The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1897-12-15
Washington Letter.

el0D OF Tue w asuiDKtOu euu VI Guo Io-
publican party little more than year
ago. when it had just elected Presi-
dent and . majority of the House,
would not have been given credit for
sound judgment, even by the bitserest
enemy of that party 10 fact, it is now
difficult for one not 10 Washington.
to believe the extent of the disruption
of the party. Nothing can better
illustrate this than the attitude of the
republicans in Congress towards the
Recommendations made by Mr. McKin-
ley's message Not single one of
them has she support of anywhere near
the solid republican vote 10 either
brauch Of Congress. Mr. Mckinley
asked indirectly, Secretary Gage direct
IL, for the retiremeu. Of the green
backs, but if the democrats and popu-
lists refraio from voting. it is doubtful
wbether bill providing therefor could
pass either branch of Congress; Mr.
McKinley's Cuban policy is constantly
and openly assailed by republicans: be
asked for the Immediate ratification of
the treaty for the annexation Of H.1sii,
but not q move has been made in that
direction in the Senate, and abandon
ment of the treaty is looked for; be
defended the civil service Law, aud one
half of the republican members of the
House are openly eogaged 10 au effort
to break down that law. In fact,
everything is tending towards restora-
tion of tho denooratic party to power.
aod the once boasted solidity of the
republican party, which vas for years
it's most noted trait, has gone, apparent
y forever.
The House Baking and Caerency
Committee is laboring hard to produce
6naucisl bill, bu. it is only another
c:se of IN uch ado about nothing" as
there are about as many different opio-
ious in. the Committee as there are
members, and each opioion is represent
ed by bill framed by its owner 1t
has been said that Gar Reed, 10 select
ing this Committee, chose men whom
be knew would uever agree on bill.
aud it looks tha: way
Representative Sullivan, of Miss. in
bis speech against the payment of pen
sioos to wealthy men quoted extensive.
ly from Gen. 81. V. Boynton's recent
arraignmens of the injustice of the
Pension laws as uow administered. be-
cause be endorsed what that gentleman
had said end koew that nobody could
raise any question of Gen. Boyntoe's
right to criticize Although the Pen
sion bill passed by the House. carries
ao appropriation Of more than $l4l,-
900, 900. something like $2 for each
man. woman and child 10 the U s.
it Was rushed through th- House in an
hour or .wo aud every amendment pro-
posed by democrats was voted down.
Representative Dingley's remark that
of every IS paid ont by the goverc
mest So went to pay pensions and Fifty
cents to pay interest 90 the public debt.
although probably not made for such
purpose. ought. in view Of the probable
pension deficit of $10,000.000 10 the
next fiscal year. aud the announced
desire of the administration to Increase
orr bonded Indebtedness, to cause macy
persons to put 90 their thinking caps
It is practically certain that at the
caucus of the democrats of the House.
to be held tbia week, it will be decided
to make Cuba party question, and to
use every opportunity to astenps to get
the Senate resolution. declaring for the
recognition Of Cuban beliigerency,
adopted by the House also that the
caucus will declare the party opposed
to each aud every foaucial recommends
tion made By the .dmiDistrasioa 1t is
no. likely that the CAUCUS will say any
thug .bcu. the silver question. The
position Of the party is too aell knowo
80 oeeu any oe" oeciarstion III issol VI
eilver. The csucua will probably de
olsre against the annexation of Hawaii.
either By treaty or legislation, and ii
may also declare against the enactment
Of the bankruptcy Law. but there is
doubt about the latter action, as there
are some strong advocates Of the bank
rups Law among the democrats. and
others wbo doub. tie wisdom Of trying
to make it party question.
The repor. that Gear Reed is in sym
pa,by With the fight on civi! service re-
form, because be recognizes in it
ueaus of lesseoing Mr.. MoKinley's
chances for renomipation, was partial.
ly confirmed by the attendance at
caucus Of republican Representatives
called to consider Ways and Means Of
fighting the present civil service law,
and brlug about i,s modification or com
plete repeal In view OF the absolute
control Mr.. Reed has over the republi
can nemb bers of the House in about
ooa,,th;no else II doea not seem likely