The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1895-05-15
Washington Letter.
WAsHlNGTox, Nav Is, 1898.

WAsHINGToN, May 10, 1879.
President Cleveland is taking things
easy aud enjoying these delightful May
days at his suburban home, only COM
ing iu to the White House on Cabinet
days For tho first time in many
months the wheels of the Government
are moving without a jar. All the
threatening foreign complications have
been peaceably Strengthened out, or
have reached a stage at which they are
no longer threatening; and our domes
tic affairs are all 10 a promising copdl-
ton, notwithstanding tbs extra time
put in by some people in coDcocting seq
s~ational stories about the condition of
the Treasury, and the regular weekly
newspaper resignation from the Cabl.
net. If this period Of quietness lasts
it is probable that the President will
accompany Mrs. Cleveland and the
children when they 60 to Gray Ga
bles for the summer.
The Supreme Court has decided the
income tax cases, but the nature Of the
decision will not be known until next
week, unless some %enterprisicg news
paper man finds a way to get at it be.
fore it is officially announced, as was
done with the first decision. There are
surface indications that Justice jackson
voted to uphold the constitutional
of the law. His vote was practically
the decision, unless there has been
some change among the other eight
justices, who we're equally divided as to
the censt~itutionality of the tax when
the first decision was made.
Secretary Carlisle is being deluged
with invitations to make financial
speeches 10 Kentucky, bat be has not
yet finally decided how many speeches
be will be able to make in that State
uor at what places or time they will be
made. 1t is probable that be will 60
from the Memphis sound money con-
ventiou to Kentucky.
Admiral Meade has proven that this
administration had excellent grounds
for fearing to put him in a position
where a war with a foreign country
might depend entirely upon his discre-
ton, by showing that he has DO dlscre,
ton. His published interview while in
New York not only shows him to be a
man without discretion, but to be what
10 army or navy officers should De
an intensely bitter political partisan.
1t is the opinion Of naval officials that
Admiral Meade's injudicious and bitter
public criticism Of the government has
made him liable to be tried by court
martial, under article 235 of the
Naval regulations. which prohibits
officers communicating, By interview or
otherwise, any comments or criticism
of any department Of the government:
Under that same article a cours-martial
is to convene next week to try Medical
Inspector Kershner, upon charges made
by Admiral Meade. The personal
popularity of the hot headed, but brave
aud generous Admiral. may be sufl-
cient to keep him from being court
martialed !; but should any officer of
the navy make formal complaint against
him the President would be almost
compelled to either order a court-mar-
tial or az examination as to the mental
responsibility of Admiral Meade. 1t
is understood that Secretary Herbert
has asked him for an explanation.
Ex -Coogressman Vance, of Ohio.
says of the political situation iu his
State: Democratic sentiment is pre-
d~ominautly in favor Of the nomination
of Ex Gov. Campbell. He is for sound
money. aud would make the best race
on account of his personal popularity
and good campaigning ability. and be
would draw both elements of the party
around him, the silver as we'll as the
sound money men. OF course the
party is divided on the silver question.
but the leaders are almost all for sound
money, among the exceptions being
Allen G Thurman, Jr Chairman of
the Executive Committee. and Score
tary Taylor but looking the State over
| find that the big men Of the party are
for sound money, and believe that the
democratic State convention will on
sober second thought SO declare itself.
As for the republicans, they will pro-
baby adopt a resolution referring the
whole matter to the incoming republl-
can Congress-
Democrats generally regard the posi-
ton taken by Senator Gray concerning
that alleged election Of Col. Dupont to
be a U. S. Senator by the Delaware
legislature as the correct oBe and be-
lieve with him that the Senate will not
allow Col. Dupont to take bis seat.
Even as radical a republican as Senator
Mitchell. of Oregon. expresses doubt OF
Dupont's claim. Senator Morgan. OF
Ala, doesn't believe ihat Dupont will