davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1885-12-23

A CONTEMPORARY remarks that 'if there
is any good reason for holding secret execu-
tive sessions of the United States Senate,
1t is not generally known" The best rea-
sons assigned are that, in considering trea-
ties, very delicate international questions
are likely to be discussed, and in consider
ing nominations for Office, questions af-
fecting personal charcter are likely to be
canvnssed. There IS, perhaps, another
reason, something like this: The public
sessions Of such a decorous and dignifed
tody as the Senate are heavy tax on the
physical powers OF senators, many of whom
have passed the period of maximum
strength. When the doors are closed, and
the world is shut out, they can, without
neglecting their duties, enjoy something
like rest, or, at any rate, a restful change.
As the secret sessions violate no law, and
are not really secret in the sense Of keeping
important intelligence from the press and
public, 1t is not worth while to offer any
objection to their continuance. AS whole,
the United States Senate will probably bear
Inspections better than any other leglsla-
tive body on earth.
National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1885-12-23

THE Senate Of the United States has the
undoubted right to call for all the papers,
correspondence, &c, regarding a'pendng
treaty with foreign government. In the
case of nominations of persons to I'll federal
Offices the Senate, through its committees,
can undoubtedly obtain all the information
regarding the applications in possession of
the various departments, or in the hands OF
the President. 1t would certainly cause no
embarrassment to the President to
furnish such information, or cause the
departments to do so. If the Senate, in ad-
dition TO the information furnished, desired
the reason why change of officers was
proposed, 1t would be sufficient for the
President to say, ~ have used my best
Judgment in exercising a constitutional
prerogative." On the other hand, II the
Senate, in its wisdom, should decline to
''consent," reason why, "We have used our
best judgmentin the exercise of a constitu-
tional prerogatlve." All hiscoud be done
without causing any friction or embarrass-
ment. between the two branches OF the exec
utive mechanism.
National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1885-12-23
Not EaunlIy Responslble.

The New York World insists that the
Senate "has the constitutional right to
know the cause Of the removal of officers
in whose appointment they had an equal
share, or to investigate the character and
capacity Of the Presidents nominees
II the Senate has this right It was cer-
tainly waived in the case Of Mr.. Bigelow,
confirmed as assistant treasurer of the
United States at New York, in place Of Mr..
Acton, who is universally conceded TO have
been an entirely unexccptlonal official in
all respects.
There could have been no cause for the
removal Of Mr.. Acton other than a desire to
put Democrat into an Office held by
Republican. The Senate having promptly
confirmed Mr.. Bigelow, OF whose fitness no
question was raised, II is n reasonable infer
ence that senators did not feel quite sure of
the right Of the Senate TO call for state
ment Of the cause Of the removal of Mr.
Acton.
If It had been the intention Of the Senate
to insist on the practical application OF
those civil service reform principles enuncl-
ated by the President in his Christmas
letter to Mr.. Curtis and on one or two sub
scquont occasions, here was the time, here
the place to make beginning, for It may
be doubted II there is man left in the
civil service Of the government, in any ca.
pacity, OF higher standing in every particu-
lar than the man who was put out to make
place for Mr.. Bigelow.
lnasmuch as the Senate did not make q
stand for civil service reform principles, In
this case, II is reasonably inferred that there
was doubt as to the propriety of doing so
In any case where the fitness Of the nominee
is evident.
AS to the "equal share" of the President
and Senate In appointments, there is no
such equality, for the simple reason that the
Senate cannot nominate. The President
"shall nominate" says the fundamental
law. The Senate can say ''yes' or "no,"
like lady whose hand is asked in marriage,
but, like that lady, the Senate is powerless
to name the next candidate.
And, as the President alone can nomi-
nate, he is the party chiefly responsible for
the fitness of appointments and the char
acter of the service rendered. II the SEN
ate sees to 1t that no law has been violated
in making or attempting to lll vacancy,
and that the person nominated is apparently
suitable, its responsibility ends.
We desire that when the campaign Of
1883 comes on 1t shall be clearly understood
that the Democratic administration, and
not the Republican Senate, is mainly re-
sponsible for whatever Generalization Of the
public service may be the result of causes
now in operation.
National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1885-12-23

