The fact that Mr. Howell has never replied to the question why he was so anxious for Watson to call and see him, leads us to believe that he was after the same thing he accuses Smith of—attempting to get what honey he could out of the Populist beegum.—_Washington (Ga.) Reporter._ * * * * * The latest proposition is to put the Quay statue at Harrisburg in a niche. That would be a good plan provided they wall up the niche afterward.—_Broken Bow (Neb.) Beacon._ * * * * * The railroad rate bill was passed by the House by a vote of 346 to 7, last week Thursday. The bill is now up to the Senate. It may stay there for some time before it passes, if it is passed at all. The corporation-ridden Senate is a disgrace to a people who are said to elect their public servants. The men who made the Senate so far from the touch of the common people either were short-sighted, or defrauded the real American citizen out of one of the most necessary needs in this age of graft and political corruption. The Grange favors the direct nomination and election of our United States Senators, and in due course of time we, the people, shall be electors in deed and action. By direct vote of the people, making the senators responsible and answerable to the masses, alone can we inject purity into our elections and accomplish reform in public affairs.—_Sandusky (Mich.) Salinac Farmer._ * * * * * Up to January 16 the _Congressional Record_ contained 2,300 columns of speeches made so far by congressmen, but it has to record only one important bill passed. * * * * * William Jennings Bryan’s costume in the honorable position of a “Datto” of Mindanao consists of a high hat and a black silk apron. In cold weather he is permitted to varnish his legs.—_McEwen (Tenn.) New Era._ * * * * * The members of the lower house of Congress are debating the railroad rate bill this week. At the end of that time the public will know which ones are entitled to railroad passes under the new regulation of the companies that only employees are to receive them.—_Matthews (I. T.) News._ * * * * * We admire patriotism but we don’t like toadyism. It makes us tired to see how quick some editors sneeze when a high official takes snuff. And when the snuff is taken purely and solely for political effect it makes it all the more disgusting.—_Marshville (N. C.) Our Home._ * * * * * “This is the time,” says Senator Platt, “when little bosses will find their level.” And it is also the time when some great bosses are finding rock bottoms.—_Stanberry (Mo.) Owl._ * * * * *