The Portland daily press., 1873-02-14
Letter from Augusta.
AUGUSTA, Feb. 10, 1873.
THE LOBBY.

To the Editor of the Pres:
The uninitiated might think there was no
lobby here this winter. There is very little
visible button-holng. Lobbying, like every
thing else, has its fashions, and the fashion
this year is decidedly favorable to decency.
The ''style' is to lie low at your hotel and
work through few chosen instruments in
the Senate and House, whose activity in
matters of special legislation appears to be
accounted for by their public spirit and devo-
ton to the interests of their constituents.
The professional lobbyists who are here this
winter do not deny themselves the pleasure
of lookingin on the Legislature in friendly
way and listening to the eloquence of its de-
bates, but they are there simply as disinter-
ested spectators. They are rarely seen to
speak to member at such times. They have
all cultivated an expression of countenance
which is made up of exalted benevolence
and childlike simplicity. The look reminds
you at the same moment of a judge of pro-
bate, the trustee of benevolent society, the
late George Peabody and Mr.. Pickwick. And
they are fat to man with one conspicuous
exception, who is too active, lively and YER
satile to accumulate flesh. 1t would do you
good to see them beam ON the Senate of a
forenoon. The world seems better and hap
pier, for having such cheerful beings in it.
1t is a trick of the guild to look innocent, as
it is Of the Catholic clergy to look pitilessly
arrogant and undertakers to look solemn.
And why shouldn't they look innocent !?
They want nothing wrong" they only de-
sire that things "should take their usual
course, and that everything should be ''hon-
orable aud aboveboard." How sweetly they
must sleep o nights! What dreams of heav-
emily peace must nightly visit their pillows!
There is not a dyspeptic looking man in the
whole corps-a sure sign that all their con-
sciences are serene. None Of these men will
ever die naturally-they will be translated.
oRAToRY.
/ happened to be in the House the other
day when its usual calm was broken by
little debate. Hatch of Bangor begun it, in
opposition to the pending measure. A tall,
thin, pale man is Mr.. Hatch, with gold
bowed spectacles and an air of having the re-
sponsibility of several empires on his hands.
Mr.. Hatch disclaims all pretensions to ora
torical ability, but aside from an insufficient
voice he has no reason to think meanly of
his efforts That he too often takes con-
sentative view OF things is perhaps not to be
wondered at in man of his years and long
official experience.
all I1,o oy@
the bow of his neck-tie under his left ear and
his voice moderated to kind of low, monot-
onous chant, Mr.. Corthell made speech that
was really inspiring. 1t was full of enlight-
ened feeling and intelligent thought, and was
! every way in marked contrast with most of
the speeches hitherto made during the session
Mr.. CortEell is the Coming man. of the Leg
| islature of 1873 beyond any sort of question.
| His powers as debater are superior to those
| of any other member, old or new. Many
think that he makes grave mistake in
pressing the uniformity business at this
session, but no one doubts his personal hon
or and sincerity. Whether the Legislature
of this year finally does anything to restore
| the efficiency of our educational system or
not, the gratitude of all intelligent men will
be due to Dingley, Harrington, Chaplin and
| Corthell, who have used their hest endeavors
to excite the interest and arouse the con-
science of men who count the cost of the
bread of life, while they throw away thous-
ands without thought on private jobs and
claims that come unsupported even by a
trumpery Statement Of facts" But I di-
gress. Next came Knowlton of Skowhegan
with his objections to the bill-Knowlton
whose candor and excellent reputation often
carry the House his way in spite Of the argu
ments and eloquence of Dingley and Corthell
A shrug of the shoulders from the autocra
of Madawaska and a needful word in supper
of The bill from the ever-watchful Weeks, o
Augusta, close the debate. But if you wisl
for real enjoyment wait till some day when
ARoosTooK MAKES A DEAD SET
for an appropriation for some road or bridge
Then YOU will see not only steady, consci
entious work, but harmony among brethren
such as you never saw before! Suppose al
approximation for a road is wanted. FRS
rises the far-famed Weed of Littleton, firm
foot, strong of hand, with hair rising
up from massive Websterian brow lik'
the rank vegetation of a jungle, ant
/ WIN an iron irmness of expression tha'
} SHOWS ne is not man to be trifed with
l 'Sn retiring man at all, this Mr.. Weed
t n"ieS with all the other Aroostool
p ao,, tei'aln absence of modesty and re
sa ~ sna' w. = quite charming. Weed show
now the allairs OF such portions of the mi
verse as we are acquainted with binoe .,
: this road Then comes to his aid tha s go. ~
:, tic Randall from Island Falls, carrv;,a s"n y,
e before him by dint of pure beef. He of MaG
awaska confirms with Partisan viyac,tv fl