The Washington times., 1894-12-04
CLOAK ROOM AND GALLERY.

Members of Congress. irrespective Of party
are studying win considerable interest the
statement Just issued by the Census Bureau
regarding the foreign element in our popula-
tion. This is a subject which is receiving
good deal OF attention, not only here but all
over the country, an the report of the Cen
sus Bureau is watched with great interest by
statesmen. A striking fact appeared on the
surface in the last census bulletin on this
subject in the foreign increase in per cent.
OF citizens of foreign birth IN this country.
The Census Bureau has, during the last three
decennial enumerattons. attempted to deter
mine the proportion of citizens of foreign
parentage. that is. ''either one or both pa
rents foreign born, as the census bulletin
puts I. These compilations show that the
whole number OF persons of foreign parent
age in 1870 was 1925 per cent. of the total
population; in 1850 it was 29. 70 per cent, and
1890. 1902 per cent According TO these
figures the number of persons of foreign pa
rentage in 1880 was 20,676,046 which was
practically double the number in 1870, when
it was set down at 10, ,s92 ,0l5.
It looks as though the silver people were
likely TO have some disagreement among
themselves as to their course of procedure.
While some of the more earnest among them
desire an instant attempt to force frae-coin-
age bill through the House and Senate, the
more conservative say that it is useless, be-
cause 1t would simply meet with veto, and
it is better for the party to reserve their
strength until time when they can accom-
plish some definite results. The difference of
opinion is likely TO delay at least any definite
action upon silver, and it is probable that the
friends of the white ne al will defer any def
mite action until they have had opportunity
to consult among themselves.
The action OF the President in remitting
the uneXpired sentence of Gen. Swain and
directing him to take station here, awaiting
further orders, created quite stir at the War
Department yesterday. Gen. Swain. it will
be remembered, was close friend of the late
President Garfield. coming with him from
Ohio, and being appointed by him judge ad-
vocate general of the Army. This appoint
ment from civil life TO so important posi-
tion caused Gen. Swain TO be the target for
some attentions of Army officers, and the re-
suit was a trial upon charges which resulted
in his suspension from duty for a period of
twelve years. Gen. Swain has been living
here quietly since that time, drawing his sal
ary of $500 per annum, with no duties. but
unable to leave the District except by permis-
sion of the War Department 1t is under
stood that the General will not be assigned to
any active duty, as he will reach the retiring
age nnder tue law on the I'D of the present
month. Il is probable that he will continue
his residence in Washington as retired
Army officer, drawing the pay to which a
brigadler general on the retired list is entitled
There was more or less talk on the Demo-
cratic side of the Senate chamber yesterday
about the importance of change in the rules
Of the Senate, which eliminated late in the
afternoon by the Introduction of a resolution
by Senator George. looking to that end. The
resolution directs the Committee on Rules to
report at the earliest practicable moment such
amendments as will enable the Senate to rea-
sonably discharge the legislative functions
imposed upon 1t.
The resolution specifically provides that
the Senate shall have power to come to vote
on any pending question after fixing such
reasonable opportunity for amendment
and debate as the Senate may decide to be
proper: to compel the attendance of a
| quorum; that for the purpose OF making a
! quorum all Senators present may be counted
| whether answering to their names or not. and
that a Senator present who fails TO answer 10
the call of his name shall be punished for dis
orderly behavior.
Senator Coke, who has declined a re-elec-
| ion. expressed the opinion yesterday that ex-
Senator Chiffon would be elected to succeed
| him.