Nevada County picayune., 1890-12-18
WASHINGTOh LETTER.
From our Regular Correspondent.
WASHINGTON, DEC. l2, 1890.


 condition of the country are at pres cnt absorbing almost the entire at tcntion of Congress, and the admin istration has at last become convinced that something must be done. Opin- ions differ as to what convinced MT. Harrison and his cabinet, but it is more than probable that the action of Senator Plumb, who, in introduce ing a bill to replace the retired cir culation of national banks and pro- vidng for the free coinage of silver, stated that it was his intention if the Federal election bill was not speedi- ly disposed of to move that it be laid aside and his bill and others relating to financial matters be considered, in order that something might be done to meet the just expectations of the people, had 8 great deal to do with it. It is an open secret here that the Republicans who believe with Sena- tor Plumb-there are lots of 'em- have become greatly dissatisfied at what they consider the waste of valu- able time, winch the debate on the election bill has taken up, and there have been mysterious hints about their forming a combination with the Democrats for the purpose of pass ing free coinage bill.
 There is an evident desire on the part of the administration to prevent the adoption of a free coinage bill by Congress, by offering something in the place of it; in fact, several some things. One of which is the imme- diate purchase by the Government of the thirteen million ounces of silver bullion now stored in various sections of the United States. If Congress gets an opportunity it will certainly authorize this purchase, as the money thus put ia circulation will greatly help the money market, but this measure will not be accepted as substitute for free coinage by the sil- yer men, who are fully aware of their strength in Congress. *..
 The apportionment bill which the Census committee of the House has reported places the membership of the House at 35G, and is generally regarded as fair measure. And owing to the fact that under it no State loses any members it will be extremely difficult for the Demo- cratic leaders to unite their party in to it. even if they are so At present their only ground, as stated by themselves, for opposing it, is, that it does not pro- vide for the increase that New York might be entitled to by apossible re- count of the population of New York City and Brooklyn.
 The House committees have so far done an enormous amount of hard work, and one of the regular appro- pristion bills (pensions) has been passed, and three others reported to the House. This is something unus- ual at this stage of the. session, and yet those who ought to be best in formed are predicting that an extra session of the Fifty-second Congress will be absolutely necessary, and the Democrats are beginning to make things very interesting in the cam paign for the Speakership of the next House. ..
 The Honse has refused to adopt the Plumb resolution for the removal of the remains of Gen. Grant to Ar lington cemetery.
 It has been practically agreed by the pension committee of the House that no special pension legislation shall be passed this session. The idea of revising the present pension rolls is making headway, although nothing may come out of 1t at this session. It is stated by those who ought to know that many names are fraudulently on the rolls.
 Senator Germans statement in speech that the country was standing over a financial volcano may be true, but it is considered by many that such a statement should not have been made by United States Sena- tor. The aim of every man of prom thence should be to inspire not de- .troy confidence in business circles.
 The Conger lard bill, which was condemned by the recent Farmers Alliance convention, has been Fer ported 10 the Senate by the Agri" cultural committee without recon mendations. The Paddock pure food bill will be offered AS a substi- tute for it, and it is thought that the Senate will adopt it.
 The Republicans of the Senate finance committee are working on financial measure, which is to be re- ported to Republican caucus soon.