The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1889-04-20
OUR WASHINGTON LETTER.

WASHINGTON, April 18th, 1882
Secretary Rusk has been giving the
Department of Agriculture a vigor.
Gus shaking up, the first result of
which is long list of new appoint.
ments and long list of discharges.
called through courtesy "resigna-
tions."
Secretary Blaine has received mott.
fications from number of the Cen
trail and South American Govern.
meuts that they will send delegates
to the "Three Americas Congress. "
which is to be held in this city next
October. 1t is now almost certain
that every American Government
will be represented. Much benefit to
us and a large increase in trade with
those countries is expected to follow
the conference.
Secretary Proctor has issued an
order to the effect that when suitable
supplies of domestic manufacture or
production cannot be obtained for the
War Department, and it becomes
necessary to purchase articles of for
efgn manufacture or production, au.
thority for such purchase must first
be obtained from the Secretary of
War. This means that no more
contracts are to be made with En-
glish manufacturers. as was done by
the Cleveland administration, to sup.
ply the U. 8. Army with blankets.
because by admitting them free of
duty the Government saved few
cents on each, blanket. Secretary
Proctor thinks' American manufac-
turers should be given the contracts.
Mr.. Thomas B. Coulter, of Ohio,
who was backed by Senator Sher.
man. has been appointed Auditor of
the Treasury for the Postoffice De.
partment. This is regarded by the
Ohio people as quitea victory. owing
to the fact that several other States
were pressing candidates for this very
important position.
Senator Sponner. whose smiling
visage has been seen at the White
House almost daily since the inaug-
uration. has gone home. He pro.
poses taking his wife and boy to Eu-
rope the latter part of this month.
After telling the President good
bye" he remarked to friend stand.
ing by II feel as though 1 deserved
rest. Since year ago last Novem-
Der have been busily engaged in
attending strictly to Senatorial du.
ties. The only break In that period
was during the campaign when I de.
livered ON an average three speeches
a day.
Col. Fred Grant is here receiving
his last instructions previous to sail
ing for his post. He called on the
President last Saturday and after
coming downstairs he held an i'm.
promptu reception among the older
employees of the White House who
were there when he was gay light
hearted youth. The scene was quite
affecting.
Representative Peters. Of Kansas.
Is a "hustler." Although there will
not be single legal settler in the
Oakiahoma country until a week
from to-day. Mr.. Peters has succeed
ed In getting two of his constituents
appointed postmasters, one at each
of the Government land Offices which
will be opened out there on Monday.
It is thought the silver question
will be the cause of considerable dis
cussion in the near future. Senator
Stewart recently called on Secretary
Window in order to endeavor to in.
huence him to increase the monthly
purchase Of silver bullion. He ar
gued that IL was an excellent way to
reduce the surplus. But the the sec.
rotary was not convinced. He said
he had twenty millions of silver dol
lars now in the vaults of the Treasury
which he would be very glad to part
with. To purchase more silver would
be. in his opinion, simply changing
the surplus from gold and paper to
silver. The Secretary finally told
the Senator that he could not decide
until it had been carefully weighed
and considered by the President. and