Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1890-12-26
OUR WASHINGTON LETTER.
REGULAR c correspondence of the Standard }

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Questions affecting the financial
condition of the country arc at present
absorbing almost the entire attention
of Congress, and the administration
has at last become convinced that
something must be done. Opinions
differ as to what convinced Mr.. Harri-
son and his cabinet, but it is more
than probable that the action OF Sena-
tor Plumb, who, in introducing bill
to replace the retired circulation OF ma
tional banks and providing for the
free coinage of silver, stated that 1t
was his intention, if the Federal Elec-
ton bill was not speedily 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 a
great deal to do with it. 1t is an open
secret here that the Republicans who
believe with Senator Plumb-there are
lots OF 'em-have become greatly dis
satisfied at what they consider the
waste of valuable time, which the de-
bate on the election bill has taken up,
and there have been mysterious hints
about their forming combination
with the Democrats for the purpose of
passing a free coinage bill.
All this has had an alarming effect
upon Mr.. Harrison and those Republi-
cans who have appeared to consider
the election bill more important than
financial legislation. The fact of the
matter is that at least three-fifths OF
Congress, irrespective OF party, have
become converted to the ideas of the
Farmers Alliance, as far as financial
matters are concerned.
There is an evident desire on the
part of the administration to prevent
the adoption OF free coinage bill by
Congress, by Offering something in the
place OF it, in fact several something's,
one of which is the immediate pur-
chase by the Government of the thir-
teen 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
in circulation would greatly help the
money market, but this measure will
not be accepted as substitute for free
coinage by the silver men, who are
fully aware of their strength in Con-
gress.
The apportionment bill, which the
Census committee of the House has
reported, places the membership of
the House at $50, and is generally re-
garded 40 fair measure. And owing
to the fact that under It no State loses
any members, it will be extremely diff
ficult for the Democratic leaders to
unite their party in opposition to it,
even if they are so disposed. At
present their only ground, as stated by
themselves for opposing it, is, that it
does not provide for the increase that
New York might be entitled to by q
possible recount of the population OF
New York City and Brooklyn.
The House committees have 80 far
done an enormous amount OF hard
work, and one of the regular appropria-
ton bills-pensions-has been passed,
and three others reported to the House.
This is something unusual at this stage
of the session, and yet those who
ought to be best informed are predict
ing that an extra session OF the Fifty
second Congress will be absolutely ne
cessary, and the Democrats are begin
ming to make things very interesting
in the campaign for the Speakership
of the next House.
The House has refused to adopt the
Plumb resolution for the removal OF
the remains Of Gen. Grant TO Arlington
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 revis-
ing the present pension rolls is max
ing headway, although nothing may
come out of it at this session. 1t is
stated by those who ought to know
that many names are fraudulently on
those rolls.
Mr.. Wanamaker most positively de-
nies the rumor, which was given a
fresh start this week, that he is about
to fail.
Senator Germans statement in q
speech that the country was standing
over financial volcano may be true,
but it is considered by many that such
a statement should not have been
made by a United States Senator.
The aim Of every man of prominence
should be to inspire, not destroy, con-
fidence in business circles.
Mr.. Plumb wants the Senate TO
meet daily at 10 O'Clock and to take
recess from 5 80 to 8 P. N. each day
and has offered . resolution to that ef-
feet.
Mr.. ]. w. Hathaway, Of Montana,
has been elected Postmaster of the
House of Representatives.
The Conger lard bill, which was con-
demned by the recent Farmers ALI
ance convention, has been reported to
the Senate by the Agricultural COM
mittee without recommendations.
The Paddock pure-food bill will be Of
fered as a substitute for it, and it is
thought that the Senate will adopt it.
The Republicans of the Senate Fl
nance committee are working on fl
nancial measure, which is to be report
od 20 a Ponnhl;con caucua Monday