St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1899-05-10
OUR WASHINGTON LETTER.

Thomas Is. heed-tO
Whist Congress-A Public Library
An Orange Tea-The N. j. Congrega-
tional Ministers Association-Lectur
by Prof. A. q. He'll.
1t is difficult to realize that the
month of May is here, for the season
is very late as it is in many other
places, but within a short time vege-
tation has been coming forward
quite rapidly, so that peach and
fruit trees are in full bloom and the
dandelions have been out for more
that two weeks. Shade trees have a
peculiarly tender green and little
more rain will bring out the summer
foliage. Strawberries are hawked
about the streets at fifteen cents
basket or two for twenty-five
cents. The early vegetables from
the South are not abundant yet, but
they may be found in the market.
The war news seems more encourage
ing but all are panied by the sad
news that a cyclone has visited the
western states so early in the season,
bringing desolation to towns in Mis-
souri, and Iowa.
The newspapers are full of dis
cussions as to who will be the
successor of Thomas B. Reed in
the House of Representatives.
Two of the prominent names are
Sherman Of New York, and Hender.
son of Iowa. 1t is felt that the east
are entitled to the speakership when
the west has the president and so
many other representatives in
power. The democrats are natural
ly quite jubilant over Mr.. Reeds
withdrawal from congress, for
man with such a wonderful BRAIN
power, so resourceful under all cir
cumstances in peace or war, and so
loyal. to his country is one to be
feared by the opposition party. Not
all of the republicans appreciate his
cool judgement and reserve power in
checking hasty action or making
enormous appropriations for vari.
Gus cities and states and involving
the country in the burden of debt.
He has proved strong power in the
committee rooms, urging on legisla-
ton, clearing up difficulties so as to
prevent an extra session of Congress
and saving thousands of dollars
to the country. He has been re-
markable for not asking appropria-
tions for his constituents nor for
himself. Mr.. Reed has enforced the
rules about smoking in congress,
which has been fully appreciated by
the ladies, which is in striking con-
trast to Mr.. Crisp's administration
when the House and halls resembled
a smoking room they were so redo
lent with tobacco smoke. Mr.. Reed
had the printed signs hung up con.
spicuously in all parts of the House
as reminder that the law should
be observed, greatly to the comfort
and credit of the public at large.
Many think that Mr.. Reed will be
more appreciated in the future as
time goes on. No one can wonder
that with his wonderful talents he
feels it is best to engage in business
and lay up some money for himself
and his family.
A most remarkable case has been
unearthed by Chief Wilkie of coun.
tereiting in large proportions. 1t is
exciting good deal of interest BY
the boldness of the undertaking in
bribing secret service men and others
Further developments are expected.
The Whist Congress has just CLOSED
a three days session. Mrs. Gen
Hawley was the president and $50
ladies were in attendance. The chal
lenge trophy cup was contested by
twenty-one teams of four and Phil
adelphia club won it for the frs
time.
There is great rejoicing among tn,
citizens and residents of this city a.
the prospect OF having a public Ii
brary. Few country towns in New
England but what have been NOR,
fortunate and favored in having j.;
good town library than the nations
capital. The three hundred thou
sand dollars given by Mr.. Carnegi
is most princely and timely gift
Ten leading architects will be askec
to submit plans for building to b.
located on Mount Vernon Square.
The ladies OF the Loyal Legion re
Gently gave an Orange Tea; orang
colored shades and flags were
marked feature. There was a mu