Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1886-12-17
OF X WASHINGTON LETTER
Regular Correspondent.

WASHINGTON, Dec I, 1856.
There is nothing in the way of news
afloat in Washington just now. The
Government machinery is clicking
away with unusual speed, the Prcsi-
dent in the clutches of rheumatism
is looking over his completed message,
and everywhere there is a flutter of
preparation for the congressional scs-
sion which will open on Monday next
at precisely twelve o'clock.
The largest days work ever accom-
plished in the Pension Bureau was
done on last Wednesday, when forty
of the lady clerks were employed until
midnig ght and then sent home in her
dies at Government expense. An un-
usual amount of pension business was
finished up during the month of No
vember, the number Of certificates
granted being 1884. The public debt
statement for November shows a de-
crease in the debt of only little over
81 100000, but this small reduction is
principally due to the fact that nearly
$14 100000 were paid out during the
month for pensions alone.
Secretary Lamar's annual report,
which is ready and will he before the
public by the time this reaches you,
treats of questions in which the coun-
try has II vital interest. His Indian
policy, as we'll as that with regard to
public lands and railroads is well
known, but the treatment of the red
man forms the chief feature OF the re-
port. He recommends again great
clemcncy and liberality to the wards
of the nation, and his views and those
of the bureau having immediate
charge, coincide as to the desirability
of the savages abandoning tribal rela-
tions and settling down to industry.
The report is written in that forcible
and charming style which has charac-
terized each official document penned
by the Secretary of the Interior
When Secretary Whitney's annual
report came from the Public Printer
on Wednesday, some distributions of
it were made, but strict injunctions
were given that it should not be pub
lished until Saturday morning. The
document, which as yet has only been
seen in confidence, is instructive and
renews many recommendations made
in his first report. The Secretary
points with pride to the present condi-
ton of department affairs, asks for
five more millions for the new navy,
and thinks there should be no delay of
the legislation necessary for reorgan-
ization of the Navy Department.
The return of Speaker Carlisle and
Col. Morrison has revived discussion
as to the probability of tariff legisla-
ton this winter. AS usual much in
terest is felt in learning the Admins
| trations views of the tariff question.
1t is ascertained the President will
treat the question as one demanding
fearless consideration, and that he will
be specific and emphatic in advocacy
of tariff reduction. He will also speak
boldly and approvingly of the civil SER
vice law and the results OF its enforce
ment under his Administration.
Speaker Carlisle has been beset by
callars since his arrival and he alludes
to the prospect Of renewal of the
tariff fight with freedom and hopeful
ness. Col. Morrison refuses to outline
his programme for the session. He is
| not detected over his defeat, however,
and expects his friends to mention it
when they meet him.
Much of the sensational matter
which is distributed throughout the
country from Washington relative to
the Presidents country-seat purchase,
the avenue extensions in particular,
and real estate syndicates in general,
is politically inspired. 1t is fabricated
for purpose. 1t is not concocted
out of any real regard for the interests
OF the District or in any spirit of zeal
for the public welfare, but with the
direct cold-blooded intent to bring the
Administration into contempt and dis
repute before the country
So far as the late investigation of
the Police Department is concerned,
and unsatisfactory as its results may
be in not fully disclosing the causes
and course of events which led to the
resignation .sof Major Walker, there is
not the faintest scintilla of evidence to