Idaho semi-weekly world. [volume] (Idaho City, Idaho Territory) 1875-1908, 1884-04-01
WASHINGTON LETTER.
From our Regular Correspondent
WAsH1NGMoN, March 20, 1854.

to know Just what position the ma
iority in the House will take on the
Morrison Tariff bill, and for two weeks
past the question has been earnestly
discussed, among the Democrats as 10
whether it should be made party
matter and sanctioned by caucus ac-
ton. Beyond all question, a large
majority Of Democratic Representa-
ives are in favor of the bill, and if
caucus is held it will be adopted. But
Mr.. Randall and some others are not
disposed to be bound by such action,
q taken. Efforts have been made to
arrive at an understanding, but, as
vet, none has been effected. 1t is I'M
fortunate that united front cannot
he presented and harmonious action
secured. In view of all the circum-
stances it seems unfortunate that the
question should have come up at tins
time; vet it is now the leading ques-
ton in our politics and one that must
10 met sooner or later Nothing can
be gained by policy Of lodging and
,owardice. If the Democratic mas
ses are for tariff reform, as they I'M
doubtedly are, the party in Congress
can do no less than show the courage
az their convictions and stand or 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 any
thing happens, is not lofty or WIN
ming business for any party.
1t has been again said lately that
Secretary Lincoln would resign his
place in the Cabinet because his name
Is mentioned in connection with the
Presidential nomination. But would
not advise him to do it. His candid
allure, if such it is, grows out OF a
sentiment that might possibly give
hsm 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 father and
the affection which his memory is
held by the people. Charlie Fare
well, Of Chicago, who is the leader
of the opposition in Illinois to Gen.
Logan, may use Lincoln in an effort
to deprive Logan of few delegates
from that State, but at this time MIR.
Lincoln does not occupy much space
as a Presidential candidate. His nom
nation 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.. Lin
coin stands an excellent chance, pro-
vided, of course, Logan should fail to
ret the first place. Either Blaine and
Lincoln, or John Sherman and Lin
coin would possess greater strength
than to name Lincoln tor 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 Off.
cial papers, they were very much sur
prised to have the venerable Secreta.
ry come to the committee room il
person to deliver them--a duty which
could have been performed by any
messenger or clerk, us no subpoena
had been issued for anybody. Apro
pos to this, l heard good story the
other day about the Secretary. 1t il
illustrates his way of trying to do ev
erything and depending on others fo
nothing, habit which has natural,
made his duties in the Department
very arduous. A gentleman wht
knew about this habit of his, convers
ing with him one day remarked: "Mr
Secretary, see you do everything il
this department except one thing.
What is that?" said Mr.. Folgel
"Why, you don't run the elevator,
said the gentleman. That is abou
the only thing he does not do.
Mr.. Thos. b. Keogh, Republican
politician of North Carolina, says tina
did him injustice in the Statement
some time ago that he was playin,
poker with Dorsey and Tom Bower
here at Chamberlain's. 1t may b
that my information was incorrect
But seeing him in company with tw
noted players, in place where high
toned gentlemen are said to meet fc
that purpose sometimes, led to til
conclusion that he was in the gam,
1 nayar cow him NAV bovayor an