, 1889-10-17
WASHINGTON LETTER.
tFnoN Our sKaULAR coRkEsroxpExTI
WASHINGTON, D. c., Oct 1.

WASHINGTON, ID. c., Oct.i.
There is record at the congressional
library which shows what books have
been drawn by senators and members
of the house, and ii is an index to the
literary tastes of our national solons.
There is very great demand for books
relating to economic science, taxation
in all forms, tariff, internal revenue,
comparative tariff of all nations, and
pensions at home and abroad. At all
times very great attention is paid to
precedents of legislation at home and
abroad and especially in other coun-
tries. No body of men in the world,
perhaps, is more eager for information
regarding precedent than the congress
of the United States, and it is also true
that no body of men in the world has
more disregard for precedent after it
has it. There are some very diligent
students Of history among the MEM
bers at all times. There never was Il
congress in which the historical spirit
has been more conspicuous than in the
last one.
In the direction of scientific study
congressman seem to read very little of
theories, but draw from the library a
good many practical books. Some
study the application OF electricity III
all its forms. There is manifested a
good deal of interest in the interna-
tional eXpOsitions and worlds fairs.
There is a goOdly number of members
who read on the subject of international
law. Books on the subject are rontin-
ually in demand. During the last five
years there has been great study on
the subject of interoceanic canals es-
pecially those bearing on such pro-
jects across the American isthmus.
The Monroe doctrine is perpetually
popping up with reviving interest, and
its origin, history and principles are
eagerly investigated.
But the families of members of con-
gress read more than they themselves
do, for, as rule, the members of the
senate and house can read but little
their time being wholly engrossed by
| looking after the interests of their con-
stituents and attending to their CORES
pOndence. 1t is "A notable fact, how
ever, that there are always more schol-
lars in the house than in the senate, if
for no other reason than there are more
of them, and then the house is a body
composed of lawyers and men who have
been students in their time. And if
the books they read are any indication
Eof mental ca1ibre, the minds of the
men who are In congress are generally
above the average.
The address of Secretary Blaine to
! the members of the All Americas con-
gress before their departure on their
long trip over the country was not a
mass of perfunctory phrases, as such
efforts are apt to be, but concise,
meaty statement of the objects of the
gathering. 1t presented first, as was
natural, the astounding figures show
ing the aggregate extent of territory
embraced by the countries represented
in the congress. The notion that the
independent states of the western hem
| isphere cover an area more than three
times the size Of Europe and comprise
almost a quarter Of the whole earth,
was calculated to broaden the patriotic
| feelings of all present toward what
ever concerned their common interests
as Americans. The idea that, when
natural multiplication and immigration
shall have combined to people this vast
territory as thickly as Europe is now
peopled, it will contain a billion of in
habitants, was calculated to inspire the
| delegates with sense of their respon-
sibility not only to their eo-temporar-
les, but to posterity, whose destiny is
in some measure dependent on the
conclusions reached at this interna-
tional conference. The secretary's
plea FOR closer relations, to be fostered
hy an increase of facilities for transport
tation and trade, and his expression of
u desire on the part of our people for
the cultivation of peace and justice as
opposed to violence, We're eloquently
worded and can have but one effect
upon the minds to which they were
addressed. 1t is not wonderful that
tue address was received with
such enthusiasm, and that tue social
preliminaries of the congress were
given happy impulse.
Political circles find it almost I'M
possible to name a man for.the pension
commissionership who will in every
way fill the bill. The requirements
for candidate for this office have be-
come very eXacting and worn now
comes from Gen. Hartranft that he
does not want the place. The man
wanted for the PLACE is one whose Sc
lection would be well RECEIVED by the
country at large and who would have
also strong influence with the grand
army. These requirements, with those
of superior wisdom and discretion, and
strong executive ability, are such as to
tax human nature. The question ap-
pears to he almost as much unsettled
gs eyer, Rumors of all colors are rife,
but the whole thing is really still "high
i'll the air." II.