The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1889-01-16
WASHINGTON LETTER.

From our regular Correspondent.)
WASHINGTON, January II, 1889
1t is now manifest that the present
Congress, which expires on the 4th of
March next, will end its deliberations
with the most important legislation
undisposed Of The disposition of the
House seems to be to do nothing dur.
ing the remaining weeks Of the session.
This is strikingly apparent since the
week just past has been spent in idle
and senseless flibustering, while the
calendars of the House are crowded
with public bills important to the
whole people, and meritorious private
bills important to claimants who have
just claims against the Government.
If the present policy continues an ex.
ira session appears inevitable. There
is no longer any expectation on the
part of the thoughtful men Of either
House that there will be any revenue
legislation at this session, and all the
work expended by the Senate and
House upon revenue legislation will
be lost unless the new Administration
shall promptly convene the two
Houses in extraordinary session. This
would seem to be demanded by the
condition of the Treasury and the
general sentiment of the country.
Everybody comedies that there should
be revision and amendment of our
revenue laws, and that such revision
and amendment should occur within
the shortest possible time. The Re.
publican party will hardly await the
regular session of December for the
consideration of this character of
legislation.
For this reason it is thought Gen.
Harrison will convene Congress in
March, aud at the earliest day practi
cable in that month, so that his party
in the House can firmly and resolute.
ly set about the work Of revising the
revenue laws, and accomplish some
thing in that direction before any re.
cess or adjournment shall take place.
This would mean business this would
satisfy the country this would inspire
public confidence in the new Admin.
istration and the new Congress, and
insure the conviction that both meant
to carry out their promises of their
party platform, and register the judg-
ment of the people.
The friends of Gen. Swain are more
hopeful of securing his pardon by the
President. His friends generally
contend that his conviction by court.
martial was not warranted.
The bill TO make the Department Of
Agriculture an Executive department
of the Government with a Cabinet
officer at its head, which passed the
House and Senate Inst session, still
hangs in conference. 1t is said to be
very probable, however, that the Sen
ate cOnferees will recede from the Sen
ate amendment striking out the pro
vision transferring the Weather Blu
reau of the Signal Service to the pro
posed new Department. 1t is ais,
understood that the House conferee
will offer an amendment to the bill
while in conference, putting the Geo
logical Survey also under tie proposes
new Department.
Maj. McKinley's chances for plac
in the Cabinet have been frequentl,
canvassed among his fellow member
on account Of his conspicuous connec
ton with the main issue of the recen
campaign, aud the belief that Senate
Sherman, not caring to leave tn
Senate himself, would recomman
Mckinley, In reply to question
yesterday, Mr.. Mckinley remarke
that he would not accept a place /
the Cabinet under any circumstance