The Washington critic., 1886-03-31

committee luu sCNCTUl ScuuCCS Wltu
Colonel Sim Donavin, who knew all
about 1t at the start and who seems to
have known but little about II when
before the committee. 1t Is said that
Senator Payne, when the result of the
Ohio investigation reaches the U. S.
Senate, will demand searching in
vestigation by the Committee on
Privileges and Elections. But If the
reports Of what the Ohio committee
has not found out are true, there is no
reason why Mr.. Payne should seek
further vindication.
THE District Commissioners are of
the opinion that it is inexpedicnt to en-.
courage the organization of any more
gas companies in this District with any
reasonable expectation of reducing
prices TO consumers by competition.
Hence no further legislation is needed
to disturb the undisputed possession of
the present monopoly, excepting it be
in the adjustment of rates upon more
equitable basis. This is about all the
people ask. If it is possible to get
cheaper gas they want it, and they will
generally be satisfied with the con
clusion of the Commissioners If they
can have any assurance that Congress
will look after their interests in the
matter. The company might object TO
any interference of this sort, but com
mittce Of Congress that assumes the
right to prohibit q private citizen from
buying a lottery ticket or betting on a
horse race, would certainly be war
ranted in seeing that he is not swindled
by the eXorbitant charges of great
and wealthy gaslight corporation.
THE broad.sprcad labor strikes; the
large area of country dcluged with
spring floods; three members of the
Cabinet sick; the President somewhat
nervous about his own physical condi.
tion, occasioned by over work and want
of exercise; family quarrel between
Brothers Logan and Teller in the Sen.
ate; the ferocious assaults upon each
other in genuine Southwestern vernacu-
lar by IIouk and McMilliu in the
House; Treasurer Jordan combining
the civil service law; confirma-
tions by the Senate in spite of
adverse recommendations of COM
mittees, and full reports made to
the public of the proceedings of the
secret sessions of the Senate Star-cham-
| ber-all these are ominous indications
that "the times are out of joint"
MANY eXtravagant and foolish state
ments are made in Congress, and Mr.
| Houk of Tennessee appears to be an
adept in that line, He said yesterday
that the President had assumed an at.
titude before the country which would
not be tolerated in any but two other
countries in the world, Russia and
| Persia, and that IL either the Sultan of
Turkey or the Queen of England had
| acted in as unwarranted manner as
| President Cleveland has acted, neither
would have occupied their positions
| for twcnty-four hours" We submit
that it is high time Mr.. Houk packed
up his duds and emigrated to some free
and enlightened country like Abys.
sinia.
THE Senate wisely concludes not to
undertake another investigation with a
view to ascertaining how its executive
secrets" get into the newspapers. 1t
can save itself all further annoyance on
this subject by having no executive
secrets" to put under guard or, If it
still persists in having Star-chamber
sessions, by taking no action that will
not stand inspection by daylight.
|
In IS great relief to know that the
State Department mail has been recov-
cred from the Oregon in legble an
dition. There is no telling what night
have happened had the report of the
U. S. Consul at Nankipoo, giving the
details of how its natives eat their
beans, been hopelessly water-loggcl
Mr.. GOULD and Mr.. Powderly are
becoming better acquainted They'll
get there after while.
BREAKFAST, DINNER AND TEA.
What do want for breakfast dearY
Ny wants are all IN my mind quite clear.
YOu-with your cheerful morning smile,
And pretty dress, my thoughts to begulIe
Into thinking OF HoWers; an earnest word
That will all through my busy day be hoard,
And make me sure that my morning light