Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1888-06-28
WASHINGTON Letter
FROM OUR REGULAR CORRESPONDENT

Both branches of Congress have been
rather thin during the past week, ow-
ing to the absence of quite number OF
Republican Senators and Representa-.
tives who have been at Chicago, and it
has been entirely too hot for those who
have remained at their posts to do any
fighting. Palm leaf fans and handkcr-
chiefs, to assuage perspiration, have oc-
cupied much of the time Of our lawma-
kers.
Yet when one comes to think it over
there has been good deal Of useful
legislation at the Capitol during these
convention days, for, as rule, Congress
works to much better advantage with
out quorum than with one.
After being under discussion for a
week, the Sundry Civil bill was passed
on Friday, and the public would be sur.
prised to know how much there was to
say and how we'll it was said, upon al
most every paragraph.
Senator Sherman secured the passage
Of the bill to cover the expenses of the
United States exhitit at Columbus, Ohio
where the northwest territory and adj
iacent States will hold a Centennial ex-
hibition. The Ohio statesmen think
that these exhibitions, including coun.
try fairs and international expositions,
are among the most beneficial agencies
of modern civilization.
When Senator Sherman came to the
Capitol on Saturday morning his disap.
pointment at the turn of affairs at Chi.
cago had taken We're but thinly con-
cealed. lie had evidently about adam
doned hope, and was very reserved and
thoughtful. Senator Allison was appar-
emily as unconcerned as if he had not
been in the race.
The President has not been burdened
with any very great perplexing business
from congress during these hot days, al
though about 200 pension bills have
been sent to him since last Monday.
He has vetoed three of these. His We
toe message Of the bill to grant an in
crease O: pension to one, Elijah Martin,
created some audible smiling in the
House, but no protests. The President
showed that Elijah Martin was dead
and buried before the bill for his relief
was introduced into Congress.
In this matter Of private pensions |
would not like to say that the President
has made no mistakes in his yetoes, but
neither would be surprised to learn
that he has signed dozen fraudulent
bills for every honest one he has vetoed
He has approved by mere than We're
signed by all of his Republican prede-
ccasors, and since he has not had time
for thorough investigation in all cases,
it is altogether likely that good many
frauds have been approved.
Commissioner Blacks plan for adjus-
ting the arrears of pentions due the
widows of deceased soldiers by direct
communication with the Office, without
the aid Of agents or attorneys, is we'll
received all over the country. 1t is a
commendable sinplilication Of methods
in the interest of economy and speedy
settlement. If he really accomplishes
this much needed reform, he will have
rendered his country far greater ser
vice than he could possibly have done
by running for the Vice.Prcsidency.
The president will attend the com.
menccment exercises Of the University
of Virginia this week. lie has been in,
vited to visit Montpelier, the home of
Madison, on his return from Charlottes-
vile, and the present owner Of the es-
tate has made elorate preparations for
his reception. Mrs. Cleveland will not
accompany him, as was at first report.
ed.
The rumors that have been publish
ed in regard 10 Mr.. Whitney's probable
retirement from the Cabinet next year
have set the political to talking. There
seems Ito be no doubt that there are
some good grounds for such rumors,
while at the same time the second term
of Clev Gland is far enough off to render
speculation hazardous. There are those
who think and believe that secretary
Whitney has become dissatisfied with
his post, and if he could not get change
of Cabinet duties, would prefer step
ping out altogether rather than remain
ing at the head of the navy department
His course of administration has, to Il
certain extent, aroused the half-hidden
antagonism of certain naval oficers,and
many things have occurred which have
Indicated internal friction. For exam
pie, it is said the change in the account
of the Department did not suit the Of.