Griggs courier. (Cooperstown, Griggs Co., Dak. [N.D.]) 1885-1902, 1889-12-06
WASHING ON LETTER.
from our regular correspondent
WASlyrNl.r1,N nno 1900

WASHINGTON, Dec. l, $780,
The president probably has favorite
candidate for speaker, but his treatment
OF all the candidates has been such that
no man can truthfully say which of
them he prefers. The president recog-
nizes the fact that an open expression
OF preference for only one of the candi-
dates would place all the rest ut dis.
advantage, which would be considered
by them and their friends as unfair.
MIR. Reed continues to lead in the race
and his friends confidently claim his
nomination on the first, or at the f:rth-
est, the second ballot of the republican
house caucus, which has been called for
next Saturday at noon Quite IL num-
Der OF the friends of the other candid
atcs are equally as positive that Mr..
Reed cannot be nominated, and that his
vote will go to pieces after the first bal
lot. Somebody is wrong, next Satur-
day we shall know who.
Secretary Noble has created a fresh
commotion among the employees of the
pension Office whose pensions were re
rated under Commissioner Tanner, by
demanding the resignation of five of
them, all holding prominent positions
in the Offices. They refuse to resign
and propose to make stubborn fight
for their positions. One of them is SAID
to be backed by Il prominent member of
the cabinet, and another has filed pc
tition signed by 1000 Union soldiers,
asking that he be retained in office.
The outcome is being anxiously watched
by the other re-rated employees, who
feel that upon it depends their fate. Of
course if the secretary does not change
his mind these men will have to 60. No
subordinate official has ever yet sue
seeded in getting the best of a cabinet
officer, but great pressure is being
brought on Mr.. Noble, and there is !,
possibility that he may change his mind
thought the chances arc against it.
The international Maritime confer
ence expects TO complete its business
before Christmas. Secretary Blame
gives u complimentary to the members
tomorrow evening. The members con-
slider the conference success
Ex-senator Bruce will get the best
appointment in the city-rccorder of
decds-if the prominent citizens here
do not succeed in convincing the presi-
dent that the "home rule" plank in the
Chicago platform makes it incumbent
upon him to appoint man who is :.
citizen of the District of Columbia, and
who does not vote in some of the states.
Bruce has lived here ever since he was
senator, but he has kept up his citizen
ship in Mississippi, hence the opposition
to him.
Senator Quay, who has been credited
with taking an active part in the con-
test for the spcakership and the other
house Offices, denies that he intends to.
He is friendly to all the candidates and
thinks he would be puzzled which one
to vote for if he was a member of the
house. If he was member of the
house, it is more than probable that he
would be getting good many votes
himself.
Mr.. Clarkson has been acting post
master general TO several days in order
to give Mr.. Wannanlaker chance to
complete his annual report.
The latest figures of the first ballot in
the speakership contest, as reviewed
from neutral standpoint, are as fol-
lows: Reed SO; Mckinley AZ; Cannon
"a; Henderson 13; Burrows 12; Doubtful
4. 1t requires IS to nominate.
Col. w. w. Dudley and Corporal Tan
ner have formed a partnership for the
purpose of conducting general pen
sion and claim business in this city.
Senator Allison is dcyoting the most
of his time to working for Representa-
tive Henderson for speaker.