The Montana post., 1868-12-11

OUR VIRGINIA LETTER.
The G:ssherinx-The RepubIicam-
street Scenes-The Election Of Pre-
sidlmg O0eers oeeuieveA 90 Decide
she Capital Question fOr virxlsaia.
EDITORS Posi-: The Legislature and
Supreme Co urt both com nencing their
sessions to>day. l have been told tha.
for more than week past the effect
has been to make this place centre OF
considerable attraction. Every stage
has brought from cne to dozen politi-
cal expectarts, intermingled with law-
yers and Legislators, until the old Capi-
tai has assumed a show of population
similar AT least to that of '6a. The
peaceable citizens. accustomed to quiet.
are met at every turn by persons whose
countenances are either liz up with
hope, or cast down with despair. The
office>holder and the ofiice-seeker are
easily distinguished in the crowd, now
anxiously awaiting the organization OF
the thiId Legislature. There are at
least four applicants for each
subordinate station, from fireman
up to Chief Clerk of eac,, body.
and as many hopeful expectants looking
tor something To turn up" The mem
Ders are all here in battle array. For
three days pas, combinations haze been
forming for divers important purposes
Outsiders. governed by their personal
predictions. have been at work to Sc
cur. the election oi Stewart or May
hew to the Office of Speaker of the
House. IL seems 10 be generally be.
lieved that this contest is To determine
whether the present session is to be
held here or at Helena. Caucusing has
developed the fact that the two Repub-
icans hold the balance of power on the
question, the Democrats being equally
divided. Wilson and Wentworth have
been alternately bored by each faction
and subject TO all sorts OF opportunities
from interested persons outside. The
battle promises to be a warm one when
it begins, but appearances give no indi-
cation of tie result. Now. a.
the hour approaches for the as
sembling OF forces, anxiety is OF
the increase. coun;enances lengthen
and squads hold potential con-
suitation on the street corners. Low
talking, loud talking, and vociierousness
illustrated with violent gesticulations
and bodily contortions, greet the ear
and eye. Angry words, emphasized
with IA good deal of original profanity,
break suddenly from some Of the crowds
Men. arm in arm. by couples, walk qui-
city up and down, using the index tin
ger demonstratively upon the sinister
palm Some faces indicate conviction,
others distrust, others again shrewd cal
culation. Even an exciting dog fight
.xciies no attention. and the piercing
atmosphere does not cool tn. heat with
in. One feels, in view of it ALL as i,
some momentous event was on hand,
involving the uncertainty perhaps of an
earthquake, or a great battle. The
members display an air of responsibility
their faces are grave, thoughtful, and
their general air indicates conscious im>
porta1ce. Even the passing urchins
look at them with the awe of open
mouths and distended eyes We feel
the impending crisis, and leave this
unfinished narrative To- survey the gath
ering of the elements.
IL o'clock M.-Both Houses assem-
bled-crowd prcssing-lobDies and aisles
iull In the Council Major Watson, of
Beaverhead, temporary Chairman; &. G.
Menaugh, Clerk Major EIlwelI, OF Deer
Lodge, Seargeant-at-ArIns. Committee
on Credentials appointed and adjourned
until +. NJ. After the adjournment
the excitement was on the increase; Re-
publican E-embers Were surrounded by
persons representing different interests.
and conversation turns on the weather,
crops of past season, and mining resours
ces Not word about Mayhew or Stew
art, though parties in inteTest OF both cast
distrustful glances at the crowd. Corn
er canvassing on the increase. Gestlcu
lations more demonstrative. Numerous
persons talking at once. Parties stop
suddenly to discuss important sugges~
tions, and GO on, and return TO renew
the argument. Mayhew and Stewart
both passive Neither wants the office,
but "the ood of the people, you know,
overcomes all scruples. In the hands
of their friends, etc, etc, elc. Each is
followed and engaged in conversation
by bis sympathizers. Long faces among
uspiranrs tor Clerkship and Sergeant at
arms, who regard temporary appoints
ment as indications of popular favor
LAWYERS mix in with the crowd and
manifest great my stery in their commu
nications Something is 10 I've fixed mp
Go To my room with me, | have some~
thing important" Members follow
Come down TO our Office. | will con-
verse with YOU Republican, arm in
arm with Democrat. obeys. Great things
are 10 be accomplished doubt and un-
certainty hang over the result. We
will report anon.
Two o'clock, =. M.-The agony is over
Council elected Col Samuel Russell OF
Madison, President ; the House, Mr.. A
+. Mayhem Speaker, and other officers
as telegraphed. Both bodies adjourn Ell
TO hear the Governors message to-ror-
row. More disappointed than satisfied
persons left the halls, but such result
was inevitable. And now. just nj night
tall, quiet reigns in the Capital The
Virglnians regard the great question OF
reo,oroL settled, ana seem well pleased
with the day $ work.
MORE ANON
Va, City, Dec. Z. 1865.