Middletown transcript., 1893-07-15
WASHINGTON LETTER.

WASHINGTON LETTER.
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WASHINGTON, July 10, 1893
Rumors are flying thick and fast of an
intention on the part of the free coin
age Democrats to bolt the Democratic
caucus and vote for the Republican
caucus nominee, for Speaker, in order
to defeat the administration pro-
gramme, which includes the reelection
OF Speaker Crisp. The new House
viii have total membership of 356, of
whom 1913, Republicans and 13 Popu-
list. Should 80 of the 215 Democrats
bolt the Democratic caucus it would
be possible to defert Crisp, but while it
is possible, no well informed person
considers it probable. 1t is more
likely that these rumors are started for
the purpose Of obtaining concessions
to the Democratic silver men in the
makeup Of the House committees
through the fear of Crisp and the ad-
ministration that such a combination
might be made. While the Republi-
cans could not prevent the Populist
and bolting Democrats voting for their
nominee for Speaker if they wished to
do SO, they do not as a rule regard the
election of Republican Speaker under
such circumstances as very desirable
thing.
Two members of the Cabinet will
take their vacation at government ex-
pense. Secretary Herbert, who has
just returned from the Worlds Fair,
will this week start upon what be is
pleased to call an inspection of the
eastern navy yards. He will 60 on the
Dolphin and the trip will be along the
Atlantic coast as far east as Maine.
Secretary Hoke Smith goes Herbert
several better, as he, in company with
his wife and three children, his father
and mother, two nieces and three in
vited guests, is now on western in
speciion tour, in a private car, and viii
take in the Worlds Fair and other
points Of interest along the route.
Great Is the inspection toar," par
when Democratic editors
use to call such trips pleasure junk
ets.n
In addition to his efforts to reduce
the pension roll, through the various
methods already widely published,
Commissioner Lochren has been direc-
ted by the President, according to in
from trustworthy source,
TO prepare number Of bills to be in
troduced In Congress, which would
drop large number Of pensioners
should they become laws. Tie inten-
ion is to put forward the mo t harm
less Of these bills first, as Congressional
pulse feelers. the others to follow in
regular order If Congress appears to be
q accord with the administration, or
o be laid aside until more propitious
ime should the. contrary prove to be
rue. Representative Holmanis not in
ccord with the administration on the
'ension question, notwithstanding his
'eneral fondness for economy. He is
eported to have said the other day
hat If the pension programme which
las been drawn up by Mr.. Cleveland
nd Secretary Hoke Smith be carried
ut the Republicans would have a
majority of at least fifty in the House
( the Fifty-follrth Congress, the
nembers of which will be elected next
ear. Il
By the death Of Justice Blatchford
fr. Cleveland gets an altogether un-
expected THAT is, unexpected until
bout two weeks ago) plum to dispose
{ where it will do the most good to
levelandism. Secretary Carlisle
'ould very willingly give up the cares
nd responsibilities of the Treasury
" lifetime berth on the bench of the
Tnited States Supreme Court.
It was said at the time that Mr..
arlisle was hesitating about becoming
Member Of the cabinet that he was ]
,omised seat on the bench of the
lpreme Court before the end of the
but even granting that
,omise to have been made it does not 3
llow that he viii get this vacancy.
,cretary Gresham was reported to q
I've received a similar promise. :
There was delay OF 1ay S in the i
sue of the last wee Patent Office 8
azette, owing to the contract for n
hitting it having in the interest of Z
economy been taken away
ON a concern which has the facilities
r getting it out properly and giving 4
to one that lacks them. The same I
pertinent was made in the early days lI
the first Cleveland administration,
ID had to be abandoned because of
e delay and bad work.
Mr.. Cleveland's health is again 4
ading topic of conversation. That it
IS not been entirely good has for 4
me time been apparent to those who {
We came into close contact With him 3
d that his physician has forbid his
ing any work for the present is
Iown here, but it is generally thought 7
be nothing more serious sthan over
Drk. daused by his queer habit of