The Press., 1885-12-03
Issued Every Thursday Evening
WASHINGTON LETTER.

WaSn1HStOn U. Col Nov. 2S, 1885.
 Thanksgiving day was celebrated by the people of Washington in the usual way. Secular business was suspended, depart ments and schools were closed. special services were held ill the churches. there were family reunions, and feasting and pleasure at domestic boards.
 On the capitol, white house and gov. ernment buildings, flags dropped at halt mast, while preparations were in progress for draplng those buildings in mourning for Vice. President Hendricks.
 The president was very much startled at the news of his death, and exclaimed. What do you mean ?' to the messenger who made the announcement. The cabi- net officers were at once summoned to the white house, and continued in consl1lta- tion for two and half hours. They de- clded to attend the funeral in a body. ac- companied by the president.
 The death of the vice-president leaves the U. $. senate without presiding off Ger. Who will be elected his successor is question about which speculation is now rife. Of course his successor will be a republican, as the party has majority ln the senate. Senator Edmunds. who was the president of the last senate. could have the place again, but he is in poor health and does not desire it. Senator Sherman's chances are snoken of and those of Senator Logan. It would be sin. gular If Senator Logan should be elected to the position he SO narrowly missed pet- ting, and 1t would be q fitting tribute to the republican candidate for the vice. pres idency
 A great deal of important work awaits the forty-ninth congress which convenes one week from next Monday Most of this work will, in all probability, be wait ing still when it adjourns. This will sure- ly be the case if 1t follow the example of it's predecessors. For some years past it has apparently been the object of the ma- lority in the house to impede legislation
 The absence of any contest over the speakership, as we'll as of any serious question in relation to the cast of impor- tant committees, presents situation un- usually favorable for getting to work promptly. There will be no excuse for such long and costly delay as there. was when the rty-eighth congress attempted to commence business. One of the duties devolying on the coming congress will be to admit Dakota to the sisterhood of states. It should have been done by the last con gress, but the majority kept Dakota out in the cold, because she would increase the republican majority in the upper house by two senators. There is no precedent for denying admission to Dako ota, and the duty cannot be delayed any longer with out doing great wrong to more than half a million of people. It is impossible to read the history or study the statistics of Da- kota without surprise. Her progress aud settlement has been marvel of activity and enterprise, even in this country of rapid development, and her people are one of the most intelligent and moral communities ill the United States.
 The house, at which Dakota will again knock for admittance this winter, will con- sist of Al republicans, one greenback vdemocrat, and 183 regular democrats. The democratic majority will De very much smaller than in the last house. Of the democrats no were in the last con- gress, and of the republicans eighty -four are old members.
 several republican senators, who have recently arrived in Washington, have ex- pressed the opinion that the president need not expect the fight against his nom- nations to be made on political grounds. There are some democrats who would be glad If the republican senators should de. eide, In the caucus to be held before con- gress meets, to make determined and solid opposition. They are of that class who regret that the party Is divided in al- leglance to the president in consequence of his failure to meet the expectation of tho spoilsmen in making appointments. They belleve strong republican opposi. tion might have the effect of uniting the democrats, and also of making the rresi. dent more popular with the people who are not concerned about the offices.