Semi-weekly south Kentuckian. [volume] (Hopkinsville, Ky.) 1883-1889, 1886-05-14
WASHINGTON LETTER.

w AohlNulONj D' w 4h"J AZ @S
To TIE SOUTH KENTUCKIAN:
A resolution has been introduced
in Congress looking to a proper OBJ
servatiOn of Decoration day, the 3Oth
of May. The Grand Army Posts too
are moving, and the noble dead are
not forgotten by the lapse of time.
The historic trees of Arlington-the
former home of Lee, and now the
great National Cemetery-are shoot
ing forth their tender of spring to
clothe the silent city of the dead in
immortal green. Other cemeteries
in the vicinity of Washington are Wis
tied on the Both of May by patriotic
and grateful citizens, but the Dis
trict turns out ell masse to shower
emblems of love on the graves OF the
unknown dead at Arlington. No
distinction is now made between the
graves of the Confederate and the
Union braves. The same hands
strew the May flowers upon both,and
all luminosity is buried in the graves.
A daily register is kept at this ceme-
terry of all visitors, and comparison
shows that nearly as many strangers
visit it as go to Mount Vernon.
Difficulties have already risen in OBJ
tanning the desired site for the new
library building. The commission
has received offers from the owners
of the property, and the amount ask
ed is 100000, which is 100000 more
than Congress appropriated for the
purchase. Justice Field, of the U. 5.
Supreme Court, wants $4,000 for his
house, which is largely in excess of
its market value. Other owners have
likewise put on stiff prices. These
gentlemen don't care to sell at any
figure, as their residences overlook
the beautiful Capitol park, and will
be made the most desirable sites in
the city for dwellings if the library is
put upon the square opposite. BY
putting on such big prices it is hoped
the commission will feel obliged TO
purchase the opposite square, which
it appears can be bought for a few
The Denartment of State has lust
received notice from the Australian
Government that an international
evSih;t;on will he opened at Adelaide.
Sontb Anstral;a in lime next. The
MANAGERS of the exhibition are anx-
ions that the manufacturers of this
country should he largely represent
e5 90 a means of increasing the com.
marce between the two countries.
Tho Trade ia already large and profit.
ahle
The Seuate Committee has report-
ed favorahlv the bill proyiding for a
constitutional amendment. changing
Tho date of regeneration Day. and
the beginning of Congressional SEES.
sions from the 4th of March TO the
90th of Anril CONGRESS aces the ne
coss;tv ofIonoer sessions in order 10
@o, ,Grougb with the nublic business
End hance nronosed changes
The Senators are disgnsted with
tho Increased number of hills nre.
sauted for consideration This session
Over 2 IN have been introduced in
tho Senate alone, and nerhans as
many more have been refused intro.
dmct;on Tho Senators are averse 70
have hills introduced in the Senate
frat and will never introduce bill
of nrivate nature unless strong i'm
a,onoo 10 hrought 70 hear ~ tho
Senator has no personal interest in
the bill he is ALWAYS careful TO saw
that II il introduced Hby reouest 81
which ia printed on the bill. By that
marx his brother Senators know that
he is indifferent. and the claim re-
ceives lint little consideration.
Tn talking with a Senator the 9th.
or dav he said that the lime of Con.
gress was taken nm in considering
private claims that could not be es.
tablshed in any court. and ought
NOT TO he considered by Congress. II
a man has A doubtful claim he comes
tn Congress with IL honing bv mar.
sonaI Influence TO work IT through.
The Senator is in favor of consider.
inc no claims over which any cour,
of the limited States has jurisdiction.
He thinks that no "fayors" should he
shown. and when a bill is referred ia
him he always resolves any doubt in
favor of the Government.
The fact that a Hill has been consid.
cred and reported favorable in the
Honse has very little weight in the
Senate. The Senators think that too
many hills are introduced in The
House TO make il possible for the
members TO consider all ofthem care
fully and that even after a bill has
passed the House the merits of II
ought to he closely investigated by
the Senate II isdone Whenever nos.
sible INF in the last DAYS of every
session then the action of the House
has to he accented as n sufficient war.
rant for passino the hill,
The Introduction of $4,000 bills in
the House and 1900 in the Senate,
this session, has resulted in causing