Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1900-02-08
WASHINGTON LETTER.
Unreliable Newspaper Correspond
ents-Free Baths md shaves For
Stntcsmen-Sociai Senson On.


are complaining OF species Oh annoy
ance to which occasionally they are
subjected and for which they admit
their inability TO suggest or provide an
adequate remedy. From time TO time
very sensational and scandalous re-
ports have appeared in newspapers
printed out of the District of Column
bia. They charged officers of the Unit
ed States with practices deliberately
unlawful and If true would have rem
dered the offenders subject to be de-
priyed of office and of their personal
liberty. Promptly upon the appearance
OF these stories the representative or
representatives of the papers In which
they were published have appeared be-
fore the officers alluded to TO ask them
what they have to say touching the ac-
cusations. The usual reply has been
to refuse to discuss the accusations,
either TO deny or explain them. On
more than one occasion reporter has
made his way to the man he sought to
say that he was not responsible for
Washington dispatches carrying grave
charges, but that dispatches not sent
by the offices here, or dispatches sent
with correct reports, have been repeat
eddy altered after transmission, for
what purpose the writers could not ex-
plain. The result of this practice and
OF the annoyance experienced by men
who find themselves arraigned before
an irresponsible tribunal is to make
public officers more reticent to those
with whom they can speak frankly
without fear of being misrepresented.
The effect upon the average man with
whom newspaper men come in contact
is TO give the impression that many of
them are blackguards, unfit to be adj
mltted To confidence. The public officer
here cannot be properly complained Of
as too reticent. And the body Of CORE
spondents generally has justified the
confidence reposed in its members.
Most Of them know more things that
they could print, but do not, than
would be comfortable for public men
who might see them in print.
Free Baths and SLAVES.
1t Is not generally known that Uncle |
Sam furnishes his legislators with |
bathtubs and other accessories of |
but 1t is nevertheless a |
fact In the basement of the capitol |
are located the congressional bath |
rooms, where the statesmen cleanse |
their cuticle at the expense of the peo- |
pie. On the house side there are Is |
tubs, while on the senate the number
Is somewhat smaller. They are patron
led by the statesmen at all hours Of
the day. Attendants are provided at
the expense of the government The
Fact that the bathrooms are almost
occupied indicates the ex-
ent to which the privilege of the free
bath is appreciated. Senators and
members who live at hotels. where an
Extra charge is made for bath, usual
y wait until they reach the capitol to
,njoy this luxury. Not only are the
statesmen furnished free baths, but
barber shops are provided for their
Use. These are well patronized, as no
charge is made. and the BARRIERS turn
many an honest penny. They receive
rood salaries from the government and
t the same time get tips.
sociui seusOn NOW On.
New Years day marked the opening
f the official social season in Wash
ngton. From now until Lent begins
here will be the usual mad rush to
miners, luncheons, receptions, teas and !
OK parties. The president opened the
eason at the White House at IL +,
clock on Jan. /, when he received the ,
iplomatic corps, supreme court, army ,
nd navy officers and public officials
enerally. Those holding an official
osition under the government above
ne clerical grades were under orders \
present themselves to the chief [
Magistrate, and for two hours or so 1
ne president devoted himself to the
ainful process of shaking hands with [
is subordinates. winding up with the a
eneral public. Then the secretary of
ate gave formal breakfast to the
lplomatic corps. and in the afternoon
ne families of cabinet members and {
the admiral and major general COM
anding received at their homes.
Every officer of the army and navy, v
9TH active and retired, was expected Il
present himself at the White House. Z
nd they with the diplomats furnished
4 aggregation of brilliant uniforms
lch as can be seen nowhere else in
e country. The official term of u
burning for Vice President Hobart u
lving expired, the indications are ia
,rable for brilliant social season.
The Abbey Case.
The government has at last disposed
the case Of the flibuster Abbey.
hich was captured in Philippine wa 7.
rs by Admiral Dewey last winter, n
I'd Secretary Long has ordered the
ssel restored to its owners, Spitzel & q,
}. of Hongkong. The decision is In =.
@ way Of compromise, Spitzel & Co.
wing signed an agreement releasing
e government from the claims for
images for the confiscatlon and reten- n,
IN of the vessel, and the government
s abandoned its claim against the q,
ssel as prize.
This decision is due to the fact that