The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1886-06-11
Our Washington Letter
From Our Regular Correspondent.
Washington, June Z,


Washington, June Z, 1886.
The Presidents absence from the White
House gives the old mansion its wonted old
time summer appearance when Grant and
HAYES and Arthur went summering to Long
Branch, to the country fairs or to the Vel
lowstone. Mr., Cleveland was absent for a
month last summer, but he has been away
from his post less than any Of his three
predecessors.
There is great curiosity to see the we'd
ding presents, but the President is deter
mined that it shall not be gratiied. One
of the C,binet ladies says that nololy out
side Of the Cleveland aud Folsom families
knows anything about them. and Col. L~-
mont says that two-thirds of the boxes have
not been opened. There will be some fun
nv disclosures from all hear on the outside.
know of five Or six members of Congress
who sent contributions, and some of them
did so with more comprehensive purpose
than merely to compliment the bride,
The custom house officials at New
York and other office holders elsewhere
forwarded gifts. and some came from peo-
pie who have not yet received appoint
ments, but hope to draw prize in the lot
terry. The President will be very much
disposed to return such gifts when he finds
them, and it would be just like him to do
so. He has administered rebukes more Sc
we're than that since he has been in the
White House, and nothing could be more
offensive to him than an attempt to win his
favor by attention to his bride. 1t was per-
fectly proper for the members of the Cabi.
net and others who were invited to the we'd
ding to take gifts, and it was a pleasure for
the resident to receive them, but it is not
customary in private life for persons who
are not bidden to a wedding feast to send
p presents, and the President made it as plain
as possible that his marriage was private
affair. 1t will be no surprise if many of the
gifts are returned to the donors, but wheth-
er they are or not their source and charact.
er will remaia concealed.
One of the pleasant predictions anent to
coming social life at the White House, is
that Miss Cleveland will spend great deal
of her time there. Mrs. Cleveland will very
properly rely greatly on the experience
and the good judgement displayed by Miss
Cleveland, who in her management. is said
by the severest critics to haye made but
few blu unders.
The resignation Of Mr.. Manning as Sec
retary of the Treasury Department, was not
altogether surprise to the public as ru-
mors to that effect have been afioat for
some time, and it seems quite a natural
step. He was uncertain when he would
again be able to resume his official duties
and was not willing to be only a nominal
head Of the department. The President has
done wisely, however, in declining to ccept
the resignation, and has offered Mr. Man
ming leave of absence from all duties until
October next in order that he may give
himself up to the enjoyment of pleasure and
beneficial changes fscene and air.
The President still keeps on with his We
toes of private pension bills. In this he will
receive the support of all right-minded men
without regard to party. The Government
proposes to pension all ex-Union soldiers
who, by reason of wounds received in battle
or by reason of diseases contracted in the
line Of service, are suffering physical disa-
bility: but these claims that are passed by
Congress have all, or the majority of them
been passed by the pension Office and re
jected. 1t is but reasonable to suppose that
the clerks and examiners in the Pension OF |
fee, most of whom are ex-soldiers them
selves, would be leniently inclined toward
the applications of their late comrades in
arms, and would only reject their claims
when forced to do so either by lack of evil
dence or manifest unworthiness
Mr.. Gladstone's Home Rule Bill