The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1893-03-31


WASHINGTON, March 27.-Economy is the
watchword in every department of the gov
eminent and it will not be changed as long
as Democrats are in control. One of The
first things that President Cleveland impress
cd upon the minds of the members OF his cab
met was that each OF them should be liberal
in the use of the pruning-knife in cutting off
sinecures and useless employees under them.
Something has already been done in the cut
ting off line, but what has been done is moth
ing when compared with what will be done.
President Cleveland wishes the heads of the
departments to anticipate the findings of the
Congressional joint commission, which has al
ready organized for the purpose of investigat-
ing the government departments, with a view
to a reduction i'll the number of the employees
and an improvement in the present slow and
i'll many instances cumbersome methods i'll
transacting business. whenever possible. To
change The methods will in many cases require
a change in the law, but to compel every EN-
ploye of the government to render an honest
equivalent for the salary received, and to dis
miss all the drones and shirks is within the
power of Il heads of the departments under
present laws, and unless somebody weakens
it is going 70 be done. | heard of a case the
other day which indicates that there is one
Secretary 40 will not weaken, no matter
what iniiuc C. may be behind the shirkers.-
By accident secretary Carlisle learned that
an 81 500 clerk woman had onl, been on
duty about hi of the time during the last
twelve months. He sent for her chief and
twelve months lie sent for her chief and
asked why this had been allowed. because
she is backed by Congressman-(na one
of the most influential members of the
House.") THAT is no excuse at all, !" said the
Secretary, ''dsmss her at once, and under
stand that all the clerks in this department
have got to work for their salaries or get out"
Mrs. Cleveland has not indicated whether
she intends holding any public receptions
this spring, ut all who desire to meet her can
do so by wn ing and requesting that privi-
lege, as she st aside an hour twice week
on Tuesday all Friday to receive those who
have in this wa obtained her permission to
call on her.
Almost as many misstatements have been
made concerning the status of the extra ses-
sion of the Senate about the intentions OF
President Cleveland. Long stories have been
written, and editors who know no better
have printed them, about the Senate remain
ing in session against the wishes
of the President, and about the annoyance
it was causing him. As u matter Of fact, the
extra session only continues at the pleasure
# the President, and as soon as he shall noti-
the Senate that he has no further commu-
nication to make to it, adjournment will fol-
low, unless presidents are all set aside. So
powerful is precedent that at this writing it
seems probable that the Democratic officers
of the Senate will not be elected at the extra
session, although they have been nominated
by the caucus and resolution adopted to pro-
coed to elect them The Republicans enter
ed 4 protest against this proceeding on the
ground that it would be violation OF pre-
cedent, and the indications are that the Dem
ocratic Senators will not act against that
protest.
Democrats who are here after Office do not
as rule take kindly to the order closing the
offices of the members of the cabinet to the
public on Tuesdays and Fridays, cabinet days,
but it is really In their interest, for it will
give the heads of the department an oppor-
tunity to go over the papers filed with them
and make selections for appointments.
The reports for and against the seating of
the appointed Senators from Montana, Wash
ington and Wyoming, were presented to the
Senate to-day. 1t is expected that the debate
will begin at once and that the Senate will
hold daily sessions until u vote is reached
The result is sti.! very much in doubt.
England and France having raised their
ministers to the United States to the dignity
of Ambassadors the Democratic representa-
tives of the United States to those countries
will in accordance with a law enacted by
the last Congress, be Ambassadors, instead
of ministers plenipotentiary, rs heretofore
This will, of course, add no honor to our
ministers i'll the eyes of Americans but every
one at all familiar with the customs aud us
ages of European capitals knows that it will
add much to their prestige abroad.
Secretary Hoke Smiths first land decision
was against the Southern Pacific Railroads
right to large tract of land which it has
claimed and Kept from being opened to settle
ment. This decision not only opens this
land to settlement, but it is refutaton of
the silly Republican charge that it was cor
poration influences which put Secretary
Smith into the cabinet. G. A. 5.