New Ulm weekly review. [volume] (New Ulm, Minn.) 1878-1892, 1885-04-08
WASHINGTON LETTER.
Washington. April 3, 1885

democrats here now about retrench-
ment' and reform. They have made
some changes, but it is still an open
question whether these are in the ma
ture OF reform. Here is sample of
Democratic economy. Each of the ex-
ecutive departments has kept equipages
for the use of officials in daily trips
from the departments to the Capitol
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 auc-
tioneer. On the following day, this
new apostle of reform. granted holi-
day to the clerks of his Department,
because, forsooth, Jacob Thompson
was dead, and he was once Secretary
of the Interior, under President Bu-
channan. This day of respite from
work, in Department already notori-
ously behind with its business, cost the
Government $4,000 in the shape of sal
aries, and all to honor traitor whom
it were kindness to forget. But the
clerks enjoyed their freedom all the
same, and blessed him for dying, if
nothing else.
In view of the present illness of JEFF.
Davis, it is probable that on one of
these days, the stars and strips floating
over the War Department will be low
cred at half mast, and another 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 Secretary of the War during
Pierce's administration.
Disappointment with President Cleve-
lands manner of distributing official
patronage increases daily. There is an
irrepressible conflict between him and
members Of Congress. The latter have
long been in the habit of making re-
Communications for federal appoint
ments in their respective states. This
has grown to be an adjunct to congress
sional honor that Members value &C.
cordingly. If man wanting Office
| failed to get the endorsement of his
| Congressman, he had no chance of sue
cess. Mr.. Cleveland has ignored
nearly every recommendation made by
state delegations. He is virtually snub-
bling members Of Congress every day,
and is following his own inclinations
without reference to their advice. The
Members are thoroughly Disguised
with his course, and say he will not
find things very pleasant when the
Forty-ninth Congress meets.
Many Democrats who came here
from nearly every part of the Union
have gone home feeling that they have
not obtained the recognition to which
they are entitled and that the President
is pursuing a ruinous course. Not the
least of their grievances is his slowness
in turning the rascals OUT Rural
Democrats especially have been taught
by their leaders and organs that all
Republican officials are rascals, and
naturally wonder why they are not
turned out en- masse.
Senator Colquitt says Georgia is we'll
pleased with the new administration.
that there is no grumbling among the
Georgia members. And he thinks.
himself, that the Presidents appoint
ments have been dictated by admirable
wisdom. His unique happiness can
readily be understood. Georgia has
just secured the Mexican mission for
Gen. Jackson, and Senator Colquitt's
son-in.law, Mr.. Baird, was Yesterday
! named as the new chief of the Dead
Letter Office. 1t all depends upon the
disposition of the spoils.
In making his diplomatic appoint
ments, the President carried out the
maxim, ''Old men for counsel and
young men for war" The missions to
England, France, Germany, Turkey,
Mexico, and Brazil, have all gone to
men OF ripe years, while the young men
have been left to fight on the remain.
ing spoils, For the Italian mission
there is quite a scramble. Ex-Repre-
sentative Hopkins of Pennsylvania is
spoken off as the leading candidate for
this place, and those who say Mr.. Ran
dali runs the White house are sure Mr.
Hopkins will win it. The Russian and
and Austrian missions are then the
next to be filled, but as Mr.. Cleveland
seldom honors avowed candidates. # is
hazardous to predict selections for
them.
Between the selection of Mr.. s. s