EDITOR NATIONAL REPUBLICAN,; It may not
strike the general public, or in fact the new
congressman" at first, why Mr.. Dana is so Wig
orously advocating the one-man power in the
House OF Representatives Conspiracy, in all
ages, where governments ceased TO exist
sprang not from the minds Of ordinary. work
men IN the honest field Of legitimate labor but
rom the brains of those who long enjoyed the
confidence OF the people. Tho editor of the
sun had the presidential bee In his bonnet
Tor some time. But when he found that its
buzzlng did not attract the attention of the
American people he looked around and about
him for o man OF his own narrow calib.er IL
required few weeks for him to discover that
man. Oh What light fell on his vision. when
one morning sauntering down broadway he
met the great congressional objector."
There y he exclaimed, ,is q man after my
use the columns Of the Sun to keep
his name before the people as /,
worthy candidate for the presidency. "Ha
Ha I've got EN-" And rubbing his hands
tum and loudly proclaimed that Hon. William
=. Holman, OF Indiana, was the only man in
the country who combined in himself ali the
Of the United States. win our readers by this
time recognize, without any further argument,
the shadow OF conspiracy? Lot Messrs. Nor
rison, Reed, Carlisle, and Hiscock be defeated
we venture TO prophesy that the name of the
gentleman aforementioned will figure IL not
that OF the only member of the committee on
rules who opposes the progressive step in legis.
lation advanced by the majority, will be
Haunted in the faces of the readers of the Sun
for the next three years as canddate--and
worthy one, too(?)-for the presidency. Legls-
lators,, beware of these men, who have
ieasted on the luxury which long
possession OF power brings. The
people are jealous of their rights,
they love an honest representative of their in.
terests, and will honor him even after death
has set his icy. fingers on his brow. But con. !,
spiracy they detest, and woe be to him pJ-
liticaly who fails to record his vote in favor of
majority rule as against one-man power. Con-
gressmen should know that we are an edu-
Gated people, and that we are fully alive to our
own interests, and that one of the fundamental
doctrines handed down to us as an heirloom
from the great founders OF our government Is
10 watch closely any man or set of men who
delegate to him or themselves the power to ad-
minister the affairs of this great nation of ST.
OO0000 OF people. Therefore, as you, the rep
resentatives OF the people, are about to vote on
this all'important question, weigh well your
action. Cast your ballot for the progressive
side, and distribute legislation in such way
that ictatiOn will be a thing of the past, and
believing as we do that honest government ad-
ministered through the hands of the many,
VIII bring peace, prosperity, confidence, and
happiness TO all. you will so home to your con-
stituents happy men. A*h
National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1885-12-23
PERSONALITIES.

SECRETARY LAMAR will spend the holidays at
his home in Mississippi, ana loithere last even
ing.
ENSIGN W. ]. SEARS has been ordered from
the coast survey ana granted three months
leave.
SENATOR VOORHEES, is to deliver his lecture on
Jefferson in Indiana cities for the Hendricks
monument fund.
ASSISTANT SECRETARY JENKs will leave
Washington to-day for his home near Plttsburg
returning about the 18th of January.
THE commissioner OF patents, Mr.. Mont.
gomery Is now at his home In Michigan, and
Is not expected to return before the 9th of
January
GIN. FELIX AGNUs, the publisher and man.
nger Of the Baltimore American, was in the city
for some time yesterday in relation to the
American building which he contemplates
erecting Iere.
ASSISTANT ENGINEER ALBERTO DE RUIZ has
been found by the navy retiring board incapac.
itated Tor active service but, as his disability
was not incurred in the line of service, he has
been wholly retired with one years pay.
JoSEru s1EALY, who was yesterday appointed
INSPECTOR of hulls for the Louisville (Ky) dis.
trict Is an uncle Of o. o. Stealy, the Washing.
ton correspondent of the Louisville Courier.
journal, and the speakers clerk. lie Is an old
steamboat man, and built the 81. Panels fifty
years ago lie is said to be a competent man
for the place and man of good character, and
the appointment is considered first.elass one.
AMONG thePresdent's callers yesterday were
Senator Voorhees, and ex-senator Mcdonald,
Senator Cullom Representatives Ryan Han.
baek,speters, Nielc, with Joseph Francis, the
venerable inventor OF the life saving car; Le.
icyre, Lowry, Ward, OF lndlana Cox, O'Neill
and Hon. Charles Gibson, of 81. Louis; O Neill
Of PcHnSylyania Springer and James B. Kicks
Of Chicago; Thompson. Scott, Ward, ana John
llCnesy, Col, +, j. Henesy and Wm. @. Asly, of
Chicagoi Beach and A, II. Jackman, of Nyack
n. u, and Farquahar and S, a. Merritt, Of
Utah.
National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1885-12-23
AMONG OUR RAnvrnr1sERs.
A Few Suggestions Timely and Appro.
PIRATE TO the Season.

