Democratic Northwest. [volume] (Napoleon, Ohio) 1869-1894, 1884-03-27
FROM WASHINGTON.
TFrOm our Regular COrrapOndsnt.l

WASHINGTON, ID. c., March "a, 1884.
There is much interest on all sides To
know just what position the majority in
the House will take on Morrison Tariff
bill, and for two weeks past the ques-
ton has been earnestly discussed, among
the Democrats, whether it should be
made party matter and sanctioned by
caucus action. Beyond all questions, a
large majority of Democratic Represen-
tatives are in favor of the bill, and If a
caucus is held it will be adopted. But
Mr.. Randall and some others are not
disposed to be bound by such action, il
taken. Efforts have been made to ar
rive at an understanding, but, as yet,
none has been effected. 1t is unfortu-
nate that united front cannot be pre-
sented and harmonious action secured.
In view of all the circumstances it seems
unfortunate that the question should
have come up at this time; yet it is now
the leading question in our politics and
one that must be met sooner or later.
Nothing can be gained by policy OF
lodging and cowardice. If the Demo
cratic masses are for tariff reform, as
they undoubtedly are, the party in Con-
gress can do no less than show the cour-
age of their convictions and stand OF
fall by the position taken. The policy
of having no policy and of standing
round waiting for something to turn up,
running for cover every time anything
happens, is not lofty or winning bust
ness for any party.
1t has been again said lately that Sec
retary Lincoln would resign his place in
| tho (Nohir,nf honotron hic ie,,
toned in connection with Presidential
nomination. But 1 would not advise
him to do it. His candidature, if such it
| is, grows out of a sentiment that might
possibly give him second place on the
ticket, but hardly the first. The only
strength he possesses is that which he
derived from the great name of his faith
er and the affection in which his memo
ry is held by the people. Charlie Far
well, of Chicago, who is the leader of the
opposition in Illinois to General Logan,
may use Lincoln in an effort to de-
prive Logan offs few delegates from that
State, but at this time Mr.. Lincoln does
| not occupy much space as Presiden-
tial candidate. His nomination for the
first place would be as great surprise
to the Republican managers as was that
of Garfield in 1880. For the second
place Mr.. Lincoln stands an excellent
chance, provided, of course, Logan
should fail to get the first place. Either
Blaine and Lincoln, or John Sherman
and Lincoln would possess greater
strength than to name Lincoln for the
| first place in connection with any Of the
names that are likely to be presented
for the Vice Presidency.
When the Keifer-Boynton investi-
eating committee sent to the Treasury
Department last week for few official
papers, they were very much surprised
to have the venerable Secretary come to
the committee room in person to deliver
them-a duty which could have been
Performed by any messenger or clerk,
as no subpoena had been issued for any
body. Apropos to this, heard good
story the other day about the Secretary
1t illustrates his way of trying to do
everything and depending on others for
nothing, a habit which has naturally
made his duties in the department very
arduous. A gentleman who knew about
this habit of his, conversing with him
one day remarked: "Mr. Secretary,
see you do everything in this depart
ment except one thing" "What is
that, +" said Mr.. Folger "Why, you don't
run the elevator" said the gentleman.
That is about the only thing he does
not do.
Mr.. Thos. B. Keogh, Republican poll
tician of North Carolina, says that t did
him injustice in the statement some
time ago that hewas playing poker with
Dorsey and Tom Bowen here at Cham
berlain's. 1t may be that my informa-
tion was incorrect. But seeing him in
company with two noted players, in a
place where high-toned gentleman are
said to meet for that purpose some
times, led to the conclusion that he was
in the game. I never saw him play,
however, and having no desire to create
wrong impression 1 freely give him
the benefit of his statement that he
never played poker in Washington in
his life and never even saw Dorsey and
Bowen play. The saying that man is
known by the company he keeps may
not always hold good, especially in
Washington. If it did we might as
sumo that the Republican ranks here
contain only Star-route thieves, ballot
bribers and political rascals generally.
PHONO.