The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1893-03-29
WASHINGTON LETTER.

WASHINGTON. D. c.. Mar "a. 1873
President Cleveland has done no more popu-
lar thing since he assumed his high Office than
when he IS jumped on. to use bit of express
i've slang, the head of the Shiny serpent. nepo-
tisra. which had started to wriggling around
entirely too promiscuously. He first took oc
casion to inform a distinguished southern Sen
stor who had appointed his son to be Clerk OF
the Senate Committee of which he was lately
made chairman. that in consequence of that ap-
pointment, indicating desire to look out for
his personal and family interests first of all,
his recommendations had been much weakened.
Next he took western Congressman's breath
away. when, as clinching argument in favor
of the appointment to an Office ofone of his CON
stituents. he said: sApd he is relative Of
yours. Mr.. President" by saying: THAT set
= ties it, No relative of mine shall be appointed
to ONCE by me-" He then gave that Congress
man short but comprehensive lesson on the
evils of nepotism (which it is safe to say he will
never forget If he lives a century. 1t is also
safe to say that the head of the aforesaid Shiny
serpent will not be reared in any of the execu-
tive departments of the Government for four
years to come. all of which is decided gain
for the country.
The executive departments aie being put
upon democratic basis az rapidly as possible
and republican chiefs of bureaus and divisions
are being succeeded by democrat as fast as the
heads of departments can select the new o1a-
clals. Democratic economy is also being put
into practical operation. Following Secretary
Morton's order dismissing all of the superdnous
employees of the department. of 4 griaulture,
came an order from Secretary Carlisle to the
division chiefs of the Treasury department.. Or
dering the immediate dismissal of every en-
ploye not absolutely essential to keep up the
work of the department, The democratic ad-
ministration was voted into power TO reduce
the extravagant expenditures of the govern
ment and every member of it is fully determin-
ed that the wishes of the voter shall be carried
out to the letter.
Fourth Assistant Postmaster General Max
well. the gentleman who will WELD the axe
made famous by Vice President Stevenson. Is
ON deck and already hard at work. There are
several thousand designations of fourth class
postmasters on hand. and these will be disposed
of before he begins the work of removing re-
publican postmasters.
Speaking of postmasters. P. NJ. Gen. Bissell
stated to delegation of Missouri Congressman
that the policy of the department concerning
amendments had been represented by cer-
tain class of newspapers. In the first place. 1t
has been stated by these newspapers that the
Recommendation of Congressman would count
for nothing, AS refutation of that statement
the fact is pointed cut that not single post.
master had yet been appointed who did not
have the endorsement of his Congressman
while not disposed to ignore the Con gressmen,
Mr.. Bissen said that the question of who should
be postmaster should in a measure at least. bs
decided by the people Of the locality, who were
more directly interested than anyone else. and
that the wishes eff the people, when expressed.
would Ger lainly be considered in making the
appointments. Nobody is to be ignored; what
the department wants is the CO operation OF
both the people and the Copgressmen in the Sc
lection of such postm asters as will increase the
efficiency of the postal service. Mr. Blsseli
also denounced as. false the statements that
women and editors are to be Disseminated
against in the selection of postmasters
Thenumber Of nominations sent TO the Senate
this week is considerably ahead of any other
single week. There have necessarily been some
personal disappointments, but with the exep,
tion OF the nominations OF Burke and Hawkins
to be u S. Attorney and Marshal for Indiana.
over whi ch there was little furry, no adverse
criticism have been made of any of them by
democrats.
The democratic caucus decided to elect the
oficers of the Senate at the present extra ses-
sion, and nominated ex- Congressman e. Id. Il
Cox, of North Carolina. for Secretary; Richard
J,Bright, of Indiana. for Sergeant alarms.
and Rev. w. n . Milburn, the blind preacher
who has been Chapl ain Of the house for several
terms, for Chaplain. The republicans threaten
to resort to illibustering TO prevent an election
of these cfcers. but it is believed that they are
only making bluff to enable them to keep as
many republicans; in the subordinate positions
as possible.
Senator Harris. of Tennessee, has been elect
ed president protempore of the Senate. but as
Vice President Stevenson gives evidence ofhis
intention to stick more closely to his duties
than his predecessors have usually done he
will enjoy the hoI or. which is fully deserved.
without having to do much extra work. There
is no truth in the report THAT Senator, Harris
and the President had Quarrelled