The Press., 1884-12-18
WASHINGTON LETTER.

WsanlnStOn, U. C.,.Dec Is, Ioo4
 The s'pressure" is upon them. It is amusing to see the democratic members of congress opening their daily mail. The desk of every democrat has bsen flooded since congress convened. It is estimated that about four thousand letters are re- ceived every day on that side of the house hall. That gives each democratic member an average of twenty letters a day from persons wanting appointments. Democrat ic congressman have become so expert that they know who are the writers of unopen- ed letters and the position that each wants. There are twenty five applicants for every post office and there are about forty thous- and post offices. -.-..
 A large body of democrats, who could never be made to understand what civil service reform means, and who have look ed for twenty five years upon the capture of the offices as the principal good to be obtained from turning the republicans out, expect the fruits of their victory in the shape of appointments Nothing will save MT. Cleveland from their importantly He will suffer from them all that "press- ure" can do. Probably not over ten thous- and of them will ever reach Washing ton in quest of offices. But that number col lected in the Hobbies of the capitol, and in and around the white house will make life intolerable. When he finds his ante-room full of them all day long, and, as Presi- dent Lincoln said, has to look under his bed at night to see if any of them are there, he will be apt to come to the con- clusion that he really cannot stand it-that he Is under physical restraint to give way.
 At the capitol, this week, business has not been especially interesting to the gen. eral public, although important matters were under discussion. Dakota has been knocking at the doors of congress for ad- mission to the sisterhood of states, the bill having occupied the attention of the sen- ate for several days. The question is be- ing treated from party stand point, the democrats oppose, the republicans favor. Consequently there is no chance for the land of the Dakotas to get into the union at this session, or at the next, and con- gress merits the criticism of wasting time on measures that cannot pass
 Representative Chalmers of Mississippi was last session the martyr of a contested says, kept warming his shins in the cor. riders of the capitol until the end of the session, before the case was decided in his favor. Yesterday he offered bill, the ti- tie of which raised 8 ripple of laughter on the democratic side. The bill proposes to restore a republican form of government to Mississippi, and provide some stringent precautions in regard to congressional and state elections.
 There is more or less talk in republican circles about, 8 democratic s'scheme" to capture the supreme court by increasing the number of judges. It is becoming obvious that something must be done to relieve the docket of the court. Whether it will be done by enlarging the present court, or by constituting an intermediate court, is question upon which there is disagreement In either case the appoint ments would be made under democratic administration, and it cannot be doubted that politics would be taken into consid- eration. s setf
 Within the past week there has been a noticeable influx of thieves, pickpockets, and burglars into this city. The opening of congress has attracted many, while oth- CTS have come to secure quarters for the inauguration, and the dedication of the monument Owing to the large crowds which assemble here at each inauguration, bringing in their train. sharpers of all kinds, the merchants and bankers of Wash ington shaYe asked congress tosmake in- augnration day legal holiday. They could then close their places of business as a means of safety At their request Sen ator IngalIs has just offered bill for this purpose. s. no3gniIs9ssI .e9 !
 And the latest is that Tammany is com ing to the inauguration, six hundred I strong, in body. A letter requesting quarters and arrangements for the accom- modation of that number of their organiza- i t on has just been received at democratic headquarters. :, .;,s.. st-rsg ~. I