Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1886-11-11
From our Regular correspondent
Washington Letter.

From our Regular correspondent
Washington Letter.
WASHINGTON, Nov. 9, 1856.
Ere this letter reaches you the elections
will have decided the political complexion Of
the Fiftie,h Congress and marked the end
Of a campaign which has disturbed the resi-
denls Of this city very slightly although the
contest has been highly interesting in many
pats of the country. Washington is at this
moment unique city. the only one in the
United States which does not echo the
shouts of coniendlng factions. There was
quite number Of racing men here during
the week, who cursed the weather that
spoiled their business, but few politicians
could be seen. All the candidates too were
in the field. A glance at the register in The
House pos, office a, the Capitol shows tha,
there are only two Congressman in Wash
ington to. day, telection day.. They hap
pen to be Singleton. Of Mississippi. and
Welborn, OF Texas, who failed Of nom
nation.
After this week the procession back TO
Washington will begin. Statesmen. dema
gogues. the men Of ideas and the men Of
schemes, the makers Of history, Senators,
Representatives, Judges, Generals, Presi-
Dental aspiran,s, lobbyists and office seekers
big and little will all be here in less than a
month.
The shnrtness Of what is known as the
"short session" Of Congress. which must end
by the fourth Of March. il already bewaiied
in advance, from the prospect Of hasty
legislation and the neglect of many useful
and important measures. As Senator Nor
rll remarked few days ago, There are al
ways grave and serious questions before
Congress" As to the probability Of any
thing being accomplished thl, winter, he
seemed doubtful. He said further that the
Democratic party did not seem 70 have
definite policy except on one suhjrct and
even on that the Tariff. i, did not
seem to care whether il had following or
not.
A. i seems impossible to get Congress %
meet earlier il is 10 be hoped that It will at
least vote this winter on the proposed
amendment to the Constitution prolongns
the second session until April 30 That
would place Inauguration day "a the same
date. besides the biennial benefits in pro-
longing the rdlcu!ou,iy hrl,f period Of Con-
gressloHas labor, which IS really onl, about
two months after the holiday recess An
even later date than the 3Oth Of April would
be desirable, but as that day has historical
President, 10 strengthen It's chances, ii
will doubtles, be safer to make the tish, up.
on IL
Secretary Manning had as well cease 70
be an object OF public so!Icitude. lie has
at last assumed the discharge of all the
duties Of he Secretary Of the Treasury iu-
eluding ihat Of signing the dally mail. the
ssrfants. etc. lie signs warrants however.
by the use Of an Autograph stamp, in order
TO spare himself exertion. II seems he has
just received an opinion from the A,torne,
General 10 the effect that there i no legal
obstacle to bis signature by means Of a
stamp. Initials or mark. or by signature
made by another person in his presence and
by his direction.
The President has performed an unusual
amount Of handshaklng during the week in
asmuch as each Of hi, tri-weeky receptions
were attended by several hundred people
There is always some one present on these
OCCASIONS who is waiting 10 do something
little out Of ORDER and make himself or her
self conspicuous, hoping thus to get some
special attention or to call forth few spec
ia words from the President. One gentle
man. for instance, who wanted to pose a.
Growers old friend, thrus, out his hand in
pulsively, remarking. Did YOU ever see me
before p expecting Of course to be greet
ed with the feryor Of an old acquaintance.
"Wh, how DIDO? How DIDO ?" exclaimed the
President in great JOY, for no one knows
better thaa he the Importance of meeting all
old acquaintance half way. Il thought YOU
would remember me- said the man. "Oh,
YES" said Mr.. Cleveland. II remember you
very distinctly. but can't quite place YOU.
What's the name ? Owes, of course When
he heard the name be remembered him very
distinctly
The Mexican government is going to do
as England did and erect a handsome build
ing for her representatives here. The for
eigners, mean the whole Diplomatic corps,
are di.pleased with the management Of the
State Department under the present Admin
,traton. They complain of great delays in
having their business attended 10. Secre-
tary Bayard is careless and leaves everything
to his assistant secretary. The latter. Mr..
Porter, is by no means the accomplished
gentleman the position needs. He is
unfamiliar with European topics, and
speaks no language but his Tennessee
dialect. Very few of the foreigners speak
English at all.