The Portland daily press., 1871-01-16
Letter from Angus a.

49, AUGUSTA Jan. ii, 1871.
10 Edaaor Of TIRE Press
The week has not been without its incidents.
Matters have run unusually smooth with the
exception of now and then an episode.
The great sensation of the week has been the
Plke'PREss controversy. People have been
looking over the files of the PRESS, a paper
that somebody reads, to SEQ if the editor had
ever called the late able chief magistrate a
murderer" 1t is reported that the statement
is not to be found. 1t is rumored that the ag-
grieved party went to the editorial rooms of the
PRESS to gently turn the editors nose" for
something said This is mere rumor here. bnt
frequently told. LET us have peace
Friday in the House, Mr. Cousens. whom
the Standard editor styles the brilliant Ken
neDunkporter, introduced an order to add five
70 the Senatorial and Representative appor-
M nonment committee from the minority party.
Line order passed, bus when the Speaker APP
pointed the five it was found that some coun.
ties had an undue prominence. The CT Ter was
recons;dered, aud then there followed a discus.
sion that was specially enliveped by the speech
OF MIR. Osgood Of Lewiston, which for silt and
style was model. The gentleman oratOrical
manner, particularly the cadences, were a little
peculiar in a Democrat You will be astonish-
ed TO- learn that be is a Methodist exhorter,
which shows that good men get into strange
places.
1t is often asked: "What kind of House
have we at Augusta? The usual reply is:
About the average" Mr.. Pike has the widest
reputation, and is very able man. He is
good speaker, but a better worker when in ear
nest. He must be over fifty years old, but
looks not day older than when he made his
first fight in the sixth district against MIR. Bion
Bradbury. 1t is said that he is little vindic-
tive, not trusting the punishment OF his per-
sonal foes to any future or higher tribunal SO
q mo N n Of furo ho 1oI 1,r
himself. In the past he was an able organizer,
and held his followers to the work. 1t is quite
evident that he does not propose to retire from
politics at present
all, of Oldtown, is the most widely known,
having fought the most political battles win
ming over numbers and force when sheer brain
power and adroitness could do it. There he
sits up there-a real politician, bland, cour-
teous and passive, you may think His hair is
as white as snow, his face full and clean shaven.
He don't say much now, has doubtless passed
the zenith of his power, but beneath that quiet,
solemn exterior there is activity yet. II you
you go down to the Journal Office and overhaul
ing legislatures, you will find debates where he
has grappled with the giants of his own party
and was not second. Sewall made mistake
in following Andy Johnson-a mistake only,
for with him politics is trade. Among the
older members, Mr.. Sanborn of Bangor will
probably rank next to Sewall in reputation.
However much one may detest his record as a
politician, he will always recognize in Mr.. San
born real gentleman and man of solid abili-
ty. he is 6ue looking man, and the ladies
will ask. "Who is that elegant ooking gentle
man"' Among the men of most experience
in the House is William 7. johnson of Angus
ia, long ago the publisher of the Age. and
now in the more lucrative business of banking.
Years ago he was well versed in the affairs IF
State. He has been Speaker once, and several
times member or officer. He is most respect
ed where most known is about as much praise
as q man can get. johnson is gold" said
personal friend of quarter of century the
other day. Mr.. Carleton of Whitefeld, is one
of the most striking figures of the House. He
was familiar with politics years ago. Just now
he is alter the school laws with the avenging
sword. At some future time will notice 9TH
ers in differe 1t classes. g. M.