Lexington weekly intelligencer. (Lexington, Mo.) 1871-1887, 1885-12-05
OUR WASHINGTON LETTER.

OUR WASHINGTON LETTER.
WASHINGTON, d. c., Nov. 80, 'S5.
EDITOR INTELLIaENCER:-S the
memorable morning in July, 1881, when
the news of the assassination OF Presi-
dent Garfield was flashed over the
wires, causing every heart of the nation
to intermit in its pulsation, the country
has not experienced such shock as
was occasioned by the news of the sud-
den and unexpected death of Vice
President Hendricks, which occurred
on Thanksgiving eve. The leaders of
both political parties were startled by
the announcement. Although several
vice-presidents have died while in
Office, the vice-president succeeding
has always been of the same political
opinion as the president. In the pres
ent case, however, the senate having a
republican majority will, it is believed,
choose republican as its presiding
officer. 1t was quiet and sad Thanks
giving day at the White House. There
were no callers, and no public business
was transacted. All of the govern
ment buildings have again been shroud-
ed in Grape and bunting, which will
remain until the day after Christmas.
Prior to the receipt of the news of
Mr.. Hendricks death great prepara-
tions had been made for rendering
Thanksgiving an enjoyable holiday.
Secretary Whitney issued an order on
Wednesday, closing the navy depart
ment at l O'Clock, and each Of the
clerks who wished it were given a
check which, when countersigned, was
good for turkey at commission
house upon the avenue. About two
hundred of the clerks availed them
selves of the secretary's liberal offer.
One week from to-day the forty
ninth congress will convene. Many of
the members are now in the city, and
others are arriving daily. Some of the
senators are taking an interest in the
movement for change in the house
rules, on the ground that the senate
suffers from the obtrusive character
of the rules that measures of public
interest and importance which are
passsd by the senate and have the sup
port of majority of the members OF
the house, fail because the rules do not
permit majority to dictate.
1t is learned at the interior depart
ment that the proclamation of the
president directing the removal OF
fences erected by cattlemen Oh gov
ernment land is being observed. and
the fences are being removed. There
has been but single exception repor-
ted, that being upon cattle ranch in
Wyoming where the owner has COM
menced the erection of additional
fences. The attorney general will al
once institute suit to secure the re-
moval of the fences in this particular
instance.
1t is now reported that Mr.. A. A
Wilson, of this city, is to be appointed
United States marshal of the district
This decision will be great disap-
pointment to the large number of ap.
plicants for the office.
Frederick Douglass will soon be
asked to resign his Office of commits
sioner of deeds, and the president has
announced his intention of appointing
a colored man as his successor, if a
suitable person can be found.
A committee representing the Amer
lean Medical Association have been il
the city during the week, engaged in
making the preliminary arrangements
for the International Medical College,
which is to be held here in 1887. The
committee waited upon the president
and requested him to bring the matter
to the attention of congress, with the
view of having congress make some
provision towards defraying the ex
pense of entertaining delegates from
foreign countries.
Senator. Call, of Florida, has com
menced the construction of residenc,
in the West End, and is the fifteenth
member of the present senate who
has built or purchased residence al
the national capital.
A movement which has been grow
ing of late, having for its object tt
secure the opening of the capitol
national museum, and other govern.
ment buildings on Sunday, has me
with serious and unexpected opposi
ton from the pastors of the Evangeli
cal churches, who have formed an or
gaDization with the express purpose o
Opposing the movement. 1t is ais,
announced that the organization
intends to prevent series of Sunda,
night concerts, which were to hav,
been given in the theaters, and to sup
press the sale Of newspapers upon th'
streets on Sundays.
The alarming increase of Grim,
which has developed here of late is {
general theme of comment. Their,
were no less than three murders
several assaults and series OF robber.
les las: week, while during the pres
ent week there has been one murder
and a number of robberies and case
of house breaking.
Gen. John Eaton, who has held th
office of commissioner of education
since the organization of the bureau
has rendered his resignation, stating a
his reason that on account of faiin
health he finds it desirable that h
should withdraw from the arduou
duties imposed by the Office. He wi
J accept a college presidency, which ha
been rendered him. II.
GOOD FISHING.