The Carbon advocate. [volume] (Lehighton, Pa.) 1872-1924, 1886-11-27
washington News and Gossip.
From our Special Correspondent.

From our Special Correspondent.
WASHINGTON, ID. c., Nov. %, 's6.
Mn. EDITOR: Although It had been gem
orally known for months that ex-Presldent
Arthur was in failing health, ard there was
but little expectation that he would ever
again enjoy health and strength, yet the
suddenness of his decease gives shock of
sorrow and regret to the whole country.
Tie news was received at the White House
at an early hour on Thursday morning, and
the President at once sent telegram to Mrs.
McElroy, the sister of the ex-President, ex-
pressing his sympathy. A meeting of the
Cabinet was at once called, and 1t was de-
cfded that the President and the members
of his Cabinet should attend the funeral.
1t was ordered that the flags upon the Gov
ernment buildings should be placed at half
mast, and the buildings draped in mourn
ing during a period of thirty days, and as
an additional mark of respect, work In the
various departments was ordered to be sus-
pended upon the day Of the funeral. The
feeling of sorrow felt at the National Capi-
tai is profound and universal, During his
occupancy of the Presidential offices Mr..
Arthur won the respect and confidence Of
the people. He bore himself with dignity
in his official relations, and his private life
was marked by refinement and charm of
manner that graced the White House.
The all absorbing topic of conversation
during the past week, has been the trial of
Lieutenant Arnold of the Washington Po-
lice Department, upon charges of having
circulated false statements to the effect
that Major Walker, the Chief of Police,
had issued general order to the police of
GERS directing them to- keep close watch
upon the movements of members of Con-
gress, and to report to him In case any
member should visit dlsreputable places, in
order that advantage might be taken of the
information thus gained IN Securing add
tional appropriations from Congress for the
maintenance of the police force, and for
furthering contemplated city improvements.
During the trial. which was conducted by
the District Commissioners, Mr.. Arnold
and several other police lieutenants swore
that Major Walker had given such instruc-
tions to the officers of the force, and the
evidence offered at the trial seems to have
conclusively proven the fact, and it is gen.
orally believed that the President will at
once demand the resignation of Mr.. Walk
er. Nor is the scandal likely to end here,
as the President is very much worried over
the affair, and it is thought that when Con-
greSs convenes a searching investigation
will be instituted and the true inwardness
Of the whole matter will be brought to
light.
Secretary Whitney IN his annua! report
to Congress last year, treated exhaustively
of proposed change in his department. 1t
was to divide the work of the same into
three branches, the personnel and fleet, the
department of material and construction,
and the department of finance and ac-
counts, this last bureau covering all con.
tracts for purchases of naval supplies. Con-
gress having failed to come to his aid in
this reform, he has evidently concluded to
undertake the task alone. Hehas recently
issued an order, to go into effect January
1st, 1887, in which he places the contract
ing for, and the care of all supplies with
one person at each of the various Navy
Yards, instead of as heretofore requiring
special bureaus for the purchase and furnl
ishing of each of the different supplies
needed; this one supply division in each
yard will suffice for all the bureaus, and
where 160 men are now paid by the Cow
ernment, the work can be accomplished by
force of about 40, while the methods Elm.
ployed will be much more simplified 1t is
thought that the Secretary's reform may
extend still further, and that he will next
reorganize the department of material and
construction.
The President last week appointed Col.
John Moore as surgeon General of the
Army, to succeed General Murray, who
has been retired. Col. Moore has been in
the army for twenty-five years, and was one
of the few in the line of promotion. His
appointment gives general satisfaction
among the officers of the army, notwith.
standing the large Number of applicants
for the position. 1t was clear case of
Office seeking the man, as Col. Moore made
no effort whatever to secure the place. n.