St. Landry democrat. (Opelousas, La.) 1878-1894, 1888-02-04
WASHINGTON LETTER.
From our Regular Correspondent.
WASHINGTON, Jan. %, 1SS


WASHINGTON, Jan. %, 1888.
The first two bills passed by the pres
ent Congress to become laws are, tho
act in reference to printing and writing
on second, third and fourth class mail
matter, and the one which amends the
law in relation to the Commissioners OF
Fish and Fisheries--the President hav-
ing approved both during the past
week. During the period in question,
Congress did little of Importance. The
Senate passed the bill to credit and pay
to the several States and Territories
all moneys collected under the direct
tax act, approved Aug. 5, 1861. But the
great work of the Senate during the
past week was the confirmation OF MI.
Lamar, despite the treacherous opposl-
ton Of the Republicans to that brilliant
and distinguished statesman. The Tx
Secretary passed through the long con-
test unscathed, and he wears his new
and crowning honor with becoming
modesty and characteristic dignity. In
accordance with custom, the new assO-
ciate Justice was assigned a seat on the
exreme left of his fellow justices.
The Senate had under consideration
the Blair bill, but as usual, reached no
conclusion. Messrs. Blair and Reagan
had rather heated discussion over the
third question, in which the former was
decidedly worsted. Ex-Justice OF the
Supreme Court, Strong, expresses the
opinion that the bill is unconstitutional.
Senator Hoar has introduced service
pension bill which is the most radical
measure OF the kind yet presented, pro-
enlisted men who served in the army,
lars and volunteers at any time during
the late civil war, shall be entitled to
pension of one cent for each days SER
vice, in addition to any pension granted
for disability. This in the face OF the
fact that $75,0OO000 will be spent on
pensions this year, and the further fact,
that the House Committee calls for
S80,000000 more for the same purpose
next year. Comment is unnecessary.
Both the Senate and the House have
passed the bill appropriating the sum Of
$3.50 900 to establish agricultural exper-
mental stations as attachments to the
various agricultural colleges through
out the country.
Owing to the absence from sickness,
of Speaker Carlisle, Mr.. Mills, who has
succeeded Mr.. Morrison as the Demo-
cratic leader of the House, the proceed
Jugs of that body were less interesting
than usual the past week. Half a day
was consumed in obstructing considera-
ton Of the bill introduced by Mr. Will
kins, of Ohio. to increase National
bank circulation, and the balance Of the
same day was devoted to speech max
ing over the acceptance Of pictures Of
the three Speakers of the House fur
nished by Massachusetts, whose coun-
terfeit presentments have been added
to the historical portrait gallery that
graces the south wing of the Capitol. The
principal orators were w. P. G. Breck-
enridge, of Kentucky, Ex-Gov. Long, of
Massachusetts, and a great crowd
packed the floor and galleries to hear
the eloquent utterances.
Another day of the valuable time of
the House wasted over the considera-
ton Of the Carlisle-Tho contest. For
some unknown reason, thirty-fve Dem
ocrats were absent in New York, and
the Republicans suddely refused to vote,
thus blocking the wheels OF the House,
but Mr.. Crisp chairman OF the Commit
tee on Elections, announces his deter
mination not to permit the transaction
of other business until this contest is set
tied.
The tariff reformers have won the first
preliminary skirrnish in the Ways and
Means Committee. Mr.. Mckinley, of
Ohio, who shares with Reed, of Maine,
the Republican leadership of the House,
moved to take up his bill to repeal to
the tobacco tax, but the Democratic
majority refused to discuss any specific
tax reduction bill. This resolution was
passed by strict party vote-5 to4.
Report has it that Assistant Secretary
Muldrow is to be made Commissioner
of the General Land Office. This
would be promotion in one sense, but
not in another the salary is five hum
dred dollars less than that now re-
ceived by the Secretary, but be would
have an advantage in dispensing patro-
mage, which he has not the power to do
in his present position.