Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1884-01-24
WASHINGTON Letter.
(FRoM OUR REGULAR CORRESPONDENT

(FROM OUR REGULAR CORRESPONDENT.
Washington, January 20, 1884.
The weeks doings in Congress en-
brace, among important matters, the
passage by the House of the Mississip-
pi river appropriation bill of one mill
ion dollars, which, having passed the
Senate last week, has now received the
Presidents signature. The introduce
ton of large number Of measures, and
the passage of bill for counting elect
oral votes by the Senate, which was
we'll timed, now that the country is on
the verge of another Presidential cleo
ton. Neither party has been willing
to yield to the other the credit of set
Ting this question and SO it has hung
in dispute. Hope is now expressed
that both will lay aside petty trifling in
the matter and agree on reforms which
shall not reflect partizan theories, but a
patriotic desire for the interests of the
whole country. There was an exhaustive
argument in both Houses, of the rights
of the American hog in foreign mar
kets, and propositions for a retaliatory
policy in his behalf, Behind closed
doors the Senate lengthily discussed
the ratification of the commercial trea-
ty with Mexico, which failed, when a
vote was reached, on Friday at four
o'clock, to get a two-thirds majority
Much interest was manifested to see
how Senators would vote on the ques-
ton, as the tariff feature was the only
one that met with serious OBJECTION
The differences Of opinion, however,
could not be traced on political, sec
tional or economic lines. Senators of
both parties, from every section, pro
tectionists, free traders, and conserva-
tives were found on both sides. Some
opposed it on the ground that it would
do no good. and might do harm by
opening the way for extensive SNUG
Cling through Mexico. Others held
that the chief gamers by the treaty, di.
rectly, would be the great trunk rail
road lines, which are pushing down
into Mexico, and seeking to build up a
profitable trade between the two coun
tries The Senate also discussed the
currency, public health, and temper
ance the latter subject covering up in
connection with the new code of Sen
ate rules, which emphasized the prohi-
bition of the sale of spirituous or malt
liquors at the Capitol restaurants. The
controversy was between Senators Fry
and Bayard, and resulted in the exclu
sion of whlskey, and the retention of
beer.
The House discussed patent law, and
passed bill making all public roads
and highways post routes. The most
notable speeches made during the
week were by Senator Hill of Colorado,
favoring Postal Telegraphs, and Gov
ernmental control of telegraphy, and
by Gen. Slocum of New York for the
relief of Fitz John Porter. The great
est interest was manifested to hear the
argument in defense of the Porter bill,
and on Friday the floor of the House
and galleries were crowded. Nearly
every member was present, and few
could be prevailed upon to leave the
hall in answer to petitions from the
lobby, or to cards and letters sent in by
friends. The appeal was touching and
forcible, and judging from its sympa-
thetic reception upon the floor and in
the galleries, there would seem to have
been but one side to the question:
When Gen. Slocum finished, many
members rushed up to him and seized
his hand. Mr.. Steele of Indiana fol-
lowed in opposition to the bill. Dur
ing the discussion of his case Gen. Por-
ter was listener in the gallery.
Among other important movements
during the week may be mentioned a
Joint republican caucus, largely attend
ed by Senators and Representatives,
held in the hall of the House for the
selection on a congressional campaign
committee. "Stalwart" resolutions
were adopted and steps taken for i'm
mediate campaign work.
national conycntion cOroOoSed of