The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1884-03-15
Washington Letter.
WASHINGTON, March II, Il

W ASlIINtToN, MdItH II, 1907
The upper house of Congress talked less
than usual during the week but acted
more. Quite "A number of bills were
passed. most of which, however, were
rather unimportant in character sThe
House of Representatives talked: diffusely
and reached but few conclusions. II
passed but two notable bills: one to pen
sion the Mexican veterans, and another
providing ordnance for the completion OF
the four steel cruisers ordered by Congress
in S3. The latter measure occasioned the
longest debate of the week. Hon. ). ).
Cox criticised the construction Of these
vessels, and said the Democrats were OPP.
posed to the ideas Of prodigality prevailing
on the other side of the House They did
not want to keep up naval establishment,
only one half of which was at sea-though
sometimes the whole thing seemed to be
"at sea" He represented the navy as an
amphibous arrangement one-half OF the
officers on land, some at sea- and others be.
tween the two, awaiting orders. He did
not like TO be asked to keep up the pay roll
of such navy, and build vessels for it,
which could not protect our ports and har-
bors. Mr.. Caldwell said that. navy yards
were not used now to equiplmenof-war to
defend the national honor but to employ
voters to maintain the Republican party in
power. Another member wanted such
guns made for the new cruisers as those
used recently by the British vessels when
they succeeded in demolishing the Egyp-
tian City of Alexandria at "A distance of
eight miles. Mr. Dorsheimer also favored
the use of the most efficient guns, and
hoped no more mute, ingloripus" frigates
would be produced to go to sea,
A well worn subject has been revived in
Mr.. Springer's committee, and some ghast
! " secrets are being revealed. The star
route investigation, through all its various
stages, has been prolific of surprises but
the stock is not yet exhausted. EX-Attor
ney General McNeagh, eX,Postmaster Gen
eral james, and ex-senator Spencer have
each been asked to testify rs to what they
knew about the star routes, and il has come
to light that the late President Garfield
while member of the House of Repre-
sentatives, knew all about the star route
frauds and used the smoney of the arch
star route conspirator Dorsey for campaign
purposes, knowing well whence it came
Spencer'S testimony overturnS all theories
that had been previously formed touching
his relations with the defendant, and puts
him in position directly opposed To the
one to which common rtmor has assigned
him. He says he helped Postmaster
James to get into Gariield's cabinet, and
rave him advice and information about
star routes How man who had it in his
power to bring the maleiactorS to confu.
sion should have remained silent SO long is
a mystery MessrS. Brewster and Bliss
tOld the public they wanted To convict
Brady and Dorsey, but having TO choose in
what case against them trial should be
had, they selected a case in which convic
ton was uncertain and improbable, when
there were other cases in which conviction
was inevitable.
The Morrison tariff bill was reported I,
the House ON Monday, and it is probable
it will be called up for consideration very
soon rs it will stand at the head of al
revenue bills on the House calendar and
will take precedence in committee of the
whole over all other measures except APP
preparation bills. At least one hundred
members have prepared speeches for the
coming debate, which will present the
great question from every possible stand
point. The visitors in the galleries viii
hear tariB to their utter bewidcrment
The local industry" of Louisiana is bese
on every side The Senate threatens sugar
by the Mexican treaty, and the llous,
threatens il by the tariff bill Through
one or the other il looks as if the country
would get what Senator Vance calls fire.,
sweetnin'."
The Democratic Congressional Cam
paign Committee met at the Arlington no
tel this week, and organized for active ope
rations, electing Senator Gormon chairman
of both the executive and Congressional
committees.
The majority of the gay world of fashion
are disposed To abide by the restrictions OF
the Lenten season thereby gaining the res
requisite TO enable them to indulge in fes
ttvities again after Easter. Even at houses
where ladies had declared their intention
TO continue regular receptions, few visitors
disturb the solitary grande ur of the hostess
Excitement.
what causes the rush at Forbes Il Lor
| 1.,,.. Tn. fro, =.