Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1870-09-30
LETTER FROM WASHINGTON.


Attorney General Akerman arrived from
Georgia last Friday and resumed the duties
ofshis position though still looking very I'M
well. It is feared that he is in a decline, and
we have it from good authority that he will
resign from the cabinet ere long, The At
lanta Ca, New Era hoists the names of Presi-
dent Grant and Mr.. Akerman as the republic
can candidates for President and Vice Presi-
dent in the next campaign. Affairs look
brighter in that State than they have hereto
fore, and there seems to be little doubt of its
going republican next November by hand
some majority.
The recent republican convention in Fir-
ginia was harmonious and SO ably conducted
in the interests of the party that there is
good prospect of the State going republican
this fall, especially if the Conservatives quar-
rel, as it is thought they will.
Secretary Boutwell, returned to the Treas
ury this (Monday) morning, looking remark
ably well after his seven weeks vacation upon
his farm at Groton. Acting Secretary Rich
ardson left Cambridge on Saturday, meeting
Secretary Boutwell, in New York. Judge
Richardson visited the President at Long
Branch on his way home. The President is
expected here on Friday, when there will
probably be a Cabinet meeting. The real
ly returning to the city.
BY very great blunder Jenckes' Bill
amending the Patent office laws, passed by
Congress at its last session, repealed the law
creating the Department of the Interior, the
Assistant Secretary of the Treasury, Assist.
Treasurer and authorizing all Acting Heads
of Departments. 1t is considered one Of
'Jenckes' blunders' and has caused great deal
of talk. If the law were literally executed it
would render null and void most of the bust
mer. Iet strangely enough the thing was not
discovered until reporter of the Washington
National Republican accidentally stumbled
upon it a few days since.
The dispute between the First Comptl oller
and the Attorney General as to ''Unexpended
Balances" has not yet been settled and in the
mean time nearly all work on public buildings
throughout the country is at a standstill'
Comptroller Taylor has brought down upon
his head many expressions not altogether
'lovely' from the great army of government
contractors and claim agents for his literal de-
decision that all appropriations made prior to
the present fiscal year and uncxpended must
be covered into the Treasury that is, must
not be taken out of the Treasury. This for
bids the paying out of any money due prior to
the present fiscal year, and consequently ere
ates a tremendous rumpus. Congress no
doubt meant to do nothing of the kind, but
simply intended to return into the Treasury
certain funds which had been accommodating to
the credit of the BureauX and which those
Bureaux had been in the habit of holding as a
reserve, in case Congress curtailed their ex-
penses.
We are having warm weather here again
and thin clothing is re-appearing.
Admiral Porter it is understood intends to
go to Europe soon to witness the contest
there.
The general political prospect looks favora-
BILE. 1t is thought the democrats will gain a
few members of Congress and perhaps three
or four Senators, but not enough strength to
enable them to control legislation to any ex-
tent whatever. CLAIMING.