The Lake Charles echo. [volume] (Lake Charles, Parish of Calcasieu, La.) 1876-1898, 1886-12-18
WASHINGTON LETTER.
WAsH1NeToN, Dec. 4, 1886.
From onr Regular Correspondent.

From onr Regular Correspondent.
There is nothing in the way of news
afoat in Washington just now. The
government machinery is clicking
away with unusual speed, the Presi-
dent in tho clutches Of rheumatism is
looking over his completed message,
and everywhere there is fllutter of
preparation for the Congressional ses-
sion which will open on Monday next
at precisely IL o'clock.
The largest days work ever accom-
plished in the Pension Bureau was
done on last Wednesday, when forty
of the lady clerks were employed until
midnight and then sent home in herd
les at government expense. An unu-
sual amonnt of pension business was
finished up during the month of No
vember, the number Of certificates
granted being 1884. The public debt
statement for November shows q de-
crease in the debt of only little over
81 1000, 900, but this small reduction
is principally due to the fact that
nearly $l4,ooO,oGo we're paid out dur,
ing the month for pensions alone.
Secretary Lamar's annual report,
which is ready and will be before the
public by the time this reaches you,
treats of questions in which the coun-
try has vital interest. His Indian
policy as well as that with regard to
public lands and railroads is well
known, but the treatment of the Red
man forms the chief feature of the
report. He recommends again great
clemency and liborality to the wards
of the nation, and his views and those
of the bureau having immediate
charge, coincide as to the desirability
of the savages abandoning tribal rela.
tions, and settling down to industry,
The report is written in that forcible
and charming style which has charac.
lied each official document penned by
the Secretary Of the Interior,
When Secretary Whitney's annual
report came from the public printer
on Wednesday, some distributions of
it were made, but strict injunctions
were given that it should not be pub
lished until Saturday morning. The
document, which as yet has only been
seen in confidence, is instructive and
renews many recommendations made
in his first report. The Secretary
points with pride to the present con
dition of Department affairs, asks for
five more millions for the now navy,
and thinks there should be no delay
of the Legislation necessary for the
reorganization of the navy depart
ment.
The return of Speaker Carlisle and
Col. Morrison has revived discussion
as to the probability of Tariff legisla-
tion this winter. As usual much in
terest is felt in learning the Admins
tration's views of the Tariff question.
1t is ascertained tho President will
treat the question as one demanding
fearless consideration, and that he
will be specific and emphatic in advo-
cacy of tariff reductions. He will also
speak boldly and approvingly of the
civil service law and the results of its
enforcement under his administration.
Speaker Carlisle has been beset by
callers since his arrival and he allndes
to the prospect Of renewal of the
Tariff fight with freedom and hopeful
ness. Col. Morrison refuses to outline
his programme for the session. He
is not detected over defeat, however,
and expects his friends TO mention it
when they meet him.
Much OF the sensation matter which
is distributed throughout the country
from Washington relative to the Presi-
dents country seat purchase, the ave-
nue. extensions in particular, and real
estate syndicates in general, is politl-
cal'y inspired. 1t is fabricated for a
purpose. 1t is not concocted out of
any real regard for the interests of the
District or in any spirit of zeal for the
public welfare; but with tho direct,
cold.blooded intent to bring the Ad
ministration in contempt and disre-
pute before the country.
So far as the late investigation of
the Police Department is concerned,
and unsatisfactory as its results may
be in not fully disclosing the causes
and course of events which led to the
resignation of Major Walker, there Is
not the faintest scintllla Of evidence
to complicate the President with any
phase of the affair. Whatever pressure
may have been exerted In this matter,
there is no trace of executive intin
ence in it.
The seasons first ripple of social
exchange was seen on the streets OF
the city last Wednesday, beginning
of the tidal wave of notoriety which
follows the opening Of Congress. The
ladies Of the Cabinet all greeted their
old friends and the newcomers, and
while there was not long line Of
waiting carriages, as there will be
when the season is further advanced,
there was sufficient recognition Of
the day,
Official etiquette and social con-
venlence together long ago decided
that the reception days Of families Of
the higher grade officials in Washing
ton should be as follows; Monday,
the wives Of Judges Of the Supreme
Court; Tuesday, the wives OF Repre-
sentatives in Congress Wednesday,
the wives Of the Cabinet officers /
Thursday, the wives Of Senators / Fri
day, the wives Of Army and Navy
officers, and Saturday the lady Of the
White House. The ladies may begin
10 observe these sdays at home" as
early as they please. bat il is custom
cry for AL 10 do so after Congress
assemblies,
TIE man Wsih q 80, l5 neck and .
No. "a collar, has = iiaFd struggle 70