Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1890-05-31
nEN And THINGS At WASHINGTON.

capital is VIM. Mckinley, Jr, of Ohio leader on the
Republican side of the House and author of the tariff
bill which recently passed that body. He is in the
very prime of life, being yet the shady side OF fifty
and looks the picture OF good health and eontentment
He is compacty built, of medium size, wears a smooth
face, and has jet-back hair. He is said to bear
strong resemblance to Napoleon Bonaparte, and with
mach truth for the likeness is most apparent when
Mr. Mckinley, with his hands crossed behind his back,
walks up and down in front OF the Ebbit House smok
ing his after-dinner cigar He is unquestonably one
OF the ablest men in the Republican party and his
friends confidently expect to him elevated 10 the
presidency IN the not remote future. He has devoted
great deal of time to the tariff and is probably more
familiar with that subject n all its many details than
any other man in the United States.
The recent utterances of Assistant Postmaster Gen
eral Clarkson the political situation have called
forth much comment in all quarters. Mr.. Clarkson
takes issue with the manner in which political parties
are run at the present time, and, whatever opinion
may be entertained of his views, he may at least be
given credit for degree of candor rarely exhibited
by the politician of the present day. 1t has often
been sad and with much truth, that political life is
destructive of one of the best elements of manhood,
inasmuch it productive of widespread hypocrisy
Mr.. Clarkson deprecates the government of the coun
try by an oiceholding class, and irrespective OF the
merits of civil service reform. he undoubtedly repre-
sents the large and growing sentiment Every one
should be interested in having public affairs admins
tered in faithful and efficient manner, and there
be no doubt that the public service has been vastly
improved within the past few years. but it is not GER
tain that the increased efficiency of the public service
has been secured at the expense of the political indie
pendence OF the citizen There is in all countries
growing tendency to places where the labor is
not eXactng and where the compensation is sure,
sequenty the pension list, the retired list Of the army
and the civil branch of the government service are
eagerly sought by an increasing number of peo
ple All this might be very well in country like
England where the masses bear the burdens and the
upper classes enjoy the luxuries, but in country
where every man is popularity supposed to have an
equal chance in the race of lite system of this kind
can be popular. Mr.. Clarkson proposes to re-,
tire from public life and his reasons for doing are
most sensible. 1t is matter of constant surprise
that of ability and in possession of the full strength
and vigor Of manhood content to accept public
positions which most exactng and which in the
end bring no reward.
Although not generally known yet it is fact that
the speaker of the House yields power than any
man, not excepting the president. 1t is doubtful
whether the trainers OF the constitution contem
plated the enlargement of the speakers power to the
extent witnessed in the last few years, and the sub
ect is one which is sure to provoke much comment at
an early day. In the hands Of an ambitious and ag
gressive man the position becomes one of practical
dictatorship so far as the making OF laws concern
ed. With the power 20 appoint all the committees he
is able to say what measures may may not be con-
sidered, thus practically exercising power far in ex-
of that possessed by the president vicepresi
dent. All this might he very well if there reason
able assurance that the Speakers Of the House wonld
prove to be infable, but unfortunately they are
human and possess their full share of human nfrmi.
ties
The conviction grows that Congress is to sit far into
the summer months. The House has been working
very earnestly for an early adjournment, in accord
ance with Speaker Reeds views, but the Senate is
more deliberate and proposes to make haste slowly.
1t is said, and with great force that legislation upon
such important subjects the tariff and silver should
be very carefully considered, and passed
until they have been thoroughly discussed and have
received the fullest consideration. 1t may not be
pleasant for Congressman to anticipate soourn here
during the dog days but such punishment will be mild
in comparison to what they will receive at the hands
OF the people if they commit the nexcusab,e bunder
OF passing vicious laws in haSty In addi-
ton to all this it the sentiment that the present tar
III legislation when complete is 10 remain upon the
statute books for an indefinite period, hence the i'm.
portance of exercising the greatest and debera
ton in the completion of the measure.
| There is serious hitch in regard to the Worlds
Fair, and in many quarters it is feared that failure
Will be the result 1t difficult matter TO Sc
suitable grounds for the erection of the necessary
buildings and the funds necessary are not forth
coming The time allotted for preparation is consid.
cred by many persons entirely inadequate, and if most
energetic steps are not taken postponement will be
the inevitable result
With the present issue of The HERALD we take
leave of its readers and in doing it proper say
that these communications have Invariably been
written in spare moments taken from business and
without time for the correction OF opportuni
ty to correct mistakes after publication has been
the aim of the writer to treat fairly and impartally
such measures as have come under considerations be-
evlng that the true in journalism is to treat
your opponents with courtesy and to discuss public
questions from logical rather than partisan stand.
point. The editor of The HERALD has been kind
enough to permit the writer to express himself with
out restraint and to record his opinions in his own
language so, whatever responsibility attaches for any
heresy expressed-potca otherwise-should he
visited wholly upon the latter G. w. z. BLACK
DEAL HONESTLY WITH THE CHILDREN
Though may differ politically with the members