St. Landry democrat., 1884-02-16
WASHINGTON LETTER.
From Our Regular Correspondent.
FEBRUARY, 5th, 1884.

SET QOWH 10 1JS cEGuib Gildb IL dHb1RU-
nized Railroad grabs. 1t earned this
praise by its action last Thursday in
restoring to the government five mil
lion acres of land grants. A number
of railway kings had appeared before
the Public Lands committee, with the
most plausible arguments in defense OF
their monopolies but their eloquence
had fallen on deaf ears. No filibuster-
ing, no tricks, no parliamentary devices,
have been able to prevent action on the
bills called up by Chairman Cobb for
forfeiting the grants to eight corpora
tions in the Southern States. Mr.. Cobb
briefly explained that these corporations
had never completed their roads; most
Of them had never begun them, and yet
under the decision of the Supreme
Court the lands were valueless until
Congress declared them forfeited.
While Mr.. Cobb was speaking Members
left their seats and crowded closely
around him. In moment the vote was
taken and the notorious Texas Pacific
grant which involves the title to sixteen
million acres of superb land was declar-
ed forfeited. 1t was the one for which
&C. P. Huntington pleaded, and for
whicd he said he would fight in the
courts even if Congress did declare it
forfeited.
The Senate having held only two full
day sessions last week, but little work
was accomplished except in committees.
Business TO be disposed of during the
present week includes first, as uninish-
ed business, the bill for settling private
land claims in certain States and Terri
tories. Then the Mcpherson banking
bill is likely to be taken up in advance
of its order on the calendar, as are also
Mr.. Edmunds Civil rights bill, and his
anti Mormon bill.
In the House to-day during the call
of States for the introduction of meas
sures. Mr.. Morrison expects to present
his revenue reform bill providing for a
twenty per cent reduction in the tariff.
Mr.. Converse, who several days ago Of
fered to the House pack of petitions
from the farmers, and wool growers of
Ohio, asking for restoration of the
duty on wool, contemplates making
short speech in favor of free wool which
Mr.. Hurd expects to oppose. Mr.. Con-
verse says the tariff legislation of the
last Congress inperiled the business of
three million men in this country who
are interested in wool growing, and this
Legislation not only affects the industri-
al, but also the political outlook.
The Keifer- -Boynton scandal has been
a fruitful subject of comment around
the Capitol. The ex-Speaker has been |
unsparingly criticised for abusing his
privilege of the floor in an undigDifed, |
malicious attack upon Gen. BoYnton,
who, not being a member, could not re-
ply to him. The exhibition made of |
himself in this speech has made the Re-
publicans more ashamed than ever of |
their support of Mr.. Keifer. A resoln-
ton, authorizing an investigation OF |
the charges made by him against the
Washington Correspondent, was adopt
ed, and it is thought the bottom facts
will place the Republican leader in an
unenviable position. It is rumored |
shere is strong probability OF his being |
served with resignation appeal similar
TO that with which Senator Malone was
served Speaking of Malone reminds
me that, Notwithstanding bis recent
failure to carry Virginia, to incite the
negroes against their white employers;
and to taunt Democratic Senators to an
CRY retort; one eminent success has
crowned his efforts. He has secured a
elerkship in the Capitol for his son.
Mr.. Belmont Of New York is opposed
TO the inspection plan of pork, partly on
acc0unt of its doubtful legality, and
will introduce resolution of inquiry as
TO the eonstitutianality of such proceed
Mre. He says that the adoption of the
system would create another army of
Republican Office holders, with little to
Enn the politics of their respective dis
tTicts. He strongly fayors the retalia
tory policy.
An old bill reintroduced in the Senate
provides for the election by the people
Of Postmasters, Marshals, District At
t0rneys, and other United States Off
GERS, and new bill prevents any State
from imposing license taxes on CONNER
efal travellers.
Prohibitionists are trying to carry the
Capitol by storm. The senate was lit
orally overwhelmed Thursday with PEE
titions, signed BY thousands of people
III Che states and taPTitorieS. nravinr fha