Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1883-03-28
From Our Regular Correspondent
Washington Letter,
WASHINGTON, D. c., Mar. 80, 's3.

WASHINGTON, u. c., Mar. 90, S3.
The bleak east winds that have prevailed
for the past few days and are even now
ushering in the Easter season have had no
benumbing influence upon feminine
interest in new bonnets. These exquisite
trihes must be displayed at church on
Sunday even if snow flakes do mingle
with the roses, daisies, and apple BIOS
SONS. Forty days of fasting, penance,
and remuneration of the vanities of the
world is long time. So, to this end, the
different millinery establishments of the
city have zen thronged on their "opening
days" this week with these eager pur,
chasers, and all who understand these
matters know what height woman s
enthusiasm can attain in purchasing a
new bonnet. The shop windows display
the most tempting arrays of all manner
of beautiful spring novelties, and the
ladies in their never wearying examina'
ton of them are the busiest half of the
population.
The epidemic throughout the depart
ments now is the civil service reform
fever. 1t is the chief topic of converse
ton, and many requests have been made
since congress adjourned for leaves of
absence for six and eight months without
pay, the object being to avoid civil service
examinations should they desire to enter
the public service again.
There are still forty.six congressman
and ex congressman remaining in the
city, whose chief occupation would seem
to be seeking favors from the heads OF
departments. Although law has been
enacted regulating civil service appoint
ments in the government departments,
and civil service commission has been
designated by the president, the demand
for federal patronage according to political
influence is almost as great now as it ever
was. Some congressman who denounced
most strongly the system of appointing
persons to office without regard to their
qualifications can be seen to-day in the
departments begging to have places made
for their constituents. 1t is a noticeable
fact that those who have been relegated to
private life stand but poor chance Of
having any attention given to their re-
quests. The head of the department
summons his appointment clerk and the
two officials exchange glances which each
understand TO mean that rs the endorser
has but little influence he is not to be
favored. He is told that no vacancy
exists at the time, but is promised the
very next appointment provided his
applicant can pass the required examina-
ton (for in such cases they adhere strictly
to civil service principes.) He is directed
TO present his candidate at certain time.
The latter has an ordinary education, and
is capable of performing the work to
which he would be assigned, but he is
subjected to an unusually rigid examina-
tion, and as it was previously understood
he should not pass, he is reported deficient
and his congressman so informed. Those
who have the influence are
working very industriously at the present
time, for they do not know what to expect
when the civil service commission is fully
under way.
The post Office department is to have a
room set apart as q museum for the
accumulated curiosities of the dead letter
office that have come from every cline
and country. The dead letter office has a
national reputation, and many persons
visit it daily. The clerks have been
10 waste 50 much time in
showing The visitors through the office,
md in explaining to them the objects of
that it has been found necessary
O construct museum at the entrance of
he office, where these curosties will be
exhibited in glass cases. An elderly lady
will be placed in charge of the room, and
10 admittance to the Office will be allowed
o visitors in the future. Among the
collection Of odd things to be seen here is
| human ear, a wedding ring, and snake
which was alive when it arrived at the
,ffice, and upon the package being opened
Jumped out and frightened the clerks by
running over the floor.
One of the city papers with a prediction
for searching and exposing corruption in
high places, has declared its intention of
publishing n list of the nepotic office
holders. No one will escape, and space
for three generations in some families
will have to be allowed. The list is to be
some time in April, and since
every one of them will get hit, promises
to be very interesting reading.
Ex-President Diaz of Mexico and party
(fourteen persons in alD are expected to
arrive here next Monday. Rooms have
been engaged at the Arlington Hotel.