The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1884-12-05
WASHINGTON LETTER.
From our regular Correspondent
NN-NL. 1904


Inauguration gossip is prevalent in
Washington just now. Local Demo-
cratic organizations have been quarrel
ling as to which shall have the front
seat in the band wagon, which shall
blow the loudest horns, and which
wear the reddest sashes and the big
gest badges. Meetings have been held
for the purpose Of telling the jealous
factions that every man cannot be at
the head of the procession, and that it
will be necessary for some to bring up
the rear, and contribute money to the
expense of the jubilee. Such arrange
ments have failed, however, TO produce
any harmony, and the matter of ar
rangement has been turned over to the
National Democratic committee.
The other day a citizen of bourbon
proclivities was asked why the District
Democrats were so enthusiastically
officious in regard to Mr.. Cleveland's
installation ceremonies. "They expect
There are about a thousand of these
that are worth having, and the national
convention pledges the candidates to
fill these offices with residents of the
District. So you cannot wonder that
and have front seats.
The House committee on appropria-
tons met at the capitol on Tuesday to
map out the sessions work. Messrs.
Keiffer, Holman and Forney were the
only members of the committee who
have not yet arrived in the city, and
they were represented by others 1t
is thought that one or more of these
n, lNn l,,f e.
alton by the committee of the whole
when Congress opens next Monday.
The fact that the Republican Senate
missal of federal Office holders is giving
office-hungry Democrats much discom-
fort. That distinguished body Is re-
ceiving abuse in advance of its possible
action. 1t is CALLING to the hungry,
thirsty victors to reflect that the Sem
ate may yet bar them back from the
milk and honey of the promised land.
The Swain court-martial is likely to
DO here all winter. After weeks ses-
sion it is INDUCING in a weeks adjourn
ment. The ostensible excuse was that
somebody had to go home for a few
days, and that somebody else wanted
te collect new evidence that had de-
veloped since the trial began. The
truth is, Washington being a pleasant
place to live in, the venerable body of
Generals and Colonies, trying the case,
would like to winter here. They are
willing to concede anything to the de-
Tense, looking to prolongation of the
time. The red parlor of the Ebbitt
House in which this distinguished mil
itary tribunal sits, has history in it.
self, being the same room in which
Senator Morton, Postmaster Generals
Key and Tyner, and later, ex-speaker
Keller held brilliant receptions. Very
different from the laugh and chatter of
social life are the proceedings now to
be heard in the chamber. Eleven
Generals and Colonies in full uniform
sit stiff and solemn around long table,
while the lawyers of the prosecution
and defense occupy other portions of
the room. The accused is the Judge
advocate OF the army, with the rank of
brigadier general. He is well known
in this city, having been here num-
Der of years. He came from Ohio and
was nominated for the position he now
holds during the last days of Mr.. Hayes
administration. He was an intimate
friend of President Garfield through
whose influence his advancement was
secured. The court attracts many Wis
itors, who drop in for few minutes to
look at the military men in their uni
forms.
Thanksgiving day being legal holi-
day the Executive Departments were
all closed and fifteen thousand en-
ployes enjoyed their freedom. Presi-
dent Arthur spent the day at Soldiers
Home working on his message to Con-
gress. In order that Presidential
message may not be given to the pub
lie before it has been submitted TO Con-
gress great precautlon is necessary at
the Government Printing office. The
message is sent in sealed envelope to
the Public Printer personally. The
latter sends it by a special messenger
to another responsible official who
"does not lose sight of copy or print
until it is safely locked in the safe of
the chief clerk"
Mr.. Blaine's mahy friends here are
much gratified that he is coming to
Washington at an early day and have
planned a demonstration in his honor.
Senator Logan will be here tonight.
A grand serenade and reception are
awaiting his arrival.