The Russellville Democrat., 1885-05-14
Washington Letter.
WASHINGTON, D. C, May 7

lef, the city for the. first time since his inauguration, and this trip was to the historic battle field of Gettys burg. He was accompanied oy his Cabinet and many distinguished ex- officers of the army. The party had a very pleasant trip leaving here at Ssa. m. and returning at p. m., be ing most hospitably entertained by Ex Governor Curtin and other dis tinguished citizens Of Pennsylva- mia.
 Slowly but surely the work Of re form goes on, and while restless and hungry Democrats are not satisfied with the movements of tue admins tration representatives, in the rapidi ty of the changes being made, the masses of the people see very clearly that more changes have been made under the present administration than were ever made by any admin istration m the same time. The en- tire diplomatic and consular repre- sentation of the government has about been changed, every head of a department or important bureau has been removed and Democrat appointed; postmasters have been changed at the rate of about 100 per day, and quietly the work goes on, so that even at the present rate be fore twelve months shall have passed the transformation will be complete. To make greater haste would, in all probability, cause confusion and de- lay in the transaction of public busi ness, and therefore 1t can easily be seen that DO real foundation for com plaint by Democrats exists against the acton of the administration.
 It is but natural that few, even the leaders of the party, should be disappointed in not having their favorites appointed to place. but when It it known that there are 3, OO0,0 Democrats in the country, a majority of whom have sacrificed much for the party and all Of whom should be recognized, and when 1t IS
 
 the gift of the government 10000 places that are really worth the ask ing, it is clearly to be seen that there is room for millions to be disappoint- ed. While this is the case, it would appear that in the changes thus far made but few antagonisms have been created, and President Cleveland and his Cabinet can be congratulat ed on the fact that no one has been gwen place. to whom valid objec ton can be raised, or of whom It can be sad, he IS not capable and able to fill the position with credit.
 One question of national impor- tance that became prominent Tn the last Democratic administration, twenty four years ago, now agaln comes prominently to the front. and must be met and settled. It is one that cannot be ignored; we refer to the Mormon question. The country has been calling for action on thls subject. and now the Mo"mons them selves, in mass meetings throughout Utah, have called on the President and the country to take acton. In the discussion and disposition of this question 1t is time the people looked at it from reasonable, sensi- ble stand point, and not controlled by passion or prejudice on one side or the other The country should act with the dignity becoming a great people, and having established It's line of policy in wisdom it should then pursue that policy, not in malice or controlled by prejudice, but is a firm determination to do equal and exact justice to all concerned. The petition and protest of the Mormon people recently made to the Presi dent and country, after reclting their grievances, concludes as follows:
 We protest against the partial ad- min;st:ation of the Edmunds law the punishment of one class for practising their religion, and exempt ing from posecution the votaries of lust and crime.
 We protest against the breaking up of family relations formed pre- vious to the passage of the Edmunds law, and the depriving of women and children of the support and pro tection of their husbands and ia 1 thers.
 We protest against the prosecu- tion of persons, many of whom are infirm and aged who entered into plural marriage before it was declar- ed crime and have never violated any law.
 We respectfully ask for the appoint ment bv the President of eommis- sion to falrly and thoroughly investi- gate the Utah situation; and pending it's report we solemnly protest against the continuance of this merci- less crusade"
 The war cloud seems to be raising in Europe, and the conflict between Russia and England that all though. could not he ayerted, has been post poned-we say postponed, for the reason that 1t is certain to ,ake place. IL is only question of time and hoth nations know and recog- nize the fact. When Russia ieels that she can successfully curs with Eng land, or England feels that she IS perfectly safe in saying to Russia: ''thns far shalt thou go and nc ar