Semi-weekly south Kentuckian. [volume] (Hopkinsville, Ky.) 1883-1889, 1885-12-11
WASHINGTON LETTER.
WASHINGTON, ID. c., Dec. 9, 1886.

TO THE SOUTH KENTucKIAN:
Every train brings IN some Mem
bers aud Senators. The Members
within Il few hours after their arrival
are to be found at one or the other
of the four hotels where they were
accustomed TO congregate last winter.
The old Members 20 TO these places
from force of habit, aud the new
ones are SOON attracted TO- them.
The members serving a second
term go TO these old resorts 10 meet
their Congressional chums with
whom they passed many pleasant
hours last session, and the new mem
bers drift IN TO make the acquaint-
ance of their brother members. Here
combinations are already being form
ed for the advancement of particular
schemes, and II you want TO ascertain
the temper Of the House ut any time
you have only to dropin Oh the mem
bers at these rendezvous.
The incoming members arc hunted
UP by enterprising correspondents as
soon us they step from the trains and
their views asked on what are con-
sidered TO be important measures foi
action at this session. Like wise
men who regard silence as golden
the members carefully refrain from
expressing opinions as to the actor
of the party measures. They arr
waiting I'LL the views of the presen
administration are made known al
win be set forth in the PRESIDENT
message. With regard to the organ
ization and powers of the Commit
tees, however, large majority Of th'
members arc very pronounced for
distribution among several Commit
tees of powers heretofore exercise,
by the Appropriation Committee
There Is no doubt at all but that
will be done, although Randall !
working for all that he is worth 4
prevent 1t. lie Is great organize
and Is usually able to carry his point
but he will fall this time.
The majority know that their in
terest can be best served by distrib
ution of these powers and for tina
reason they will work for the chang,
Heretofore next TO the Speaker VIII
has the appointment of the commit
tees, the Chairman Of the Appropriu
ton Committee has exercised NOR
power IN the legislation of the Hous
than all the other members put tc
gether. Hence 1t was that whe
Randall was beaten In the Speaker
ship he secured the Chairmanship {
that Committee.
The movement 10 amend the llous
rules will get considerable supper
from the Senate because the presel
rules are serious hindrance to I'll
transaction of business requiring I'll
concurrence of these two branches {
Congress.
II Senator Edmunds would conseI
to accept the nomination for Pres
dent Of the Senate there is no doul
but that 1t would be unanimousl
given to him. The only doubt Il;
been about his acceptance. His abb
ity is recognized by Senators Of boi
political faiths; he has had expe
fence as presiding officer of the Sci
ate he is an able jurist; is honest
his convictions and has the NOR
courage to act according to his col
; victions of right regardless OF par
: advantages.
Logan was paid the compliment
the caucus nomination, but 1t W
pretty generally understood befor
hand that he would decline Senat'
Edmunds made the nominatio
Senator Sherman was nominated
the caucus Saturday.
AS appropriate of the assemblil
of Congress natural gas has just ma
Its appearance on the river fla
where extensive operations of !
Claiming land is in progress. Col
mel Haines, the engineer in chars
while directing the sinking of art
sian wells, with the view of deter
lining whether a good foundation I
l a sluice gate could be had, motto
the escape Of gas from the well pill
On applying light the gas ignit
and a flame foot in length 81
forth. The flow continued for mo
than a day and until the pipe was
cldentally broken and the flow c
off. Whether the gas exists In qua
titles to be used for practical purp,
es remains to be seen. The singu
feature of this freak Of natureis Il
we have no coal veins here nor q
, other carbonaceous formation so Z
us we are aware of.
Albert A. Wilson, Esq, who 81
ceeds Morton McMicheal as mars
/. is As years of age, native of I
, CITY, and one ofOur most respect
citizens and business men. Ills
pointment meets with general
proyal, and is accepted as all in!
of the character of the other appoi
mcnts to be made here when 1t 81
the Presidents purposes to mi
them. :,
Nm Il is conceded, however, that u
" will be no other District appol
ments until Congress is well un
way with its work and action
Y; been had by The Senate on the mi
siS appointments made since the Sen
SI last adjourned
ssnnS snS A Foreign diplomat TO this co
anl try Is a privileged characterin Wa
saa ses inetop. He can violate the laws
ugh e.,l1ta, o,,d dacencv with impun