The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1874-08-18
Written for The Spirit Of Democracy
FROM WASHINGTON COUNTY.

Written for The Spirit of Democracy)
FROM WASHINGTON COUNTY.
MARIETTA, O., August IL, 1874.
Ed Spirit: Save rumpus now and
then among the spiritua! class OF our fel-
our city is unusually quiet
and monotonous The dry weather, how
ever, having passed away and copious
showers of rain are again blessing US, bu'
siness is again assuming gratifying pro
portions, and bids fair to equal tbat OF
preceding years. s d,
Now that the season for Conventions
and elections is drawing near, POLITICAL
matters form the prevailing topic of con-
vcrsation. and both parties, Democratic
and Republican. seem determined to make
the contest of 1874 warm one.
As regards the election Of August lo,
which is to decide the fa:e Of the New
Constitution, very little is said or done,
for or against Many Of our best citi-
zens favor its adoption, ,while,o Jon the other
hand, many oppose it. As far as have
been able to learn, comparatively few in
this county, outside the city, will vote tor
the New Constitution Some oppose it
because, they say, the old one is good
enough others, on the ground OF In
creased taxation, and these facts, taken In
connection with the opposing influence of
both our county papers, establishes the
truth of what has already been intimated,
that Washington County will vote against
the New Constitution. @ .G>
Next in,order is the Democratic Con.
gressional Convention of the 18th Dis
trict, to be held in this city September 2
Judging from what has already been ex.
pressed and from the preparations made
for the Convention, it is likely to be the
most imposing and interesting one held
in this District for years. Several dis
tinguished gentlemen have already been
named in connection with the candidacy,
prominent among whom are Hon. W. H.
Oldham, of Washington, and Hon. James
Watson, of Monroe. Mr.. Oldham Is we'll
known to the people of Eastern Ohio as
a man OF unquestionable character and
ability. A life devoted to the interests of
the Democratic party entities him an ap-
propriate consideration at their hands !;
while his ability eminently qualities him
for any position. ..aW "~'
Mr.. Watson's services and ability as
Representative of Monroe, and his well
known character for honesty and integ
rity, renders him an available candidate
for the Democracy Of the 18th District.
With either of these gentlemen as the
Democratic candidate, nothing but apathy
and carelessness on the part Of the De-
mocracy would save the Republicans
from defeat this fall. Let US see: In
1872 Hon w P. Sprasue, Republican
candidate for Congressin this District,re-
ceived majority Of 99l votes At that
election, four out ofthe five counties COM
posing the District gave Republican ma
jori,ies. as follows: > Athens 944, Meigs
1928, Morgan 1876 and Washington 3SS,
making majority in the four counties of
2,751 for Mr. Sprague. Monroe at that
election, polled light vote, giving only
l760 majority for Mr.. Hudson, the Dem
ocratic candidate, leaving net Republi-
can majority in the District of 99l.
Having the majorities Of each Of the
counties of our District on the vote of
1872 before US, let US go still further and
speak of the possibilities of 1874 Wash
ington County with popular candidate
will give, say 800 Democratic majority z;
Monroe will wheel into line with 1900
majority, and Morgan will bring up the
rear with 200 majority, making in all g.
500 Democratic majority in the three
counties. Now we will give Athens and
Meigs their full majorities of 1872, 2,167,
and we still have Democratic majority
in the District of 333. 1t is altogether
likely the Republicans, knowing the cam
paign will be hotly contested, will bring
forward their best man. Mr.. Sprague's s
"Salary Grab" foretells his destruction in
Convention, and the nomination will be
given more popular man. A judicious
choice on the part Of the Democracy in
sures success, and the 18th District once
Democratic, may be declared permanent.
ly so.
Let the victory of Gov. Allen be an in
centive to action. Late telegraphic dis
patches announce to us that Democracy
sweeps Tennessee and North Carolina
like a whirlwind. Kentucky responds
with an increased Democratic majority,
Itis plain that the Congressional honors
of the 18th District will be conferred on
a Democrat this fall. The people await
the action of the Convention of Septem.
Der 2. e7-! -, h.
The Beecher scandal affords an inter-
csting topic for gossip here now. You
hear it discussed on the street corners
and in the family circle, by ladies, gentle
men, ministers, politicians and rousta
bouts, black and white The feeling ex.
listing here against H. Wis very bitter,
and I couldn't say whether zoe will com.
promise With the old gentleman or not. ]
guess not though. s
Several Monroe boys-a delegation
from Mr.. W.F. Wires select school Of
Lebanon, Bethel townsbip-were in the
city last week attending the examination
of teachers. Applicants from the ''darh
hills seldom fail to do honor to them.
selves and Monroe in all examinations
here, thereforeit is morally certain that
the boys, ere this, have received the ".pa
pers" corresponding to their qualifica
tions and are now happy.
Mr.. Wire has the reputation of being 6
fine teacher and scholar, and the people ol
Lebanon and vicinity do well to patron
ize him. ~,
The river is in a fine boating condition
and the freight and passenger packets are
making their trips regularly.
Weather warm. thermometer SOC, ir
the shade. j EW.
Colorado EAcursiOns..G0 West
asa sa. Through Sc. Louis, 3s-
During the Summer Season, the Mrs