Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1893-12-11
LETTER FROM RICHMOND.
Correspondence of the Alexandria Gazette.
RICHMOND, Va, Dec. 10, 1893.

Correspondence of the Alexandria Gazette,
RICHMOND, Va, Dec. 10, 1893.
Very little business was done in eth,
er branch of the General Assembly Sat
arday and the real work will hardly be
commenced until after the holidays
Of course there will be few bills, ETC.,
etc., but already some of the law max
ers are beginning to think what they
will take home to the little ones for
Christmas and State affairs will have to
take back seat for awhile. 1t might
be said with equal truth that some OF
the solons don't care particularly about
going home as it might take too much
Of their time to explain just why they
voted for certain candidates, and while
home may have its joys they prefer to
remain here and feed the squirrels In
the Capitol square.
Thus far in the deliberations and pro-
ceedings of the solons the popullst
members have taken little part. OF
course they were not admitted to the
caucuses and while they have the prlyl-
lege of nominating men for any OF the
offices as they only have eight members
it would be waste of time and piece
Of folly.
On the opening day one of the Weav-
er-Field-Mrs. Lease party took the t1oor
and made the announcement that his
party was there to be heard and though
they were not in sufficient numbers to
make themselves felt very much, that
they were there to stay, and that by the
time there was another assembly of the
Legislature his party would be in pow
er. He then nominated man Tor
Speaker of the House and the gentleman
got eight votes.
One naturally feels sorry for the iel-
lows, they are perfectly harmless, and
vet they seem to feel very keenly how
out of place they are and how fully
they occupy similar position to the
knot on the tree. The are consulted
and conferred with about nothing and
about all they can Go is to answer the
roll call sign the pay roll and ride on
free passes.
Few contests within the democratic
ranks in recent years have stirred up
more bad feeling than that for United
States Senator. When Mr.. Martin was
nominated over General Lee, the
friends of the distinguished cavalry
leader were dreadfully put out, for they
went into the caucus confident of vic
tory. The Lee people say they know
how the thing was worked and are
very bitter in their denunciations OF
the delegates who they say were elect.
ed from Lee districts by Lee men and
requested to vote for Lee, but who cast
their ballots for Martin.
Whether or not an investigation will
be made into the alleged methods by
which Mr.. Martin was nominated Is
not known. 1t is said that the Lee
people have most damaging evidence
in the matter.
As matter of gossip it might be
stated that there is some talk OF pro-
posing the name of General Lee to Pres
ident Cleveland for minister to Italy. II
is known that Mr.. Cleveland thinks o
great deal of Fitz. Lee, and it was said
some time ago that the President would
give him any thing he wanted. 1t is
generally believed, however, that Gen
Lee prefers remaining at home, but his
friends are confident that he would
make most excellent foreign minister
and he has only to say the word tc
ctort then, ont in his behalf