The New Orleans Democrat. (New Orleans, La.) 1875-1876, 1875-12-31
WASHINGTON, Dec. 20, 1876.

| WASHINGTON, Dec. ~, 1876.
Since the adjournment Of Congress
for the holidays Washington has pre-
sented q very dull and embarrassing
appearance. The damp, cloudy and
gloomy weather has rendered IL even
more unpleasant, and from present
appearances there Is but little prospect
Of change either In tho monotony OF the
place or tho character Of the weather
until after the return Of the absent
Congressmen on the 9TH Of January.
The presence Of such a large number
Of Southern and Western
DEMOCRATIC MEMBERS
In the House Of Representatives., and
the very small majority OF Republican
Senators, have ALREADY inangurated a
revolution In the control Of the Govern
inent second only TO that which swept
over the country and destroyed the
power OF the Republican party In States
where IL had reigned supreme for fifteen
years past. The political sceptre has
been wrestcd from the hands OF the
Eastern States and given to the
SOUTH AND WEST,
and IN future the power and destinies OF
this Government will be welded and di-
fectod by that section Of the country
which heretofore has played u subordi-
nate part. But the times are changed
and 1.-The bottom rail Is on top" This
fact Is fully recognized by the entire
press OF the North and East. Their
comments upon the
COMMITTEES or THE HOUSE
indicate how keenly they feel the sud-
den change that has taken place In the
political aspect of the country.
The more closely and deliberately the
complexion Of Speaker Kerr's commit
tees Is examined, the more cause Is
there for congratulation on the excel
lence OF his appointments. Because he
has brought a few
NEW MEN TO THE FRONT
and ignored the pretensions Of some as
piring and over-confidcnt old members,
Mr.. Kerr has subjected himself to the
sharp criticism OF some OF the friends
OF the disappointed and of the Republi-
can papers. But the honest, unpreju-
diced and really patriotic accord TO him
the highest praise for his wise discre-
ton and his entire success In giving sat
isfaction to the people.
To have acted us boldly, fcarlcssly
and independently as Mr.. Kerr did, by
overlooking Mr.. Fernando Wood in
making up the committees, required u
man Of will aud determination not often
found In politicians. But Mr.. Kerr, In
his own mind, was satisfied that the
New York member was not the man for
the leadership OF the House, and he did
not hesitate to act in accordance with
his convictions. Mr.. Woods blunder in
the management Of 5uE
THE LOUISIANA QUESTION,
on the first day of the session, was
sufficient to demonstrate his unfitncss
for a leader who would have to cope
with such accomplished parliamenta-
rians and experienced politicians as
Blaine, Garfield and Wheeler, on the
Republican side Of the House.
Mr.. Morrison, who was selected, In
preference to Mr. Wood, as Chairman
Of tho Committee on Ways and Means,
liz an intelligent gentleman, u shrewd
and successful politician, and with an
unspotted reputation for honesty and
integrity. He Is not celebrated as an
orator, but he possesses u quality far
more useful In II member, and that Is, q
hard working committeeman. Our own
we'll known and efficient Representa-
tive in former times, the
HON. EMILE LA SERE,
was not talking member, and his
fame was not acquired through his elo-
quence. But we all know how power
full was his influence, both In Congress
and with the President; and We all
know how successful he was in secur-
ing all the legislation he desired for his
State and his people. l imagine Mr..
Morrison will disappoint the predic-
tons Of his opponents and will yet
prove the wisdom Of Mr. Kerr's APP
pointment. At any rate let us give him
a chance, and not condemn him until
he has had a trial. In talking with the
various Congressman, who have given
the question any consideration, find
the impression seems to be general that
COL. SPENCER WILL BE ADMITTED,
and at an early day. Even M ORGY
has expressed himself satisfied
that he would not be able to retain his
seat. The Committee on Elections is
composed, and l think there
is no doubt Of majority report in favor
OF Spencer. rnG .atfas.i.} .1gf aa-tsf i
It is conceded that II the State Con-
to assemble on the 5th OF jan
uary, A'-
TF PETITION TO CONGRESS
in a strong, specific and detailed review
Of the Kellogg usurpation, the legal
right of the McEnery government and
the true nature and meaning Of the
Wheeler compromise, together with the
action Of the last Congress in seating
and Lawrence, and the failure
of the Senate to recognize Pinchback
as Senator, the Louisiana question will
thus be placed before Congress in such
0 form that it cannot be longer ignored
or passed over. An opportunity will
then be presented for the Northern
Democrats to show how they stand and
y