Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1884-12-10
Special correspondence of the SPECTATOR.

Especial correspondence Of the SPECTATOR. ]
WASHINGTON, D. c., Dec. 9Th, 1884.
Less than the ordinary and expected STIR
usual on such occasions, distinguished the
opening of the second and concluding ses-
sion of the 4Sth Congress on the 1st inst.
Only about two-thirds Of the members
were present, but the laegards have been
dropping in all the week, and in a few
days a full attendance is probable. A
quorum, however, is now assured every
day during the short session, as this is
called.
THE BUSINESS OF THE PRESENT SESSION
will be largely Of routine character and
heavy debates and sensational jousts be-
tween the fiery members are not likely to
be witnessed this winter Many important
bills are pending, and several resolutions
of great interest will be introduced shortly
and which will be discussed in genial
way, but no spirited controversies are likely
in the near future.
The situation seems to be that the Re-
publieans have a meek and subdued air
about them, while the Democrats have
been jubilating so thoroughly over their
victory, that the effervescence has in a
measure disappeared, and both sides, pos
sessed Of genial spirit Of compromise, are
inclined to move along smoothly in the
quiet rest CT official life. The country is
SO wealthy, the treasury SO plethoric, that
any reasonable effort 10 reduce taxation
will not be strenuously opposed. Public
buildings will be erected all over the land,
and rivers and harbors will fare bounte-
ously.
The millions now lying idle are tempting
the greedy schemars, and hoary, old claims
will be pressed with unexampled persis-
tency.
SOCIAL LIFE IN WASHINGTON.
The social side of life will demand more
shan the usual amount of time of the Con-
gressmen, and this Washington winter
will be noted for its gay and lively charac-
ter.
If half the private plans now proposed
are carried out, this will be season. long
held in remembrance Of capital life.
This also promises to be an awakening
seaaon for cranks of all degrees, and the
annual parade of these people seems about
opened.
Relva Lockwood startles the stranger, as
usual, by whirling down the avenue on
her tricycle., when she is not lecturing.
DIR. Mary Walker struts through the
Odp1UOl lOOOicS GS VI yOit, Wldii dCl lltOu
and altogether forlorn-looking suit of
clothes, evidently intended for man twice
her size.
Col Pinchorer, the crank possessing mil
lions of imaginary dollars, from Nevada,
is at present in the asylum, but may be re-
leased upon suffering public ere long.
There is quite list of ex-oficials of every
degree, who have sunk to the depths of
poverty from various causes, principally
from decided weakening at the top, who
do not refuse the pittance of aims from
their more fortunate successors. So Wash
ington has its seamy side also.
ASPIRATIONS OF THE COLORED MAN.
One marked feature Of the result of the
late election is the number of colored men
who are gathering here. and who have pro-
nonnced for tho Democracy. Their num-
bers are not yet great, but several letters
have been received from absent others,
who state that they voted for MIR. Cleve-
land, and: seem anxious that the race
should be recognized. This position of
even free colored man may seem rather
remarkable, but some of the leaders of the
race are learning all the tricks OF the wary
politicians, and, in the struggle for bread
and butter, they can draw their emOlu-
ments of q minor government office with
the same facility as their Caucasian friend
and brother.
nom Az, ,s prcppr,or
THE iNh.' ,D - ,1- C1o-..,s-,
1t is at length settleo ehat Mr. Oieveiano
will arrive mere only ie" uays oelo, s M .re
Inauguration, ana WIN ne 'ne su1 a VI wi WI
Lew q. Letter, 1he meal'ny m uelor Ta iioln
Chicago VINO nov occupies iaon oa nf so ~
Shame hDe Ieslueno: d. 'ne ooAo, o y, "1 tha
81, and pennsylvania Asenue' n0"' 'h'