Orleans County monitor. [volume] (Barton, Vt.) 1872-1953, 1889-10-07
WASHIN GTON LETTER.

WASHIN GTON LETTER.
ESPECIAL CORRESPONDENTS OF THE MONITOR
Washington, Sept. 30.
The mighty building which is to
cost we'll nigh 100000, 900 and which
will contain and be sufficient to ac-
commodate the congressional library
for one hundred years to come, is at
the second story. The walls are of
a New Hampshire granite, SO like
white marble that it would seem to
be that substance vaguely washed
with light solution of india ink.
Librarian Spofford is delighted at
the prospect of an early occupancy,
and is especially pleased with the
idea of having the inner court walls
of glazed white English tile, from
which the light will be so amply re-
flected that the titles of books may
be easily read by the librarians in the
more remote hooks of the library.
1t goes without saying that Mr..
Spofford has high and mighty rev.
erence for the library, land he defends
in warmest terms, the mental charac-
ter of its patrons. First of all, Mr..
Spofford believes that the congress-
man is above the average man of ed
ucation in culture and intelligence.
He vindicates the literary character
of the legislator.
Mr.. Spofford finds that congress
sional reading is of a practical turn.
There is large demand for books re-
lating to economic science, taxation
in all forms, internal revenue and
pensions at home and abroad. Pub
lie sentiment may be sensibly traced
in the tenor of this reading. Just
now the amount of reading on tariff
is greatly reduced. The American
people read comparatively a large
amount of history, and the historical
division of the congressional library
is a well worked mine of information.
Outside pure politics, science most
interests the statesmen. Some study
electricity, while others find hobbies
in worlds fairs and international eX-
hibitions. The search is for prece-
dents as to expenditure, receipts,
area of ground needed and effect on
commerce and manufacturing. An
other class of congressman apply
themselves to international law and
their study never ends.
Very few congressman read polite
literature. Most of the novels and
miscellaneous works taken from the
library are drawn for the families of
these members. When you see the
latest novel of some giddy gusher you
can wager it is not drawn for the
congressman's undivided benefit.
The magnificent effort being made
by Chicago to secure the worlds fair
of 1892 for that city, together with
the generous offers of st. Louis and
the vague demands of New York,
have wakened the people of Washing
ton to renewed energy in urging the
claims of Washington to the celebra-
ton. The necessity of having the
celebeation of national character is
paramount. The people of the other
Americans visiting this country dur
ing the exposition can best under
stand our institutions by seeing the
fair at the center of government. 1t
is essentially the proper location, if
money can be secured, and congress
can be made to appropriate the nee
essary amount, and it is likely that
after the big cities have spent their
energy Washington will step in the
victor. All the rival cities look upon
the worlds fair as a business specu-
lation. Every wholesale merchant in
Chicago is urged to subscribe heavily
on the ground that the country mer-
chants from all over the West will
visit Chicago during the exposition
and buy their stocks there. That is
it, the matter is put entirely on bus
mess basis. How markets like Min
neapols, ST. Paul and Kansas City
will relish losing half their trade for
a season is not hard to guess. BY
the time a choice must be made Chi
cago will. hardly be SO far in advance
as at present. In fact the solid, con-
servative business men and politicians
of the day, throwing personal inter-
est aside, are favorable to Washing
tons claim.
The chances of Mr.. A. B. Camp
bell of Kansas, for the commissioner
ship of pensions are very bright and
he will likely be appointed to the po-
sition within a few days unless Gen.
Brown, of Ohio, who was an original
candidate for the place is well urged
by his friends. The president appears
desirous of Kidding himself of the
question as soon as possible, and Mr..