The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1886-11-26
WASHINGTON LETTER
from our Regular Correspondent.l

WASHINGTON, ID. u, NOV. 20, looO
Yesterday was the day of ex-Presi-
dent Arthur's funeral, and all of the
Executive Departments were closed
aud the clerks had holiday. The
United States Supreme Court adjourn
ed from Friday until Tuesday for the
same reason. All of the public build
ing in Washington are draped in black
for the dead ex-President and flags are
displayed at half mast. President
Cleveland and several members of his
cabinet attended the funeral and Con-
gress was represented by a committee
of Senator'S and Representatives.
Since the black draperics have been
hung on the front portico of the White
House, the President ard Mrs. Cleve-
land take their carriage at the south
entrance when they go out for drive,
and all the projected gayeties at the
Executive Mansion will be postponed
for the thirty days of mourning. Then
the black bunting will be taken down
and folded up and laid away to do SER
vice again at the death of the next
high official or ex. official of the Gov
ernment, and the gay social season will
begin.
The custom of shutting down on
public work, and turning fifteen thou
sand employees loose whenever Presi
dent, ex-President, Cabinet officer or
ex-Cabinet officer happens 10 die. is a
questionable way of showing respect to
the distinguished dead. 1t. is a pic
mic for the clerks and a time for con
gratulations and they would be glad to
multiply by hundred fold the occas-
ion of public sorrow that give them a
day off and out. There is no doubt
that the custom would be more honored
in the breach than in the observance
but it is one of those things that long
liue of precedent has established anG
it would be difficult to decide where OF
with whose demise it should end.
President Cleveland has been much
dispeased at efforts to get him TO in
tertere in the now widely discussed
Washington Police scandal. He does
not feel, in the present condition o
affairs, that he would be warranted il
taking hold of the matter, although
the time may come when he may b.
called upon to take some action. Th'
President is still deeply absorbed will
the preparation of his message. and al
though he is subjected to some un
avoidable Interruptions, the approach
es 10 him are closely guarded.
The Presidents appointment of Mr.
Fulton as Paymaster General of tn
Navy was very gratifying to nava
officers and his appointment of Col
Moore as Surgeon General of the Arm,
was received with satisfaction anon;
officers of the Army.
The regular Army officers who hav
been examining the militia of tn
States and Territories have reporte,
commencing the efficiency of the re
spectiye organizations. They think
however, that the armed militia of tn
country would be doubled if Copgres
would appropriate annually muc
larger sum to be distributed among tn
States for improved arms and accoutrt
ments, In the latter case it is estimat
ed that the militia would consist G
100000 we'll drilled men, who coul
be called into active service at me
mems notice, and who would be a
most as effective at the outset of
war, as the regular Army.
Many conventions and association
more than ever before-want I
come TO Washington during the ne,
year. The National Grange has d,
cided to hold all future meetings {
that order in Washington. and con
mittse has been appointed to TAX
measures for the erection of suitab
building here for its officers and il
sessions.
Soon after Congress meets there wi
he large gathering of nOtabilties hel
so discuss The proposed Exposition |
Washington in / $50 and 92. And lat,
there is to be a convention of an edl
cational character which will attract
good many people. 1t will be in Il
Interest of Federal aid to commo
schools and will be composed of scho'
snperintcndtnts from the various State
and Territories.
IL has been proposed that each Stat
Ef the Union shall erect in this city
handsome b1ildlDg TO le used as
State headquarters, and perhaps as
residence for the Senators of the r,
fpecliye States The plan which
likely t, BE- carried out some tim
VI, uld prove great c1nvenieI ce I
ea,h State, aud would add much to th
grandeur Of the National Capital,