Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1885-03-19

Especial Correspondence Of THE HERALD

The hustle and excitement attendant
upon the inauguration ceremonies have
subsidized and Washington is gradually
assuming its usual appearance, though
the hotels and clearinghouse are still
crowded and incoming trains constantly
bring new arrivals to swell the throne
of aspirants for Office. Most of the
decorations on the buildings and houses
have been removed, though here and
there strip of bunting futters in the
March wind or the face OF President
Cleveland looks down from banner
displayed in the bay window of some
private residence.
The members of the new cabinet have
taken possession of their respective de-
partments, and its composition appears
to be in the main satisfactory, though
the West is dispose to feel little ag-
grieved and objections have been made
to the bestowal of two cabinet positions
upon New York. Judge Endicott's
appointment receives the unqualified
approval of New England men of both
parties, with the exception of the small
body of so-called working politicians"
who claim that the nomination of man
who had more knowledge of wire
pulling" would have added greater
strength to the party in Massachusetts
a statement. however, emphatically de-
MED by many Others, who aver that his
very freedom from the associations en-
gendered by this "wire-pulling" will
enable him to be of more substantial
service in winning supporters to the
Democratic cause. Senator Garland s
fitness for the place he fills is universally
acknowledged. To write from Wash
ington to Wisconsin of the new post
mastcr-generars fitness for his position
would seem superhuous. but your read
ers may be interested in little incident
which occurred in connection with his
taking possession of the department.
MIR. Lawrenson, an old employee, who
has administered tire oath to every post
master-general since 1S41, came in with
his little Bible which has always been
used on these occasions. Mr.. Villas, on
hearing of the circumstances, expressed
his regret, but said that. as he had not
been aware of the custom, he had asked
his friend Judge Field to administer the
oath. While waiting for the latter Mr..
Hatton, jestingly, remarked, "You are
losing your pay all this time, General. -
The inaugural address appears to be
generally approved. 1t was brief,
plain statement Of principles which all
good citizens might support, but the
views on finance were less positively
defined than had been expected. In
reference TO civil-service reform, the
President asserted that, so far as he was
concerned, the existing law would be
executed in good faith. Anxious Demo-
Gratis, however, derive what crumbs of
comfort they may from the declaration
that citizens g shall be protected from
the incompetency of public employees
who hold their places solely as the re.
ward of partisan service" The ques-
ton of what will be held TO constitute
'incompetency' and partisan service
is open to difference of opinion.
Representatives Hiscock, Willard and
Bayne called upon the President and
assured him that he would have their
cordial support in carrying out the pol
icy indicated in his inaugural address,
adding that they believed they spoke
for large majority of their party. The
President. in responding, thanked them
with much warmth and earnestness.
The appointment of Gen. Black, of
Illinois, to the Office of Commissioner
of Pensions is regarded as putting the
right man in the right place." his war
record being considered a guarantee
that he will protect the interests of the
pensioners. A gallant soldier, who (by
special act of Congress) draws a
monthly pension of 800 will not be
backward. it is thought, in looking after
wounded veterans.
Mr.. Charles S. Fairchild, of New
York, the new Assistant Secretary of
the Treasury, is said to be firm be-
lever in civil-service reform.
When the Senate was organized after
Vice President Hendricks had taken the
oath, it numbered 50 Republicans with.
out Senator Blair), "a Democrats and
Independent, Senator Riddlebereer.
There were two vacancies-one from
Oregon and one from Illinois--and the
appointment of Senator's Lamar, Gar
land and Bayrrd to the cabinet made
three more, but Senator Blair having
been appointed from New Hampshire,
the division became:, Republicans 80,
Democrats 81, and Mr.. Riddleberger-
III in all
Caucuses were held by both parties
Immediately after the close of the ses-
sion on March 9Th. The Democrats
chose Mr.. Beck as chairman and Mr..
Kenna as secretary and authorized the
chairman to appoint committee of
nine to arrange the minority member.
ship of the committees.
The three senators selected for the
cabinet-Messrs. Garland, Bayard and
Lamar-were members of the judiciary
committee. Their withdrawal leaves
Senator Pugh first on the list of the
Democratic minority and he will doubt
less become chairman, If the Democrats
get control of the senate during the Pc
riod he is serving. There is no little
competition among Democratic senators
for the vacancies-a state of affairs due
both to the prominence of the committee
and to the fact that the President took
from it three out of the four members
of his party for his cabinet. The Re-
publicans think Senator Evarts' fitting
place is on the judiciary, but the only
vacancy is the one created by the oxpi-
ration of Gen. Logan's term. am. there
is feeling of disinclination to fill it so