The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1886-12-14
WASHINGTON LETTER.
From Our Regular Correspondent.

From our Regular Correspondent.
WASHINGTON, ID. c., Dec. 4, 1886.
There is nothing in the way of
news afoat irf Washingtonjust now.
The Government machinery is click
ing away with unusual speed; the
President in the clutches of rheuma-
tism is looking over his completed
message, and everywhere there is a
futter of preparation for the Con-
gressional session which will open on
Monday next at precisely twelve
o'clock.
The largest days work ever ac-
complished in the Pension Bureau
was done on last Wednesday, when
forty eff the lady clerks were employ
ed until midnight and then sent
home in herdics at Government ex:.
pense. An unusual amount of Pen
sion business was finished up during
the month of November, the number
of certificates granted being 1884.
The public debt statement for No
vember shows a decreas. in the debt
of only little over 100000, but
this small reduction is principally
due to the fact that nearly $14, ,000,-
600 we're paid out during 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
country has a vital interest. His
Indian policy as well as that with
regard to public lands and railroads
is well known. but the treatment of
the Rcd man forms the chief fea-
ture of the report. He recommends
again great elemency and liberality
to the wards of the nation, and his
views and those of the bureau hav-
ing immediate charge, coincide as to
the desirability of the savages aban-
doning tribal relations, and settling
down to industry. The report is
written in that foycible and charm
ing style which has characterized
each official document penned by
the Secretary of the Interior.
When Secretary Whitney's annu-
al report came from the Public Prin-
ter on Wednesday, some d.stribu-
tions of it were made, but strict in
functions were given that it should
not be published until Saturday
morning. The document, which as
yet has only been seen in confidence,
is instructive and renews many rec
concentrations made in his first re-
port. The Secretary points with
pride to the present condition Of De-
partment affairs, asks for five more
millions for the new navy, and thinks
there should be no delay of the leg
islation necessary for reorganiza-
tion Of the Navy Department
The return of Speaker Carlisle
and Col. Morrison has revived dis
cussion as to the probability of Tar
iff legislation this winter. AS usual
much interest is felt in learning the
Administrations views of the Tariff
question. 1t is ascertained the Pres
!dent will treat the question as one
demanding fearless consideration,
and that be will be specific and en-
phatic in advocacy of tariff reduct-
ion. He will also speak boldly and
approving 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
alludes to the prospect of renewal
of the Tariff fight with freedom and
Col. Morrison refuses
to outline his program for the scs-
sion. He is not detected over his
defeat, however, and expects his
friends to mention it when they meet
him.
Much of the sensational matter
which is distributed throughout the
country from Washington relative
to the Presidents country-sea pur-
chase, the avenue extensions in par
ticu!ar, and real estate syndicates in
general, is politically inspired. 1t
is fabricated for purpose. 1t is
not concocted out of any real regard
for the interests of the District or
in ary spirit of zeal for the public
welfare; but with the direct, cold
blooded intent to bring the Admin
istration into 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 scintilla OF
evidence to complicate the President
with any phrase of the affair. What
ever pressure may have been excited
in this matter, there is no trace of
executive influence in it.
The seasons first ripple of social
exchange was seen on the streets of
the city last Weduesday-a begin
ming of the tidal wave of s6Slety
which follows the opening Of Con
gress. The ladies of the Cabinet all
greeted their old friends and the
new corners, and while there was not
long line of waiting carriages, as
there will be when the season is fur
ther advanced, there was sufficient
recognition of the day.
Official etiquette and social con-
veniencc together. long ago decided
that the reception days of families
of the higher grade of officials in
Washington should be as follows:
Monday, the wives of Judges of the
Supreme Court; Tuesday, the wives
OF Representatives in Congress;
Wednesday, the wives of the Cabi-
net officials; Thursday, the wives of
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