The Press. (Stafford Springs, Conn.) 1883-1935, 1902-10-02
WASHINGTON LETTER.
Washington, Sept. 90, 1902.

washington, Sept. 90, 1902.
Washington is already beginning to
take on gala appearance In preparation
for the g. A. R. encampment, which is to
take place here next week. Stands are
being erected for those who will witness
the parades, and some OF the decorations
are In place. President Roosevelt Is re-
covering from his recent operation as rap
idly as could be expected, and it Is antici-
pated that by next week he will be able
to review the several PROFESSIONS from
the stand Immediately opposite the white
house. Unfortunately, the renovation Of
the white house will not be completed,
but the redecoration of statuary hall and
other portions Of the capitol will have
been finished and, on at least three even
ings during the week, the building will be
Illuminated and open for the inspection
of visitors in the city. The president Is
most anxious that the visiting veterans
shall receive every opportunity to enjoy
themselves, and is urging every official
undone no preparation which may make
for that end.
In so far as the more selfish aspect of
the situation Is concerned, Secretary
Hays protest against the treatment of
the Jews in Roumania has accomplished
Its purpose, for the state department is
unof1icially advised that hereafter no
passports will be issued to Jewish emil
grants desiring to come to the United
States. Regarded from the broader
ground of humanity, however, it is feared
that this latest step of Roumania will
work still greater hardships to the un-
fortunate lsraelites within her borders.
The announcement that England would
support the contention of the United
States was the occasion of much satisfac-
tion to the president and the secretary of
state, but the reluctance of France and
Russia to commit themselves is disap-
pointing. It is regarded as possible,
however, that the Roumanian govern
ment, by way OF expressing its indignation
at what 1t pleases to call american in
reference" will go so far that the sigma
tories to the treaty Of Berlin will be COM
PEELED to interfere.
The political situation as viewed from
Washington Is peculiar and difficult to
understand. AS the campaign progresses
1t becomes more and more apparent that
the results will be very largely determin-
ed by local issues, and the leaders are
puzzled to know where it will pay them
to Interfere, and whore not. The sudden
return of the president to Washington
was Immediately followed by that of Sec
retaries Shaw and Wilson, and it Is un-
derstood that Secretary Root has CAM,
celled some of his engagements. Thisf
is claimed, Indicates that the republf
leaders believe that, generally speaking
the congressional candidates ale better
able to handle the situations In their own
districts with the aid of their supporters
and friends, than with outside assistance.
The withdrawal of Speaker Henderson
from the field, in itself largely curtails
the spellbinding program of the republi-
can committee. The democrats are doing
little talking from the stump. Some
claim that they cannot get the speakers,
but the democratic leaders say that they
are sending men into the field wherever it
seems judicious to do 80. 1t Is almost
needless to say that both parties are
claiming victory.
O3o1 I,1
effect that the pope was about to issue a
bull dealing with affairs In the Philippines,
along lines in almost entire accordance
with the wishes of the president and the
secretary of war, is most gratifying to the
administration and Is regarded as tri
umph for the diplomacy of Governor
Taft. Already two members of an Amer
can order of friars have gone to the Phil
ippines, and 1t is understood that others
will follow, taking the place of the Span
ish friars In the islands. The new papal
delegate will soon establish seminary In
Manila for the education of native priests
and it Is believed that the vatican has
determined on policy which involves a
recall of all the Spanish friars within a
short period. 1t Is also gratifying to
learn that the money which the United
States will pay for the friars' lands will
remain in the Philippines, instead of be.
Ing paid to the departing orders. 1t will
be used for the reconstruction of the re.
ligious organization In the islands, and
as large amount is certain to be ex.
pended in buildings, repairing churches
etc., 1t will find It's way back to the Phil.
ippine people and help to accelerate the
financial prosperity of the islands.
Much interest attaches to the report o
Brig. Gen. Funston, just made public al
the War Department, from the fact thai
he seriously deprecates the abolition o.
the army canteen. He reiterates the ole
statement, that that abolition has beer
followed by the establishment of saloons
of the lowest character, just outside the
ence on the men has been most PERM
cious. He sums up the action of con
gress, abolishing the saloons in these
words. sin short, the recent Legislation
by congress on this question, SO far al
this department Is concerned, has had nc
effect, except to lower the discipline o
the army, ruin scores of good soldiers ant
| fill the pockets of alot of saloon keeper
and gamblers" In view of the repeated
statements Of the advocates of temper
ance, that the abolition of the canteel
has not had this effect, 1t would be inter
esting If the General would specificall.