The Daily Tombstone., 1886-04-29
--1L WASIgINGTON LETTER.
WASHINGTON, April F, 1886.


 ipgs, the occasion being the 25th an- adversary of the departure of the District militia foy the seat of war. The "reminiscences of the eventful day of in 1861, When in response to the call of President Lincoln 3,200 citi- zens of the district offered themselves to the Government in defence of the Capital of the Nation, renewed the en- thusiasm of the veterans as they as- sembled to celebrate the event of which they are so justly proud. Long before the hour set for meeting at the various places of rendezvous, the members of the old District com, panies began to assemble. Some there were who thus assembled to re- sppnd to roll-call who did not march in lipe, but presented as an excuse a wooden leg or crutch. At many of t4e little gatherings the rolls were called in solemn silence, for the num- Der of names that had been checked as dead seemed to be in a majority. When the celebration of the day was decided upon q few weeks since both the Federal and District Government promised their hearty cooperation. In this, however, while the District Government N did aiF itg ts share, the Federal Government lied. The department employees were informed that they could lave half holiday, but that t would be deducted from their annual leaves, while the Government Printing Office employees had to lose their days wages. Notwithstanding these difficulties the veterans triumphed. Including the District militia more than two thousand men joined in the parade. The torn and faded colors, and the great variety of men assembl- ed in the ranks of the veterans. con trasted strangely with. the brilliant uniforms of the militia companies. More than 30,0O0 people assembled upon Pennsylvania Avenue to witness the parade. TheTH are many reasons why the celebration of this anuiver- ] sary is worthy of more than passing notice, When it is considered that the men who responded, with such promptness tu the call to arms, con- stituted the first volunteer troops that were mustered into the. service of the United States, and that the people of Virginia, against whom they were called upon to contend were separated from them only by the width of 8 narrow river, and attached by ties both s2cial and political, the degree of patriotism required to boldly face such disunion of friendly ties needs no comment as to its quality.
 1 The question of open executive sessions of the Senate is iYst now re ceiving the attention of the membega of that body. As yet the disccssion has been one-sided one, the speeches of Senators Platt, Logan and others. all favoring public sessions. The in terest taken by the public in the dis, cussion is demonstrated by the crowd ed galleries, and the eagerness with which the printed accounts of the proceedings are sought those whose duties prevent their personal attend apce during the discussion.
 The feature of the week in the | li F House was the Romeis- Hurd election contest. The speech of MT. Frank Hurd in advocacy of his right to the seat held by MT. Romeis was listened to with marked attentj&n, and is generally conceded to have been one of the most eloquent speeches Of rhe session. At the close of his remarks he was greeted with loud and long continued applause on the floor and in the galleries. A vote being taken it was deei4ed Mir. Romejs was en' titled b his seat, the vote standing IO5 to 168.
 Probably tbe.c is no better eRage oI the degree 9t interest taken by the general pubic in the important ques. tions discussed by Congress than is afforded by the records of the Go.