The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1892-12-03
REFORM" is THE WORD.
THIS rs THE MOTTO OF CONGRESS-
MEN FLOCKING TO WASHINGTON.
A Thorough Investigation of the Execu-
tive Departments to be Made
More Extra Session Talk.
TIMES BUREAU, RAPLEY BUILDING,
WASHINGTON. Dec. 2 1892.

WASHINGTON, Dec. z, lc5Z- }
Reform seems to be the talismanic word
which hangs upon the lips of all the ar
riying senators and congressman. They
are coming back to their duties fresh
from constituencies that have spoken
long and loud upon the subject OF reform,
and a five minutes chat with any one Of
them shows that they have caught the
infection, at least 1t evidences the fact
that "R. E. Form" has been elected, and
whether he takes his seat In this or the
Fifty-third Congress it may be put down
as certain that he will be heard from.
Congressman Dockery, of Missouri, has
! prepared a resolution which will be in
| trOduced early next week, providing for
| the appointment of a commission to sit
| during the recess to make a thorough in
| vestigation OF the workings OF the execu-
! tive departments. He states that in
many Of the departments numbers Of
, superannuated clerks are employed, who
are absolutely unable 10 work, and their
influence is detrimented 10 those who
are capable of performing the duties. He
says that this virtually amounts to
civil pension list costing the Government
about $500,0 600 annually. There is nothing
IL being prepared simply in the interests
of retrenchment and reform
The tension department too will GER
tainly be the subject of unusual attention
by this and the next Congress. Although
over a quarter OF a century has passed
since the war, and the old soldiers have
been dying for many years, II Is estimated
at about 1900 each year, the pension
rolls swell with each succeeding month
fu cafA 70 Ia
necessary this year, and 5000 names Of
claimants are still before the department
for pensions. No Congressman nor Sena-
tor at least in the South would raise a
voice against the honest pensioning Of
deserving soldiers. but the facts and
figures do not appeal to many OF them as
being free from imposition upon NUM-
tcent Government.
Senator II. Z. Hansbrough (Republican),
n North Dakota, was asked this morn
ing regarding the possible action OF the
present Senate upon the admission Of
Arizona and New Mexico territories. He
stated that there was but little doubt
that the bill for the admission Of New
Mexico would pass, as it had passed the
House. and was reported favorably from
the Senate committee in the closing days
OF last session
The Republican members OF the Senate
Committee on Territories were Senators
Davis Of Minnesota, Hansbrough Of North
Dakota. Carey OF Wyoming, Stewart Of
Nevada and Platt of Connecticut. the
latter being chairman. The majority. Of
course, were Republicans, and Chairman
Platt was confident that an adverse re-
port would be made against the Demo-
cratic territory. but to his utter surprise,
when the committee was poled, Senator's
Carey and Stewart voted with the Demo-
Gratis and the bill was favorably recon-
mended. Thus another time did the free
silver sentiment, which stopped the Force
bill, aid the Democrats. None of the
pepers have given before the status OF
lals bill. which in its present position Will
almost certainly be passed.
Senator Vance has arrived and was at |
the Capitol this morning. At the close OF |
the last session he was very much broken !
down physically and was i'll for some time |
after his return to North Carolina. He |
appeared in the best OF spirits this morn |
ing. and beneath his big slouch hat his |
twinking eyes seemed laughing them
selves at the ready jest that greeted his |
associates I'm the committee-room.
His son, Mr.. Charles Vance, had come
to the Capitol to meet him. and the Sena-
tor laughngly told him that "about two
bushels and one peck Of letters were
waiting their attention. After congratu-
lating him upon his recovery, I asked in
regard TO the extra session. He did not
seem disposed to talk on the subject but
as he was passing down the corridor he
said Il guess they will call one"
Senator Roger Q. Mills Of Texas and
Berry Of Arkansas were summing them
selves in front OF the Metropolitan and
discussing the bright outlook for the
South. as a result of the recent election.
In reply to a question, Senator Mills said:
Il have no opinion at all TO express about
an extra session. l consider that purely
a matter for President-elect Cleveland,
and have nothing to do with it,"
The Virginia delegation is still at home
with the exception of Senator Hunton, but
! learned at the Committee-room on Elec-
tions that Colonel O'Ferrall would come
tomorrow. Senator Daniel has also or
dered his mail held at the Senate post
office
Ex-C Congressman Bowden OF Portsmouth
and Steamboat Inspector ]. w. CAST, OF
Norfolk, are at the Hotel Johnson.
II. L. w.