The Coconino weekly sun., 1892-02-25
WASHINGTON LETTER.
tFrom our Regular Correspondent


 mittee of that city, to see for them- selves what preparations are being made for the great exposition of next year. It will be simply jolly picnic for the great majority, but there are a few sharp eyes along that will not be dimmed by champagne and Havana cigars, which will seek for stern facts, without prejudice for or against the management of the Worlds Fair.
 The Republicans of the House prac- tically have the fate of the Free Coin- age bill in their hands. That seems a queer statement, in view of the fact that the Democrats are more than two thirds of that body, but it is neverthe- less strictly true, as matters stand at this writing. A big majority of the Democrats favor the bill, and have signed a petition to the Committee on Rules asking that date be set for its consideration, but the Democratic minority is relentless in its opposition, and by a count of noses it has been discovered that it may be defeated out right if the Republicans will vote with them against it, or it may be defeated by fillibustering, if the Republicans will join with them in not voting, thus breaking a quorum whenever the at- tempt is made to get it before the House, and, it is said, that negotiations are now under way between the anti silver Democrats and the Republicans looking to such bargain. There are some Republicans who will not join them, as they intend voting for the bill, but how many is not known.
 The Senate Finance committee has reported adversely on the bill provid- ing for an income tax to be applied to the payment of pensions, etc., on the ground that such legislation cannot constitutionally be originated by the Senate. Several similar bills are in the hands of House committee, where no constitutional obstacle prevents action on them.
 Representative Morse of Massachu- sets, thinks the Interstate Commerce law is one of the things that ought to go, and he has introduced bill for its repeal.
 The proceedings of the Behring Sea commission, now sitting in this city, are, of course, secret, but there is al- ways a tiny leak through which news escapes, and the news which has escaped is not altogether favorable to the satisfactory settlement of the ques- tions which are to be arbitrated, owing to the failure of the commissioners to agree as to the cause of the great de- crease in the number of fur-bearing animals. There have been some silly rumors to the effect that the British commissioners are Intentionally delay ing an agreement so as to give the Canadian sealers a chance to get into Behring's sea at the expiration of the temporary agreement before another one is made, but none of our officials believe them.
 Senator Pugh, of Alabama, predicts Hill and Gray as the Democratic National ticket.
 The last State dinner of the season was given at the White House this week, to the Supreme Court.
 The Senate and House committees on Agriculture have an opportunity to show in their action upon the anti option bills before them, whether the Farmers Alliance, backed by the agri- cultural masses of the country and many people in the cities who are morally opposed to speculation in grain, etc., believing it to be gambling, are more influential with them than the grain and stock brokers from the big cities, who are here in droves spending their money liberally to defeat the bill. All of tho hearings for and against the idea have about been completed, and reports from the committees may be expected in few days.
 The Farmers Alliance members of the House by vigorous protest and demand of their right to debate the bill, prevented the Indian Appropria- ton bill being railroaded through the House.
 Representative Livingston of Georgia, offered the following resolution and asked unanimous consent for it's con- sideration, but Representative Taylor of Illinois. objected: ''In view of the unrest and extremely distressed condi- ton of the masses of the people in this country, and their eager inquiry as to the policy of this House towards the people, resolved that we extend to .l uss. ana. ....no.. .,,~.,..,th1 ,n.l ,~,~xg