The midland journal., 1886-06-25
Our r Washington Letter
From Our Regular Correspondent.

ing the week, one OF physicians, and th'
other Of horticulturists; and Mrs. Cleve-
lands two brilliant ovations at the White
House; with a South American Prince
among us; a vote against the tariff debate ir
the House of Representatives and the Sen.
ate rapidly passing bills and talking about
an all summer session, it would seem thai
neither gayety nor business were handicap
ped by the phenominally torrid weather.
The royal visitor mentioned above
was the grandson of Emperor
Dom Ped:o of Brazil. This young
scNn is said to have more strains OF
royal blood in his veins than any man liv-
ing, being related to the royal houses Of
France, Germany, England, Spain, Italy.
and Denmark. He climbed to the dome of
the Capitol like other sisht-seers. and went
to Mt. Vernon, where he clipped sprig
from the magnolia tree planted there by
his Imperial grandfather when the latter
visited this country in 1876.
The Brazilian Prince did not have in
yitations and attentions showered upon
him, like many other foreigners who come
to this country, Lord Russell for instance,
recently here, who gave rude evidence that
he would be more appreciated if let alone a
little. But Lord John Russell was En-
glish, quite English, you know, and all
though his peerage dates back only to 1861.
he was as great lion here as if his title ex-
tended back to William the Conquerer.
When some one wished to introduce him
to the Secretary of War, he declined en-
the plea that he already knew more people
than be could remember.
The Endicotts represents the blue blood
of the Cabinet, you know, the family be-
ing old when Noah went into the ark, so
imagine the immensity of Lord Russeil's
blunder. BY the way, one of the hansom-
est entertainments of the week was the din
ner given by Secretary and Mrs. Endicott
to the perfection of dainty details, and old
family conspicuous part, while heir
guests were few in number, as the family is
in mourning.
Mr.. Durham, the first Comptroller Of
the Treasury, having placed himself en- rap :
port with the Administration, by marrying a
wife, the question arises who will be the
next to follow the example set at the White
House. Secretary Lamar is the man ac-
cused, and it is thought he will soon bring
his bride to the Capitol. His alleged f.
ancee is wealthy southern widow, for
whom the Secretary cherished tender
continent when both were young.
Speaking Of Comptroller Durham, he is
the official who is called the Autocrat of the
Treasury. The Secretary is, of course,
head over all the affairs of that Depart
ment, and the revenues of the Government
are under the control OF Congress. not one
dollar of which can be paid out except by
the authority Of that body. Still the first
Comptroller countersigns all warrants for
the payments of money, and the U. S. Treas.
urer will honor no draft that does not bear
his signature. He decides every matter of
payment, and no claimant, even if he were
the President himself, can receive his mon
ey unless the First, Comptrol' er satisfies
himself that his claim is correct. This ofii-
cial was created as check upon the audit
ors claims, ard Congresslha given him ad-
ditional power from time to time until he is
practically supreme as a negative power.
He can reverse the decisions of any official,
and there is nc appeal from bim except to
the Courts.
1t is thought that the President has
shown great courtesy in giving two receipt
ions during the week. The lateness of the
season and the heat might have absolved
him, but as his wedding was private and
divested of an official character he consid-
cred il his duty to inyite the official, politi-
cal, and social world of the Capitol, and
then the public to be introduced to the lady
who is TO share the honor his Office.
Speaking of the peoples ovation on Fri
day evening, some of the oldest attaches of
the Executive Mansion declared that they
had never before seen such a spectacle at a
Presidential reception. Everybody was
anxious 10 see the bride. and long before
the appointed hour for opening, people be-
gan to congregate, intent upon getting a
good place in line. When the familiar
strains of ''Hail to the Chief" broke through
the portals, from the Marine Band stationed