The Indianapolis journal., 1885-12-18
mold It's approval. The statement Of facts. how
ever Is one that may be studied by the disabled
soldier to profit withal.

noio fts approval Tne etatement or facts now
ever Is one that may be studied by the disabled
soldier to profit withal.
GENERAL AND PERSONAL NOTES.
The House is discussing the proposed change
of rules. Mr.. Randall sits in his chair and
must see the sceptre of his authority slipping
out of his fingers. Yet he is comparatively serene,
and appears to be willing to have the impetuous
majority assume the responsibility they are SO
eager to carry. The new rules can only be
tested by actual experience. They may work well,
and facilitate the dispatch Of public business
1t is certain that some changes are necessary,
but whether the sweeping ones proposed should
be inaugurated is very questionable. If the
Republicans propose to stand by Mr. Morrison
and his friends in downing" Mr.. Randall for
that is about the practical shape of the matter
merely as question OF politics, 1t Is not so
clear that the politics" is good.
1t is known, of course, that Mr.. Edmunds was
chosen as chairman OF the Republican senatorial
caucus to succeed Mr.. Sherman. 1t is no secret
that Mr.. Edmunds is by no means popular
man with his associates, and there was such
decided objection to his election as President
pro tempore that no effort was made to present
his name. This unpopularity arises in part from
the infrmites of his temper at times; but the
real truth is that the course OF the Vermont
senator in suking through the last campaign was
intended to be rebuked, and was. There is no
doubt of the meaning of Mr.. Sherman's election
here: while the choice of Mr.. Edmunds as eau
Gus chairman was an indication that there was
still time to bring forth fruits meet for repent
ance. -
The row over confrmations has begun. The
Democrats so eagerly besieging the White House
for appointment have now turned their atten-
tion to the Senate corridors, and are besieging
for confirmation. Over the general appoint
ments there does not seem to be much OF fight;
but in certain local appointments there are indi
cations of vigorous contests. AS to Indiana
nominations there is hot and concentrated fire
directed against Hanlon for collector, Lamb for
district attorney, and in the cases OF one
or two principal postmasters, particularly Elder,
at Richmond, in place OF Palmer, sus-
pended under the Villas infamy, it IS
presumed. 1t is fact that the greater part OF
the objection to these men comes from
Democrats. Republicans are not worrying or
arousing themselves much about the whole busi
ness. If one Democrat is rejected another will
be appointed and so Republicans can have no
party interest in the matter. Their efforts will
be concentrated toward compelling the admins
tration to face the music where reputable and
efficient officers have been removed for cause
by the operation of the most dlsgraceful methods
ever introduced into American politics Before
the session is over Mr.. Villas Will be gridironed;
and in the interests of justice the facts and the
discussions in this class of should be given
in open session. Many senator's favor this; but
whether enough to do away with the exclusive
anu AWIul dignity VI tuo upper Aous0 IA VIC
Executive session" humbug, l doubt
On the occasion of Mr. Carlsle's reelection as
Speaker Rose Elizabeth sent Mr.. Carlisle note
OF congratulation from the White House in
which, among other things. the FIRST lady
Of the land' remarked This is a great
day for all of u.s." This is too good to be lost
II was the piping voice of the little sixyear older
from his trundle bed, which broke in upon the
mutual admiration proceeding between father
and mother on a certain memorable occasion,
with the inquiry: ma, are we all 'squires2'
The changes of official life are rapid. Between
the period Of any two years the complexion OF
all official bodies most remarkably alters, even in
such conservative body as the Senate. A very
suggestive illustration Of this is to be noted in
the fact that there is not single foreign minis
ter now here who was in Washington when the
Spanish minister. Senor Mantilla, and wife,
gave their wel-remembered fete in honor of the
first marriage of King Alfonso, January %, 1873.
On the day before that fete a funeral mass was
celebrated in ST. Aloysius Church for the late
King of Italy, and on Sunday last there was
funeral mass celebrated for Alfonso in the same
church. Sic transit gloria mundi H.