The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1885-11-13
OUR WASHINGTON LETTER.
From our Regular Correspondent.
w ASuINGnnN Nov q

WASHINGTON, Nov. o, 1885.
The Capitol has been set in order for the forty
ninth Congress- 1t has been thoroughly cleaned
inside and outside, newly carpeted, and other
wise made ready for the Representatives OF sixty
millions of people.
Although the new Congress meets in less than
month there is little speculation about its Or
RanZation. Usually at this season an exciting
contest over the Speakership is in progress. This
high office, third in rank of the officers of the
Government and second only to the Presidency
in point of power. is prize justifying an earnest
canvass. This year, for the first time almost in
the history of Congress, no contest is indicated.
Mr.. Randall has said that he would not be can
dldate for the Speakership, and Mr.. Carlisle is
sure to be reelected, us the Democrats have a
clear majority of forty-two over the Republ-
Other old officers are likely to be re-eect-
ed, Clark the clerk, and Leedom the Sergeant-at-
Arms: There is vacancy, caused by death. in
by by three ' candidates, Including MIR. Eugene His-
gins, the much abused Appointment Clerk of the
Treasury. The casting OF the committees Will
not take much time, either, for most of the old
members will get their old places, or be regular
ly promoted to fill vacancies.
Nearly one-haif of the new Congress will con-
sist of inexperienced men. The total number of
members in the House of Representatives is 1926.
There will be 13S new members. These will be
at disadvantage for some time. No matter how
able or how well informed man may be on gen.
eral subjects, he will be clumsy in Congress until
he learns something of its crcuitous methods of
doing business. 1t has been charged that the
rules of the House were made especially for the
purpose OF retarding legislative work. The ma
J0rity rule was aDOlShed long ago. and the pres
ent rules are so constructed that a well led mi
nority can defeat with ease the most positive will
of the majority.
There continues to be much talk about the re-
suit of the New York and Virginia elections
One effect thus far shown is encouraging to the
Administration. The Republican Senators who
have been threatening to make war on some of
the appointments are much subdued. and not
near SO eager for a fight as they were.
Senator Logan says he did not make "bloody
shirt" campaign at all. In his opinion, Mug
wumpian philosophy is deluson and q snare
and Empire State Republicans are slippery. Re-
ferring to the insinuation of some of the mourn
ers that he had damaged the prospects of Mr.
Davenport, by not keeping that soiled neither
garment concealed in his valse Senator Logan
said: IF some gentlemen in New York want
scapegoat in order to get from under the hay
themselves, suppose can flee to the mountains
as well as anyone"
Governor elect Fitzhugh Lee, of Virginia, and
also the Lieutenant governor elect Massey, have
been in the city since their election. General Lee
came with his two sons to make some purchases
and only remained a few hours. Everywhere he
went on the streets he was followed by con-
gratulatory crowd that insisted on shaking hands
with him.
Senator Malone is so broken politically and So
caly, that some of his friends have been urging
him TO leave Virginia and make his home in
Washington In the future. There are those, how
ever, who express the hope that when he emf
CRATES from his native State he will not stop short
of Alaska. There are others who wish for him a
hotter climate. 1t has been suggested that he
will rise from the depth of his gloom and run for
Congress next year.
Everything that the President intends to re-
commend in his message, will, it is thought re-
ceive the support of his party. The admnistra-
ton is in high spirits and great harmony among
Democrats is looked for now. The party feels
united and strengthened by recent victories, and
that 1t has been given new vigor and long lease
of political ascendancy.