Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1886-05-27
FROM WASHINGTON.

fSnccial Correspondence OF inc AleAa. NAHHAi1'j
WASHINGTON, D. c., May 81, 1856.
The conference committee on the bill for
a free bridge across the Potomac met this
morning. Messrs. Barbour of the House
and Vance of the Senate were In favor OF
amending it by providing for the main
tenance of the Alexandria canal aqueduct
at the auueduct bridge, but all the other
members of the committee were opposed to
such an amendment, for the asserted reason
that the Government would then be in part
nership with the canal company, which
could not be. Though no definite action
was taken, for the reason that Senator
Spooner asked for more time for considera-
ton. it looks very much as if the committee
would agree to accept the House amend.
ments to the Senate bill. If 80, and both
houses adopt the report, the bridge will be
built on the aqueduct piers, and the aque.
duct be destroyed and the Alexandria canal
be ruined-but only if the canal company
shall consent thereto. If not, the bridge will
be built at the "Three Sisters" where no
body wants it, except few persons inter-
ested in property on the banks of the river
Just above the aqueduct bridge. IfCongress
would do the right thing in this matter it
would provide for handsome bridge span
ming the river from Observatory Hill to Ar
lington.
Senator Malone was not in his seat in
the Senate day, having gone to Peters
burg to vote. He came from there yester.
day, but went back to-day. 1t is under.
stood that letters have been sent to him
from numerous well known members of his
party, among them Judge Hughes, Con
hhy ~
II. Boiling, asking him to "let up"
in his opposition to the, contirma-
ton OF Mr.. Scott as U. S. marshal for the
eastern district of Virginia. Respecting
that nomination, however, it is reported
the General shall "let up' or not. -.
The House Committee on Ways and Means to-
day agreed to report favorably upon the bill for
export tobacco warehouses and to repeal section
1851 Of tho revised statutes, and favoraby on
the bill for rebate of the tax Oh spirits used to
fortify exported wines.
The bill for increasing the efficiency of tho
militia may DO considered dead at least for this
session. At tho next session, whom the members
interested in it shall have boon either reelected
or defeated, it may he passed, as those members
will then not be deferred from voting in accord
ance with their convictions by the fesr that some
ono will say the bill is intended to suppress labor
riots.
MI H. s. Menefee, of Rappahannock county.
Virginia, who was 80 unfortunate as to fall and
break his leg in this city about the lat of April
though pow able to move about on crutchos, has
not yet left Providence Hospital, whore his iniu-
ry was treated.
The republicans of tho Senate hold caucus
this morning, at which they agreed to refer the
House labor arbitration bill to special commit
tee, who shall perfect it before reporting it to
the Senate. The bill is very ticklish one in
view Of tho approaching Congressional elections,
and whilo the republicans are really opposed to
it, they want to conceal their opposition rs much
ss possible. The bills to forfeit the unearned
land grants of the Pacific railroads were also con-
siderod, but no definite action taken thereon be-
cause Mr. Van Wyck would not agree TO some
proposed amendments to those bills favorable to
tho railroads
The civil service commissioners have asked for
an increase of salary. They will no lucky if they
get what has been given them in the legislative
bill, let alone an increase If congressman had
the independence to vote as they think, m8jori-
ity of them and that too of both tho political par
ties would vote to strike ont tho entire appro.
priaton for the maintenance Of tho comm ssion.
Among the bills introduced in the Senate to-
day was one to give Mrs. Charlotte Smith, the
famous labor woman who doesn't labor, $500 for
services as a hospital nurse during tho war. After
the consideration of bill to forfeit certain rail
road land grants the Senate at two o'clock CON-
mcnced to liston to culogics upon the late Senator
Miller, of California.
The House to-day after spirited debate adopt
ed the report of the conference committee on the
shipping bill authorizing tho President at his dis
crotion to deny the privileges of American ports
to vessels Of countries restricting tho privileges of
American vessels in their ports 1t was opposed
chiefly by Messrs. Breckenridge, Hewitt and Ham
mond. Its chief supporters were Messrs. Dingley,
Reed, Dunn and ex-Postmaster General Reagan OF
the late Confederate States the latter saying that
while not an eagle screamer he was for maintain
ing the honor and dignity Of the common country
| st any cost-for which he received the applause
of the republicans.
Mr.. Speaker Carlisle said to-day that notwith-
standing all tho newspaper talk about the Presi-
dents reported approaching marriage, he did not
believe the President was going to bo married at
all, certainly not soon. 1t is also well-known
that not single member of the Cabinet has heard
anything that induces him to believe that the
President even contemplates An early marriage.
- The House to day after the reception of the re-
ports from committees resumed tho consideration
Of the oleomargarine bill.
NEWS OF THE DAY.