Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1899-03-16
WASHINGTON LETTER.
WHAT HARRIS NOTES AT THE
NATIONAL CAPITAL.

Admiral Dewey's Rank and Emoiu-
ments.--ClosIng Scenes in Congress-
Vacation Plans of the President anu
ofthe Vermont observation-disclosures well
! for the Present.
TThe following letter should have
been published in last weeks issue, but
by some fault in the mail service II
failed to arrive in season.-ED.
WASHINGTON, March 8.
When two strangers are introduced
they usually lie about the weather ana
say it is fine day. When they be-
come better acquainted they apologize
and tell each other the truth. ! prom
ised once in my despair not to brag
about Washington weather but may
be allowed to state the condition brief
| ". We had Il heavy thunderstorm last
night which washed off the asphalt
streets and cleared the air The birds
which bloom in the spring are now
warbling and the grass is springing as
fresh rs on a Vermont lawn in May
Small colored boys are selling punches
of sweet vioIets and pansies on the
street cornels, and flowers Of all kinds,
especially roses, are plenty and cheap.
Gov. Teddy Roosevelt had just turn
ed out from the White house grounds
onto Pennsylvania avenue the other
day, after a call on the president, when
he met two soldiers VINO at once ree0g-
nized him. Their hands went to their
caps in salute, and though much grog
prevented their obeying the wheel
readily, they finally preached to and
one remarked TO the governor, Mis-
Their Roosevelt, your next berth will be
where you sling your hammock in that
old wind TANNER over there. indi-
eating the executive mansion by jerk
OF his thumb. Thank YOU, boys,
said Teddy, land now you better get
aboard before You overstay your shore
liberty" and gravely saluting all
around again, the party separated,
A "billion dollar Congress" several
years ago made the people ofthis c0uu-
try gasp for breath, but in these latter
days Congress that didn't Get away
with more than that would be accepted
with thanks and as a relief. The Con-
gress which adjourned Saturday noon
or expended in one way
and another one billion, five hundred
and seventy millions, three hundred
and forty-nine thousand. four hundred
and seyenty-eight dollars and a few
odd cents. Ii comes high, doesn't it2
If there is anything that can con
vince you and torcibly impress the fact |
on YOU that this is a mighty country. it |
Is these figures. A cash expense ae- /
count OF SL570, 3l9,4I 90. Illuminate /
On this. They are great figures.
At the breakfast table this morning, /
! a. m, | read in the morning Post that /
It 1880 this forenoon Dewey's gun /
BOATS knocked the fleet and yellow /
logs out of a Philippine village near
he shore. On the face of ii this was /
lone two and one-half hours after | /
'ead it. Quick work, wasn't it ? But |
igure the difference in time between 1
Manila and Washington and it won't |
,eem 50 remarkable.
Speaking Of Dewey. since 10 a. m. /
he is the highest in rank Of
my American on land or sea, in the |
and or naval forces OF the United /
states. lie outranks even Miles, the /
of the army, and until /
.eath comes to him he will be without /
peer. His pay and allowances /
mount to about Sl5, 900 a year, twice /
hat of Miles. 1t is IN unheard of
hing for an officer of such exalted /
ank to be kept on foreign service and /
is said that after matters are quieted |
n the Philippines he viii be called to /
where he will reside and
ct jointly with the secretary of the /
Iavy in the direction of all naval mat
ers. Dewey's shoulder straps are four
.old stars, the two end ones embroid-
red over touled anchors. This is one
more star than any living man in any
avy can wear. Ills uniform there is
lways spotless white, only relieved by
he gold OF his rank. So much for the
,reatest living kermonter up to date
The last scenes in Congress were im-
'ressiye. but not particularly exciting
r sensational The last session began
n both houses at 10 so Friday morn
no and continued through, with only
,rief and occasional receSses. From
he above hour until midnight of Fri
lay the corridors and galleries were
lacked with a seething mob of jostling
At midnight they thinned
mt. but the invasion began by : a. m.
nd from that time until final adjourn
nent the vast building was packed like
,irdshot in a bottle.
The senators and members mostly
tuck to their posts, or near them. the
ong night through, Some caught
,ricf maps on the sofas in the coat
ooms, but many did not leave the
hamber. When daylight came. it
hone on a haggard and weary crowd,
mt still the work went on. There was
lot much left to do after daylight, as
he conference reports on appropriation
ills had all been agreed to, but vet the
dds and ends had TO be cleaned up.
The Senate held an executive session
mi placed Schley two points above
confirmed Dewey as admiral
md settled "a few other appointments.
N II .55, in each house, the hands of
he official clocks were turned back ten
minutes by an attache with a long pole
n order TO give a few minutes for the
inal acts. The vice president and
peaker were formally thanked i'm res