A. W. A. A. CHAPfS, dealers In butter, eggs
and cheese, l7s, no, $50, 3l7 and 3is Center
Market, offer only pure goods, aud guarantee
every article sold 20 be such Housokeepcrs
Twill please give them call to-day when lay.
ng in their supplies.
Leave your orders at r. A. GoLpEN's Potomac
river game and fish stalls, Center Market, for
canvas.back nnd all kinds Of wild ducks
diamond back terrapins, slldors, aud all kinds
OftTesh and salt water fish, Lynn Haven bay
oysters, kennebec salmon, turkeys, chicKons
Holsters. Goods delivered to any part Of the
CITY. Telephone Si7.3. For your Christmas
dinner, from his stock you can select all the
nice and choice dishes that may be desired
D. J. wEYMAN caterer for parties, weddings,
&c, IS now ready to receive your orders for leo
cream and ices, fancy cakes, jellics, &C.; also
single dishes TO order, viz, croquetts, boned
turkey, salads, &C. Estimates given upon up.
plication. Call early at 423 Eleventh street
northwest, between Pennsylvania avenue and
l. street.
NJ. WILSON dealer in northern aud southern
fish and oysters 2S6 2S7, 2SS and 331 Center
Market and Eastern Market, offers all in
large stock.
The most unique and elegantly appointed
cigar store in the United States IS that of w.
j. SHERWOOD, 400 Tenth street northwest Post
building, where can be found the most COM
plete line of meerschaum and fancy goods in
o S Aboag Am he anSy goods mention
the Musical Chair, which daily attract admir-
ing crowds. Mr.. Sherwood controls the
Ideal cigar, which is undoubtedly the finest
wholesale at popular prices.
Nv. DREW druggist and pharmacist, corner
OF Ninth street and Pennsylvania avenue, has
nm unusually attractive display of plush and
leather goods suitable for holiday presents:
fancy articles, TO which he invites an inspec.
ton from all his friends and the public.
National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1885-12-23

BUSINESS is enjoying boom in all the
great centers Of trade and in many branches
Of manufactures. New York's exchanges
show an increase Of nearly 90 per
cent, as compared with the correspond
ing period of last year. Boston does more
business by 90 per cent. than she did in the
corresponding week of last year. Thirty
clearing houses have reported, twenty-seven
Of which the Post OF that city compares
with their own records a year ago, and the
percentage of increase in the totals is over
30 per cent. In the whole list OF returns
there arc probably not any moro significant
than those from Detroit, which show a
gain of more than so per cent, as COM
pared with the corresponding week of De-
comber, 1884. Certain large operators,
who make a study of clearing house
figures, have stated to the Boston Post that
they consider those from Detroit to be
especially valuable, because they represent
TO q larger extent than in almost any other
city, not only legitimate business, but
kind Of business that is largely determl-
native Of general business, namely, the
manufacture Of iron. When iron manu-
facture is brisk and profitable, other in-
dustries, as we have heretofore shown, are
likely to closely sympathize until activity
becomes general.
National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1885-12-23

1t was thought impossible years ago for
Prang " Co. to improve upon their Christmas,
New Year, birthday, and Easter, cards either
in beauty of design, or excellence of execution.
For more than half u generation this house has
been virtually without competition in all its
specialies, so far has 1t excelled all Its contcm.
poraries. IT has been one OF the great art edu.
Gators Of the United States, developing and cul-
tivating taste and fostering the love of the
beautiful. Readers Of the NATIONAL REPUBLI.
CAN will scarcely need TO be reminded that
they can find no other Christmas cards so
beautiful Us Prang's
National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1885-12-23

except for clearly expressed and well-estab-
lished cause, but until Congress has passed
such proper and necessary law the Senate
may as well go on as It has always done,
confirming all appointments to which per
soual character offers no objection" II
the Inquirer will add to the obligations Of
the Senate that Of making sure that a va
concy was not unlawfully made, It's position
will he impregnable.
National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1885-12-23

