Wichita eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1886-1890, 1889-12-11
A LETTER FROM WASHINGTON.
WASHINGTON, Dec. 8.

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little, of course, has as yet been accom-
plished. The Democratic senators, never
able to resist the temptation, (as they
would rather talk than eat have already
commenced to ''spout," to use vulgar
ism; Reagan of Texas, who talks more
and says less than any man in the senate,
having led off on the financial question.
In the house everything is in allegiance
pending the formation Of the committees.
The performance of this difficult and
disagreeable duty devolves upon the
speaker; not that there is any law, or
even parliamentary rule, requiring the
official named to do this work, for there
is not. it has been the custom to allow
the speaker to name the committees, and
no one expects to see change OF
routine, although occasionally threat
ened. The action of the senate IS
essentially different, for there the COM
mittees are elected, after each political
party in caucus has agreed upon the
individual assignments, seniority of
service largely determining the latter
matter, for all senator's, at least IN
theory, are considered men of great
| ability. But as to the house, where
| Speaker Reed is wrestling with the
problem, that does not make him go to
bed happy.
The preparation of these committees is
one of the most distasteful tasks man
can be called upon to perform. 1t in
wolves the separation of friendships and
engenders enmities as it is impossible to
satisfy the ambition of every one, and
the measure of appreciation which IS
awarded to the committee selections Of
speaker is pretty good gauge of his
political sagacity. While nearly all is
speculation relative to Speaker Reeds
intention in the premises, it IS generally
conceded that the craftsmanship Of the
! appropriations committee Will be gwen
to Judge Cannon, of Illinois, a prom
lnent candidate for the speakership, and
with it. of course, will go the practical
| leadership of the house. Cannon Is a
strict economist and the peoples interests
could be in no better hands as it will be
zealously guarded. As to the next i'm
portant chairmanship-the ways and
means-it is thought that Mckinley, OF
| Ohio, will be the selection, although it
might go to Judge Kelley, of Pennsyl-
vania, if his colleagues, who were
staunch friends of Reed in his candidacy,
press his claims for the place. Dingley.
| of Maine, one Of the few newspaper men
! in the house will be chairman of the
banking and currency committee
or that on the merchant marine.
O'Neill, of Pennsylvania, one of the old
est members, will probably lead the COM
mittee on commerce. The contest over
the committee on rivers and harbors is
pretty sharp, as General Henderson, of
| Illinois, one of the most popular men in
congress, was the leading Republican
member thereon in the last congress,
but he is not so thoroughly welded to
the present governmental system of i'm
provements as Congressman Bayne of
Pennsylvania, who is a strong competi-
tor for tine position. Perkins, of Kansas,
will probably be at the head of the COM
mittee on Indian affairs, and Payson, of
Illinois, will have charge of public lands.
As said, all is speculation, but the indi-
cations now point to the assignments
made.
Looking down on the senators from
the reporters gallery, one is impressed
with the fact that they are not a particu-
larry handsome set of men. Allison is
perhaps the best looking, with his bright,
keen eyes, and there are several good,
strong faces, notably that of German,
the Maryland boss. There are, too
some extremely homely men. but to save
a libel suit their names will not be men
toned. One can find, though, men
eminent in almost every line of life
except the lower ranks. FoT
instance, Stamford. of California, is not
only the wealthiest man in the senate
but he is also the richest in the country,
so ricn that a single gift of twenty mil
lions made no impression on his pocket.
| The greatest lawyer is Evarts, of New
| York. whose fame as an advocate, how
ever, will greatly Overtop his success as
legislator, but another eminent lagal
mind, Edmunds, of Vermont. also en-
joys the distinction of being the tough
est customer In the senate to meet IN de-
bate Senator Sherman, of Ohio, is the
best financier, and Allison, of Iowa, has
more intimate acquaintance with gov
ernmental affairs than any other senator.
General Hawley, of Connecticut, now
that Logan is dead, Is the most promi-
nent military figure. and German, of
| MARYLAND, is the shrewdest political
manager on the Democratic side, while
Matt Quay enjoys this distinction for
! the Republicans. ingalls, is the bright
est talker, and Reagan, of Texas, the
prosiest. Vance, of North Carolina, is
! the best story teller, and Call, of Flor
ida, has the least conception of joke.
Wolcott, of Colorado, is deeper into the
mysteries of card playing than any of
his colleagues. Washburne. of Min
nesdta, is the only miller in
the senate, and, III addition
he belongs to the most famous family
in legislation, as about all the brothers
have been in congress. The South Caro-
lima senators have only two legs between
them, Butler having lost his in battle,
while Wade Hampton was thrown from
a mule. At some future time the per-
sonal characteristics and peculiarities of
these and other senators will be con
| sidered for the entertainment of YOUR
readers.
The social season, upon the eve OF
which we now are promises to surpass
all former years. Under the last admin
istration the sole luster Of the social sky
shone from the solitary star, Mrs Whit
nev, wife of the secretary of the navy.
and whose brilliance was largely a re-
/ Election of the Standard Oil millions
possessed by her brother, Oliver Payne.
| OF course, Mrs. Cleveland attracted
much attention, but the presidents wife
| is rather above than in the social
swim. Things are now different. Mrs.
! Blaine is born leader among women as
her distinguished husband, the secretary
of state, is a born leader of men, and
while they have not great wealth, they
have exalted station and know how to
maintain it. The lavish expenditures of