The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1891-05-29
WASHINGTON LETTER.
From our Regular Correspondent.

isn't the absurd hCtlon concerning
Mr.. Baine's failing mental powers that
is worrying Mr.. H. for he has had oc-
ular demonstration within the last
four days that there is not the slightest
disarrangement of his premier's ability
to use plain and terse English, but it
is the idea that Mr.. Blaine does not
propose to give him the benefit Of his
advice in shaping things for his nom
ination, and that under the plea of ill
health Mr.. Blaine may go to Maine
and leave him for an indefinite period
to wrestle alone with the important in
ternational questions that are now so
numerous in the State department
that they almost bump their heads to.
gether.
If the republican District Attorney
is not made to neglect his duty by the
powers above him young Mr.. Raum,
the son Of the borrowing Commission
er of Pensions, may find himself the
inmate of a prison cell as the result of
his energy in selling appointments and
promotions in the Pension Office. The
Civil Service Commission, which was
duped by this young Office broker, is
determined, that is to say, Teddy
Roosevelt, who is in reality the com.
mission, is determined that Raum
and his confederates shall be prosecut-
ed, and if he can possibly accomplish
it, punished. The evidence. which
Roosevelt says makes a plain case,
was laid before Mr. Harrison he re-
ferred it to the Attorney General, after
holding long consultation with him,
and doubtless mapping out precisely
how much in earnest the prosecution
is to be on the part Of the Govern
ment
Meanwhile old man Raum holds the
fort in the crookedest bureau of the
Government although public opinion
may in the end compel Mr.. Harrison
to ask for his resignation hell never
get it unless he does ask for it.
The old fake that Mr.. Harrison had
come to the conclusion that it would
be only right and decent to give the
democrats three out of the nine U. S.
Circuit Court judges has again been
revived possibly by the visit to the
White House of a delegation of Vir-
ginians led by Senator Barbour, in the
interest of democratic candidate for
one of the appointments. When he
appoints even one democrat then
shall believe that he intends recogniz-
ing the party. Outside signs-the
presence of some of the known re-
publican candidates--point to the
early appointment Of the new judges,
but it is impossible to get a definite
official statement, consequently rumols
are numerous. One will tell you that
in order to take no chances Mr.. Har-
rison has decided to defer making the
appointments until after Congress
meets, another that he has them all
ready to announce.
There is an unconfirmed rumor that
Mr.. ]. w. Foster, who recently return
ed from Spain whittier he went as Mr..
Blaine's special and confidential agent,
is to take charge Of diplomatic affairs
until Mr.. Blaine returns to duty.
There are numerous reasons which
make it probable that this rumor will
turn out to be a fact.
1t is noticeable fact that every re-
publican: of any prominence who comes
to town these days gets himself inter
viewed for the the purpose of setting
dish of ''taffy" before the gentleman
who occupies the White House they
all want something. There have been
half dozen Of these interviews within
week that about the only difference
in was the change of the name of the
talker. These people all talk as
though they expected Texas to cast
her electoral vote for Harrison be-
cause her citizens courteously received
the President of the United States.
"Mark my words, said disgusted
republican "if the democrats of the
next House will put a smart investi-
eating committee to work on this
Behring Sea business one of the big
gest scandals of the age will BE- uncov-
cred. The facts are in existance and
can be got at if they will go about it
in the right way, and, like the trail OF
the notorious whiskey ring, it will lead
pretty close to the Executive Mansion
In vain tried to persuade the gentle
man to say more on the subject.
1t is announced with great flourish
of trumpets as though it were fnan
cial triumph, that Secretary Foster now
sees his way clear to paying the $a6,'
ooo,oo Of pension money that fall:
due in the first week in June.
Mr.. Steve Elkins was at the White
House dav or two ago. He says he
has no personal interest in the Behrine
Sea sealing contract, but that his frienc
Mill, father-in-law Of Whitelaw Reid
requested him to look out for his in
terests while he was abroad q
course no one would think for {