FOLLOWING the impressive example Of
the federal government in the case Of pub
lie building contract In Illinois, the presl-
dent of the Gulf and Ship Island railroad
has secured from the authorities Of the
state of Mississippi several hundred con-
victs to labor on the road, work on which
Will be commenced at once at point near
Mississippi City Should the supply of
c0nyicts fail short Of the demand at any
time, the machinery for making fresh
stock, by convlcting and sentencing honest
lahorers, is In good working order.
National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1885-12-23

The Philadelphia Inquirer assumes that
"the Republican majority of the Senate
will yield gracefully TO the inevitable, and,
in every case in which the personal cnaac-
ter Of the nominee justilles his nomination,
confirm it, The Inquirer commends this
policy as ''wlso and just" il Is 'wiso, be-
cause the rejection of a Democratic nomi-
nee would not re-establish in his place his
Republican predecessor; IL would only
make II necessary for the President to nom
mate another Democrat All this Is, of
course, unfortunate But It cannot be
EclIod, aud therefore II should be con
Tuled In, as useless protest does no good.
1Ee principle should be established by
Congress Itself that no efficient aud faithful
ftdunl oGicer should be liable to removal
National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1885-12-23
About the City After Dark Before
ChriStmas.

Lighting q fragrant Henry Clay" at the
cigar stand in Wizards last evening" decided
to enjoy the cigar and beautiful evening by n
stroll about the city. Saunterlng down the
avenue my attention was attracted by the
great displays made by tho numberless ..Ier.
chants heraldlng the coming of Christmas and
II would require only little snow TO make the
loungcr believe that Santa Claus had al.
ready been here Each window seemed 10 vie
with Its neighbor as TO who would supply the
wants OF the many Santa Clauses" OF Wash
iington. The greatest aud most varied atyrac.
tions were 10 DO found on Seventh street, which
seemed to be perfectly abla2e with lights of
almost every age, from the ancient tallow
CAndle on the peanut cart to modern electric
light. ,glit!ering In the stores of fashion and
wealth. While thus enjoying the walk and
cigar arrived In front of a large, magnificent
double store, where the display and lights
the reputation which this immense
establishment, had gained during the short
time since its locating in our city II did not
require the signs (which are plcntifuD to tell
me that was in front of the celebrated "Bon
Marche'", As my cigar had disappeared In
smoke" l concluded to follow the crowd
and enter the wonderful store. l did so, and
indeed Il Is astonishing TO contemplate that
during the short space of four months such a
vast business J. ad been established. The pro-
ings with the public. given them better goods
at less prices than goods Of equal quality can
be procured for elsewhere, and IL satisfaction
dTH rs mot given inc goods may be returned What
90 not intend to stop nj this gorgeous and brill
liant cheap narket' (Which is the meaning
OF It's tile, Bon Marche"l. only advising all to
visit 1t before purchasing their presents and IL
nt II loss what to buy Just examine their adyer.
trement III the REPUBLICAN,. With one more
glance at the very many and h lndsOme articles
which tempt me TO wish for, light another
weed and wander alone to the countless rooms
OF the lonely "BATCun
National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1885-12-23

THE New York World, whose anluonee
of mislnformation is one of the marvels of
metropolitan journalism, says that ''if any
nominee OF the President should have be-
come unavailable under the civil service
law - it will be proper for the SEN
ate to refuse to consent to his appoint
ment." What has the civil service law to
do with these grades of appointments that
are made by the President "by and with
the advice and consent of the senator
National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1885-12-23

Secretary Whitney keeps four horses, but
he doesn't try to ride them all at one time.
i Exchanged
Perhaps not, but lie had evidently loaned
the whole stud to the attorney general
about the time that gentleman decided that
Roach had contract with the government
that the government had no contract with
Roach, that Roach broke the contract, and
thar there was no contract TO break. III Con-
cord Monitor
National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1885-12-23

TnE Irish nationallsts will certainly in
clude in their home rule programme the
right TO protect their home industries, and
the English free traders may as well begin
10 familiarize their minds with this very
important phase Of the situation.
National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1885-12-23

