South Branch intelligencer. [volume] (Romney, Va. [W. Va.]) 1830-1896, 1884-03-28
Letter from Washington.
Washington, d. C.. March p.

There il much interest on all sides
to know jnst what position the MAORI.
ty in the House will take on the Nor.
rison Tariff bill, and Tor two weeks
past the question has been earnestly
discussed, among the Democrats,
whether il should be. made q party
matter and sanctioned by caucns nc.
ton. Beyond all question, large
majority Of Democratic Representa-
tives are in favor of The bill, and il q
caucue is held ii will be adorted. But
Mr. Randall and some others IRE not
disposed to be bound by such action,
il taken Eforts have been made to
arrive at an understanding, bat, as
yet, none has been affected. It is IN
fortunate that united front cannot
be presented and harmonious action
secured. In view OF all the circum.
etances it seems unfortunate that the
question should have come up at this
time. yet 1t ia now the leading qnes.
ton in our politics and one that must
be met sooner or later. Nothing can
be gained by q policy of lodging and
cowardice. If the Democratic masses
are for tariff reform, as they undoubt-
eddy are, the party in Congress cam do
no less than show the courage Of their
convictions, and stand or fall BY the
position taken. The policy of hav.
ing TO policy and of sanding round
waiting for something 10 turn up run
ming for cover every time a.ything
happens, is not lofty or winning bus>
mess for any party.
| 1t has been again said lately that
Secretary Lincoln would resign his
place in the Cabinet because his name
is mentioned in connection with the
Presidential nomination. But would
not advise him to do it. His candida.
ture, if such it is, grows out of sem
timent that might possibly give Lim
second place on the ticket, but hardly
the first. The only strength he poss-
esses is that which he derived from
the great name of his father and the
affection in which his memory is held
by the people. Charlie Farewell, of
Chicago, who Is the leader Of the op-
position in Illinois to General Logan,
may use Lincoln in an effort to de
! privc Logan of few delegates from
that State, but at this time Mr.. Lin,
coin does not occupy much epace rs
Presidential candidate. iii, nom;-
nation for the first place would be as
great a surprise to the Republican
managers as was that Of Garfield in
| 1880. For the second place Mr.. Lin.
coin stands an excellent chance, pro.
vided, OF course, Logan should fail to
get the FIRST place. Either Blaine and
Lincoln, or John Sherman and Lin.
coln would possess greater strength
than TO name Lincoln for the tlrst
place in connection with any of the
names that are li'>ely 10 be presented
For the Vice presidency.
When the Keifer- Boynton investi-
eating committee sent to the Treasu>
ry Department last week for few of
fetal papers. they were very much
surprised TO lave the venerable Sec
rotary come TO the committee room in
person to deliver them-a duty which
could have been performed by any
messenger or clerk, as no subpoena
had been Issued for anybody. Apro.
pos to this, l heard god story the
other day about the Secretary 1t il.
Illustrates his way of trying to do eve
rything and depending on others for
nothing, a habit which has naturally
made his duties IN the department We.
ry arduous. A gentleman who knew
about this habit of his, conversing
with him one day remarked: Mr..
Secretary, sec you do everything in
this department except one thing
what is that?' said Mr.. Folger.-
why, you don't run the elevator
said the gentleman. That is about
the only thing he does not do.
Mr.. Thos. Il. KeoSh, Republican
politician of North Carolina, says that
did him injustice in the statement
some time ago that he way playing
poker with Dorsey and Tom Bowen
here at ChamberIain's. II NAV be
that my information was incorrect.
But seeing him in company with two
noted players, IN place where high
toned gentlemen are said to meet for
that purpose sometimes, led to the
conclusion that he was in the game.
| never saw him play, however, and
having no desire to create wrong inn
preston freely give him the benefitof
his statement that he never played
poker in Washington in his life and
never even saw Dorsey and Bowen
play. The saying that a man is
known by the company he keeps may
not always hold good, especially in
Washington. II il did we might az,
sure That the Republican ranks here
contain only Star-route thieves, bal
lot bribers and political rascals gen.
orally. Paoyo.
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