Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1885-12-05
WHIRLPOOL IN WASHINGTON.

4
H1esfern Kansas World CORRESPONDENTS.
WASHINGTON, Nov. %, 1885.
Thanksgiving day was celebrated by
the people of Washington in the usual
way. Secular business was suspended,
departments and schools were closed,
special services were held in the churches,
there were family reunions, and Teasing
and pleasure at domestic boards.
| ~
The house, at which Dakota will again
knock for admittance this winter, will
consist of al Republicans, one Green
back Democrat and 1873 regular Demo
Gratis. The Democratic majority will be
much smaller than in the last house. OF
the Democrats, 10 were in the last con-
gress, and of the Republicans, eighty
four are old members.
~
The absence of any contest over the
speakership, as well as of any serious
question in relation to the cast of impor-
tant committees, presents a situation un-
usually favorable for getting to work
promptly. There will be no excuse for
such long and costly delay as there
was when the forty-eighth congress at
tempted to commence business.
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A great deal of important work awaits
the forty-ninth congress, which convenes
on the 7th inst. Most of this work will,
in all probability, be waiting still when it
adjourns. This will surely be the case if
it follows the example of its Democratic
predecessors. For some years past it has
apparently been the object of the Demo-
cratic majority in the house to impede
legislation, and despite promises of busy,
hard-working session, there is no good
reason for hoping that the party will be
disloyal to it's traditions.
! *
On the capitol, White House and gov
eminent buildings, flags dropped at half
mast, while preparations were in progress
for draping those buildings in mourning
for Vice President Hendricks. The pres
ident was very much startled at the news
OF his death, and exclaimed, "What do
you mean?" to the messenger who made
the announcement. The cabinet officers
were at once summoned to the White
House, and continued in consultation for
two and half hours. They decided to
attend the funeral in a body, accompa-
MED by the president.
~
The death of the vice president leaves
the o. 8. senate without presiding Off
Ger. Who will be elected his successor,
is question about which speculation is
now rife. OF course his successor will be
a Republican, as the party has majority
in the senate. Senator Edmunds, who
was president of the last senate, could
have the place again, but he is in poor
health and does not desire it. Senator
Sherman's chances are spoken of, and
those of Senator Logan. It would be
singular if Senator Logan should be
elected to the position he SO narrowly
missed getting, and it would be fitting
tribute to the Republican candidate for
the vice presidency.
*
Several Republican senators, who have
recently arrived in Washington, have ex-
pressed the opinion that the president
need not expect the fight against his
nominations to be made on political
grounds. There are some Democrats
who would be glad if the Republican
senator's should decide, in the caucus to
be held before congress meets, to make
determined and solid opposition. They
are OF that class who regret that the par
ty is divided in allegiance to the president
in consequence of his failure to meet the
expectation of the spoilsmen in making
appointments. They believe a strong
Republican opposition might have the eff
feet of uniting the Democrats, and also
Of making the president more popular
with the heople who are not concerned
about the Offices.
~
One of the duties devolving on the
coming congress will be to admit Dakota
to the sisterhood of states. It should
have been done by the last congress, but
the majority kept Dakota out in the cold,
because, forsocth, she would increase the
Republican majority in the upper house
by sending it two Republican senators.
There is no precedent for denying admis-
sion to Dakota, and the duty can not be
delayed any longer without doing great
wrong to more than half million of peo-
pie. It is impossible to read the history
or study the statistics of Dakota without
surprise. Her progress and settlement
have been marvel OF activity and enter
prise, even in the country of rapid devel-
opment, and her people are one of the
most intelligent and moral communities
in the United States.
c. A. s.