NEW subscribers, residing in hotels and
boarding houses, often miss their paper when
it has been regularly LEFT by the carrier through
failure TO notify the proper parties that they
expect to receive the NATIONAL REPUBLICAN,.
At other times the paper has been stolen. All
failures to receive the NATIONAL RErunucAS
should be promptly reported, by postal card or
otherwise, to the business Office.
National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1885-12-23

We trust there is solid truth in the rumor
that Mr. Tilden intends, by his last will and
testament, to found and endow a home at
Graystone for eX-Presidents and their fam
lilies. II is noble design with which this
report credits the veteran statesman.
National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1885-12-23

The Republican brethren in the Empire
State, of all factions, would do well to save
their ammunition to be expended on the
common enemy next summer, instead of
worse than wasting II in making foolish
war on each other. New York should in
crease her Republican strength in Congress
in the election of $50.
National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1885-12-23

The death Of b. Gratz Brown carries off
the last remaining candidate on the presi-
dental ticket Of 1872. Greeley, Grant, and
Wilson had gone before. There is stlll
survivor of the campaign of 1856 In the per.
son OF Gen. Fremont, OF the campaign Of
lsG0 in Hannibal IIamiin, Of 1864 In George
ii. Pendleton, and OF 1868 in Hontio Sey-
mour. or the campaign of 1876 all the
candidates are living except Mr.. Hendricks
and of the campaign of 1880 all except Mr..
Garfield
National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1885-12-23

The law ought not to be interpreted or
twisted so as TO give pensions to men who
were clearly guilty of the crime of deser-
tion, in the full sense Of the word. There
are thousands Of honorably discharged SOL
ders whose small pensions It were better
10 increase than to offer bounty for deser-
finn
National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1885-12-23

lT is mistake for the polygamous Nor
mons TO claim that they are following the
example Of "holy men Of old.n The
patrlaIchs confomed 10 the customs of
their age and country and did not resist the
constituted authonLies.
National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1885-12-23

MANY excellent speeches have been made
at the various celebrations of the landing
Of the Pilgrim fathers, ''whose luck It was
to land upon almost the only rock along
the Plymouth sandn about two hundred
and sixty-three years ago. Speech-maklng
has improved immensely since the original
forefathers' day, but there has been great
decline in detestation Of "damnable here
sine ~
National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1885-12-23
The CanitaI Riovole cInh.

The Capital Bicycle Club has elected the fol-
lowing officers: John NJ. Killits president;
Clarence G. Allen, vice president; Thos. A.
Berryhill, recording secretary; Jas. @. Rice,
corresponding secretary; Joseph L. Leaning,
sub'captain; i. IL. Stinemetz, junior sub.cap.
tain. II has been decided to build new club
house at the earliest date possible The club
will buy lot in n central locality and will
erect on 1t n handsome threestory club house.
The whole expense Is estimated at about slO,-
National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1885-12-23

THE only really great joke in Mr.. Beck's
strong speech on the silver question is the
assumption that Secretary Manning, in his
treatment of the tariff question, 'has but
elaborated the views of the President"
Why did not the senator go to the Presi-
dents message for "the views of the Presl-
don't 81
National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1885-12-23

FRESH exposures make the Cincinnati
election frauds stink even more UNANIMOUSLY
than when they were consecrated by a
Democratic supreme court, but there is not
a single Democratic leader in the United
States who has sufficient moral courage to
denouncc this diabolical business.
National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1885-12-23

Mr.. CowEN is right when he says that
'the hest security against the disruption of
the union is the mutual interests existing
between England and Ireland" Ireland
will not desire to go out OF the domain Of
ii. b. NJ. If 1t is made pleasant and profita-
BILE for her to stay in.
National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1885-12-23

buildings It is officially stated that from
10000 to 10000 children are still unable to
gain admission. This should be remedied
at once by renting buildings or rooms until
school houses can be provided.
National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1885-12-23

In is suggested as an interesting posi-
bility that the threat Of Internal Revenue
Collector Chase, of Maine, that II his noml-
nation is rejected he will make some inter
estlng disclosures concerning the Garceon
count out, may aid in deciding Republican
senators TO reject him. "What will the
robin do, then, poor thlngNn