The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1884-01-31
WASHINGTON.
Invalid Pensions,

WARRINGTON Jan. 30.-Commissioner Dud-
ley appeared before the House committee on
invalid pensions to discuss the provisions OF a
resolution introduced by Representative Nor
rill of Kansas, which provides that the appli-
cant for pension shall not be compelled to
prove that he was sound and In good health
when he enlisted, and estops the government
from setting up claim that disability existed
prior to enlistment. Commissioner Dudley
thought that law estopping the government
from inquiring into the matter might have the
effect of compelling the granting of pensions
in cases where disability was not incurred in
line of duty. The commissioner informed the
committee that he would prepare bill con-
tanning his views and submit it for the consid-
Grafton of members.
Miscellaneous.
The Senate committee on railroads has or
dered favorable report to be made on bill
granting to the Gulf OF Colorado and Santa Fe
Railroad Company the right of way through
the Indian territory.
The Senate committee on privileges and
elections will probably meet on next Friday to
decide upon limo of action in reference to the
Sherman resolutions
[From Other sources.l
A Chinese Reception in Washington.
Monday being the Chinese New Years, the
Chinese Minister had an informal reception at
his residence in H-street, which was largely at
tended by both ladies and gentlemen. The min
ister, Mr. Oheng Tsao Ju, was assisted in do
ing the honors by his nephew and interpreter,
Nj. Chi Chi Yueng. The Minister'S wife, not
being able to speak our language, and there
being no one here OF sufficient rank to serve
her as an interpreter, has never appeared In
society and docs not preside at any OF these In
formal entertainments at the Legation. Her
baby daughter, whose name, Mi, signifies
America, was present IN her nurses arms, the
nurse wearing the plain dark blue garments OF
lo- al nd fha hohU hnino rAlnlandant in q
little gold embroidered cap and short Lavender
Grape blouse under sleeveless vest OF red
satin. She wore gold and amber bracelets and
gold anklets, and was wonderfully cunning
and perfectly well behaved. Rare mandarin
tea was served by Chinese attendants and
from a fower-laden table ICES, salads, game,
jellies, champagne, and other delicscies were
offered The Chinese Minister occupies the
house that was formerly the residence of Sena-
tor Zachariah Chandler, of Misbigan, and the
parlors contain many choice specimens of Obi
nese art. A portrait of President Arthur
graces the mantel piece, and above 1t Is a por-
trait of the Viceroy of China, LII Hung Gnu.
The Minister'S wife and her daughter, Miss Mi,
retarn to China in about six weeks for an in
definite visit, and Mr.. Cheng Tsao Ju expects
to follow them at the expiration of his term
next December, unless the Viceroy reappoints
him to the combined missions of the United
States, Peru and Portugal of which he now
has charge.
MIR. Reed and MIR. Springer.
washington Correspondence of the Iowa State
Register.]
Mr.. Reed, OF Maine, is one Ct the ablest, az
well as one of the most sarcastic members on
the Republican side of the House, and ii
seems to afford him infinite pleasure to get a
thrust at Springer. An opportunity for him to
indulge in his biting sarcasm at the expense OF
Springer, is frequently presented for the Hill
nois member seems charmed by his own voice,
and never fails to be heard upon nearly every
subject discussed Ia the House. During one OF
his speeches in the last Congress- he said, with
peculiar emphasis. 'Mr. Speaker, l would
rather be right than be President" and Reed
without rising from his chair, sang out, You
will never be either" The effect was electri-
cal. and it was some time before order was re-
stored.
The other day Mr.. Springer offered resolu-
ton as q substitute for another resolution
which had been adopted and Reed objected
hecause the second resolution was upon diff
ferent subject than that embraced in the first
and was not properly q substitute.
Mr. Springer said: "It this is not the proper
noethod of getting this resolution before the
Honse nernsps the gentleman from Maine
will instruct me as to what is the proper meth
3D."
Mr. Reed-'I would not presume to instruct
the gentleman from Illinois
Mr. springer-"Then, perhaps tne gentlle
man from Maiue."
Mr.. Reed-Oh, no; couldn't allow that.
can't afford to be filed up with mlslnlermA
ton"
Then the Speaker decided that the point
was well taken, the resolution was modined
and Springer spent the most of the day In try
ing to recover from the shock.