The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1886-07-01
WASHINGTON GOSSIP.
The Weeks Beings at the Ma
tiODal Capital


"Wednesday OF last week. For more than five
hours il was n continuous fight between MT.
Reed lRep.) and Mr.. Morrison DEM, each
hacked by the full strength OF his party.
There has been but little tlibustering during
this Congress, but on that day the entire SEES
sion was given up TO it. Not single Item oil
business was done Mr.. Morrison moved 10
resume consideration Of his proposed amend
ment TO the Rules called mp and discussed the
day before that any bills granting additional
or increased pensions shall carry with them
measures 90 provide the revenue for paying
such pensions. The Republicans determined
10 oppose the consideration OF this OdiOus meas
ure BY all known parliamentary means.
Mr. Reed. Of Maine. expressed the hope that
the regular order would he proceeded with,
which was the Sundry Civil Appropriation bill.
Il will take care of the Sundry Civil bill,
said MIR. Randall in his blandest manner.
"Ah, thank you, thank you" said Mr.. Reed,
with profound bow, and the performance be-
gan.
On aivision--or "rising" vote-the Repub-
licans voted down Mr.. MOrrison's motion, by
ayes SO, noes 81, and there was great clapping
of hands on the Republican side. But Mr..
Morrison promptly demanded the yeas and
nays, and sent messengers out into the corri-
dors, Hobbies. and cloak rooms TO bring IN the
absentees. This time the yeas had it-l32 TO
II6
MIR. Reed who at the last moment had
changed his vote from mo" 10 aye for that
purpose moved 10 reconsider. Mr.. Hiscock
moved TO adjourn until Friday. Mr. Burrows.
Of Michigan, moved to amend by substituting
Saturday. These motions clearly indicated the
purpose Of the Republicans, and Members on
both sides bTaced themselves for the struggle
lt would be tedious Go follow the details Of
the monot0uons proceedings of the day. On
every question votes were demanded by d.
vision, by tellers, aud by the yeas and nays
laff bn min
utes. Little was heard in the chamber except
the hard-worked voice Of the leather-lunged
Clerk as he Waded again and again through
the dreary rOl-cal Much of the time the
Members were disposed in all sorts Of pictur-
esQue attitudes in their chairs or upon the
sofas which skirt the hall beyond the outer
row OF seats. There was smoking in all parts
of the chamber and the consumption Of cigars
was extraordinary.
Although the Members lounged about in this
prOmiscuOus way. all were on the alert and at
the slightest indication of any crisis Of affairs,
or a single word from Reed or Morrison, every
body was agog. Both leaders held their forces
well IN hand. directing all the movements and
securing implicit obedience Several times
when vote was 10 be taken on some frivolous
motion Mr.. Reeds dubious form was seen NOV
ing up and down the aisles as he gave the word,
Don't vote this time" Then when the names
Of Republicans were called there was no re-
Spouse save the echoes of the Clerks voice
The result Of the vote In such cases was nc
quorum" and the next thing would be de-
mand for a call OF the House. This always
showed quorum present, and then they would
start i'm again and travel around the same cir.
Gle When division" was called for and
Morrison wanted a full Democratic vote, be
rose, east bis eyes round upon bis flock. swung
his arms and shouted "All upl" This was
enough for the most inattentive Member
Though he might not have any idea what il
was al about. be was mp" in a second There
was occasional sharpshooting between Mr.. Nor
rison and Mr.. Reed, which always provoked
laughter and applause. Good humor generally
prevailed, but at times there were symptoms
Of irritation on both sides.
Between and o'clock Mr.. Morrison offered
resolution directing the Sergeant-st-A Arms q
bring 90 the bar Of the House all Members who
were absent without leave The officer organ
ized scouting posse and the doors Of the
Chamber were closed. For more than an hour
All were prisoners. None were allowed 10 de
part save a few who pleaded sickness aud were
excused. During this hour Of waiting FOR The
laggards nothing was done. Nobody would
allow anybody else to do anything in the way
OF business
While the Members were lounging about
smoking and chatting, the voice of Mr.. Rees
was heard: " Mr. Speaker, the precious moment
seem TO be going TO waste and ask unanimsu
granting additional pensions 70 soldiers VIII
have lost arms or legs. j hope no gentlemai
viii object" This was said IN his most smooth
irouic2l way His voice was drowned IN call
for regular 0rder" from the Democratic side
Mr.. cutcbeOn, Of Michigan, asked unanimon
consent 10 take mp aud pass the General Dir
ableo Soldiers bill passed some time ago by tn
Senate. This proposition met the same fate q
the other.
"hdopt my amendment TO provide tax r.
paying these pensions" said Mr. Morrison
and we will be with you we viii even pas
the arrears bin then" This provoked derisiy
laughter on the Republican side. The hgi
continued until O'Clock, when the SpeakC
brought down bis gaves, and declared tina
under the rules the House stood adjourned I'll
che following day.
THE PROCESSION WILL MOVE.
Unless oil signs fail the early part OF the ne.
fiscal year, which begins July !, will see Oh
Official guii0tino much more actively at wor
than a. any time since March Z, 1855. cleavin
the necks u Republicans who still hold the
positions by The grace Of Democratic Admin
istration. 10 doubt the recent debate on Civ
Service reform in the House was part OF I'll
scheme, TO pave the way for measures whic
shall bring tie Democrats the trniiion Of thel
hopes ia Taller measure than they have y,
enjoyed. There was much plain talk in th,
debate. The majority Of the Democratic Men
Der made 30 c0nccalment % their disgust Vii
the reform system. They would gladly r
pea the Whole business IL they could Tn
not being feasible al present. however they ~
vOcate radical changes IN the rules gOyernit
the practical workings Of the system that wi
draw the lanRg from is most obnoxious ic..
nfes. There seems 10 be little doubt that "A
President bias Determined 20 make some conce
siOns % thcgc clamOrs. lie viii be less violent
addicted 10 Civil Service reform than durlF
The lrst year OF bis Administration The CLAIM
Of party cannot be wholly ignOred lie Is b
ginning 20 realize that they are paramount
those Of the Mugwumps He has sbundsl
evidence ~ the fart that a yielding in this q
rection Ni.i be hailed with h0sannaB by Dem
Gratis 81 every degree IN all parts Of the con
Try, and That he will have the foil backing
Ina party ln "a more aggressive policy with :,
erence - the offices. IN the face of a Repu
licaD Senate in session The President las be-
SLOW 10 make changes for political reasons, l.
there u good ground Tor the prevailing bel
that the heads viii fly right aud left after I
adjournment An important pol teal campai
In at hand, and there arc alarming sympioms
some quarters that che party will 20 10 pie,
unleHa heid together by the cohesive pORc
OF Federal patronage. la the Departures
mere leesnR o. CONSERVATION has obtain
among Republican officials outside the prOi,
ton 81 the Civil seryice law. IL is apparent
any close observer that their uDoasinoss h /
without good reason.
THEY Rad TO 90.
The General Superintendent OF the Railv
Mai Service last Friday issued a special not
by order ~ the Postmaster General discha