The Press., 1884-02-07
WashiDotoD. D

Washington, D. C., Feb. 2d, 1884.
 Work on the floors of the senate and house was retarded during tho week by two adjournmeats, both because of thu death of Representative Mackey of South Carolina.
 Committees have been busy, however, as the large number of bills reported prove. Among these, was the anti-polygamy bill, from the senate judiciary committee, which, ia its present shape is much nor, radical measure than that introduced by Mr. Edmunds. It not only makes pro vision for certifying and recording mar riages, and proving the facts of biigamy and polygamy, and prohibiting female sui fta,s se, but 1t practically destroys the cor porate powers of the Mormon church, wipes out the perpetual Emigration Fund Company, and places the registration of voters and conduct of elections in control of board to be appointed by the presi- dent It deals with the territory of Utah as if the existence of polygamy forfeited its right to any of the func ions of seH-gov- erning community. The bill goes so far, indeed, as to endanger its chance of be- coming 8 law.
 The speech of Senator Sherman in sup port of his resolutions for the investiga- tion of political crimes in the south, was patriotic and able Not only should tn conditions of southern affairs be recog- nized, but, as Senator Sherman said, a remedy must be devised. Senator Malone also honored Virginia by defending hel from the appearance of guilt in the matter of the recent outrages committed on her soil by violent minority faction. The silence of democratic senators on the occa- sion has caused comment, and the party is disposed to claim a victory from their dumbness but it is generally conceded to be better for men not to speak when they have nothing to say. The passage of the bourbon side of the senate, was merely 8 confession that they could not be answered.
 Senators have talked about volunteers for the Greedy relief expedition, and dis cussed the question of temperance in the District of Columbia Senator Blair pre-. scented petition signed by four thousand citizens of the district, and other petitions signed by large numbers of citizens of the territories of Washington, Idaho, and Da- kota, all praying for the enactment by congress of law prohibiting the sale or manufacture of alcoholic liquors in the dis trict and territories. The senate has agreed to resolution by Mr. Vorhees for the free transmission of newspapers and other printed reading matter through the mails. This Is measure of wider scopes than the bill recently introduced by Mir. Blair for relieving newspapers of postage in the states where published Nor is there any way of disseminating so much knowledge. at so light cost to the tax payer, as by extending the freedom of the mails to a free press.
 The house devotes the latter part of each l. A.. Ln 1o.11 and the chronic Fitz John Porter case came up for large share of discussion Friday, and continued Saturday.
 Socially considered, the week has been active and brilliant On Monday evening all gayeties emerged in one grand affair the 'seharity ball'' for the benefit of the children's hospital. This annual tribute paid by Washington society to the above mentioned institution probably eclipsed in splendor any of its predecessors The large dancing hall of the National Rifles Armory was handsomely decorated for the occasion, the stage was set with camp scene, and the musicians were concealed behind screen of tropical plants. The hall was filed to overfowing. Among the guests were cabinet officers, supreme court justices, senators, and representa- tives, army and navy officers in their gild- ed uniforms, members of the foreign lega- tions, and many others prominent in the social circles of the capital. The toilets of the ladies were of striking elegance, though most of their effect was lost in the crush of the first three hours At about half past eleven, while the band played "Hail to the Chief" President Arthur entered the hall, and was compelled for time to hold reception.