The Carbon advocate. [volume] (Lehighton, Pa.) 1872-1924, 1886-09-04
Washington News and Gossip.
From our Special Correspondent.

From our Special Correspondent.
WASHINGTON, d. c., Aug. 2S, 'SG.
To-day has been exceedingly hot and
sultry, but the warm weather does not
stop politicians from talking, although
it does make them thirsty. Seated un-
der a large tree in front of an uptown
hotel this evening was a party of gentle
men, including Il Democratic Senator,
an eX-member of Congress, a retired
Army officer, well known claims agent
and several others. Mr.. Blaine's recent
speeches were discussed and pronounced
wanting in many respects as compared
with his previous public utterances.
The conversation finally turned upon
the Democratic nominating conventions
which are being held daily in various
parts of the country. The Senator was
asked to explain why it is that so many
well known Democratic Congressman
He said he was unable to account for it.
unless it is that there are more aspirants
for congressional honors in the field this
year than heretofore. In some parts Of
the country certain people believe that
the longer a man remains in Congress
the more valuable he becomes to his
constituents. In many instances this is
correct. There are men who have for
years made their friends believe that
continuous service in Congress goes
hand in hand with federal patronage.
When a Democratic President was in
augurated these Congressman felt conf
dent that their experience and long ac-
quaintance with public affairs would Sc
cure for them prompt and favorable
| recognition at the hands of the present
administration. They made numerous
| promises to their constituents which
they have not been able TO fulfill. Those
oilice-seekers who have not been to
Washington and cooled their heels out
| side the Presidents door cannot under
stand why their Congressman has not
been more successful in gathering up
the loaves and fishes, hence they have
determined to try new deal, and see
what the result will be. There are 9TH
er reasons for retiring the old veterans,
continued the Senator. There is young
and ambitious generation coming to the
front and they do not propose to be left
in the background any longer. In many
! Congressional districts a Democratic
| nomination is equivalent to an election.
Several candidates will put in bids for
the nomination, and before they are
fully aware of it they are involved in a
! general row among themselves, which
finally becomes so bitter that a com
promise has to be made upon weaker
or less deserving man than either of
the leading aspirants. Sometimes they
carry their personal prejudices so far
That Republican or an independent
Republican slips in and carries Off the
prize. There are cases where old and
worthy men have been forced to come
out and decline a nomination to avoid a
rejection in the nominating convention.
The announcement that Deputy Con
troiler Thomas +. Benedict, Of Albany,
\. Y, has been appointed public print
er, is sad disappointment to the sever
a. gentlemen whose names have been
prominently mentioned in this connec-
ton. 1t is generally supposed that such
Il strong fight was made by the most
prominent Of the candidates for the
place that the President compromised
by not appointing any of them. The
appointment is somewhat of a surprise,
as the change was not expected until
after the President returned from his
vacation trip. Public Printer Benedict
will not find much to do in the way OF
appointments when he takes charge ,un-
less he removes Democrats right and
left. Mr.. Rounds, anticipating that he
was to be removed, yet hoping to be re-
tanned, has been exceedingly gracious to
Democratic politicians. Al their re-
quests We're complied with, and there
are now but few Republicans in the
government printing office Mr. Bene-
diet was editor Of newspaper at Ellen
vile. y. Y, from 1870 to 1888, during
which time he represented his district
two terms in the State Assembly as a
! Democrat. lie is said to be an excellent
business man.
One Of the busiest departments under
the Government is the Patent Office.
The amount Of work that is done by
this department can beappreclated only
by trip through the Office and an
explanation of the details. In the mast
twenty-five years the granting Of patents
has grown TO an extent that is astonish.
ing, and indicates what progress is being
made in The sciences by Young America.
For the first forty-siX years after its
organization the number of patents
issued averaged only two hundred and
fifty per year, but the Office is now
Issuing patents az the rate Of five hun
dred a week as it formerly issued in a