The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1870-11-25
WASHINGTON coRREsPoNDENCE.
WASHINGTON, Nov. q. 1870.
Eprrua or TIE UNION AND JOURNAL:

EDITOR or TIE UNION AND JOURNAL;
The present political condition Of the country
presents some striking anomalies and some very
singular combinations which cannot fail to at
tract the notice Of the obycryer Of passing
events.
Why ex-Secretary Cox should desire to pro-
duce a rupture between the executive and him
self, on first thought seems strange and unac-
countable, but upon consideration is very easily
accounted for: Mr.. Cox, to come directly to
the point, is looking toward the White House,
and TO bring himself conspicuously before the
people and the country, desired nothing more
than some good occasion, which presented it.
self and Was readily taken advantage OF. The
reform in the civil service was the popular clap
trap by which the people--who really are anx-
ious for every reform-were 10 be deceived.
have said deceived. for II is positively certain
that Mr.. Cox did not insugurate single reform
in his department II Is generally O. needed
that Chief Justice Chase will not attempt again
10 be a candidate for the Presidency. His name
has been used too often In that connection, and
whatever strength he may have had in the past,
to-day he cannot command the influence Of for
mer years. Mr.. Cox, with . foresight OF the
future. takes advantage Of the opportunity to
present himself as the "coming man." and l
imagine that the Presidential campaign Of ~
will be opened With MIR. Cox, or Hoffman Of N.
Y, as the democratic candidate for the Presi-
dency. This Is the eastern view OF the ques-
ton as presented to-day, whilst west, we have
Senator Trumbull's chimerical reasons for n
third party. Of which he should be the third
"Moses" 10 lead them.
Senator Schurr, another disafected spirit 4,
whilst maintaining that the prrsent condition Of
the republican party Is entirely inconsistent and
indefinite in its purpose, still rejects all over
tures To assist in the foundation Of q new party,
therefore Mr.. Trumbull win have uphill work
In his new mission. Mr.. Cox consequently goes
into the race ahead Of all competitos, for he
has now the universal audation Of the demo-
cratic press. as . martyr to principle, and also
praise from portion Of the republican papers
lar his '.efiorts 10 reform the civil service"
The present Secretary Of The lntetor. Mr..
Delano, Is visiting the Souta In company with
Senator Cameron, 10 personally acqusint him
SELF with the people, and the condition Of the
country. II Is asserted that upon his return
there VIII be quite number ofimportani changes
In his department. The work. in connection
with the Census Bureau, Is being rapidly com.
plcted and discharges will commence to take
place the 6rst Of next month. The competitive
examination in connection with that bureau.
does not seem to secure the very best Of clerical
ability, Tor recently among twelve examined for
promotion, the following problem was given out.
and but one answered Il correctly, "How many
times h enc 6fth contained In one fourth"
Great effort viii be made by the heads Of
bureaus connected with the Treasury DEPART
ment Cor an increase Of salary. Nearly al have
strr,s~l A At n,.kxrau
asking his assistance TO secure increased CON-
Pens>t,on. Gen. Spinner dos not sign the
paper but strongly rccommends IN incrcass foe
ms clerks. The strong point that sill BE- pro
sn'ei 10 Congrcss to favor this claim. Is the in
erease OF pay that has been made to the officers
ofthe army during the last 6fty years A table
has been esrvfally prepared, sitting forth such
increase. which viii be laid before the members.
Since 1921 the pay Of Major General has been
increased s5.t5S; Brig. Gen., si,Ois |;
QuartermAs,er Gen., s3.ois Aajatant Gen,