The comet. (Johnson City, Tenn.) 1884-1916, 1888-01-12
WASHINGTON LETTER.

AT the close of tho year it is proba-
bly, the proper thing to briefly review
the Governments financial condition.
During the month of December, the
receipts from all sources were $685.
25S, and the disbursements we've $10,-
4O0,682, net gain of nearly nineteen
millions, out of which amount about
three and half millions interest up
ON the public debt must be paid, Ieav-
ing the total surplus for December
nearly fifteen millions and half dur
ing that month the national debt was
reduced fifteen and quarter millions,
and for the whole year it was decreased
little more than one hundred and
seventeen million dollars-the largest
reductions being made in June and
November.
Many Of the Congressman who via
tied their homes during the recess,
have returned, and Others are daily
arriving-all looking with impatience
to the re-assembling OF Congress, when
the committees will be announced and
the work of the session will begin in
earnest. 1t is understood that speak
or Carlisle has finished his most tedi-
Gus and troublesome undertaking.
that OF making out his committee liSta
and with his great experience, it is
confidently believed that his work will
be acceptable, although many mem
berI will be disappointed at their as
signmentE.
Under the lead OF those Republican
malignants, Senators Sherman, Hoar
and Edmunds, a concerted effort is
being made to defeat the confirmation
OF Mr.. Lamar, but it will probable fail
OF its purpose, although it may defer
action on the nomination several
weeks. The proposed promotion of
the Secretary will be made the occa-
sion OF lengthy and heated partisan
debate by the Republicans, in which
the South will be severely assailed
Ths Democratic Senators are very
| pronounced in favor OF tariifreform anC
they have appointed a committee, oi
which Mr.. Kenna is chairman, to con
! fer with the party leaders in the
/ House on the issue OF tax reduction
rs such bill must necessarily origi-
nate in that body Mr. Kennss &C.
lsction is significant, as his views on
che question OF tariff legislation are
known to be conservative, and it is
therefore thought that he is inclined
to favor compromise measure.
Both parties realize that the tariff
must be REVISED, ard they are accord
ingly making preparations with the
view of accomplishing that object and
at the same time preserving partisan
alignments. 1t remains to be seer
whether such difficult feat in polit
ical gymnastics can be executed sue
cessiully,
The report of the Pacific Railroad
Commission will be one Of the mos
important measures brought to the at
tention of Congress, and it is hoped
that this giant corporation will bC
compelled to fulfill its contract Will
the Government whose forbearance il
has exhausted. Ex-Governor Patti
sons minority report is a most severe
but just arraignment, in which Re
publican and millionaire UniteC
States Senator Stanford and his bo
nanza associates are handled in
manner truly refreshing and convind
cling, and it is hoped that his views vii
direct the policy of Congress.
Among the Presidents Christina
presents were frozen watermelon
and a live golden eagle. 1t is suppos
ed that the melon was disposed Of o
the White House. hnt Mr.. CLEVELAND
tate UiflCe