The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1869-05-07
WASHINGTON OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES.
WASHINGTON, May ID. 1869.

WASHINGTON, May I'd. 1869.
Eprron USioS & JouRS,L-There has been
great deal OF fault found among the large
number Of persons who have visited this city
recently looking after Offices, at the exorbitant
prices that Is charged them for room and board
During the late rebellion, room and house rents
were increased materially, occasiOned by the
large influx Of people 10 this city. i was in
formed by n resident here, that the house which
he occupies, he rents for twenty-five dollars per
month; before the war he paid but eight. Not
withstanding the population Of the city has de-
creased since the war, houses have been increas-
inc rapidly, vet rents are still at the maximum
prIee. II Is OF course said, that this state Of
things cannot exist, yet il does, and may con-
tinue, from the fact-that during the session Of
Congress, which not only brings members here,
but many others who have business, rooms and
houses are let at high prices; % high, that par
ties owning, can afford TO let them remain I'M
occupied during the summer season.
The excitement attending the municipal cleo
ton increases as the election day draws near.
II Is asserted by both parties that the contest
win be close one. The past year we have had
a republican administration, owing to the fact
thai the colorcd citizens have increased the
strength of the Republican party OF this city,
and therefore gave IL the supremacy; but large
number, of colored citizens have lett this place
20 meet the demand for labor in the reconstruct
ell States, and tho parties seem about equal In
strength.
have noticed in the columns Of the pres
Of your State, that the temperance organizations
sem determined TO have q candidate for Gov
rrnor 10 suit themselves, provided that neither
Of the partics shall nominate TO suit them. IL
,,,ms 10 me that such an action by the temper
ance element Of the State would be detriment al
10 their own cause. In the first place they can
not elect their candidate II they should nominate
one. Secondly, rs FAR as my experience goes,
the large portion Of the temperance organization
arr made up Of persons belonging to the Repub-
lican PARTY, and therefore, such an action would
cripple the party. And worse than all, fall
ure 10 elect their candidate, would bring their
cause into reprosch, somewhat, Throughout
other States. have always spoken with pride
Of the great temperance element Of my native
State, Of the wisdom andearnestnoSs Of its work.
ers. but should certainly be sorry to see any
such action as is contemplated. II the legisla-
ture OF the State win not make such laws As are
needed upon their own responsibility, certain
~ believe that they would submit any proposed
law % the people for their Judgment. and 1 am
willing to show to the majority Of the PeO-
PIE"
II l. generally understood here that Senator
suraeue has rcccntly become interested in the
National Intelligence, notwithstanding declara-
tons To the contrary. This Is considered as an
evidence confirming the limitations thrown cut
ffom various quarters, In regard TO the forms-
ton Of new party TO be fOrmcL AN always
suspicious Of any person who leaving the prin-
tipies Of his party. claims to be the representa-
i've ~ the working class. Instead Of being the
workingmsn's friend, usually, u proves the
contrary, and he endeayors to secure position
md prominence for himself, to their disadvan-
tsgc. have no confidence in sPasuc's all
Vccacy Of the claim of laboring ciass, as time
~ili ultimately brand him Dishonest IN this IT'S
isct, a. ID has others who preccedsd him.
PRENIrsS