The Press., 1886-04-01
wAsHINGTnN LETTER.

tion, and will urge congress to provide for the celebration here of the centennial anni- versary of the adoption of the constitution of the United States in 1889, and also the 400th anniversary of the Discovery of America in 1892.
 It is held that the most appropriate manner for the nation to celebrate these historical events would be the establish ment in this city, upon the ample reserva- tions which extend from the capitol to the national observatory, of a permanent ex- position. In this the exhibits of the arts, industries and resources of the republic could be gathered and the states and ter ritories should have permission to erect permanent buildings in which their con- tributions could be placed. Space would also be granted to the governments of Central and South America to do likewise, thus presenting in Washington miniature view of the greatness and resources of the western hemisphere The plan is to pre- pare for such celebration in 1889 to be subsequently, enlarged to more compre- hensive exhibition in 1892.
 At meeting for the discussion of this subject committeeman wanted to know, first, what the District of Columbia would do. Another replied that it was not pro- posed that the disfranchised citizens of the District should contribute cent to the proposed exposition. They were like chil- dren who were permitted to play in the governments backyard. Another thought make would be 10 show its own helpless ness. 1t was needed as 8 bad example. | Washington was simply resting place for the government, being devoted to depart ment work and social excitiment. There is no industry or commerce, and it was needed. He had observed that all the fine statues ill the city were of army and navy officers. There Is just one-that of Robert Fulton and his model, in the capl- 1 Itol-representing men who have done something to advance the industrial inter- ests of the country. He thsught that If an exhibition such as the one proposed was held it would stimulate energy and trade throughout the country. If per- son could come to Washington and there see the resources of the various states and territories it would help them.
 Dr. Loring indorsed the project of the permanent exposition, because he believed in industry as a stimulant to enterprise. The District is the place where man can come to learn the most. It is true that there are no mills, no strikes, or prospects of them, unless members of congress SGEIhC3 0uO nO 4uAuStEld1 COuIrOV0I6IOS The industries of the country are repre- verse industries of trade and industry be studied so advantageously as in Washing ton. l Senator Frye, of Maine, expresses him self warmly in favor of permanent expo sition in Washington. The city, he says, is in itself @ permanent exposition for the education and edlfcation of the people ot the United States and of the world. Every intelligent move for it's improvement and establishment has this in view
 The proposition to change inauguration day, and with it the closing day of con gress, from the 4th of March to the 3Oth of April, will, it is hoped, soon receive at tentive consideration at the hands of oul law makers It is becoming more and more evident with every year that the present limit of the alternate or s'short' session of each congress leaves insufficient time for the transaction of necessary pub hc business. Congress assemblies early in December, and, almost before it begins any work, there comes the Christmas vaca tiOn. Then 1t is the middle of January before work is fairly resumed, thus leaving only about six weeks before the termina tion of the session. The result is hasty l tion bills rushed through without inquiry or defeated without due examination, an0 general and unsatisfactory and unsafe dis potion of the peoples affairs.
 It would be very great improvement ln every way if the closing days of con gress were set back to April 30, thus giv ing some sixty days more to the session and afording opportunity for material i'm provement in the volume and quality O1 legislation.
 That would be 8 much better time in which to celebrate the inauguration of ou1 presidents also. The 4th of March comes, as rule, at. the most disagreeable period of the year. Every inauguration day at tracts greater crowds to the capital, and there is every reason why the occasion should be transferred from the indictment month of March to the last of April, when gracious and balmy weather may reasona. ply be expected.
 An architect writes as follows to the American Architect, concerning the effect of the present strike in interrupting busi. ness :-
 Two weeks ago I was called upon by a very wealthy man and asked to prepare D ans for large block of houses which he proposed to erect as permanent investment. Yester- day he countermanded his order on acc .unt of the strikes; he said it was not safe to 20 ahead with building as the good builders were not willing to take contracts except at very high prices; besides he would expose himse to annoyances of the strikers, which he could avoid by investing in government bonds; he would not invest in railroads or buildings so long the Knights of Labor made such unreasonable demands. know of two similar instances of the stoppage of building, and have no doubt that other architects meet with similar experiences, and doubt whether we can have prosperity in ''our line" so long as these agitatiops retain the formidable influence they exercise. The executive committee of the legisla. tive general reunion have decided at their last meeting that it was appropriate that | the reception committee on the day of the reunion should be composed of members of the present general assembly, and have chosen six members from each county, the following representing this section Holland County-Messrs Newcomb of Holland, Lincoln of Andover, Brown of Coventry, Butterfeld of Stafford, Winch of Union and McNerney of Vernon.
 Windham County-Messrs. Brewster of Brooklyn, Shumway of Killingly, Ham, mond of Putnam, Palmer of Plaintield. Searls of Thompson and Palmer of Wind. ham.