The Portland daily press., 1871-08-18

WASHINGTON, d. c., Aug. 18th, 1871.
POLITICAL PROSPECTS,.


Washington Letter.
WASHINGTON, d. c., Aug 18th, 1871.
POLITICAL PROSPECTS.
Most persons here who study the signs of
the times, set the Pine Tree State down as
sure to lead the Republican column. 1t NAV
be encouraging to workers among you to read
brief diagnosis of the Situation" as it looks
from this stand point. Your correspondent
is abe from the position he occupies to give
pretty clear idea of how matters are going
elsewhere. So far, there has been pref
ty steady progress in favor of Republican
principles and policy, with fair prospect of
its continuance.
First, Among the reasons which have tend
ed to bring this about is clearer apprehen-
sion of the position and character of the
President and of the administration which he
controls more than any man in it, and with
the exception perhaps of Gov. Boutwell,, more
than all others in it. Nay, it may be truthful
Iy claimed that all its salient features are so
far the result of the Presidents initiative
The benifcent Ihdian policy. and the peace
full and sagacious treaty of Washington, were
equally the suggestions of Gen. Grant. This
is beginning to be seen, and it is also under
stood that the repressive yet eminently paci-
ic KuKlux legislation and the measures pur
sued under it, have had his active concurrence
and counsel all through. There is undoubt-
eddy strong personal antagonism to General
Grant on the part of several very prominent
public men in his own party, and the sh adow
of their names has been used to hide and
| dwarf the Presidents. But Time that
"proves all things" is indicating his capacity
| and character.
Second, The successful issue of Gov. Bout
ellis financial administration, is doing very
much to strengthen the Administration and
make still more popular the Executive.
Third, Democratic folly and crime, as in
the past, is largely made to serve the right
The New Departure" which like bob-taed
horse in meadow during fly time, tries to
get between other horses in order that their
tails may brush the flies off him and is left in
the lurch by their moving away; like that,
this last dodge is failure and proves "hat,
stale and improbable" as a political dodge
Then the KuKlux atrocities are shown to be
such horrible and bloody realities, that the
| natural reaction has come and the old feeling
of distrust and dread of pro-rebel intentions
is stirring Republicans out of selfcomplacent
| lethargy.
THE SOUTHERN STATE ELECTIONS.
In saving North Carolina, we have really
saved the South. 1t was the strongest point
OF the line, in whosoever's possession il might
be. True, the fight against the calling OF a
convention, enlisted some Democratic sup
port; partly because it was believed the
HI mestead would be destroyed if it was sue.
cessfu, and more because it was certain in
such an event to bring about collision with
the general government. The policy which
aided to produce this result, has largely tend
ed to show the Ku-Klux leaders that they
must not push their terrorism too far, as the
government comprehends quite we'll that an
other revolutionary attempt is masked behind
it.
The only other Southern elections of i'm
portance are those of Louisiana, Mississippi
and Texas-the first fol State officers, the
second for Legislature and county officers, and
the third for Congr essmen.
There are some well grounded fears of los
ing Lnniai~re, -o-irs- to tire divisions. Yet
the regular convention managers believe they
will beat Yarmouth and the Democrats boGh.
In Mississippi the Republicans are aptive and
earnest They claim that their majority will
be nearly 10000. The prospects in Texas are
ed for next year by 1000 Republican MAORI
ty.
THE NORTHERN STATES.
Elections are held there in the following
order: California and Maine, in September,
Pennsylvania, Ohio and Iowa in October,
Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York,
Illinois, and Wisconsin in November. OF
these the latter elect only Congressman
at large and State Treasurer. New York
elects only the Sec. of State and some minor Of
ficers, the House and one half the State Senate
Pennsylvania elects two State officers and
Legislature, and the balance elect full State
tickets.
AS TO CHAnCES.
The following is the Counting:
Republican: Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Missis-
sippi, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Ohio and
Wisconsin-S.
Democratic; Texrs 2: California /.
Doubtful: California (Which also involves
Congressmen,j Louisiana, New Jersey, New
York and Texas:-5.
Democratic: Maryland:1.
west Verginia votes in October on the call
ing of constitutional Convention, the chief
point in which is the removal by the State of
rebel disabilities a question OF no national
significance.
There depends upon these elections, the
political character of nine State Executives,
these of twelve State Legislatures, all of whom
have to re-district their states under the new
apportionment, and nine of whom will be
called before their term ceases to elect u. S.
Senators. Eight Congressional seats are also
dependent on the results. 1t is believed that
these elections will terminate as to Represent
atives as follows:
Republican: Illinois l.; Texas California
l.
Doubtful: Texas 1; California L.
In Ohio we shall have more than usually
spirited canvass and large victory. Prospects
are more than fair in Pennsylvania and near
ly as much so in New Jersey. The battle
has fairly begun all along the lines aud the
probabilities are excellent. Don't flag in
Maine. SpEcTAToR.