The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1888-02-09
Washington Letter.
WASHINGTON. DC Feb. 2 I

WASHINGTON, D. G., Feb. 8, 1888.
In their frantic efforts to manufac-
ture little much needed political cap
ital this week, the desperate Republi-
cans of the House unwittingly fell
into a snare, from which they found it
impossible to extricate themselves
They introduced resolution to inves-
tigate the business methods of Public
Printer Benedict. This official al once
responded to the inquiry in manner
that was perfectly convincing and sat.
isfactory.
1t had been alleged that he was in
arrears yet it was shown that every bill
introduced in either House or Senate
up to the day before had been received
from the Printer, and in the document
room was completely indexed for use
and reference.
Then, upon motion of Mr.. Springer,
the investigation was extended so as to
include the term of Mr.. Rounds (the
late Republican printer) despite the
protest Of the minority against inves-
tigating the deings of a dead man.
It Is probable that the fires of parti
san strife will soon blaze fiercely forth
in the House ever the White.Lowry
election contest from Indiana. The
Democratic majority of the Commit
tee on elections have agreed to report
RI Aironr r, 81 l. 20
on the ground that he failed to become
naturalized within the time specified
by the law-he being q native of Scot
land. The committee further recon-
mended that the seat be declare ed va
cant, as there was no legal election.
should the Republicans lose the seat,
which Is almost certain In the event
of new election, that party would be
unable to control the Indiana delega
ton, aud thus would lose their power
to elect President of the United
States, if the election should be thrown
upon the House. They have but one
majority of the vote by States. From
such standpoint, this contest assumes
national importance and will be one of
the great events of the session.
Aspiring statesmen have showered
tariff bills to the number OF three hun
dred upon the Ways and Means Com
mittee. Still the astute member, W hose
duty it is to present these measures,
will find little trouble ip separating
the wheat from the chat.
Asyet the Louisiana delegation have
been unable to come to an agreement
as to what shall be done with sugar in
the new tariff bill. This anxiousIy
awaited measure. by the way, is being
very carefully eonsidered, and it is
thought by those ia position to know
most about its character that it will
pass the House and be satisfactory to
the country.
Although the proposition to reduce
letter postage TO one cent had its fate
sealed for the time by AN adverse SEN
ate report, the subject, like Ranguo's
ghost, :. will not down." More penny
postage bills are being prepared and
will be introduced and voted upon
again during this Congress.
The Senate has again Votsd for the
opening of Congress on October 18th,
and the closing of the short session on
April 18th, and also for changing In-
auguration day to April 3lth. Should
this pass the House, being Constitu
tional amendment. it would still need
to be ratified by .three fourths of the
State Legislatures before it could be
come law.
In the House there is another bill
which provides that Congress shall
open on the frat Monday in January,
end the time of legal adjournment
shall be at noon ON the 3lst day OF
December. This would practically
make continuous session for the two
years term, with only such recesses as
the two Houses might agree to. So it
is impossible to knew just what the
new law will finally be, but there is
little doubt that the existing order of
things with reference to the official
terms of the President, Vice President
Senators and Representatives will be
changed by the present Congress;