The weekly sentinel. [volume] (Winston-Salem, N.C.) 1886-1887, 1886-12-09
AT THE NATIONAL CAPITAL.
Getting Ready for the Shirt session Of
the 10th Congress.
Special Correspondence Of the Sentinel.

Special Correspondence Of the Sentinel.
WASHINGTON, D. G.. Dec. 13.-
There is nothing in the way OF news
afoat in Washington just now. The
Government machinery is clicking
away with unusual speed, the Presi-
dent in the clutches Of rheumatism is
looking over his completed message
and everywhere there is a futter of
preparation for the Congressional ses-
sion which will open On Monday next
at precisely twelve o'clock.
The largest days work ever accom-
plished in the Pension Bureau was
done on last Wednesday, when forty
of the lady clerks were employed un-
til midnight and then sent home in
herdics at Government expense, An
unusual amount of Pension business
was finished up during the month of
November, the number of certificates
granted being 1884. The public debt
statement for November shows de-
crease in the debt of only little over
s1,000,0O0, but this small reduction
is principally due to the fact that
nearly s14,OOO,OOO were paid out dur
ing 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 coun-
try has vital interest His Indian
policy as well as that with regard to
public lands and railroads is we'll
known, but the treatment of the red
man forms the chief feature of the re-
port. He recommends again great
clemency and liberality to the wards
of the nation, and his views and those
of the bureau having immediate
charge, coincide as to the desirability
of the savages abandoning tribal rela-
tiDns, and settling down to industry.
The report is written in that forcible
and charming style which has charac-
terized each official document penned
by the Secretary of the Interior.
When Secretary Whitney's annual
report came from the the Public
Printer on Wednesday, some distribu-
tions of it were made, but strict in
functions were given that it should
not be published until Saturday
morning. The document, which has
only been seen in confidence, is
instructive and renews many recon-
mendations made in his first report.
The Secretary points with pride to the
present condition of Department affairs
asks for five more millions for the new
navy, and thinks there should be no
delay of the legislation necessary for
a reorganization of the Navy Depart
ment,
The return of speaker Carlisle and
Col. Morrison has revived discussion
as to the probability of Tariff legisIa-
ton this winter As usual much in
terest is felt in learning the Admins
trations' views of the Tariff question.
| 1t is ascertained the President will
treat the question as one demanding
fearless consideration, and that he will
be specific and emphatic in advocacy
of tariff reduction. He will also speak
boldly and approvingly of the civil
service law and the results of its en-
forcement 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 hopeful
ness. Col Morrison refuses to outline
his program for the session. He il
not detected over his defeat, however,
and expects his friends to mention il
when they meet him.
Much of the sensational matter
which is distributed throughout the
country from Washington relative tc
the Presidents country seat purchase
the avenue extensions in particular
and real estate .syndicates in general
is politically inspired. 1t is fabricated
for purpose. 1t is not concocted ou
Of any real regard for the interests o
the District or in any spirit of zeal fol
the public welfare; but with the di
rect, cold-blooded intent to bring th'
Administration into contempt and dis
repute before the country.
So far as the late investigation o
the Police Department is concered
and unsatisfactory as its results may
be in not fully disclosing the cause
and course of events which led to tn
resignation of Major Walker, there
not the faintest scintilla of evidence t
/ implicate the President with an,
phase of the affair. Whatever press
ure may have been exerted in til
matter, there is no trace of executiv
influence in it.
5 The seasons first ripple of social es
/ change was seen on the streets OF th
l city last Wednesday, beginning {
the tidal wave of society which 70
lows the opening of Congress. Th
!, ladies of the Cabinet all greeted thei
:. Concluded on 4th col,.man.)