The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1869-03-26
WASHINGTON coRREsroNDENcE.
wAsnrSoros. March %, 1869.

WASHINGTON, March -, iCV''
EprroR UNION AND JOURNAL The old IA
miliar expression "all quiet upon the Potomac"
hardly applies to-day, for the rush for Offices
and the scramble for positions still continue with
undated real. The hotels are crowded with OF
Gee seekers, who with an earnestness and perse-
verance unprecedented prosecute their hbOrs,-
calling members from the dinner table, watch
ing for them upon the street, and taking advan-
tage Of every opportunity that presents itself,
to press their claims; and If the fortunate ones
who secure Office are as faithful to the Govern
ment as they are to their own interest, il GER
tainly is all that can be asked Of them.
One member of Congress from the West re-
Gently said that the other morning he received
200 calls before breakfast. A friend Of mine an
evening or two since was at distinguished SEN
ator's room. and whilst sitting there, gentle
man came in and asked for the Senator's inilu-
enee, to enable him to secure certain position,
and was informed that he could have 1t. The
gentleman had left the room but a moment,
when another came in and asked the Senator's
influence for the same posi'ioni ne a'so was III
formed that he could have il, to the astonish-
ment Of my friend who had been q silent spec
tator Of the proceedings. After the last gentle
man left my friend asked the Senator how nc
could promise both OF those gentlemen his in-
iiuenec for the same position, and was still more
aStonishcd ut the reply that III "oud throw
them oil their guard," thereby suggesting that
third party had o better chance than either.
1t might be we'll to add that this senator was
not from New England .
Among the changes that have taken place in
the offices Of the Senate, one is the election Of
John r. French as Scrgeant-at-arms, taking the
Mace of Mr.. Brown, who has filed the position
far some eight wears past. Mr.. French was
s,,ucr,y of your el,y. and for short time con-
,cctsreditoriaIly with the JOURNAL. What is
somewhat remarkable. and which may he in
teresting to your readers, is the fact that Mr..
French and Mr.. Brown were applicants eight
years ago, for this position, which was then held
by third party. Mr.. Browns and Mr..
Frnch's inilacnce at that time were about
equal, and under tho circumstances, neither
could get the position unless ono resigned in IA
vor Of the other. Mr.. Brown who could COM
mand a few more votes than MIR. French. desired
him to withdraw, and that II by his withdrawal
he (Mr. Bpwn) should be elected, he would
give Mr.. French his choice Of any office at his
disposal--thcre being half dozen or more good
positions. Mr.. French therefore retired from
the contest, with the above understanding, and
MIR. Brown was elected SCrgcant-ai-arms. Soon
after his election Mr.. French called upon him,
and said he thought he would take the Post Or
soe connected with the Senate, but was some
what as'''llsn"i " DIV" -. :" ~
Prom's'a 'ha' 'aat 0iiioe 'n ~ " -,
pssA o. a certain 'sHU'' ' =, ,.ss
that 'his was h'' SS'os - w -
ins' eu' san nc "Oaia N'A' viz O"',' '
in'enden' OF Inc 'O'uliis '00ni' anu VS.
informed that he could not have IN" iSs'',""'
as 1t had been promised TO another senator 'r'
French Was considerably emoarra'-ri, Out