The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1892-02-17
WASHINGTON LETTER.

WASHINGTON D. C., Feb. IL. loS2
Mr. Harrison is far from being as happy as ne
expected to be after Mr.. Blaine's letter was
published, if those who profess to be his frlenos
know the state of his mind. He expected thas
Mr. Blaine would take occasion IN that letter "
advocate the nomination of BenJ d.. or at leas'
to say a good word for him some way anu ne
has got it into his head that MI Blame DJ IL
noripg him intended to slight him. He Is very
touchy about the dignity which he appears W
think surrounds his person like nalS. Anotn-
err thing that he doesn't like is the freedom Win
which Senators, Representatives, ana other
prominent men of his party have announced
their preferepce for some other candidate than
himself He fears that Mr.. Blaine intends TO
throw his influence to that mysterious some
other car didate,n and he is mighty sorry that
there was no truth in the rumor prevailing
day or two ago that Mr. Blaine intended resign
inp and going to Bermuda to remain until alter
the meeting OF the Republican convention.
Nothing would suit him better just now than
frMr Blaine to leave the country for a Few
months but he does not dare to ask for his res
ignation-
The Democrats of the House have taken the
first step toward turning the light onin darB
places BY the adoption of resolutions authorIz-
ing investigations of the Wo;ld's Fair, the
crooked National Bank failures at Philadelphia
and most important of all, the Pension once.
The resolution under which the last investlga-
ton is to be made was reported by the Commit
tee on Rules as a substitute for those offered by
Representatives Enloe and Cooper, 1t provides
for the appointment of select committee OF
five to investigate the methods of business
whether use has been made by the Commission
err of his official position to promote his private
affairs or for partisan political purposes, Wnetn
er there has been discrimination made between
applicants for pensions or practicing attorneys
whether any of the clerks have taken advan-
Sage of their positions to make profits, ano
whether the civil service law has been violated
by the Commissioner. On motion of MIR. Enlot
the resolution was amended to include thu
methods of the bohrd of pension appeals. Thl
is big lob but many are wondering why tn'
resolution did not include the charges which
have been repeatedly made by responsible par
ties of fraudulent pensioners whose names ar
carried upon the rolls Perhaps, however TN
committee may be eble to reach that under tn
"methods of business , authorization
Vice President Morton appears to be learn
ing the ropes A nephew of his, w. M. Grin
nell. has be en- nominated for the vacant Thir
Assistant Secretal yship of State
The House Committee on Rivers and Harbor
having given a number of hearings to interest
ed parties has now buckled down to the mar
work of preparing a river and harbor approprl
alton bill that shall be just without being eS
trayagant The bill will not probably appro
nriatetm than half, if so much. as the on
passed at the last Congress. but 1t IS the aim
the committee to provide all the money for nee
essary improvements that can be advantageous
ly expended during the next fiscal year.
in m
not agree with the Senate committee on Forelg
Affairs. tn at continuation of the present ant
Chinese laws, which expire by Limitation tn
spring. for another period of ten years. is tn
hest thing to be done. SO it has fBvorably repor
ed bill to the House which absolutely pro1lb1
Chinese immigration.
The much talked of free coinage bill has bee
favorably rep orted to the House from the Colr
age Committee. Opinions differ as to whethe
it will be acted upon at this session. There
no doubt about very large majority of tn
House being in favor of the free coinage
silver, but there are many prominent democra
like Mr. Mills, who do not think it expedlent
pass it when nothing can be gained. as 1t is Gel
tain, even if it could get through the Senate, u
Finance Committee which has THIS week II
ported adversely on free coinage DILL tna'
would be vetoed. There are other oemocrat
who think it the duty of the House to pass u
bill.
There are lots of rumors ofa rumpus betWee
MIR. Harrison and Secretary Tracy. over u
enormous financial obligations incurred by IL
latter in preparing for the war that new
Cameo Mr. Wannamaker is also said to be
hot water. although he denies 1t,
The Canadian Commissioners are goln
through the farce of holding conferences at Il
State department. knowing that there Is
reciprocity for them.