The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1885-02-05
Washington City Notes.

Washington City Notes.
There have been number of para
graphs published in the papers to the
effect that the Wise Massey contested
election case from Virginia would be heard
in the House on stated days and that there
was but little doubt that Mr.. Massey
would be awarded the seat now held by
Mr.. Wise. The probabilities are that we
will hear no more Of this kind of news. 1t
is not likely that the question of Mr..
Wise's right to the seat for which he
holds the certificate of election will be
further questioned. He stands backed
by over 5000 Of the popular vote, and a
favorable report from the majority of the
Committee of Elections, and as preponder-
ance of Democrats is on that Committee,
it is not reasonable to suppose that he will
be disturbed during his term, which ends
on the 4th of March next. 1t would not
be good policy for the Democrats, on the
eve of the Inauguration Of a Democratic
President, to be guilty of the fragrant par
tizanism of seating Mr.. Massey. with the
proofs of Mr., Wises election so we'll for
titled.
The visits of Mr.. Randall and Speaker
Carlisle, in such quick succession. to the
Presdent-elect, on invitation, have stirred
the curious and hopeful to an unusual de-
gree. Various surmises have been ven
tured as to the object of these invitations,
the most rational of which is that MI.
Cleveland desired to obtain information of
these two leaders of the Democratic fac
tions on matters concerning the condi-
ton of public affairs, to aid in shaping
his inaugural address. 1t is suggested,
too, that it might have been to learn the
probability Of uniting these leaders on
some given line Of policy, and thus arrest
any tendency to division and disruption.
The precedence given Mr.. Randall, in or
der of the invitations, was not agreeable
to the revenue reformers," especially as
Mr.. Carlisle holds the important position
of Speaker of the House of Representa-
tives. 1t was construed by some to give
tions, and at least give him the first place,
as between the two, in Mr.. Cleveland's
mind. 1t is also surmised that it was
with reference to the formation of the
Cabinet that the consultations were asked,
but it is hardly probable that this was the
case as it would be next to impossible for
Mr.. Randall and Mr.. Carlisle to agree in
this respect, particularly as to the Treas
ury portfolio. Both gentlemen are reti-
cent on the subject, and the quid nuncs
are left to indefnit and confusing
speculation. Some signifca ice is also
given to the visit of Hendl icks to Mr..
Cleveland and the most general interpre-
tarion given to it is that ex-senator Nc
Donald will not go into the CABINET, as it
known that Mr.. Hendricks is not favora-
BILE to such selection.
The River and Harbor Bill which carries
an appropriation of about $l2.000,0 900, in
discussed with a good deal of feeling is
political circles, and earnest jealousy man.
Tested by Northern representatives be-
cause of the large allowances embraced in
the bill for the Southern States. The ag-
gregate of the estimates for the Southern
States is about 81 100000. including about
100000 for the Mississippi river, or
about 25 per cent. more than is allotted to
the Northern States, whereas the North
ern States contribute to the national treas
ury about two-thirds OF its revenues. The
New Y ork Tribune says that the South is
reaching out for its pay for its 1853 electo-
raj votes. The Philadelphia Times as
| sumes that the item of $4,000, 900 for the
Mississippi river is in effect an expendi-
ture by the government of that much to
benefit private land holders by the hundred
millions, IN constructing levees to protect
the private property Of individuals. The
| New York Times is equally in bad humor
about the disposition manifested to allot
the lions share to the South. But these
journals should remember that govern
ment donations have built the railroads
and the school houses of the West, while
the South was hugging constitutional fan
cies, which prohibited the acceptance
of contributions from the National Treas
ury. The new South, is more practical.
1t wants all it can get and will take all that
can be gotten. The ''old flag and appro-
priation" is the inspiring motto, and with
15S electoral votesssolld for the Democ-
racy,.it may justly lay claim to precedence
in favors, and the Times has no excuse to
criticise, for it aided in giving the power
to consummate such results.
Mr.. Randall is to make another visit
South, after the adjournment of Con-
gress. This time he will go to.Charleston,
S. c., and Mobile, Ala, on special invi-
tations, and will talk protective tariff as
he did, few weeks ago, in Kentucky,
Tennessee and Alabama. There is meth
cd and an object in all this. Randall is
not asleep. He knows what he is doing,
and believes that there is an undeveloped
Southern sentiment,for protection, which
only needs encouragement from Demo-
cratic sources to manifest itself practi-
cally and to purpose. The results of
these raids into the South will be made
known before the close of the year. The
organization of the next House will be the
pivotal occasion, and then the circus will be-
gin, which will promise no great assurance
of Democratic harmony.
1t is noticeable fact that in Democrat
ic circles no discussion is INDUCED as to
the policy Of the new administration as it
NAV affect the hnSineSs and material adj