River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1891-01-15
WASHINGTON LETTER.
From our regular correspondent


somewhat disappointed that the cleo
ton bill should have been laid aside
just at the time when a strong and
combined effort on the part of the Re-
publican Senators could have passed
it; but he is not the kind of a man TO
waste any time in vain regrets. He
knows that the people do not hold
him responsible for legislation, and
besides. the financial bill, now under
consideration. meets his views of
what is needed to relieve the money
market and he would be very glad to
sign it if it is passed in its present
condition, but il is not believed that
he will do so if free coinage amend
ment is added to it. In fact, it is
probable that the expectation of a
Presidential veto had not a little TO do
with influencing the Democratic Sena-
tors to vote with the Republican sill
yer Senators in order to displace the
election with the financial bill, as it is
Senators. including such men as Cor
man and Wilson of Maryland and
Payne of Ohio, are opposed to free
coinage.
Senator Stewart, who engineered
the movement. denies for himself and
his Republican colleagues that any
bargain was made with the Democrats
to exchange votes against the election
bill for votes for free coinage, and
Senator Teller has also made speech
indignantly refuting the charge of
bargain. The words Of these gentle
men should be amply sufficient in this
matter, and if any proof Was neces-
saIy it might be found ia the fact
that Senator Washburne, who was
one of the eight Republicans that
voted with the Democrats u take up
the financial bill, is opposed to free
coinage and will do his utmost 10 de-
feat it. An attempt will be made to
dispose of the financial bill this week,
but there are several reasons which
make success doubtful. the principal
of which is tie fear of the Democrats
that if the bill is disposed of speedily
the election bill will again be taken
up.
The only lottery recognized by Con-
gress took place this week when Sen
ators Shoup and Mcconnell of Idaho
drew lots to decide which should
serve the long term. Senator Shoup
drew the prize and will serve until
March 3, 1895, while the Senatorial Ca
reer of his colleague will close with
the present session of congress. These
two gentlemen are referred to by their
older colleagues as 1.-The baby Sena-
tors.
The majority in Congress, including
most of the Democrats and all of the |
Republicans, are of one mind in regard
to the Behring Sea correspondence,
which was sent to Congress this week. |
They think that Mr.. Blaine has con-
Quoted the negotiation in mastery |
manner. and that he has shown that |
he is in need of no assistance from |
Congress. OF course there are few |
Democratic kickers who criticise Mr.. |
Blaine for not having taken more |
pugnaciOus stand, and they are the |
same fellows who have for weeks been |
bowling themselves hoarse because of |
a sensational Tumor saying that Mr.. |
Blaine was Intentionally bringing on a |
war with England.
Senator Ingalls, has returned to his
duties here, and while he refuses to |
be interviewed on the subject his man.
ner indicates to his friends that he is
confident of being reelected.
The amount of talk and criticism in
dulged in here of the military authori-
ties and their movements against the
Indians carries old Washingtonians
back to the late war, when, as every
body knows, the ablest commanders
remained in Washington and did their
fighting through the columns of the
newspapers.
The shipping bill Is occupying the
most of the time in the House this
week, and its friends express conf
dence in its passage.
The Apportionment bill has been
reported TO the Senate accompanied by
m ajority and minority reports from
the committee; the first in favor of
the bill as it passed the House, and
the latter favoring an amendment
adding three members, one each to
Arkansas, Minnesota and New York.
The House has adopted resolution
providing for an investigation of the
killing of Sitting Bull.
Vice President Morton is In no way
to blame for having accidentally been
out of the chair, which was occupied
by Senator Harris, when the upheaval
| occurred which resulted in temporarily
shelving the election bill. When he
left the chamber to go to lunch Sena-
tor George was just beginning what
every one supposed would be very
long speech. and had Mr.. Morton been
in the chair be could not have pre-
vented Mr.. George giving the floor to
Mr.. Stewart to make his motion.
The international monetary confer
ence provided for by the late Pan.
American Congress met here this week
and was presided over by Mr. Blaine.
Owing to the non-arrival of some of
its members the conference adjourned
subject TO the call of the Secretary.
Look out for squalls in the Senate
before long; they are bound to come.
Look out for an extra session. too.