The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1886-11-19
WASHINGTON LETTER
tFrom our Regular Correspondent
WAsuINarnN ID. C.. Nov. 1

tFr0m our Regular correspondents
WAsHINaToN. d. c., Nov. II, 1885,
The question of vital interest now
to the Republican Senators is whether
the Nebraska legislature will return
Senator Van Wyck OF some more re-
liable brother. During the last session
whenever "crazy horse Van Wyck, as
he was sometimes called, arose to ask
the consideration of a resolution which
was inimical to any fat corporation, or
went against any old abuse, there was
good deal of laughing and winking
on the sofas in the rear of the cham
Der.
In like manner Senator Riddleberger
always seemed to succeed in making
himself ridiculous. When he insisted
on hearing in opposition to executive
sessions of the Senate, he was invarla-
bly, out of order; yet whenever he
made the same point of order on an
other Senator, it so happened that the
point which was good as against him
was not good as against others.
Now it appears that the stone which
the builders rejected has become the
head of the corner These two Sena-
tors who were objects Of ridicule and
irritation to the Republican brother
hood, hold the balance of power be-
tween the two parties in the Senate.
They were never in harmony with their
party and could never be relied upon
when vote was called. So, as they
are notlRepublicans in good and regu-
lar standing, the Senate is not Repub-
lican, and there is fun ahead. The
Senate stands thus; 81 Democrats, 81
Republicans, and the balance Of Power
party, composed of Senators Van
Wyck and Riddleberger. 1t is quite
certain these gentlemen will be very
graciously treated this Winter by Re
publican Senators, although the Phila-
delphia Press said it might be better
TO have the Senate Democratic than to
have it Republican by the aid of such
men.
The suggestion that Mr.. Carlisle is
disqualified for the Speakership in the
Fiftieth Congress because his opponent
will contest his election, is considered
practically absurd by such able and ex-
perienced parliamentarians as, for in
stance, Congressman Welborn, OF
Texas. The further question of pro.
priety of his appointing the committee
which is to consider his own case, is a
reflection that every member in Con.
gress would feel like resenting.
Without distinction of party the
Congressman who have served with
Mr.. Carlisle would be perfectly satisfied
to trust the whole matter to him, as
sured that he would not raise hand
to save himself from defeat, if by SO
doing he would be taking an unfair ad-
vantage of his opponent.
A finer tribute is seldom paid 10 a
man in public life than the recent ex-
preston of interest in Mr.. Carlisle's
fortunes, by the best people of every
partisan faith. The example is all the
more significant from the fact that in
becoming the object CT so much un.
feigned regard, the Speaker has never
abated one iota of his loyalty to the
Democratic party.
The Police scandal has been the talk
of the town during the week. 1t is
alleged that the Chief of Police, in
his Cabinet councils, which he holds at
nine o'clock every day, at his office
instructed his Lieutenants to "spot'
Congressman who were inclined tc
dark ways in order that they might be
able to influence these Congressman to
vote for large appropriations for the
Metropolitan Police force. Lieutenant
Arnold, who is charged with having
betrayed the secret, has been summoned
before a court martial, and much in
terest is manifested in the trial. 1t is
the most important agitation in the po
lice affairs Of the District that has oc
CURED since the investi CATION made into
the iniquites of the detective corps
three years ago, aud there is littl'
doubt that justice will ultimately b.
done, no matter who is hurt.
Society gave little hutter during
the week 10 prove that it is rot ifeless
A lunch party given by Mrs Whitney
in honor of Mrs. Cleveland, was char
acterized by that elegance of appoint
ment which has marked all the enter
tainments given at the hospitable hom
of the Secretary of the Navy, There
were nineteen young ladies invited t.
meet the lady of the White House
Autumns own flowers, Chrysanthe
NUNS, were used in decorating the ia
BILE, and the corsage bouquets, whic
have been relegated to Lunch parties
were of yiolets and were placed at e,
cry cover. The White House is yer
quiet just now, as the President refu Sc
to see all callers, and is absorbed in tn,
Y preparation of his message to Con