The Meridional. (Abbeville, La.) 1856-1906, 1888-01-07
Special Correspondence.
WASHINGTON. 3. c.. January ., 1887

business seemed to be practically
suspended, and all persons, polltI-
clans included, devoted Themselves
to pleasures and recreation. Even
the government departments were
more than usually quiet, although
members of congress had nothing else
to do than to cali at the departments
to look after the interests of constl-
tuents having claims pending there
for adjudication. The halls OF con-
gress looked as bare and empty, so
far as the moving humanity is con-
cerned as they did two months be.
fore congress assembled. The mem.
bers and senator's in the city stunned
the building as they would a prison,
not even calling fer their mail, but
having it sent to their residences.
Speaker Carlisle awaited himself of
the quiet of the place to spend most
OF his tine in the speakers room dis.
cussing the makeup of TIE commit.
tees, with such few trusted counsel
ors as he called into consultation.
The pressure tor assignment to
choice communities ceased soon at
ter the adjournment for the holidays,
as all claims had been presented be.
fore them, and nothing more could
be done except to wait fc: the
award.
With reference to what business
will be first taken up in the house
there are many conjectures. but be-
yond any question of doubt the all.
absorbing tariff question will re-
ceive early consideration. The
energies of the administration are
all directed to a prompt disposition
of that question, and if it is not dis
posed Of very early in the session. it
will be because Of the delays inter
posed in the way of amendments and
the dilatory tactics of the protec'
tionists. The reformers, howcyer,
express a willingness to make many
concessions rather than to suffer a
defeat such as was experienced last
session. Another question that will
doubtless receive considerable at.
t~ention is the temperance cause. ~
bill introduced Ivy Senator Platt
coutemplates prohibition in the Dis.
trict of Columbia. 1t has many
friends in the senate, and will
probably pass that body, but may
meet with opposition in the house
The liquor interests are already
organizing to make q fight against
the bill. and before many days OF
the session have passed, the tigh1
will have waxed warm. Unfortunate
lily for the COED of the cause Senate.
Ingalls,, the chairman Of tie District
Of Columbia committee, is opposed
to prohibition, but a majority o.
the other members are friendly to i
J, and will see that the ether members
are friendly to it and will see tina
the bill receives proper considera
tion at an early day.
1t may be interesting to many
: admirers OF the late Gen. Hancock
, to know that the fund being raised
, to purchase his widow a residence
here, is nearly completed. The
house which the committee contem
plate purchasing is in the nor.hwes'
part of the city, net far from the
British Minister'S and is a handsome
! three story brown-stone structure
/. containing eleven rooms, occupying
=, one of the most beautiful corner
sites in that fashionable section O
) the city. Mrs. Hancock is at pres
ent in the city, residing with a niece
Of the general.
!, 1t will be remembered that at the
, time of the failure Of the banking
house of Jay Cooke Il Co, in 1874
the Freedman's Bank of this city
also failed This bank had mostl,
as depositors, ignorant but fruga
. colored people not only in Washing
, ton but from all parts of the country
:, the depositors believing that it was
4 government institution Or sayiaf
! bank.
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Tho folIowinr from the Rossie