Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1864-02-27
Magnaninous.

copies from the Washington correspondent of
the Sacramento Union the statement that the
Oregon Senators were members of the Union
Congressional Caucus, and that Senator
Harding had expressed his determination to
support Mr.. Lincoln for the next Presidency
Tho comments of our Portland contemporary
upon this announcement, are neither fair nor
magnanimous. The Union assumes that
Senator Harding has but recently made up
his mind to act with the Union organization.
Does it not know that he has never wavered
in his support of the Union cause? AS early
as last August he indicated urt quivocally his
intention to yield Mr.. Lincoln's Administra-
ton cordial support. His enemies admit
that his course in Congress was uncxccption-
able, and no one pretended to question his
fidelity TO the Union cause, until the false
charge was made against him by the Oregon
press, I" that if in Ohio he would vote for
Vallandisham for Governor" The Union
indicates persistent determination to mis-
represent him. 1t misstatrs the facts, and
imputcs to him dishonorablc motives in cx-
pressing his preference for Mr.. Lincoln for
the next President, over all other men that
have been named. We entertain a very
high respect for Senator Harding personally,
and every days developments tend to con-
firm our confidence in his political honesty
and sincerity.
We have not regarded Senator NCsmith as
supporter of Mr.. Linco'n's Administration
until quite recently notwithstanding his votes
in Congress last session indicated this dispo
stion. lie voted for all the leading meas
urcs of the Administration, and delivered
one of the most effective speeches made on
the floor of the Senate, in dcfcncc OF the sus
pension Of the writ of habeas corY~s in max
ing arrests for political oficnscs. 1t now af-
fords us great pleasure to welcome him t.
fellowship in the organization.
Some months ago we copied paragraph
from letter of his published in the Or,.yon
Statesman, giving an account Of the battle of
Chattanooga, and expressed the opinion that
no man could indict such a paragraph with
out being good Union man al heart. Those
who know Senator Nrsmith viii hardly
question either his sincerity or efficiency.
ADJOURNMENT OF TIE IDAHO LEGIsLA-
TrRE.-The Lewiston Goldcn .isc of Feb.
9th says: The Solons of Idaho adjourned sine
die, on Thursday evening last the sixty days
expiring on that day. The members Of both
branches of the Legislature have striven, We
believe. to perfect code Of laws for the gov
eminent of the Territory, and have done as
much towards it, probably, as could well be
accomplished in the time allowed. Though
several links are lacking to complete the
chain. enough has been accomplished to set
the wheels of government in motion. and run
it until the converting of tho Legislature in
November next when the missing links can
be forged. A good deal of unfinished bust
ness, some of it of importance. was left for the
action of the next session. The last few days
of the session was principally takenup on the
Capital question, which was finally settled on
the last day, by the bill being indefinitely
postponed. Severed patriotic resolutions were
passed, and Tic members appeared to have a
good time generally.
~ Although mankind generally regard
the emblcms of death and the grave with feel
ings of awe and solcmnty, and carefully
avoid unnecessary contact with them, it cau-
not be denied that the larger portion of our
people always become light-hcaded and give
way to levity when brought in close contact
with their bier.
To Weshould never throw anything away,
as every thing may become useful. Editors
and blacksmi'hs frequently manufacture their
best points out of aid files. Instruments that
may have been considered of no value by
their original owners, sometimes grow into
sledge-hamniers IN their hnnds.
II Some takers are like wind-mills; the
less they have in their hoppers the faster they
go: and unlike water mills, their greatest
speed being derived from the smallest heads.
W A late dispatch says that Gen. Wright
has approved the verdict Of the court martial
sentencing Francis Ely, Of the First Oregon
Cavalry, to be shot for drsert;on.
--------- .s.----------
IL Because good consciencrs or india
rubber make soft pillows, it docs not follow
that those whose conscicnccs arc tho most
elastic always sleep the soundest.