Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1872-03-27
FROM THE NATIONAL CAPITAL.


Washington, D. c., March q, 1872
Editor Republican :
The Japan csc Embassy that arrived here
a couple OF weeks ago have been the rage
ever since, and given occasion to any mum
Der of receptions, parties, &c, where they
have been duly stared at, but hardly ad
mired The gentlemen composing the en-
bassy, facetiously called "the wise men OF the
East ale not what may be termed either
good looking or intelligent looking, in fact
they are almost the reverse in both cases,
but they seem, nevertheless, to be very anx-
ious to obtain knowledge OF al i our inst-
buttons, and have visited all the Depart
msnt-, Congress and other places, and have
enquired into everything, with seemingly
great interest. Innumerable anecdotes OF
heir queer acts and habits are in circula-
ton and afford great amusement at the eX-
pense of the innocent "Japs," only one or
two of which understand English, imper
fectly.
As the time for the political conventions
draws near, the excitem ent in political
matters increases, and it cannot be denied
that, however little Importance is attached,
in republican circles, to the Cincinnati con-
vention, the event is looked forward to
with no little interest. 1t is: only in the
IL al ho
dissatisfied Republicans that the convention
will be of any significance whatever, and
| such an event, in any view, is not at all
likely to happen. First, the Democrats
would not be apt 70 join unless respectable
number of Republicans could be found op-
posed TO the party in power; and, secondly,
| the Democrats would not be likely to dis
miss their whole party organization, and
bring discomfort, and disharmony in their
own ranks, for the sake of joining in move
ment the result of which is of little doubt
Within the last few days it has been given
out that Senator Sumner has accepted an
| Invitation to preside over the Cincinnati
convention; this has been again denied, but
on the other side it is stated, on authority,
| that Mr. Sumner will attend the convention.
and has given notice that, while he will not
support any Democrat for President, he will
not support either the re- nomination or re-
election of General Grant, and has begged
| his col league, Mr.. Wilson, to prevail upon
the President entirely to withdraw his name
for the nomination, rs that event will only
result in the disruption of the Republican
party.
Meanwhile the Democrats arc ''play ing
possum" 10 perfection. Every enc of them
is unapproachable on the subject of politics,
and, inside and outside CT Congress, are as
quiet and silent as corpse.
Congress is plodding its way along slow
ly, without seemingly making any progress
in any direction. No laws of any publc
interest have as yet been adopted, anG
every thing seems to chang fire, and await
the dev elopment of events The different
Investigations, of which there are half doz-
sp going on, awaken but little interest, as
they have generally been pretty well ven.
tilated before they reached the committees
No turn in the investigation can give the
public favorable impression of the New
York Custom House, and the French arms
humbug, exploded before the investigation
commenced. 1t is to be regretted that the
bill for the extension of the st. Croix Land
Grant failed, but the Congressional delega.
ton from Wisconsin have the satisfaction
of knowing that it was for no lack of exer.
ton on their part; Messrs. Hazelton and
Eldridge worked very hard and if they had
had few active supporters among those
who ought to have taken an interest in the
matter, they might ha re succeeded
The correspondence cards." so long anG
favorably known in Europe, are at last tc
be introduced in this country, if Congr es
will adopt the resolution now before it, a
the instance of the P. NJ. Gen. They hav,
met with favor in all European countries
but have, singularly enough, not yet found
their way hither-
st. PatrickS day was celebrated here OF
the 18th, by visit of about 5000 Irishmer
from the neighboring city of Baltimore in
Guiding several benevolent and temperance
societies they peraded the streets anC
made n very fine appearance. The day
passed pleasantly, and without any of thost
disturbances that, unfortunately, 50 OTTER
| mar such occasions w