Fergus County argus. [volume] (Lewistown, Mont.) 1886-1946, 1888-04-05
WASHINGTON LETTER.
WASHINGTON, March 23, lsss

WASHINGTON. NltltU 1855.
senator Blair. Of New Hampshire, the
author Of the educational bill, has Just in
troduccd another measure over which the
mere question Of reference caused quite II
spirited debate. II provides that in APP
puntments Ia civil service positions the
wounded and disabled ~ Confederate sol
,licrs shall bc given preference over other
tonfr,cratcs. Speeches were made hy SEN
ators Platt, Hale. Berry. Blair, lioar, Rid
dl.bcrger. Hampton. George, Henderson,
Daniel and IIawley.
The southern senators, while expressing
the kindliest feelings iof the generosity and
philanthropy which had prompted the in
PRODUCTION Of the bill, disclaimcd all desire
on the part of cx Confsderates for the pass
age of any such exceptional measure, but
thought that as n matter al courtesy and
uniformity of practice the bill should be re-
frrrcd tn its appropriate committee. The
northern senators were al one accord in
-onticmniny the measure unwise aud III
considered.
senator Blair said lac had introduced his
bill in entire good faith. He understood
that in the one state of North Carolina
there were today 2o,ooo ex--olders of the
Confedcracy who had lost limbs ia the ser
vice, and that most of them were in poor
circumstances. IL seemed To him that If
the government under this or any other
administration gave appointments tn men
who had been disluyal to the union, prefer
ence should he given to those who were dis
abled, (other things being e'luaD.
The widow al General Hancock will bc
presented with IA handsome brown stone
and brick house in this city about the first
Of April. Some friends Of the late General
have been actively engaged ia trying To-
raise sufficient money for its purchase, and
have met with success. The lady will take
possession Of her new home at once.
The dozen or more authors who have
been visiting Washington during the week
and giving public readings from their works
for the benefit Of the Copyright League,
were entertained at the White House on
Monday evening after the readings. The
old mansion was in gala dress for the occa
sion. and supper WAS served about mid
night. The authors want an international
copyright law, you know, and II bill to that
end has just been reported to the senate.
On Wednesday "a terrific thunder storm
caused something Of panic on Capitol
hill. IL was thought that the dome had
been struck, and there was general rush
to SEE il the Goddess of Liberty had lost
her balance. In the rotunda the crash was
APPALLING and the echoes reverberated up
and down the corridors for some time.
Every electric light in the building was put
out and fiery balls Of electricity were sent
through the corridors, cutting off commu-
nication and giving the elevator conductors
IA severe shock. The flash which accom-
panied the thunder silcnccd the eloqucnce
Of the congressman who had the floor, and.
sweeping into the press gallery over the
telegraph wires. caused the operator at the
keys To make IA hasty and undigniiied re-
treat. No real damage was done to the
capitol, although the presence of the cleo
tric current was plainly felt at different
points by men around metal work.
Congressman Grain Of Texas, is very
hopeful in regard to his constitutional
amendment changing Inauguration day.
Said he: The weather Of the past two
weeks is sufficient to warrant IA change, and
believe the next president will be inaug
uratcd ON the Both Of April" Mr.. Grain
will make an effort to have this question
considered ON the 2nd proxmo. There is
a pronounced feeling in the house in favor
oi changing Inauguration day, and there is
but little doubt that the change will be
made.
On Wednesday evening Belva lockwood,
looking in excellent health and spirits, oc-
euped the platform of Grand Army hall
100 people. Her alleged subject was Wash
ington Social and Political Life" but she |
did not allow herself to be tranmcled by il /,
and branehed off in different drcctions. |
Speaking Of politics, she said that as Blaine
aud George W. Chil,ls and Robert Lincoln !
and Others had resigned, that when Cleve- |
land resigned she also would publicly tender
her resignation. She believed that the
coming man would be II woman. All she |
asked for the District Of Columbia at pres
cut was that the women be allowctl to vote
on licensing the saloon. The greatest act |
Of President Cleveland's life, she thought,
was that Of taking unto himself Frances
Folsom Tor wife.
Representative O'Neill of Missouri made
AN aggressive fight yesterday for the right
al labor to be heard in the house.