Beverly banner. [volume] (Beverly, N.J.) 1877-1964, 1890-04-05
tFrom our regular Correspondent
WASHINGTON LETTER.
Washington, d. G., Mar. 81, 1890

w dolllllStOuJ -. ~, MAJ. 81; low.
Mr.. Dolph delivered his speech in
the Senate Saturday Oh the resolution
offered by Mr. Voorhees, as to agricul-
tural depression. He said that the
protective tariff had in no degree con
tributed to the present depression of
the farming interests. According to
Mr.. Dolph, they are better OF than
they would be under a tariff for rev.
enue only" and were far more prosper
Gus than they would be in any free
trade country.
An amusing episode grew out Of the
VOORHEES, resolution. On his motion
the Senate bill appropriating $14,S75
for the purchase Of the Capron collec-
ton of japanese works of art now in
the National Museum was taken up
and discussed. Mr.. Hale satirized Mr..
VOORHEES, for his advocacy Of the
measure as if it were one in behalf OF
the farmers Of the country, whose de-
pressed condition he had pictured to
the Senate. He supported that the
farmers Of the West would be very
much satisfied and even delighted to
know that Congress was hunting old
japanese relics.
Senator Daniel proposes a compre-
hensive amendment to the worlds fair
bill 1t empowers the national com
mission to arrange for an international
celebration at Washington, in October
1892, to include the dedication of a
statue to Columbus, on the 18th, pre-
coded by a grand review of the navies
of the world, first in New York harbor
and, second at Hampton Roads. On
the completion Of the services all the
guests are to be invited to Chicago to
Join in suitable ceremonies dedicating
the worlds fair buildings in that city.
The measure provides for the erection
here of memorial hall suitable for
the initiatory ceremonies, and to be
used afterward for inaugural receptions,
international conventions and for the
statuary and portraits Of distinguished
Americans. The President is especi-
ally to invite the presidents of the
eighteen American republics and the
King of Italy, and the Queen Of Spain.
The other rulers of the earth are to be
invited out of pure politeness, but their
presence is not to be considered as alb
solutely necessary.
The proposition to transfer the rev.
enue marine service to the Navy de-
partment has passed tbs House and is
likely to have the sanction Of the Sen
ate. This measure goes far toward
placing the revenue marine in its true
position, on a footing with kindred
branches Of the public service. It's
naval character has been recognized
ever since its organization in 1890 by
the efforts of Alexander Hamilton, but
injurious distinctives have been made
between the revenue marine service and
the naval service proper. The duties
Of revenue marine officers is more one
rous and continuous, their pay less,
their privilege often eurtailed, their
rank lower for equally important SER
vices, and their responsibility greater
in time of peace. Secretaries Window
and Tracy both favor the proposed
transfer.
Representative Lodge, of Massachu-
sets, has been before the House post
office committees, in favor Of his bill
providing for selection of fourth class
postmasters by the Postmaster General
on the basis Of reports made by post
office inspectors. There are 67,904 Of
these postmasters who receive an aver
age compensation of $166,70 per an
mum. The bill provides that the Post
master General through his own agents,
the post-office inspector, shall obtain
all necessary information as to the
various candidates for any given fourth
class post-office, and on that informa-
ton he shall act without reference to
political representations. Thus Mr..
Lodge says, the fourth class postmasters
will do better work, depending upon
the character of service for retention
in service. Mr.. Lodge adds that a
Representative can have only a cur
sorry knowledge of the men he recon-
mends, under the present system and
fills the office from political considera-
tions alone.
Mr. Lodges bill does not unfortu-
nately define any method for making
the post-office inspectors just judges.
There is no civil service examination,
Mr.. Lodge contenting himself with say
ing that, that is obviousl y impracticable.
Neither does his bill take into consid-
Grafton the amount the investigation
would cost the government as they would
necessarily take place upon the ground,
the cost would be enormous. The in
spectors could of course have no Incl
dental knowledge of the merits Of can
didates and could have very little of
the officials now employed. There are
thousands Of post-otfices that have
never been seen by an inspector, and a
doubled force would be needed tc
carry Mr.. Lodges bill into effect
Henry Cabot Lodge may be man of
wide information, but among the few
things he don't understand, is included
post-office business. His new system
would make the selection Of fourth
class postmasters the chief expense Of
the department.