The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1865-10-27
CORRESPONDENCE.
wAsuryoroS, Oct. 25th 1865.


To TIE EDITOR OF The UNION AND JOURNAL
Despite the Scriptural injunction to tho con
trary, most gentlemen Of only moderate mean'
in this city Of extortioncn, nrs anIiously ask'
ing themselves "Wha shall we eat, what shall
we drink and wherewithal shall vel clothed
Il is sad to think how few can return themselves
comforting answer to the inquiry Thep
prices Of provisions are discouraging enough
but to be told by the hucksters who relieve III
Of most Of our money now, that "Track isgoinl
up right smart,"is absolutely overwhelming
How much, 1--WE ask in the name Of deprcci
ated currency how much higher can the cos
Of the neccssaries OF lie raised in this city?
In view Of the prospect Of influx OF South
erncrs during the approaching session OF Con
gress and the consequent demand for houses
our landlords have already commenced demand
ing higher rents. In several instances Within
my own knowledge twenty-five per. cent has
lately been added to the former rates. When
you reflect that for the last three years and more
it has been impossible to rent house OF re-
spectacle dimensions in any decent locality. Tor
less than from fifty to seycnty.iive dollars a
month, you will be able to appreciate to some
extent the financial emharrassments which at
tend family man in Washington. Still, men
Of education and ability, who are enjoying the
luxurics and privilesesof New England home,
and slowly perhaps, but surely. acquiring a
competency, will eagerly accept starvation
clerkship in this most joyless and uncomlor'a
bic Of cities A very short stay here makes
them both "weakcr and WISER"
Political questions are very little discussed at
present. The policy of the President with re-
gard to the lately rebellious States. which aIew
weeks since, many prominent gentlemen Of the
Union party did not hesitate to condemnasrar
taking too much Of conservative" charat ter,
is now received with almost universal favor.
Thus far such of tho leading Rebels as have re-
ceived the Execution pardon, have shown a dis
position to conform to the new order Of things
and conduct themselves as penccablo and law.
abiding citizens. President johnson is said to
DO much pleased with the results Of OF his poll.
cy ms they have developed themselves up to this
time.
The question Of Negro suffrage is not much
agitatcd ia political circles, us it is generally
conceded that Congress has neither the dispo-
si,ion nor the power to control it. but that iis
settlement. must be left with the respective
States. 1t would not Le surprising if, as in the
case Of slavery its most ardent defenders became
the authors OF its ruin, 80 tho same men should
yet put the ballot into the hands of the colorcd
man. BY 40 doing, they would necessarily be
come entitled to an increase Of representation
in Congress, and there can be but little doubt
that tor some years at least, or until the Ne.
groes shall become far more enlightened and
Independent than they now are. their former
masters would control their votes. OF the in
iluence Of capital over labor we see evidences
at the ballot box even in intelligent New
England. Can il DO supposed that the same
influence exerted upon the poor ignorant Ne
gro would not he attended with greatly increas.
ed results in the same dircction2 was inform.
ed II short time ago by prominent General of
our army, that many OF tho more agacious
politicians in the South are even now fdrOro.
be 10 NsJro suffrage for the reason which
have given. Would it be wise even did Can.
gress possess the power, to confer upon our
crriag sisters" this important element Of pc.
litical strength! ..... .'
The Democratic party $50 called, "iucus a
non hmendo," supposc) have been expecting
and still base their iorlorn hope Of victory up.
ON division Of the Union ranks upon this sub.
jet. The result Of such victory who can
doubt? Reputation or an assumption OF the
Rebel debt, or both Another Rebellion equal
in proportion to the one we have just subjued
would be hardly moN disastrous to the country
than the accession to power Of that false crew.
Let the friends of the Union who have fought
Tor it during these four dark years
Of its history, cherish with u religions iervor
the fruits of theirvictory, and under Providence,
leave to time, tho great molliHer, the settlement
Of the relative status OF the two races. Let
their only care for the present DO that ."no
harm shall happen to tn. Republic"