Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1885-02-11
WASHINGTON CORRESPONDENCE.
Regular correspondent of the Spectator.
WASuINcTON n G. Feb @

Irregular correspondent of the Spectator. ]
WASHINGTON, D. c., Feb. 9.
1t would appear. from what is said by
some who have means of knowing, that
Mr.. Cleveland is not SO ignorant as to the
characters, standing, ability, ETC., of lead
ing men of his party as many seem to sup
pose. One gentleman who had met Mr..
| Cleveland several times since his election,
said to-day: sIt is a great mistake to as
sumo that because he has not been in pub
lie positions that brought him in contact
with the Democrats of the country that he
does not know our prominent party men.
Gov Cleveland has been an active Demo-
GRAFT ever since he became old enough to
take any part in politics. He has kept
we'll posted, and since his election he has
paid special attention to the doings Of our
prominent men. Gov. Cleveland to-day
can measure many of our party men more
accurately than others who have been in
national public life. He is not so much in
need of advice in this respect as many
seem to think
The treaty with Mexico, now awaiting
the action of the House, to carry out its
provisions involves none of the dangers
and is open to none of the objections which
are urged against other important COM
mercial conventions that have been more
recently submitted to the Senate. 1t has
been ratified by the Senate after mature
elaboration; it will effect but trifling re-
duction of tvenue--less than 500, 000-
and it opens mp to our manufacturers a
much-needed market for their surplus pro-
ducts 1t embodies a principle to which
| the Democr .tic party is thoroughly COM
mitted. The ma ional platform contains
the following provsion:-
We favor an american continental policy
based upon more intimate commercial and
political relations with the fifteen sister re-
publics of North, South and Central Amer
lea, but entanglipg alliance with none.
The reading OF this resolution at the
Chicago convention was received with pro-
nounced applause.
Senator voorhees, and the Democratic
members of the Indiana delegation in the
House have agreed that Indiana is emit
tied to a position in Mr.. Cleveland's cabi-
net, and that Senator Mcdonald is a suita-
BILE person to represent the State.
A well known Senator said to-day:
'sThere are many ex-Union soldiers
throughout tie country who have remain
ed loyal to the Democratic party and have
never held Office who may possibly think
that their claims should be recognized I'M
der Democratic administration.
If the wheels of legislation are blocked
for any length of time the appropriation
bills, if passed at all, will go through in
the closing hours of the session and with
out proper consideration. If any appro-
priation bill fails it may be necessary to
| re-convene Congress imme lately after the
Inauguration of President Cleveland
This might result in embarrassing the new
administration.
There is great deal of opposition to
the Spanish treaty in the Senate, and it is
quite probable that 1t may fail of ratifca-
ton. A Rel, blican Senator from the
West to-day, expressed grave doubts of its
| ratification, anal there are many others who
entertain similar views.
| 1t is limited hat Mr.. Blaine will use his
influence against ratification Of this treaty.
Ex-Repres .ntr:ive Cofforth, of Pennsyl-
vania, is understood to be candidate for
Commissioner If pensions.