CHAPTER XLIV.

BEGINNING OF ARTHUR'S ADMINISTRATION. Special Session of the Senate Convened by the President--Abuse of Me by Newspapers and Discharged Employees--Charges Concerning Disbursement of the Contingent Fund--My Resolution in the Senate-- Secretary Windom's Letter Accompanying the Meline Report--Investigation and Complete Exoneration--Arthur's Message to Congress in December --Joint Resolutions on the Death of Garfield--Blaine's Tribute to His Former Chief--Credit of the United States at "High Water Mark" --Bill Introduced Providing for the Issuing of Three per Cent. Bonds--Corporate Existence of National Banks Extended--Bill to Reduce Internal Revenue Taxes--Tax on Playing Cards--Democratic Victory in Ohio.