The aegis & intelligencer., 1895-01-18
Washington Letter.
From Our Regular Correspondent.


WAsHINGToN, January l4.-The rainbow
which your correspondent thought he saw
through the clouds in the Democratic sky last
week was mirage. There was rift in the
clouds and Sanguine Democrats thought the
rainbow was just behind and that the long
storm WAS over; that the sun was again about
to shine upon united Democracy. But even
while congratulations were being exchanged
the ritt was closed, darkness again prevailed,
and the storm demon was again supreme in
the black and lowering clouds which shroud
the future of the nemoopatic party.
Secretary Carlisle was naturally disappointed
that forty-odd Democrats should have joined
with the Republicans and Populists to prevent
his currency reform bill from reaching a direct
vote in the House after it had been approved
by Democratic caucus, but he spent no time
in crying over spilled milk"-be isn't that
sort of a Democrat On the contrary, he went
right to work to ascertain the reason for that
Democratic opposite n and whether it was pos
sible to overcome it. His investigation en-
couraged him to believe that II currency bill
can yet be passed, and he is now engaged in
perfecting II and expects to submit it to the
House Committee in a few days, possibly dur
swer to the new batch of Wall street rumors
concerning Secretary Carlisle'S resignation.
Democratic Senators are also trying to ar
range currency reform bill that can be pass
ed, and the Senate Finance Committee, profit
ing by the experience of the House Banking
and Currency Committee, which reported IL
bill before ascertaning the sentiment of ma
iority of the House towards it. will report no
bill until it agrees upon one that is certain to
pass the Senate, if that is possible.
Certain Senators are wasting valuable time
in trying to defeat the appropriation for the
collection of the income tax. There is no
probability Of their success but even if the ap-
preparation failed, the tax would still be col
lected the only difference being that with the
appropriation made the tax will be easier col.
lected. The suspicion is gaining ground that the
real object is not to defeat this appropriation,
but to kill time and thus prevent other legisla-
ton.
: The House Naval Committee has informally
agreed that the building of the three battle.
ships recommended by Secretary Herbert shall
be provided for i'll the Naval Appropriation
bill shortly to be reported to the House.
Again pressure is being brought to bear upon
President Cleveland to send a special message
to Congress, urging the necessity for financial
legislation at the present session, but he has
not yet consented to do so, because he has not
been convinced that it would do any good.
A number OF minor officials connected with
the Land Office may soon find themselves drop
ped from Uncle Samuel's pay roll, because of
their having engaged i'll little scheme to raise
money to pay the expenses of a lobby which
was to try to defeat the legislation necessary to
carry out Secretary Smiths recommendations
concerning changes in the Land Office. The
Secretary has publicly shown his dsapproval of
the scheme, which was only lately brought to his
attention. and intimated that he thought the
good of the service demanded the dismissal of
those actively engaged in working 1t up.
How little it takes to build up Washington
sensation may be judged from some people
Joe Jefferson, the actor, by Secretary Lamont,
few evenings ago, movement for non-
partisan financial bill in Congress. The only
reason for such belief was the attendance
at the dinner of number of prominent
Republicans and Democrats. including
Secretary Carlisle, Attorney General Olney,
Chairman Wilson, Senator Hill and Re-
preventative Everett among the Democrats,
and Ex-Speaker Reed, Senators Morrill,, Sher-
man, Hawley among the Republicans. 1t seems
a pity to destroy such an interesting story, but
it can be stated upon the very best authority
that the guests at this dinner were, as usual in
such cases, invited because they were known
to be personal friends of the guest of honor,
Mr.. Jefferson, and not any idea of making the
dinner factor in the Congressional situation.
C.. A. S.