News and citizen. [volume] (Morrisville, Vt. ;) 1881-current, 1885-04-09
WASHINGTON LETTER.
WASHINGTON, d. c.,
March 80. 1885.

Democrats here about retrencnmeht
and reform. They have made some
changes, but it is still an open ques-
ton whether these are in the nature
of reform. Here is a sample of DEM
ocratic economy. Each of the execu-
tive departments has kept equipages
for the use of officials in daily trips
from the departments to the Capltol
and White House. Secretary Lamar
claimed that he could save the govern
ment $4,000 a year by dispensing
with sundry horses and vehicles. and
they were sold last Wednesday by the
auctioneer. On the following day,
this new apostle of reform, granted a
holiday to the clerks of his depart
ment, because, forsooth, jacob Ihomp-
son was dead, and he was once Secre-
tary of the Interior, under President
Buchanan. This day of respite from
work, in a department already noto-
riously behind with its business, cost
the government $4,000 in the shape
of salaries, and all TO honor a traitor
whom it were a kindness to forget.
But the clerks enjoyed their freedom
all the same, and blessed him for dy-
ing, if for nothing else.
In view of the present illness OF
jeff. Davis, it is probable that one OF
these DAYS, the stars and stripes
floating over the War Department
will he lowered at half mast, and an
other obituary holiday ordered. In
the light of the new dispensation the
discovery would doubtless be made
that the memory of the arch-rebel
should be honored, for he was Secre-
tary of War during Pierce's admins
tration.
Disappointment with President
Cleveland's manner Of distributing
official patronage increases daily.
There is an irrepressible conflict be-
tween him and members Of Congress.
The latter have long been in the habit
of making recommendations for fed
eral appointments in their respective
States. This has grown to be an adj
iunct to Congressional honor that
members value according ". If
man wanting office failed to get the
endorsement of his Congressman,
he had no chance of success. Mr..
Cleveland has ignored nearly every
recommendation made by State dele
cations. He is virtually snubbing
members of Congress every day, and
is following his own inclinations with
out reference to their advice. The
members are thoroughly disguised
with his course, and say he will not
find things very pleasant when the
Congress meets.
Many Democrats, who came here |
rom nearly every part of the Union,
lave gone home feeling that they have
rot obtained the recognition to which |
hey are entitled, and that the Presi-
lent IS pursuing a ruinous course.
Not the least of their grievances is
lis slowness in turning the rascals
'ut." Rural Democrats, especially.
ave been taught by their leaders and
'rgans that all Republican officials are
ascals, and naturally wonder why
hey are not turned out en- masse.
Senator Colquitt says Georgia is
veil pleased with the new administra-
ion, and there is no grumbling among
he Georgia members. And he thinks,
im.elf, that the Presidents appoint
nents have bee. dictated by admira-
lie wisdom. His unique happiness
an readily be understood. Georgia
as just secured the Mexican mission
or Gen. jackson, and Senator Col
uitt's son-in-law, Mr.. Baird, was yes
erday named as the new chief of the
Dead Letter Office. 1t all depends
Ipon the disposition of the spells.
In making his diplomatic appoint
nents, the President carried out the
maxim, ..Old men for counsel and !
rounS for war;. Ine missions to I
England, France, Germany, Turkey,
dexico, and Brazil, have all gone to
nen of ripe years, while the young
nen nave been left to fight on, over
he remaining spoils. For the Italian
mission there is quite scramble.
lx-RepresenLative Hopkins, of Penn
ylvania, is spoken of as the leading
andidate for this place, and those
tho say Mr.. Randall rms the White
louise are sure Mr.. Hopkins will win
j. The Russian and Austrian mis-
ions are then the next to be filed,
ut as Mr.. Cleveland seldom honors
vowed candidates, it is hazardous TO
redict selections for them.
Between the selection of Mr.. S. S.
OK for Minister to Turkey, and the
workings of the minds
+ voters, the next House of Repre-
,ntatives may be a dull one. Mr..
eed, OF Maine is the only fun maker
#, and his is a sarcastic, bitter wit.
elford, of Colorado, Horn, of Mich
an, and Ochiltree, of Texas, are all
no more, and now, "poor
orick," the last jester, goes to Tur-
", and the House will laugh no
ore at his strained efforts at mirth.
ill there will be many new members
the House, and they may develop
talent for low comedy equal to that
their predecessors.