Lexington weekly intelligencer. (Lexington, Mo.) 1871-1887, 1885-07-25
OUR WASHINGTON LETTER.

EDITOR INTELLIaENcERl:- Prior to
the first of July, the air had been filled
with rumors of summary dismissals and
sweeping changes, which were to be
made in the clerical force of the various
government Offices in Washington. A
few there were who relied upon the
oft-repeated assurances OF the pres
ldent, to the effect that "the civil SER
vice rules would be strictly complied
with, and no removals made, excepting
those based upon good and sufficient
reasons" This class, conscious of the
TACT that they were honestly performing
their duties, were confident that in theii
own cases, at least, no trouble would
be experienced. A very large majority
of the clerks, however, had long since
decided that radical changes were to be
effected, and as the early days of the ad-
ministration passed and few, if any
more that the usual number of dismis-
sails were made, they had decided
among themselves that rs the fiscal year
would commence upon July 1st, that
upon that day the official axe would
fall and the doors be thrown open
to the horde of anxious office-seekers
who have thrOnged the corridors OF the
White House and department buildings
since the fourth of March. Nearly two
weeks have passed since the commence
ment of the fiscal year, and as the
wheels of the government move on,
| without check or hindrance, feeling
of assurance is felt by all. The veil OF
uncertainty has been removed, and the
expression of anxiety which for time
had characterized the features of the
! timid clerk has been succeeded by q
| sweet smile of contentment.
A number of dismissals were made in
the Pension Office in accordance with
the express terms of an act of congress:
providing for reduction of the work
ing force Of the Office. .e....--
A recent decision of the secretary OF
the treasury, suspending for time the
issue of one and two dollar bills, neces.
STATED a reduction in the force in tht
Bureau of Engraving ,and hence larg'
number of plate printers are out o
employment.
The past week has been the hottest o
the season. Even the wide, shady street
and the far-famed public parks of tn
capital, have failed to afford adequat
protection from the scorching ray
| of the sun.
The corridors of the hotels, which be
fore the warm weather commenced
were crowded ARE now almost deserted
and the number Of daily visitors at th
White House has fallen off perceptibly
The president was yesterday th
guest of the Woodland Gun Club, an
in company with Secretaries Manning
Lamar and Whitney and Postmaster
!: General Villas, spent Sunday very qui
etly at their charming club house in th
mountains near Harper's Ferry. MI
: Arthur was the first president enter
tanned by this club.
A very largely attended and interes
: ing meeting of representatives of til
various agricultural colleges Of th
country was held during the week {
} the department of agriculture. 1t We
I decided by the convention to recon
mend the establishment of departmer
experimental stations at each of the as
ricultural colleges.
} On Monday last the "Montgomer
: Grays," military company from Hon
y gomery, Ala, arriving in the city, an
spent the day as guests of the Washing
q ton light infantry. In the evening tt
company gave a public exhibition in Il
White House grounds, AFTER which the
were escorted 10 the depot by Il
Washington companies and maril
= band. The display of fire. works alor
the route of march was particular
fine.
In several OF the departments Il
: hours tor receiving visitors have bes
limited in order to allow the officials
- opportunity to attend to the business
3 their offices. II,