The Press., 1886-12-02
WAsHTNCTON LETTER.

WashingtOns D. C., Nov. 26, lss6. On two days of the past week all public buildings in Washington were closed Thanksgiving day. and the day of ex- President Arthur's funeral. There was much complaint insconseqneUce from visi- tors to the city, whoee raj rord tickets were limited, and who, after c,ming long dis tances to see the sights here. were obliged to go away disappointed because they were debaFred entrance to the capitol, white house, executive departments, museums. etc.
 There was no falling off in a determine tion to celebrate Thanksgiving Day here, and no one lacked reason for thankfulness. If he had not the means for turkey and pie within himself, some one provided them for him. The rich took thisoccasien to earn the blessing that falls on him that gives, more than upon him who receives, and the poor found that their poverty, in- stead of being a crime that day, procur, d q feast of good things from hospitable hands The criminal behind iron bars, the old, sick. destitute and orphantd d in mates of asylums. hospitals and homes were remembered by the busy world, and for those of religious turn, the churches spread spiritual feasts
 The congressman who are daily arriving
 
 tions. and many of them lay the democratic losses upon the administration. Mir. Glib son, democratic representative from West l Virginia, said the reason their vote fell of everywhere was not indifference, hnt re- lbellion. "Tha administration" added he 'shas destroyed our organization, and two years more of snch work will not leave enough of us to constitute a respectable mob
 The treasury is overhowing with money. 1 It is pouring in to the amount of over a million dollars day, and the prospect is that there will be another surplus of over $1OO, ,O00, 900 at the close of the present fiscal year, even with great river and harbor bill of $14 ,000, 900, with an increase of pensions of $15, ,000, ,000. and an Alabama award judgment of $5,000,000 It has been believed that it would not be possible to reduce taxation during the short session this winter, but the party in control of the house feel that they cannot go into the next campaign without at least making the attempt, and the present condition of the treasury will be used in Secretary Man. ming, s report as the basis for an argument to congress in favor of reduction of tar if taxes The president will, of course in- dorse the position of the secretary in his message.
 The administration is very happy over | the financial situation. It knows that the ] country is starting on m era of business prosperity, and it expects to certain ex- tent to receive the credit as well as to reap the benefit of this prosperity. A propo- sitlon to reduce taxes will be very popular, and it would not be in Keeping with Mir. Cleyeland's luck if there were not busi- nesss boom during his term. So look out for the treasury report this year Its bur den will be reduction of taxes. At the capitol quorum of the apprc- prlation committee is at work preparing the money bills, so that congress may get down to business as soon as it reassembles The work of improving the capitol itself never ends, but goes on and will go on forever. Preparations are now being made to fill the inches in the wall of the senate chamber with the busts of the vice presi- dents. The first five to be placed will be l Vice-P Presidents Hamlin, Wheeler. Arthur. Adams and Jefferson. The bust of Han nibal Hamlin, the first republican vice president, will be made by a sculptor in Maine. that of Mir. Adams will be made in l Massachusetts,, Jefferson's will come from Richmond, Virginia, and the Arthur and 1 Wheeler busts will be made ;1a New York. Each sculptor win be pad $500 for his work.
 Notable improvements have been made during the congressional recess in the press gallery of the house of representatives and in the lobby and rooms connecting with it. A marble mantel and fire pace has been placed in the cloak room, the furniture has been re-upholstered, and the walls and ceiling have been tinted pur- pie. The walls of the lobby are being decorated with the portraits of the editors of the journals represented, and all of the space has not been used At last the mo- nopoly of the United States capitol by sham great men is at an end, and now the really great men of the nation are called upon to look down from it's walls. Send on your portraits so that they may be ready for the next hanging