Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1886-01-01
Washington Letter.


Congress has begun its fi,st session
Its opening scenes did not ditfe
VIII, ~ from those of past sessions
" u-utl, thronGs of people rushed
10 the Capitol and crowded the spec
tutor galleries. As usual, hundred
Wtu' O.! dI~dpp' iuiod unable tt
e't M Ca ,hc ilb,i Of the HJus,
tLoIc wtio one Il, ndrcd and tort,
new f.crs and one hundred anc
eighty five fam: iar ones. The desk.
oi members were loaded with fora
goods from admiiing friends, and
Nf Carlisle, in the Speakers chair
wIeidci the Gavel, and swore in the
mombcrs rs they stood in a semi
circle around the bar, in groups OF
twenty and thirty.
In the Senate, the old familiar
faces were for the most part at their
accustomed desks. On the Demo-
cratic side Of the chamber, however,
some changes were noted. Senator
Voorhees,, Of Indiana, was at the
desk long occupied by Secretary
Bayard. Senator Walthall, of Mis-
slsslppi. sat in Secretary Lamar $
former seat. and Senator Jones, of
Arkansas, was in possession of the
desk that Attorney General Garland
gave up for Cabinet portfolio.
fhc chamber was draped in mourn
ing for Mr. Hendricks, and Senator
Sherman sat In the late Vice Presi-
dents chair.
The first roll call revealed but five
absontocs in the House, four from
tho South and one from tho North,
an unusually good showing for the
new body. The present Congress
bids fair To be n memorable one.
II assembled under circumstances
irausht with significance md expec.
ta,ion. For the first time in twenty
five years there is a, Democratic
House and n Democratic President,
and the party is charged with the
responsibility growing out of this
conjunction. There is much impor-
tant work ahead for the session, such
as revising the tariff, suspending the
coinage of silver, making navy,
providing for the coast defence, reg
Glating the counting Of the electoral
vote, settling the Presidential sue.
cession, and reducing Government
expenses.
President Clevcland's first message
was listened to with unusual interest
in both ends Of the Capitol. 1t is
still the chief topic of discus ion
here. 1t is pronounced an able
state paper by many Senators and
members who are antasonistic TO its
policy. During the reading OF the
message, which occupied one hour
and thrce.quarters, the sentiments
OF many ConSressmens on the vari.
Gus questions could be determined
10y their expressions of countenance.
Those who agreed with the President
that the continued coinage of silver
is an evil, exchanged mods of ap-
proval, while the believers in silver
scowled and Otherwise manifested
their disapprobation. The Presi-
dents positive stand on silver makes
il almos' certain now that this will
DO the first ensrossing subject to
come before Congress. 1t will
doubtless provoke long debate, for
tho advocates of silver coinage and
its enemies are both determined.
The Senate has settled down to
business with its proverbial prompt
ness. At least two hundred meas
nres have been presented to it, nearly
all OF which were presented at the
last session by tho same Senators.
Thus almost every nationa. question
before the Inst session will be re-
vived.
The House is discussing how to
work by amending its rules. 1t is
so hampered by these rules that
weeks and months are thrown away
every year. Congress is an expen-
sive necessity. Every hour of ses-
sion costs what would be o small
fortune to the average workingman.
To simplify its methods of proceed
ure, to do away with needless inter
ruptions, 10 bring the business of
tho House within business princi-
pies. is now the subject of debate.
Tue Presidents first batch of re-
cess nominations went to the Senate
on Thursday for confirmation. 1t
comprised about three hundred
names, n number Of foreign appoint
mcnts heading the list. They are
not OF n character that stand in
danger Of being opposed. The
President shows his usual wisdom in
holding back for the present such
nominations as may provoke contests
and delay in :he action of the Sen.
ate.
OF the Cabinet officers annual re.
ports, those Of Attorney General