The Portland daily press., 1869-10-26
Letter from wsshinuton.

WASHINGTON. D. c., Oct. %, 1859.
To the Editor Of the Press:
ALAsKA-THoMAs VS.. SEWARD & SUMNER.
The recent report of Gen. Geo. H. Thomas
upon Alaska is strangely in contrast with the
report of Mr.. Seward, and the very elaborate
speech made by Senator Sumner upon tna'
territory. 1t is certainly very sineuiar' 10 say
the least, that there is so much difference OF
opinion among the learned men of the coun-
| try in regard to this famous tract OF iand.
Mr.. Sumner has not visited Alaska, but draws
| his deductions and theories from scientific in
| yestieation, and declares that this wonderful
land will be beneficial to us for its agricultural
resources, mineral wealth and military de-
fence Mr.. Seward has more imaginative
mind than Mr.. Sumner, and he personally in
spects the wonderful beauties of this new
acqul:ition, and in most magnificent language
presents to the mind of the reader varied
description of its peculiar charms. Mr.. Sew
ard does not deal with this subject in dollars
AID cents, but rises above these sordid inter-
ests and tells us in graphic style of its wonder
full landscapes, the peculiar softness of its at
mosphere and the celestial splendors that at
tract and entrance the beholder. Mr.. Seward
must have written his notes by the light of the
Aurora Borealis and been inspired by its
magnetic influence. Gen. Thomas, however,
looks upon the subject in a practical light, and
has, in my opinion, given fair, impartial and
accurate account of this encumbrance to the
United States. He says that the civil expen-
diture will far exceed the revenue; that the
mines will not pay to work; that as an agri-
cultural country it is practically worthless, and
that there is not the slightest inducement for
emigration. These are Gen. Thomas views
upon Alaska from personal observation, and
which he gives impartialIy. 1 think they will
be generally credited throughout the country.
OUR NEW CURRENCY AND POSTAGE STAMPS
Our new notes and currency do not fully
come up to the expectations of the people, and
it is fact, that the general appearance ofthe
new issues, does not compare with the old. The
new two dollar notes are much inferior as far
as the paper is concerned and the face of the
notes present some defects which do not re-
quire very strict scrutiny to be detected. The
words "will pay to bearer" certainly do not
reflect much skill upon the part of the en-
graver; the engraving of the Capital is very
tine but the vignette of Jefferson at the left is
poor and the paperis decidedly inferior, and
| as far as service is concerned, it wi prove
think failure. Tie new currency issues are
| certainly poorer than the old, and I do not
ip1r llfr;v :eco
to be quite unfortunate in our postage stamps,
also, for the late new styles have been very Sc
verify commented upon by the press through
| out the country. 1t is however quite proba-
BILE that new style will be adopted within a
| few months I understand that at the present
time certain parties are negotiating with the
Treasury Department, to furnish new
process in printing, which the parties. say, al
most precludes the possibility of counterfeit
| ing. By peculiar process through which the
paper passes, but one impression is made
| upon it, which impression strikes through, or
ent, and it gives the general appearance Of
having been printed upon both sides. This
new invention has not been made known to
the public, as yet, but will be probably before
many days, provided the claim as set forth is
| what it is represented to be.
TEMPERANCE MATTERS IN THE DISTRICT.
The Grand Division of the Sons of Tenn
perance of this district, held their annual
meeting for the choice Of officers in George
town last evening, large number being pres
ent. 1t may be safely said that the temper
ance question in the district is looking up,
there being much more interest manifested,
and large additions to the different orgaLiza-
tions. 1t may be further stated, that there
has been most wonderful advance in public
opinion in relation to the method to be pur-
sued in carrying forward the temperance
cause. One year ago at the last annua
meeting of the Grand Division in relation to-
the question of prohibition there was great
diversity of opinion, and resolutions advo-
eating such measure barely passed the meet
| ing. l had the privilege last evening of pre-
senting strong radical resolutions in favor of a
prohibtory law for this district and they
were UNANIMOUSLY adopued. SO much for the
rapid ajvance CT a healthy temperance senti-
IneuI III LlllS QIStrIcf
THE FEssENDEN STATUE
notice that it is designed to erect statue
to the memory of your late distinguished Sem
ator VIM. P. Fessenden, which l am glad to
learn. think there are many persons re-
siding in this city, who would gladly avail
themselves Of the privilege of contributing
somsthing for the purpose of perpetuating his
| memory, certainly all would, who claim res
idence in yonr State. PRrNr1ss.
Massnchuseiss State .Teues..., A..;,-
liOM.
BOST0N Oct 1860