The Press., 1884-04-17
WASHINGTON LETTER.

WsanlnStOn, O. C, Aprll SA1sS SlooA
 The weeks record in congress is as follows: In the senate education for illiterate millions. In the house millions for public buildings; ]; no change in the tax on whiskey made from grain; no lands in severalty to Indians; no increase of duty on wool. These measures passed the house in rapid succession on Mon day which was one of the two privileged days of the month, when bills are called up and passed with little or no debate.
 During the wool discussion representative Hurd of Ohio made free trade speech which was loudly applauded on the democratic side. Chairman Morrison announced that he in- tended to call up his tariff bill on next Tues day. and thought the wool question had bet ter be deferred and taken under the general subject Representative Converse supported the bill, and dwelt upon the disastrous effects of the wool clauses of last winters tariff leg islation. When the vote came, the roll call was closely followed. Massachusetts and Connecticut joined the free traders. MT. Randall voted yea and so did about forty oth- CT democrats.
 A number of members lodged and the vote stood 118 in favor to 126 against. Rep- resentative Phil Thompson was in charge of the bill to let whiskey tax alone, and congress- man Nelson called up the bill to give each Indian of the Red Lake reservation, in the state of Minnesota certain allotment of land The public buildings bill embracing ffty-fve of these buildings, which are to go up in as many cities and towns, was brought forward by representative Stockslager.. He asked that day be set to consider the bill. It was popular motion. and passed by more than the necessary two thirds vote. Wednesday was the day agreed upon, and Keokuk, Iowa, and Waco, Texas, were the towns first favored by the vote. The house slso devoted day to legislation for the territories deciding some questions of boundary lines, judicial districts, and also that residents only shall be eligible for governors who have lived within the ter ritory two years preceding appointment. A delegation of Osage Indians from the Indian Indians from the Indian Territory visited the capitol the other day, and asked through their interpreter for Senators Sherman and Ma hone. Later they called on the commission CT of Indian affairs, and urged their obiec- tions to the bill alloting land to them in sev- crafty. They prefer to have tribal patent issued which will place the title to the land in the entire tribe.
 The education bill amended passed the sen- ate by thirty three to eleven. It appropriates $77 OOO, ,OO0 to be distributed among the states in proportion to their illiteracy on the basis of the census of 1880, the payments to extend over eight years. The original meas ure was changed also on @ number of minor points.
 The senate is now considering the naval ap- propriation, and it seems disposed to provide for the armament of vessels with modern high power cannon. There has already been much debate, in which Senators Frye, Hale, Bay ard, McPherson, Hawley, Edmunds, Beck, and others have taken part, and Senator Vest made long speech on the general subject of American shipping. The same arguments, the same criticisms on the secretary of the na- ", and the same defense of his administra- ton that were made during the long debate on the steel cruisers bill are being repeated, for this bill includes not only the steel cruis- ers but also the unfinished monitors, and calls for more than $6, 500, ,OOO than was ap- propriated by the house.
 The funeral of the late Hon. Wm. Hunt formerly secretary of the navy, and late min ister to Russia, whence his remains have just been brought, took place on Wednesday, at St. Johns church. The president and his cabinet were in attendance, many prominent officers of the army and navy, distinguished personages in civil and official life, and mem bers of the diplomatic corps. Among the pall-bearers were Justice Bradley, Gen, Sher- idan, Admiral Porter, Judge Bancroft Davis, and Hon. James G. Blaine.
 An effort was made in the senate to bring forward the bill to promote officers now on the retired list of the navy to the rank of rear admiral but it failed to obtain attention. sSenator Logan resisted it t>strongly and depre- 3cated~the practice of armV and naky officers Bcoming to congress for promotion. He claim ed that it led to dissatisfaction in both ser vices, and made congress foot ball to be played with by of1cers who, for any cause were dissatisfied with their condition.