The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1863-12-04
COMMUNICATIONS.

WAsHIseroS, Dec. lst, 1865

To the EditorQf the Press
As the approaching session of Congress
draws near, it becomes the absorbing topic
OF conversation in political circles. Though
the organization OF the Senate at the special
session in March, was for that session only
yet 1t will form the basis for permanent or
ganization OF thar body. But few important
changes need therefore be anticipated
In the House the Republicans are supposed
to have clear majority, but majority about
as small as is possible. If therefore a party
nomination for the speakership be made, it
must be such as will command the entire
strength OF the party in order to success.
Failing of this the Republicans of the House,
would have before them long and arduous
contest, doubtful in its issue, and very likely
10 alienatc from them those Union men now
separated only In name.
The safer and more polite course doubtless
will be to call caucus OF all those who are
heartily for the maintenance Of the Union and
who support the measures of the Administra-
tion to that end. The nominees of such q
convention can hardly fail TO be speedily
elected, and the Hoasc to be organized upon
an Administration basis.
Among the various candidates for speaker
Messrs. Colfax and Washburn are the most
conspicuous. Some consider the chances about
equally dividing between them, but mos. per-
sons with means of information on the subject
regard the former gentleman as being decided
ly ahead. During the long and arduous de-
bate upon the Tax Bill, he presided as chair
man OF the committee of the whole, with
much ability.
For the Clerkship there are several prom-
nent candidates, Messrs. Fessenden OF Maine.
Burlington Of Mass, and Mcpherson of Penn,
are all of the number and are all in the city.
1t is also thought that the name of Green
Adams OF KY, will be presented and COM
mand some strength. Mr.. Fessenden's pros
poets are considered very good
The Office of Doorkeeper, having as it does
the patronage OF about eighty subordinate
places, Is not likely to go begging.
1t Is expected that a recommendation will
be made to Congress by all the heads of De-
partments for an increase in the compensation
Of clerks and employees. This may seem TO
our friends at distance quite unnecessary.
and perhaps it is, but they should consider a
lew iacts IN the case before passing upon it.
Good board-that is tolerably clean and com
Portable lodgings, and enough to eat cannot
be obtained In the city much IL any less than
nom thirty TO foriy-fyc dollars per month for
agentleman and twice that sum for himself
and wife. Nori is it easy TO avoid these ex-
tortionate charges by keeping house. A good
room well furnished will rent for from fifteen
to forty dollars per month. Prices in market
are not quite so fabulous as in Richmond but
~A~ ohSA ac 0buiu tAGitt NIil DDWEIluilN the
astonishment aud disgust of purchasers in a
Northern city. Indeed it is very doubtful
whether Federal Greenbank, convertible as
1t readily Is into ten or fifteen times its amount
IN Confederate rags, will not buy more in
Richmond than in Washington. Many fcl-
low who looked forward to clerkship as a
kind Of FL Dorado finds, If he has family to
care for, that is not the easiest of achieve
ments TO make the two ends meet, or even TO
mako affar tho al fael
and the ither bread.'
But however good reason may be furnish
ed in general by the imitation of currency and
enhancement OF prices and in particular by
the greed of Washington spectators and cx-
tortionists, for all increase Of wages TO The
class above spoken OF, yet the first legislation
upon this subject shosld be an act of Justice
to our common soldiers. Everybody knows
that thirteen dollars per month, of which. by
great selfdental, the soldier may be able TO
remit ten to his wife aud children, are now, if
they were not always wholly inadequate 10
the comfortable support of even small fam
lily; and Il is shameful wrong TO require Of
the brave defender of his country in addition
TO all his sacrifices of feeling and interest, In
ADDITION to all the stern hardships and bitter
sufierings and cruel chances of war that he
should leave his family dependent for common
comforts upon the hard earnings and savings
and neighbor5. do not desire to see men al
ready receiving from one hundred to one hun
dred and nifty dollars month for services re-
quiring no exposure of health, or risk of life,
or even separation from family, paid more
than at present until the wages Of the private
soldier have been very materially increased.
The strikers at the government bindcry
still refuse TO work without an advance of
pay. As the Superintendent cannot acccde
to their demands without authority from Con
Sress, all work is for the present suspended.
The workmen at the Navy Yard have also
struck.
Thanksgiving day came bright aud sunny
and passed pleasantly away. This genial and
deVout festival, become for the first time ma
tional, was observed throughout the land, let
us nope, with sincerity and hcartiness of
ieehng, and an earnestness of faith, not wholly
unworthyiof II or of those who instituted il at
the nrst. And as II the God OF the harvest
and OF the battle would cause our hearts 10
overflow with gratitude lie sent the news of
another great victory TO crown our 10y Well
may we look back with thankiulness aud for
ward with hope. The enemy having concen.
trated his whole disposable force for dcsper-
ate effort 10 regain East Tennessee aud secure
MS southward line of communication has
Jailed, siSnally, dsastrously, irretrievably
Jailed. IL Is dull eye that cannot see the re-
bellion trembling and rocking to its base.
from tne Potomac army we have news of
heavy skirmlshing, but, as yet, of no general
or decisive engagement.
Push every outpost nearer
Press hard III hostile touors
Another BaIaklaya
And the Malakof is onrsr