The Daily Tombstone., 1886-11-29
WASHINGTON LETTER.

III nedlGnJ duu there was lItIle CApcC- tation that he would ever again en- joy health and streng ,h, yet the sud denness of his decease gives shock of sorrow and regret to the whole country. The news was received at the White house at an early houl on Thursday morning, and the PIesi- dent at on ce sent a telegram to Mrs. McElroy, the sister of the eX-presi- dent, expressing his sympathy. A meeting of the cabinet was at once called, and It was decided that the President and the members of his cabinet should attend the funeral, It was ordered that the flags upon the government buildings shoull be placed at half mast, and he bull lings trapped in mourning during period of thirty days, and as an additional mIrk of respect, week in the var Ou> uGDtIlllGllIS pended upon the day of the funeral The feeling of sorrow felt at the na- tional capital is profound an univer- sal During his occupancy of the presidential office, Mir. Arthur won the respect and confidence of the peo- pie. He bore himself with dignity in his official relations, and his private life was marked by refinement and charm of manner that graced the White house.
 The all absorbing topic of conver- sation during ;he past week, has been on the trial of Lieutenant Arnold of the Washington police department, upon charges of having circulated false statements to the effect that Major Walker, the chief of police, had issued a general order to the police officers directing them to keep close watch upon the movements of mem bers of congress, and to report to him in case any member should visit dis reputable places, in order that advan- tage might be taken of the iniormat- ion thus gained in securing addition al appropriations from Congress for the maintainance of the police force, and for furthering contemplated city improvements. During the trial, which was conductor by the District , Commissioners. Mr. Arnold and sew eral other police lieutenants swore | that Mai jor Walker had given such in stIuclions to the fnrce, aud the evi- dence offered at the trial seems to have conclusively proven the fact, and it is generally believed that the Presi- dent will at once demand the resigpa ton of Mir. Walker. Nor is the scan dle likely to end here, as the President is very much worried over the affair, and it is thought that when Congress clnvenes a searching investigation will be instituted, and the true in wlrdness Of inc whole matter will be brought to light.
 Secretary Whitney in his annual report last year, treated exhaustively of proposed change in his depart ment. It wls to divide the work of the same into three branches, the per sonnel and fleet, the department of material and construction, and the department of finance and accounts, this last bureau covering all contracts for purchases of naval supplies. Con- gress having failed to come to his aid in this reform, he has evidently con- eluded to undertake the task alone. He has recently issued an orler, to go into effect January 1st, 1887, in which IlG JItlCSS JIC COhOIaStlLS s AOi "iAN 'i4N care of all supplies with one person at tch of the various navy yards, in stead of as heretofore requiring special bureaus for the purchase and furnish ing of each of the different supple: needed this one supply division II each yard will suffice for all the bur elus, and where 160 men are now paid by the Government, the work can be accomplished by force C.
 about 40, while the methods employ ed will be much more simpli6ed. |
 is thought that the Secretary's refoln may extend still further, and that ht
 will next reorganize the departmen
 of material and construction,
 The Presi lent last week appointe;
 Col. John Moore as Surgeon Genera
 of the Army, to succeed General Mur
 ray, who has retired. Col Moore ha | been in the army for twenty-tiv, } years, and was one of the few in tn