Southern standard. (McMinnville, Tenn.) 1879-current, 1889-12-28
WASHINGTON.

of the most gorgeous figures in the
group of diplomats who attended the
centennial celebration Of the in
auguration of Washington in the
Hall of the House of Representatives
on the 18th inst, were Sir Julian
Paunceforte, the British Minister,and
Mr.. Valente, the Minister from
Brazil. The former was the tallest,
and the latter probably the shortest
member of the company. The little
Brazilian wore about as much gold
lace and gold embroidery as the big
Britisher, and about as long a sword.
Then for cOnspicuity he had the
advantage of wearing gaudy pair of
white trousers, whereas Sir Julian's
were of the same dark material as his
coat. But Sir Julian had the counter
advantage of wearing on his breast
the bright star of the Order of st.
Michael and st. George, and over his
shoulder the broad silk ribbon of the
same order of knighthood. Sir.
Julian is avery hearty old English
gentleman, who might be said to
understand the art of being agreeable
if it were not his nature to be so.
When the learned and eloquent
Grafton of Chief Justice Fuller was
finished he joined freely in the APP
plause which broke out all over the
entire assemblage; but all ola sudden
the thought seemed to strike him that
a man in his position ought not to
applaud too much. There was a
time when a British Minister would
not applaud a eulogy of George
Washington any more than Corporal
Tanner would now applaud-a eulOgy
of Jeff Davis; and Sir Julian evil
IDENTIFY thought he ought to moder-
ate his en- thusiasm.
Representative Grains proposition
"a survival from the Fiftieth Con-
gress-to alter Inauguration Day and
the Congressional term is worthy OF
consideration. Whether it would be
better to have, as proposed, vir-
tually continuous session, like the
British parliament's, with summer
recess, or simply to lengthen the
short term until April 80, is ques
ton which members may vel
deliberate over and divide upon.
If the proposition to close one Con
gress and open the next or
December 3lst is adopted, thu
Chris tmas break in business will a
least not occur in such relation to thu
opening of the session as to spoil fo
business so long a period of time
There ought to be general concur
renee in the proposed change of In
auguration Day. On April 80 tn,
weather is almost always fine in thi
latitude. The historic association o
this day with the first inauguration
of George Washington is also to b
considered.
The agitation of the proposition t
provide clerks for members of tn
p House at government expense ha
begun again, and it is expected tina
the measure will carry this session
} The committee on accounts Saturda
decided to make a favorable report t
0 the House upon bill for this pun
8 pose. The fact that the Senator
I have enjoyed, without protest fror
8 the people, the privilege of clerks
z though they have not really as niue
S work to do as have the Represent;
+ tives, encourages the promoters {
o the proposition to press the matte
o this session.
= The bill to establish a Court {
Patent Appeals which was introdu
= ed by Senator German Saturda
proposes that the court shall col
- sist of a chief justice and five assoc
ate justices, to be appointed by IL
lie President, and who shall hold Off
during good behavior. After Il
$. passage of this act there shall be l
appeal from the circuit courts of Il
United States or from any Territori
J, or district court in cases touchir
patents or trade marks, cOpyrigh
It or labels, to the Supreme Court Of Il
United States. All cases relating
IS patents, etc., now pending before Il
United States Supreme Court shf
be transferred to and heard by Il
- Court of Patent Appeals.
= There is a growing sentiment
Congress against the national ban
ing system, which promises
i materialiZe in legislation, and a b
Is is now being proposed with t
50 view of greatly curtailing t