Year: 1879

aud tractable forms Of our Govern


ment will permit. The friends oi


Cancellation are the only mourners


over this situation.


Whatever may be the result Of the


session, the disposition on all sides


at this time is to make it a short one.


The recommendations of the heads of


Departments are in the direction Of


economy. | do not mean that less is


asked for than formerly, but that,


considering the growth of the country,


and the marvellous increase Of busi-


ness, the estimates of the year are


less tl1an was to DC expected. The


Secretary Of War is to be specially


commended for moderation in his re-


quests.


Of the subjects for consideration,


outside of the regular appropriation


bills and the never ending subject of


politics, the Indians, the tariff, and


aid to our ocean commerce will he


prominent. The contest over the In


dians will be spirited, and it's interest


will center on the proposition to


transfer the Indian Bureau to the
War Department.. There will also


DO the question-now exciting interest


in the West-of opening the Indian
Territory to general settlement.


The tariff laws, though changes in
them will lie advocated, will doubt
less remain substantially as they are.
There is overwhelming evidence that
business men regard stability in this
respect as Of Infinitely more impor-
tance than the particular character Of
the law.


Upon the subject of assistance to
our commerce there is less general
information i'll the country perbaps
than upon almost any otller. The
proposition made year ago to grant
to line of American steamers about
the same proportionate rates for car
rying our mails to Brazil az were be-
ing paid some of the railroads Of the
country for carrying them, was voted
down by an overwhelming majority,
when the giving of the small sums
asked would have ensured the build
ing in the United States Of several
steamships Of the largest class, and
the opening of very extensive COM
merce with South American countries.
The proposal was beaten because the
cry Of snbsidy' was raised against
it. But, in connection with such truly
national works as the improvement
of the Mississippi river, the improve
ment Of New York harbor, and kin.
dred affairs, the project will be again
revived and considered.


Among the other subjects which
will come up will be the chartering Of
a Nicaragua Canal Company, the
creation for General Grant Of the
Office of Captain General, and, last
but not least, the retirement of the
outstanding greenbacke. This last
measure, it is supposed, will be rec
commended by the administration. 1t
is sure to be met with determined op.
position. There is a growing feeling
among the people that our currency
is the best in the world, and that
more or less peril will attend any
change. The repeal recommended
would curta1l the volume Of the cur
rency $50, O,00O, 600, which at this june
ture can not be done without seriously
crippling the reviving business inter-
ests Of the country. 1t may be hoped
that Congress will be wise enough, to
table all such recommendations.


Socially, the Washington winter
will be very enjoyable. An unusual
Of Senators and Representa-
tives will have their families here,
numerous people Of distinction and
wealth will he among us, and tho
good times" will enable resident
society people to extend i,ospitalities
which have been unknown in the city
for years.


1t was a matter Of surprise that
among the dec"rationa Of boil, public
and private buildings on the occasion
Of the unveiling Of the Thomas statue,
that the Capitol was as naked as the
Pyramid Of Cheops IN Egypt. Onr
aag was not seen ON turret, roof OF
dome. Some relentless person was
wicked enough to suggest that it waa
because those in charge Of the build
ing have no love for that kind of a flag.


Thanksgiving day is now respected
BY every ybody At the Capital. With
departments and business places closed
and churches open, the men Of the
cloth are given large liberties on one
day OF the year to have their say OIL
both politics and religion, and right
we'll they improve the opportunity
Ln the ante-bellum days little or no
regard was paid to tI.is Joyous day
but tho New England idea haa taken
possession, and now in every house.