Orleans County monitor. [volume] (Barton, Vt.) 1872-1953, 1885-03-30
WASHINGTON LETTER.


WASHINGTON LETTER.
ESPECIAL )RREspoN ENC E oFTHE MoNIToR.l
Washington, March, 23rd.
Although nothing dramatic has oc-
cured at the white house, on capitol
hill, or at the executive departments
in the last few days, succession of
events has made the situation decid-
edly interesting. President Cleve-
lands important nominations were all
surprises. He selects men whose
names have not been publicly can
vassed and who have not been urged
for place by their friends. Among
his last appointments were Mr.. Por-
ter of Tennessee for assistant secre-
tary of state, ex-Representative At
kins of Tennessee for commissioner
of Indian affairs, Michigan was
recognized through Mr.. Montgomery
for commissioner of patents. Ken
lucky was accorded the important
trust of first comptroller of the cur
rency in the appointment of Mr..
Duran, and the Keystone State got
a good place, Mr.. Hay of Pittsburgh,
beng nominated for first assistant
postmaster general. Mr.. Hay is too
sick, however to enter upon the
onerous duties of his office. He has
started to Florida to recuperate his
health, leaving his former incumbent
in charge. Official and clerical
Washington is in a state of conster-
nation. Reform has begun in the
United States treasury, and the ex-
ample will be followed in all the
government departments. The treas
ury is the most unweildy, cumbrous
and extravagant of all the depart
ments, and Secretary Manning leads
off in the good work by appointing a
commission of inquiry into the meth
DDS of conducting business. This
means simplification and improve
ment of the methods, and a great re-
| duction of the official and clerical
force. The investigation is to be
conducted by committee of three
treasury officials, one of whom is the
recently appointed assistant secretary
who is a democrat, another is re-
publican and the third is an indepen-
dant, who voted for Cleveland. All
of them are strong advocates of civil
service reform. They expect to be
engaged about a month in the inspect
ing of the various branches of the
service, where there are twenty-three
hundred employees. 1t is thought
their work will result IN the dismissal
of one-fourth of this force.
The new broom is sweeping in a
quiet sort of way in other quarters.
In the department of justice seven
superhuities were cast off yesterday,
and Secretaries Endicott and Whit
ney have already taken steps to in
form themselves as to the efficiency
of their officials, and the workings of
their departments
OF the seven members of his Off
cial household, Secretary Lamar
seems to be the presidents favorite.
Scarcely an evening passes that he
does not make visit to the white
house, and Miss Lamar, the daught-
of the secretary, is to be Miss Cleve-
lands guest at the executive man
sion for the next few weeks. AS the
secretary of the interior is a widower
his daughter is to do the honors OF
his home in Washington.
President Cleveland has not YET
attended church in the city. So
much was said about his intentions il
this respect and SO great rush was
made by curiosity hunters to attent
the church where he was expected Il
appear, that he modestly determined
to remain at home on Sundays, unit
he ceases to be regarded as a sight
He wants to attend church quietly
and unostentatiously, like any othe
man.
Speaking of the president cal
Iousness to the opportunities O
Office seekers, 1t may be said that th
pressure of influence has failed Il
+ dictate 6 single important appoint
t ment. So far, entreaties from inter
ested parties have done more harm
than good, and there are place-hun
tiers here now, who regret that appli
cations for appointment are attached
t to long petitions and numerous sig
. natures.
! New applicants for Office come t,
the city daily however, in consider
able. numbers, and many of then
have perfect faith in the potency Q
d Endorsements. A young democra
e from one of the rural districts Shove,
+ his much signed petition, yesterday
10 friend saying he was anxious TO
the president to see his papers a
:. soon as possible. The latter replied
;, s'It would be fatal to your hopes t
: show your backing. The new ad
;. ministratlon resents every thing 0
that kind as an enroachment upon it
functions. Go home and wait 70
i your country to call YOU But
a protested the expectant, Il want tn
| president to see how strongly | an
: Endorsed for the office | wan" IN
boy" said his friend, IF you reall
!. expect an office under Mr.. Clevelan
a throw your petition down the neares