The Denison review. [volume] (Denison, Iowa) 1867-current, 1903-12-30
Washington Letter.
O. II. OLSON.

passing interest in Congress. In accord
ance with the agreement entered into by
the Senate the Cuban Reciprocity Bill was
brought to vote on Wednesday. Deem
Der 10th, with the result that it passed that
body by a vote of fifty-seven to eighteen,
| fifteen senators not voting. A notable de-
bate occurred prior to the passage of the
measure between Senator Bailey, of Tex
| as, democrat, and Senator Spooner of
| Wisconsin, republican. The individuals
participating suggest something of the
character of the argument presented and
| the brilllancy of wit and incision and force
Of logic employed. While senatorial
courtesy" prevailed throughout, there was
yelled roignancy and grim determination
of memorable logic enough to suggest the
i clash of steel and the spirit of combat
Senator Bailey is one of the younger mem
bers of the Senate He is in fact forty,
but appears less than thirty. In person,
4
is smooth shsven, and has bland express
sion and gentlemanly mein. There is
latent temper behind his mild expression,
however, as was manifested by his assault
on Senator Beverage two years ago. His
argument was comprehensive, able and
brilliant. Senator Spooner is regarded as
a shining light in American craftsmanship
a veritable Webster in the frowning inten-
sity of his oratory He is broad minded
with marvellous grasp upon abstract
| principles and the facility to instantly APP
| ply tfem to present conditions While he
was placed slightly at disadvantage by
reason of his disagreement with the adj
ministration in the question he was de-
tending, he fully sustained the high repu-
tation which he enjoys and his speech is
by all competent judges pronounced a
mastery effort. Perhaps one of the most
impressive periods was reached when in
discussing our title to the Isle of Pines be-
cause of the part we look in liberating
Cuba he burst forth: Shall we open an
account with the Goddess of Liberty?"
Congressman Birdsall made his maiden
: speech in the House this week, and very
ably discussed the political situation from,
the standpoint of the western farmer.
, Edward Everett Hale, the veteran au
| thor and Unitarian minister, was elected
chaplain OF the Senate this week. He viii
) probably be one of the most notable per.
{ sons connected with the capitol after Jan
r uary Ist when he, will assume rthe dutie:
: of chaplain.
2 ]. w Blythe, of Burlington, Iowa, ha:
8 been Washington visitor during the pas
D week.
Mrs. J. p Conner has been in Ney
York during the past week where she wen
e to meet Miss Matte Miles, of Denison, 10
i wa, who has sojourned in Argentins ant
Y Paris. for some time. pursuing her ar
e studies She will remain in Washington
y a few days, the guest of the Conner fam
d ily and will then go to Denison to spent
n the holidays. Miss Miles has won wild
. recognition because of her accomplish
# ments in the field of art, and her wor
# gives evidence of remarkable talent an
a minute study and application.
The approach of Christmas time is her
aided here by the usual gaudy and elabol
q ate display of presents. decorations an
d evergreens. 1t is interesting to make tn
IT rounds of the large department stores, an
q see the abundance of goods on exhibition
IT These fascinating arrays of infinite varet
it are calculated to and do stimulate the a
10 most universal habit of gift making. 1t
1t needless to say that not all who inspec
y the presents are guilty of intent to pul
1T chase. 1t becomes sort Of craze to e,
70 anime and price goods, and especially E
8, this season. The underfed and under
10 clothed gamin from the alley settlement,
II may be seen gazing fondly and reverentl,
a as in dream, into the bewildering extri
" vagance of display in the show window
If He, at least; has the privilege of feastir
So his eyes on the things which he came
rs possess. Through the light Of experient
n on another Christmas eve in Washingto
9. | anticipate the crowded streets on tn
g, Christmas, and the continual din
n squawking tin horns and other iustrumen
t. of gayety or torture. The cafes and blu
fets make special preparation for the 0
casion. and. gilded and misunderstanding
ye ing with myriad lights, they beckon to Il
re thirsty and hungry to come in. eat. drin
Ill and be merry. Like all large cities. on
e. perhaps more so, it offers opportunities
x indulge the more frivolous prepensities
es men, to quaff the flowing bowl, play L
ed game of chance and what not.
: WASHINGTON, d. c., December "a, Ioo
"o This is Christmas eve, aud everywhe
~ about the city may be seen holly wreathe
o. mistletoe, and evergreen twigs and tree
~ The traffic in holly and evergreen imm