Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1885-07-18
WASHINGTON LETTER.

eCit ucocIbcusES UOvcfuu1oub cmpkOy-
es are off on vacation, and the De-
partments are crowded with appli-
cations for leave. But this year
there is a remarkable dearth of such
applications. For one season at
least Washington seems to be a pop
ular summer resort. The explana-
tion is that the government employ
es, Notwithstanding the tropical heat,
feel more comfortable in Washing
ton just now than they would at the
coolest resort in the country, with
the perpetual fear of receiving word
from Washington that they had been
dismissed.
There is disposition on the part
of some of the Cabinet officers to
discontinue the allowance Of sick
leaves under pay to employees in the
departments. An impression pre-
walls that serious abuses have grown
up in connection with the allowance
of such leaves, and it is believed
that the system should be re-arrang
ed, so as to enable the distribution,
among monthly employees who are
working extra hours in addition to
rendering steady service throughout
the year, of the money chat is now
paid out during sick leaves to that
class of employees who lose many
days sometimes exceeding $50, in
each year-frorh alleged disability.
1t is probable that these views may
take practical shape in a general
order governing the allowance of
leaves IN all the executive depart.
mentS.
The Professors of Agriculture who
met here during the week at the re-
quest of Commissioner Colman were
fine looking body of men, and they
evidently understand their business.
Their discussions brought out some
very interesting facts however. One
Of these was that ont of forty-nine
farmers in the Legislature of Tennes-
see only two could appreciate the
value of the reports of the signal
service. Forty-seven voted against
them. What was the reason!
The Professors thought it came
from the fact that the reports are too
technical and extended in their ma
ture. The farmer is not generally
speaking a reading mai. Many far
mers can only find time to read the
most simple and abbreviated mat.
tiers. 1t was generally agreed that
the thing necessary to make such
work successful was frequent publ
cation in simple and practical form.
One of the most interesting and
striking things that was brought out
in the discussion was the Opposition
that prevailed in regard to the pres
ent method of distributing seeds by
Congressman. 1t was shown that
the ignorance that had been display
ed In this way was serious in its re-
suits. Insects and plant diseases,
very deleterions in their nature, had
been disseminated far and wide, and
in MANY instances more damage than
good has been done. 1t was urged
that this distribution ought to be
made by the Commissioner himself
who is supposed to know much more
about such matters than the Con-
gressmen can. He has the means
Of knowing the various soils, and the
kinds of seeds that will flourish in
them. So on the whole the meeting
was grand success. 1t gave an OPP
portunity for the free interchange of
opinions and information and estab-
lished a closer relationship between
the calleges and the Department.
When the plan for interchange of
information is fully perfected great
additional good will follow.
The President Saturday became
the guest OF the Woodmont Rod and
Gun Club. The party consisted of
Secretary Manning, Secretary La
mar, Secretary Whitney, and Post
master General Villas. They spent
Sunday very quietly at the charming
club house in the mountains, and the
President is likely to enjoy his visit
very much. Mr.. Arthur was the
first President who was entertained
by the Club.
A special wire has been connected
from the club house at Woodmont
to the White House in order that
the President may have an opportu
nifty to talk with Colonel Lamont to-
day. He will be kept informed of
the condition of Mrs. Bayard, should
she survive, and any news of impor-
tance win be transmitted to him.
Miss Cleveland has passed a pleas
ant week, having received exceed
ing pleasant news from her publish
ers in regard to the sale of her book.
The comments, upon it too, have
ham couopohla ro+;oo <hck A.