Middletown transcript., 1869-10-30
LETTER FROM KENT COUNTY, MD.


Correspondence efhe Middletopn Transcript.
".Sinapis' '--Politics-M Managing Changes propo-
sea-The Democracy proper all right. Chester
proUements-Reao Church-SchoOi mat
ters--Thc Transcript, &c.
KENT County, Nh. Oct go.
Mr.. Editor II suppose there must be
an end to all good things, and judging
from the absence of letters for so long u
time from your spicy correspondent " ST.
napis," that an end has come to his con-
tributions, and finding none disposed to
keep you posted of the current of affairs
in old Kent, venture to send you this
There can be no mistake as to the truth
of the home thrusts made by your former
correspondent from this county, as the
squirming and wriggling of certain inhu-
ential parties in and about our county
town most amply demonstrated. At pres
ent the political caldron is seething and
bubbling with excitment of faction The
town interest, known familarly as the
Court House Clique" headed and con-
trolled, almost altogether by old Wings,
under the guise of conservatives, had, it
seems, predetermined to put into the Leg
islature and Sherifalty certain adultera-
ted democrats in preference to old genuine
life long democrats, For once, however,
the clique were fairly defeated. Their
candidate for the Sheriffalty was badly
beaten, and only one of their conserva-
tives is nominated for the Legislature
The true democrats of the county rallied
and drove the motley town party to the
wall It is understood that they will
submit with what grace they can, and
support the ticket nominated, yet it is
whispered that in future there are to be
no more primary meetings and nomina-
ting Conventions, but the field is to be
open, and kind of scrub race instituted,
free to all New light is certainly dawn
ing upon the Solons of party. Another
great change is talked of in regard to the
distribution of spoils. At present there are
five persons, one for each Election Dis
trict, appointed by the County Commits
sioncrs to collect the Taxes, which they
impose 1t is profitable job, and never
goes begging. Long before the time for
the appointment to be made, the Commits
sioners are besieged and entreatcd, coax
ed, cajoled, wheedled and threatened by
the candidates, who all have special
claims. The Commissioners are mortal
men, and must do something to pacify, if
not to satisfy, these clamors. One thing
is easy to be done. They can promise,
and they do. One has, it is said, prom
ised five different men the Collectorship of
one District; in another there are about
twenty candidates, all relying upon these
promises, and probably paying less atten-
tion in consequence to their private affairs.
10 prevent the corruption and intrigue
growing out of this practice it is proposed
to memorialize the Legislature to make
the Collector or Collectors eligible by the
people. | say Collector or Collectors, for
it is not yet definitely settled whether to
consolidate all these crumbs into loaf,
or to allow them to remain as they are.
One thing is very evident, five partizans
can do more than one to promote and Sc
cure party success.
Chestertown is looking up. On the
principal thoroughfare, the Broadway of
ye ancient burg, new and fresh looking
houses are rapidly taking the places of the
dingy old rat-harbors of the past; still a
few of the latter stand, probably that the
past may not be wholly ignored or entire
ly forgotten. The people are piously in
clined, read their Bibles, and remember
that "Jeshurun waxed fat and kicked" !"
1t would not do to reach unexampled pros
perity at single bound.
Among the Improvements that are to be,
a new Methodist Episcopal Church is talk
ed of. 1t will occupy vacant lot in the
rear of the residence of the late lamented
Judge Eccleston, and in front of the taste
full domicil of the Hon. George Vickers
No more eligible site could be selected in
the precincts of the town. High, airy and
dry, it will be easy of access to the whole
population. l learn that an estimable and
modest citizen will present the lot, togeth-
er with donation in cash of One Thous-
and Dollars, besides paying very liberal
price for the old church, now standing in
front of the Voshell House. Surely now
the citizens should see to it that the new
structure shall be credit both to the town
and the principles of Methodism and Chris.
tianity. Besides, the completion Of this
improvement will abate public nuisance
by filling up an unsightly chasm on the
principal street of the town.
At the approaching election new Board
Of School Commissioners are to be elected
the first under the new School Law; the
present Board having been appointed by
the County Commissioners to serve until {
regular election. 1t is not deemed an of.
fee of great honor or profit, and is impor
tant Gin party sense) only as it involves
the appointment of Secretary, Treasurer
and Examiner, a trinity of official dignity
and capacity in one man,
There lies the plum, and several finger
are ready to pick it out. Among the can
didates named hear of your esteemed CO
temporary who presdes in the sanctum O
the Chestertown Transcript. AS he is no
considered friend of the @. II. clique h,
is supposed to have the inside track Th
. present incumbent, who is also Deput,
(larE Of tho Gn,.ntry nd