Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1884-02-06
[From Our Regular Correspondent
Washington Letter.
WASHINGTON, Feb. End

iOo' @hos OF
Work on the floors of the senate and
house was retarded during the week by
two adjournments. The first was on
Monday, when the death of Representa-
tive Mackey was announced, and again on
Wednesday. sessions were cut short, when
the hour arrived for holding the obsequies
of the late republican party leader of
South Carolina, in the hall of the house.
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, in its present shape is much
more radical measure than that introduced
by Mr.. Edmunds, and referred to this
committee near the beginning of the
session 1t not only makes provision for
certifying and recording marriages, and
proving the facts of bigamy and polyga-
my, and prohibiting female suffrage, but
it practically destroys the corporate pow
ers of the Mormon church, wipes out the
perpetual emigration fund company, and
places the registration of voters and con-
duct of elections in control of board to be
appointed by the president 1t deals
with the territory of Utah as if the exist
ence OF polygamy forfeited its right to any
of the functions of self governing COM
munity. The bill goes SO far indeed, as
to endanger its chance of becoming a
law.
The speech of Senator Sherman in
support of his resolutions for the investi.
CATION of political crimes in the south, was
patriotic and able. Not only should the
conditions of southern affairs be recog-
nized, but, rs Senator Sherman said,
remedy must be devised Senator Ma
hone also honored Virginia by defending
her 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
occasion has caused comment, and the
party is disposed to claim victory from
their dumbL ess; but it is generally con-
coded to be better for men not 10 speak
when they have nothing to say. The
passage of the resolution, without remon-
STRANGE from the bourbon side of the
senate, was merely confession that they
could not be answered.
h., al obo1t yrn1unt c
for the Greedy relief expedition, and
discussed the question of temperance in
the District of Columbia. Senator Blaine
presented petition signed by four thous-
and citizens of the territories of Washing
ton, Idaho and Dakota all praying for
the enactment of congress OF law pro
hbiting the sale or manufacture OF alco-
holic liquors in the district and territories
The senate has agreed to resolution by |
Mr.. voorhees, for the free transmission OF
and other printed reading
matter through the mails. This is
measure of wider scope than the bill
recently introduced by Mr.. Blair for
newspapers of postage in the
states where published. Nor is there any
way of disseminating so much knowledge,
ut so light cost to the taxpayer, rs by
extending the freedom of the mails to
free press.
The house devotes the latter part of
each week to the consideration of private
Lills, ahd the chronic Fitz John Porter
case came up Tor large share of dis
,ussion Friday, and was continued Satur-
day.
Socially considered the week has been
active and brilliant. On Monday evening
all gayeties merged in one grand affair,
the "charty BALI for the benefit of the
children's hospital. This annual tribute
paid by Washington society to the above
institution, probably ecllpsed
in spendor any of its predecessors. The
large dancing hall of the national rifles
was handsomely decorated for the
occasion, the stage was set with camp
scene, and the musicians we're concealed
behind screen of tropical plants. The
hall was filled to overlooking. Among
the guests were cabinet officers, supreme
court justices, senators, and representa-
lives, army and navy officers in their
gided uniforms, members of the foreign |
legation 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 IL time to hold reception.