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


In railroad matters says that the railroad
rates for travel are much lower in this coun-
try than elsewhere.
II learn from one of the most expert rail-
road staiisticians OF the country, said he,
''thAt we enjoy better rates, both as to travel
and freight, than any other country on the
face of the globe. The average passenger
rate in this country is 2. IA cents per mile; IN
Belgium il is 225 Prussia, 2. 80; Austria, 300;
Fsance. 1856. and in England about 60 per
cent greater than in this country, though l
have not the exact figures.
''And as 10 freight rates, Mr.. DalzellH"
'They are equally advantageous. for our
average rate per ton per mile is little less
than ! cent. whilo the rates in European
countries range nearly so per cent. higher.
so whether Congressman were shipped by
freight or as passengers it would cost about
one-hal more 10 get them together IL our
rates were as high as those OF some OF the
European countries. The amount of money
paid out for mileage for Congressman during
the present Congress will foot up round
S350,000 and II we were paying European
rates for hauling our statesmen it would be
over half million.
Q street is not very safe place for Con-
gresham Stevens as promenade these days.
Mr.. Stevens is one of the wealthy protected
manufacturers about whom the low tariff
men delight 20 talk He resides at the Airing
ton. where he is accustomed 10 look out upon
broad avenues and palatia establishments.
Congressman Catchings, who IS q great friend
OF Mr.. Stevens, resides on Q street, in the
fashionable quarter, where he is the possessor
OF Il handsome stone front establishment. q
street. although a handsome ana fashionable
residence street, Is not as broad ms pennsyl-
vania avenue or some OF the other leading
thoroughfares of the city, and Mr. Stevens,
who delights to get back at hlr. Catchings for
some OF his pleasantries. insists upon speak
ing OF the street upon which that gentleman
resides rs "Q alley" When he finds Mr.
Catchings about to depart for home after
hard day 5 labor in managing affairs in the
House, he tenderly inquiries IL he is going to
his alley. Word mas got out along Q street
as to Mr.. Stevens pleasantry and it will be
necessary for him to take squad OF police
men rs an escort when he makes his custom
airy call at the residence OF his friend, Mr.
Catchings
There are just few Of the proprieties of
civilized life that some OF the lawmakers at
the Capitol have yet to learn. or at least TO
practice. This fact was illustrated in the
Senate restaurant when dIgnitied statesman
from the body at the north end of the Capitol
attempted TO sample huge dish of pud-
ding which customarily stands on the end OF
the long counter where quick lunches are
served. He had just come from committee
room. where he had doubtless wearied him
self with grave dsquisitiOns upon important
legal subjects. for there are few men in the
Senate whose views are more priced upon GER
tain lines.
WHATS this here2'' said he, looking hard
at the pudding dish.
Bread pudding" answered the attendant,
sententiously.
Huh" SAID the Senator. "Wonder if it's
good. Then seizlng the common spoon with
which all customers are helped, he proceeded
to transfer a generous sample to his capa-
cious mouth, carefully placing the spoon after
its use back in the pudding dish again.
"That'l do; gimme some" said he.
Then he meandered upstairs and began
saving the country again.
The worst scared man in Washington the
other day was the one who is retained to
look after racing interests at the Capitol and
the pending measures relative TO pool selling.
When the interstate commerce bill, relating TO
pooling of earnings by railroads, was under
consideration one day, the race man made
his appearance and casually inquired what
was up in the House.
Pooling bill, answered the doorkeeper.
"Goin' 10 vote on it shortly"
Pooling BILL and going to vote on it
soon.' answered the race man, throwing up
his hands in despair ''Great heavens! / am
ruined, and he rushed down town to find
his employers, who were disgusted to dis
cover when they arrived painting a half
hour later, that the pooling bill was some
thing about railroads and didn't interest
them at all.
The average defeated member has TO stand
a good deal OF chatting, whether he enjoys it
or not, especially If he is a good-natured one,
like Representative Montgomery Nobody
was more surprised on the morning after
election than was Montgomery, for he has al
ways carried his district by from 5000 TO
10000 majority every time he has run during
the past decade. SO the successful members,
and some OF those who were not successful
impose upon his good nature by reminding
him of his one unsuccessful race at every OPP
portunity.
Mr.. Montgomery and Mr.. Catchings, who
are the best of friends, were riding down the
Avenue last night in cable car, anxiously
counting the minutes until they should reach
the dinner table.
''Seems to me these cars don't run as fast
as they used to. said Mr. Montgomery, look
ing at his watch and glancing out of the win
dow. Tn sure they are slower than they
We're last session"
"Oh, well. Montgomery said Mr. Catch
ings, you got in such habit of fast running
during the last campaign that you don't ap.
preciEte the speed you are making now"
The other members of the group of Con-
gressmen roared. and Mr. Montgomery smil.
ingly remarked that it was astonishing what
mean things some people are capable ot
saying.
The Republican members are rubbing il
into the Michigan and Wisconsin FREQ traders
just now over the reports from the iron mines
in nf no ,-fr
indicate the greatest activity prevails in the
that mining region of Lake Superior and that
the condition is in marked contrast with yeal
ago, when the mine owners were expecting
every breeze from the South TO bring the new:
that iron ore had been placed on the free list
Then the miners were comparatively idle anC
there was much distress among their families
while now the indications are for winter o
great activity in LAYING in pupply of ore t
be ready Tor shipment when the lakes opeI
next spring. The Michigan men take it phil
osophicaliy. however. and say they donl
care what does it so that business revives
They are able to answer back at the ralers
/ however, with the suggestion that the rate il
/ lower now than it was year ago when th,
/ stagnation and distress was most apparent
/ among the mines and miners.
Senator Call has sprung pretty cute tricl
! on the Republicans" said somebody at th
! Capitol yesterday and one that may be gooC
! deal OF q success If they don't catch him a
| it. The recent order of the President placing
| the custom-hOuse employees under civil serv
! ice rules, pToyideI that these rules shall ap
/ ply to all customs districts having certain
number of employees, while they do not apply
at all to those having less than the number
mentioned. The worthy Senator seeing Il posi-
bility that there may be change of admins.
tration two years hence, has bethought hin
! that it would be clever thing to "nx" hi.
/ friends who occupy positions in the custom.