Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1888-02-03
OUR WASHINGTON LETTER.

OUR WASHINGTON LETTER.
Regular Correspondence of the Standard.
WASHINGTON, Jan. 13, 1883.
The retirement of Mr.. Lamar from
the great Office which he has so ably
and satisfactory filled for nearly three
years, was the occasion of many sim
cere expressions of regret. Especially
regttful were those who had been as
I ssciated with the Southern statesman
ir the discharge of public duties, for it
is the unanimous testimony of all who
hive had personal contact with him
that he is one of the most affable, gen.
enus and kind-hearted Of men. This
feeling was manifested while the en-
pbyes of the Interior Department were
tlronging in hundreds to say farewell
to the ex-Secretary. There were
many misty eyes and sorrowful coun-
finances.
The nominations of Messrs. Villas
and Dickinson for Secretary of the In
terror and Postmaster-General, re-
sPectively, will doubtless be confirmed
al the first executive session of the
Senate. Political malice has been un-
able to raise any sort of issue in the
case of either
1t was for the purpose of relieving
the situation as affected by these pend
ing nominations, that Mr.. Lamar
maenanimously resigned one Office be-
fore he was assured of another. What
ever chances there were to take he pre-
ferr.d to take alone, without involving
Others in the complication. The Post
master General has refrained from
making at least two important ap-
pointments in his Department on ac-
count of the impending change.
Much anxiety is felt among the Re-
publican employees OF the Interior De-
partnent because they know that a
new Secretary must provide few
places for his friends. If ' had the ear
OF Mr.. Villas l would give him at least
one hint in this direction. There is a
certain Republican chief of division
in this department who has been
drawing a salary of two thousand dol.
lars year for fifteen years, and still
he is not tired. This mans duties are
few and simple, and the place is not
in the classified service.
The Congressional mill is grinding
slowly but not very finely, although
since the re-assembling of Congress
more than nine hundred new bills
have been introduced. Some surprise
is expressed that the great State of New
York is not represented on the Ways
and Means Committee, an omission
which has probably not occurred be.
fore in the whole history Of the coun.
try. The framing of the new tariff
bill, to be presented to the House by
this Committee, is progressing rapidly
and satisfactorily, and it is believed
will be ready for consideration within
the next two weeks.
The Invalid Pension Committee
probably learned valuable lesson
from its experience at the last session
II so it will not again present an alb
surd bill like that vetoed by the Pres.
ident, but instead, n measure allowing
something like the sum of eight dol
lars u month to friendless soldiers.
Senator Beck, Of Kentucky, who
has been for the past four years, one
of the staunchest Democratic leader,
OF the Senate, was the recipien. o
many hearty congratulations, this
week, on his third election to the Sen
ate. This brawny Scotchman is the
only man ever SO honored by the land
of blue grass, fair women, old bourbon
and fine horses. Mr.. Beck is esteemed
for his abilities and liked for his genial
nature. He is regarded as quite an
authority on questions relating te
finance and tariff.
There are two factions of local Re
publicans in Washington, and, as here
tofore, they are all torn up over the re
suit OF the recent primary meeting
whose duty it is to select two dele.
gates to the Chicago National Con.
vention. There is likely to be a con.
test. Dem.