Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1890-02-14
OUR WASHINGTON LETTER.

iepuiaT iaTtOTrespOuueuCe Oh the Standaru.
WASHINGTON, ID. c., Jan. 81, 1890.
"The Gar" is the title given Speak
er Reed since he, in accordance with
his threats, ruled that visible quor-
UNI was constitutional quorum.
Never has greater indignation been
expressed by the Democrats OF the
House than was contained in the
vigorous protests of Messrs. Carlisle,
Crisp, Breckinridge and others against
this revolutionary proceeding on the
part Of Mr.. Reed; and never was the
House in greater uproar than when
it was seen that the rights OF the
minority were being so ruth1essly
taken from them. The only Repub-
lican that possessed the moral cour-
age to even indirectly disapprove of
the proceeding. was Butterworth, of
Ohio. Mr.. Reed attempted to defend
his action by quoting. from decisions
made in the State Legislatures Of
New York and Tennessee. The rul-
ing was made for the purpose of tax
ing up the contested case of Smith vs.
Jackson, which was opposed by the
Democrats, because the House had not
yet adopted code of rules.
Senators Vance and Hampton have
replied to the speech of Senator In.
gals on the race question.
The Administration Silver Bill, re-
Gently introduced in the House, is
meeting much opposition from Re-
publicans. Senator Teller in making
an argument against it before the
House Committee, characterized it as
"A Wall Street Measure" and Sem
ator Morrill, in introducing it in the
Senate took special pains to say that
he would ask to have it printed and
referred, without committing either
himself or any member of the Finance
Committee in its favor. The Ad-
ministration seems to lack influence
with its party in Congress-.
One negro is satisfied with Mr..
Harrison's views on the negro prob
lem. That is ex-senator Bruce, who
has been appointed Recorder of Deeds
for this District.
Avery silly rumor was current here
this week, to the effect that the Re
publicans would not pass tariff bill
at the present. session because they
wished the question to remain open
for the next campaign. They will
pass a bill because they hope to close
the question, knowing very well that
the tariff is their weakest point. No
bill, however, that they will pass can
close this important question.
Tariff reform is preached by the
Democratic platform the last CAM
paign is daily making converts, and in
the most unexpected quarters, and the
fact is apparent that if voted ON by
the people now it would sweep the
country. -o,.r .. .-
The rumor that Secretary Noble was
to be appointed to seat on the U. S.
District Bench to succeed Justice
Brewer. recently appointed to the U.
S. Supreme Court, lacks confirmation
but the Republicans who have been
working SO hard to get him out of the
Cabinet hope that it will turn out to
be true. t..s
The district tax bill, refunding
about $20,OOO,0O0 to the States that
paid the direct tax levied in 1881
which was vetoed by Mr.. Cleveland,
passed the Senate again with only
seven votes against it, five Democrats,
Berry, Call, Coke, Vance bnd Vest,
and two Republicans, Messrs. Blair
and Plumb. 1t will shortly become a
law and the Treasury surplus will be
$20, 100000 less.
The Montana casee will be heard by
the Senate Committee on Elections,
February 18th. Ii surface indications
count. the two Democrats have little
show for getting seated.
The Worlds Fair question still
drags. The House Committee is ell
gagged in perfecting bill with the site
left blank, and the Senate Committee
is waiting for the House to act.
The House has ordered the Com
mittee on Reform in the Civil Service
to investigate the Civil Service Com
mission, and the Committee will de
eide Monday when it will begin.
-