats whistle merrily over the result
of the Ohio election but when pinned
down TO the question whether that cleo
ton is any real indication of a general
gain by them are not able to sustain the
claim that it is. A candid review of
recent elections however gives them the
showing of an advantage. This is more
than offset tho Republicans say by the
superior political situation of their party
and the advantage it will gain this winter
in Congress.
"What are these in general way" 1
said to a political prophet whom was
talking with. swell, speaking gener-
ally" he replied, "The Democrats are
torn all to pieces over their internal, or
party squabbles. They can keep these
things from the knowledge Of the people
as there is no convention or Congress, but
when they once try to organize they will
split into factions which will quarrel so
bitterly and viciously that the public will
be disgusted with them, The Republicans
meanwhile can sit still and watch the
spectacular sacrifice. The performance
will begin with fight over the speaker.
ship, and the offices of the House. Then
the organization of the committees will
ensue, and bring out the ambitious and
jealousies of the leaders. When the SEES
sion is fully under way the responsibility
of the Democrats, having majority o.
sixty is supreme. They must proceed tt
legislate. Now take it outside of thu
appropriation bills there is nothing
know Of upon which they agree upoI
among themselves. The leading issue i
of course the tariff question. They ar
already committed to some action on thi
for they assumed the responsibility of tn
Republican measure last winter. Tn
Republicans wont let them forget it, ant
there are enough hot heads among then
to insist on some legislation on this matter
If they once touch it the party will b
rent assunder. There is no such thing as
harmonious understanding or compac
between the North and South upon trad
questions" Thus unused by Republica
friend, and / set down his opinions 70
what they are worth. The offices owe
which both the houses will have livel
fight, no doubt at the beginning of tn
session offer some very desirable situation
for cold weather.
The presiding officer of the Senate an
the Speaker of the House are each pal
$4,000 per annum. The Secretar
of the Senate holds the next high
est salaried position and is set down 70
$1,000 year. The clerk of the Hous
S5, 100. And the senators and member
each draw So, 600 annually for sacrificing
themselves to the public good. The off
cial reporters and stenographers, seven o
them, are put upon the same financia
footing at So, 900, which is not bad pa,
for clerical work for say five months o
the year. Next in monetary value i
placed the Sargent alarms at $4,000
Chief Clerk at So, 900; the Doorkeeper
at $4,000; Reading Clerks $500; Post
masters at $4,000, and $2,250 respec
lively. There are five clerks in the Sen
ate at 50, 503 per year, and twelve in thu
House at SO, 900 and over. There is alst
a small army of assistants, doorkeepers
messengers, pages, watchmen, janitor
and the like at salaries running down L
$500, and up 10 1000. These places ar,
none of them subjects to the Civil Ser
vice examination laws and requirements
but are open TO political competition.
is said chat owing to the absence of Sen
ator Cameron, who is in Europe, ant
Senator Edmuhds who will not be here i
is thought, the Republican Senators ever
with the aid of Riddleberger, and Malone
cannot elect Republicans to the places
named in the Senate, but will have to bt
content with Democratic employees. The
House will turn out a large number o
Republicans ofllce-holders and fill theil
places with Democrats. Some people
say that this action does not compOrt very
well with the well known Civil Service
reform views of Mr.. Pendleton and hi
followers. IL. j.
OHRISTIANA.