The Portland daily press., 1869-03-10
Letter from Augusta.

The Capital Redeemed Election Frauds-The
egislature-Rsceptions and Social Gaities-
Supreme Court
AUGUSTA Mar. 9, 1869.
To the Editor Of the Press;
The destinies Of the fair and favored city of
the Kennebec are no longer at the disposal of
the enemy. We no longer acknowledge with
modification and chagrin that the Capital of
Maine is under Democratic control for the
power of the usurper has been utterly demol-
ished, and to-day our city stands redeemed and
disenthralled. The Democratic minions are
year ago that,
Upon their head was placed a fruitlsss crown,
And barren sseptre put within their GRIPPE
Thence to be wrenched with an unlineal hand
No SON OF theirs succeeding.
It is not, however, purely or chiefly matter
of partizan pride but of immediate and Sc
rious consequence to the business interests
and general enterprise of the city, that a gov
eminent inaugurated in corruption and con-
Quoted with ridiculous insnicisncy, will now
give place to healthy and vigorous admins
tration of our municipal affairs. The capital
ist will be less timid in making his invest
msnts and new impetus will be given to all
branches of industry.
It was goodly sight last year for us who
had "no friend, no brother there" to see the
Democratic scrambling for places of profit
and honor" on their accession to power, and
amusing to hear the bowls of disafection from
those to whose ear the word of promise was
kept and to whose hope it was broken. The
party lines were so strictly drawn at the Sep
TENDER election, however, that the result of
this disafection was scarcely apparent, but
yesterday there were some amusing instances
of desertion to our ranks. One old bunker,
aggrieved because his Gains for office were
disallowed under the Democratic regime, voted
the straight Republican ticket, and for this
apostacy was subsequently pounded in the
head by an old compatriot in such manner
as to occasion gentle flow of "claret;" but
the assailant was in turn still more seriously
punched" by his powerful antagonist. They
weigh about $50 pounds eaeh and have always
been conspicuous for their activity in the Dem
ocratic cause. Their sudden arrangement is a
subject of comment In another ward promi-
nent manager" had recently joined the Meth
odist church, and for that reason was suspect
ed to have become "shaky" in his politics.
Accordingly he was made their candidate for
Alderman; but nevertheless he voted the Re-
publican ticket. The election passed off very
quietly on the whole, the little encounter above
referred to being the only metropolitan scene
to vary the monotony. 1t is but justice, how
ever, to add that this victory has been won in
spite of the most shameful frauds ever perpe-
trated in this city, After the revision of the
check lists had been completed by the board of
Aldermen, and the books delivered into the
custody of the City Clerk, srasures and mutt
lations were made to such an extent as to dis
franchise between forty and fifty Republican
voters, many of them old and long established
citizens.
The City Clerk, Mr.. G.. P. Coehrane denies
all knowledge of this infamous transaction,
and protests that the lists had not been tam
pered with when they left his hands Monday
morning. Such high-handed outrages ought
not to 60 UNPUBLISHED, and though we are gen.
erous in the midst of our triumph, it is prob
able that judicial investigation will be made
for the sake of example.
The General Court" still continues to as
semble daily at the Capitol. but will probably
adjourn next Saturday. They are not gener-
ally considered as q whole the most liberal
minded, progressive and efficient body of leg
islators that has ever been organized in the
State; but they have nevertheless shown lib
eral spirit towards Aroostook county, made
some other necessary appropriations, author
lied some petitioners to do things" promptly and
speedily" and voted to hang people. The
enumeration of these achievements is not de-
signed to exclude other things which may
have been done, but which do not now occur
to your correspondent.
If FIVE have had any social gayety" the past
season it has been found in masquerades, So
cial hops, and small euchre parties.
This evening however, Hon. William
Caldwell, State Treasurer will give a recep-
ton which is expected to be brilliant affair
and the great occasion Of the season. All the
members Of the Legislature, public officials
and the principal families of the city are in
vitsd. Tomorrow evening, also, the gentle
men of the Augusta House will give small
reception in honor of the ladies of the House
and some friends outside. Chambers band is
expected to furnish music.
The Supreme court will come in again this
morning and probably be occupied about
week in the trial Of civil cases. There
seems to be no urgent necessity for Superior
court in this county at the present time.