The Press., 1886-09-23
WASHINGTON LETTER.


 The exact date of the return of the presi- dent and Mrs. Cleveland to Washington is simply matter of conjecturei but it is known that they will not occupy their country residence just yet, but will at once take up their old quarters in the executive mansion. When they left the capital city it was their intention to spend the month of October at Pretty Prospect, ns the cot tage is now termed, but it has been found impossible to complete it in time, aud so they have decided to return to the white house, which has been so changed and im- proved that they will hardly recognize it Carpenters, painters, upholsterers and dec orators have been busy with it ever since the president and Mrs. Cleveland left. Besides the usual house cleaning and re- pairs, considerable new furniture has been added. Antique clocks, a new bust of the late Vice President Hendricks and num- Der of new pictures have been bought. While in New York city the mistress of the mansion proposes to make some pur- ehases to ornament several of her private aooms. The walls have been more bright ly tinted, and in fRct the entire house pre- sents a most attractive appearance,
 It Is to be hoped that the example given by Assistant Secretary Thompson, in de- string the resignation of his son because he was afraid it might seem that he was appointed to his place in the treasury de- partment through the influence of his fath- CT, will be followed by the heads of other departments here. To be sure the young man reached the position on his own mer- its, and without his fathers knowledge.' Secretary Thompson, in trying to act the part of Brutus, seems to be rather strain ing point. It is hard on the young man, when he had duly passed the civil service examination, and gained his place without assistance, to be suddenly dismissed, from no fault of his own, but simply because he is his fathers son. But there are numer- ous examples in this city of persons occu- pying important posts under the govern ment who are not 30 scrupulons about ad- mitting their relations to feast at the pub lie tables. After all that was said during the Grant administration about this nepo- tism in office, it was to be supposed that this present administration would never permit such an abuse. And yet we find the relatives of influential men everywhere. Secretary Lamar's private secretary is his son. Commissioner of patents Montgom- cry has a brother in the same position. A son of Gen. Gordon, of Georgia, had a place Tn the interior department: and there are a numberless host of other dem ocratic senators and representatives, the names of whose relatives are on the gov ernment pay rolls. It is to be hoped that the example of Gov Thompson will be the beginning of revolution. ....-....
 It may be remembered by your readers, that in one of my letters several months ago, Ilmentioned that TTince Leopoldo, scion of the royal family of Brazil, was in Wash ington at the time of the presidents mar riage, and was among the guests at Mrs. Cleveland's first public reception. A Bra gillian paper thus refers to the event "A magnificent reception was given in Wash ington in honor of Prince Leopoldo, at which Prince and Princess Cleveland were present. rI ru.. .. t#Hs .'f
 It is doubtless better to err on the side of a too great striving for rectitude than of utter lawlessness, but the former may be carried too far. When, after much loss of life and money, the Indian robbers and murderers, with a record of the most hid eous and atrocious crimes are finally cap tured, the big wigs here do not know what to do with them. Instead of ordering them straightway to the gallows, n form of death which would be the most lenient punishment, they are debating seriously whether or not they are ''prisoners of war;" and are discussing, with pros and cons, the question as to whether court martial or change of climate would be the best way of getting this elephant of their hands. It is ludicrous Co see this great nation pondering over such a ques- l