Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1871-12-23

LETTER FROM WASHING TON.
WASHINGTON, Dec. 10, 1877

a WASHINGTON, Dec. 10, 1871.
DEAR JOURNAL: 1t has been long time
we have neglected you; but we notice our
place has not been lily filled by matters OF
more interest to the public than your "Occa-
sional' could furnish. Let this be our excuse.
AS We write, the most beautiful snow flakes
are falling silently and softly upon the bare
earth. 1t delights our northern hearts to look
at the snow, and it reminds us of our good
old State Of Maine, and its health inspiring
winters; of the times when we were boys il
the country and had such fun in helping to
break roads, going from house to house,
drinking sweet cider and eating juicy apples
of the jolly sleigh rides which we long for
OF the splendid sea of ice which we never
have.
CONGRESS-,
now in session two weeks, has been busily at
work preparing for the long weary work after
the holidays. Its members are rapidly thin
ming out, and not much will be done until it
meets again on the 9th Of January.
CHICAGO
has had justice done her by the House in the
passage of bill appropriating four millions
of dollars for the ground and the erection Of
a suitable building for the accommodation of
all the Government Offices. The probability
is that the remainder Of the block where the
Postuffice building was. will be purchased by
the Government, upon an appraised valne,
and the new building erected in the center
The Supervising Architect is already at work
upon the plan for a new building, which, as
it will be used for so mauy different Govern
ment purposes, will probably be the largest
and finest public building in the country out
side Of Washington and New York.
THE PRESIDENCY
for 1872 seems to be settled as nearly as it is
possible for earthly things to be settled, in ia
ror Of General Grant. Feeble efforts have
been made by dissatisfied republicans to in
dace Boutwell,, Sumner, Trumbull and others
to take the field against him, but they have
signaily failed. The democratic party is SO
thoroughly disorganized that it would seem
organize sufficiently to present a bold and
solid front in the next Presidential contest.
Its leading men can agree upon nothing.
THE VICE PRESIDENCY
Is apparently unsettled, but we have it from
the very best authority, that Colfax will be
nominated, and that he will not refuse to al
low his name on the ticket. His health ap-
pears good, and as the duties Of the Vice
Presidency are light, and the position very
honorable, Mr.. Colfax can well fill it. Should
he decline we can see no one who would stand
better chance to succeed him than Speaker
Blaine. 1t would be deserved tribute to a
adopted State.
MR.. HALE,
who is one of the youngest and most popular
of Congressman, Gas you are probably aware
is next Wednesday morning to be united in
the bonds of matrimony to Miss Minnie, the
only daughter Of Senator Chandler, of Mich
igan. The ceremony will take place at the res
idence of the Senator and is to be private
affair. After its conclusion, the same even
ing, reception will be held, and the follow
ing day the bridal couple will start for Maine
to visit Mr.. Hale's family. On their return
to Washington they will reside with the family
of the brides father.
THE NEW ATTORNEY GENERAL,
Ex-senator Williams of Oregon, does not
take his position until the 10Th OF January.
II Is good appointment. Though Gen. vii.
lams is not man of extraordinary abilities.
yet he is sufficiently able to sustain himself
in the position, and his administration of the
duties will be popular. What Attorney Gen.
eral Akerman will do is not known TO the
public.
THE esyIL SERVICE COMMISSION
has at last, aNter long sitting, concluded it,
lsbors and pvesvnsed its report to the Presi.
dent What lis Ggslgzons are remain as yet
unknown; but it is known that they have
abandoned tenure Of Office for life or during
good behavior. The principal thing con-
sidered by them has been the question of ex-
aminations Of candidates for Office. Their
greatest difficulty has been to fix the limit of
examinations. TO de tide who should and who