The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1902-02-14
WASHINGTON LETTER.
From our regular correspondent.

WASHINGTON, February II, 1902.
The past week in Washington has been
marked by two of the most elaborate
social events, excepting, of course, the
state functions at the White House,
which have ever occurred in this city. On
Thursday, Miss Helen Hay, daughter of
the Secretary of the State, was married to
Mr.. Payne Whitney, amid surroundings
the most beautiful and elaborate which
unlimited wealth could procure.
On Friday evening Senator and Mrs.
Hanna gave private reception at the
Arlington Hotel. the large ball room
being called into requisition and the more
formal early hours of the evening being
followed by dancing. Over one thousand
guests were present during the evening.
49,
The illness of Theodore Roosevelt, Jr.,
has seriously interfered with the Presi-
dents plans, it having been his intention
to leave Monday afternoon for Charleston
where he was to have attended the expo
sition now in progress. At present his
movements are all in allegiance and will
depend entirely upon the condition Of his
son. Apropos of young Roosevelt's illness
it may be we'll to say that the widely
published statement that the young man
was responsible for the custom followed
by the students at Groton, of going with
out their hats, has been contradicted.
The habit considerably antedates young
Theodore's entry TO the college.
49,
Aside from the passage by the House
of all appropriation bill which gives 10 the
President the authority to place nnder the
restrictions of the classified service, those
employees of the War and other depart
ments whose employment was necessi-
tated by the Spanish war-an authority
which the President desired and which
he will doubtless avail himself, there has
been no important legislation at the Cap
| itol this week. The Senate has passed
the pension appropriation bill carrying an
appropriation of $I3S, 100000. The bill
includes clause prohibiting the accept
ance of a fee or other compensation by
attorneys or others for services rendered
in securing the passage of special pension
bills. If the House passes the measure,
including this clause, it will prove a
severe blow to large number of pension
attorneys.
The regular order of business in the
Senate is still the Philippine revenue bill,
but Senator Lodge has given notice that
he believes the minority have devoted
sufficient time to its debate and that he
proposes TO push its passage. 1t will be
followed by the irrigation bill, to which
it is believed there will be little opposi
ton in the upper chamber, but which
will doubtless occupy considerable time
judging the number of Senators who have
told ME that they have prepared speeches
OH the subject.
The House has devoted the major por-
ton of its time, since my last letter, to
the consideration of the Henry Oleomar
garine bill, which is successor to the
Grout bill. The opposition has been par
ticuiariy vigorous and prolix, the measure
having been debated to a far greater
length than is equal with such bills in the
lower chamber.
#x*x*
This week there were several orations
in the Sioux language delivered before
the Senate Committee on Indian affairs
at Washington. Chief Thunder Hawk.
who was present at the Custer massacre,
was the principal speaker. When asked
to state his protest to the Senators against
leasing portion of the Sioux reservation,
he rose solemnly, and with calm and
dignified bearing started in with force
full speech that grew animated as he went
along, appropriate gestures being added.
1t was unique and dramatic picture,
although none of the Senators present
could understand word that was said.
When the speech was interpreted it was
found to be concise aud logical, present
ing the Indians position without any
florid rhetoric. The Indians won their
case and are protected by having their
reservation kept intact.