The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1888-12-20
Washington Letter.
WASHINGTON. Dec. Il. 1888.

Mr. Cleveland has received the resignation OF
Z. S, District attorney L. B Sellers, of the In
dianapols district but has no, yet accepted it,
nor will he unless compelled 10 do SO. The Al
torney General has teiegraphed TO MIR. Sellers
informing him that the President joins him in
requesting a Withdrawal of the resignation Both
MIR. Cleveland aud the Attorney General would
like Mr.. Sellers to remain in office to prosecute
the election fraud cases, including that of WV
Dudley.
The River and Haibor bill, appropriating SII.-
got, $50, has been reported to the House II
will probably pass the House all right, but from
recent expressions on the part of republican
Senators ii is probable that it will never be con,
sidered by the Senate. In view OF the very
large appropriation for this purpose made AT thu
last sesson--nearly S22. 100000. no tears are
likely TO be shed over the failure of the presen,
bill.
Senator Beck's health is slowly improving
bur he will not resume his seat at the present
session. He leave, in few days for Aiken. D.
<, where he Viii spcnd The winter.
Two caucuses OF the democratic members oil
the House have been held this week. in order
10 determine upon policy in regard to the ad-
nittance OF new otaIes. The great diversity OF
opinion on the subject developed by the discus
sion, made it evident that it would be impolitic
TO attempt to- bind the members. so that the,
will vote as they please the subject providee.
the question gets before the House, which man,
members consider extremely doubtful.
tI,o
refuse place in Harrlsons cabinet for fear THAI
Gov. Foraker would sueceed him IN the Senate,
and intimates very strongly that he will take the
State department if it IS offered TO him Blaine
is in the same condiuon. Inc quesuon among
big republicans here is which one of them will
should feel disposed to back Blame.
The President has issued order extending
the civil service over the railway mail clerks.
People are wondering whether any of the nu-
merous bills introduced at the last session aimed
at the various " trusts likely 10 be passed
this winter. The general impression seems to
be that nothing will be done In fact, the most
OF the bills introduced are.regarded by shrewa
lawyers as unconstitutional
There is some talk among the democrats in
the House of taking the wind out of the repub-
ican sails by passing bill repeating the entire
tobacco tax. Whether this idea, which many
eonsider good one. will be allowed to end in
talk, cannot be told.
The democratic Senators have done good
work this week. in showing the weak points in
the Senate tariff bill They do not expect TO
defeat it, but are determined TO offer amend
ments TO every section of it that they think
wrong, thus putting on record their protests.
A general Army order has been issued, an
nouncing that hereafter there will be published
annually at the end of each year roll of honor
making mention of officers and enlisted men,
The first will be issued at the close of 1889.
An effort is being made to have Congress re-
fund to the widow of Gen. Hancock the money
which he expended outsof his own pocket to en-
tertain the French officers who attended the
Yorktown celebration in 1881. Senator Cock
Tell has introduced a resolution which was passed
directing the Secretary of War 10 furnish the
Senate with statement of the amount so ex-
pended, When the statement is furnished,
joint resolution: will be offered directing that the
amount, with interest be refunded to the widow.
This is a Just claim. and one that should be paid
at the earliest moment.