The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1876-01-20
Observations Of Our Grafton Cor
respondent While at Washing
ton City.

GRAFTON, January 10.
Editors Of the IntellIgcnccr:
had the pleasure Of spending yester.
day and the day before at the National
Capitol. Political excitement was at fc-
YER heat over the issues involved in the
Amnesty bill offered by Randall, OF Penn
syIvania. Both parties seemed eager for
the fray. The great political battle has
been fought, and each party may well
look over the field and count its lost and
wounded. Viewed as parliamentary
fight, Blaine has won a splendid victory.
He has completely annihilated the enemy.
1t is freely conceded by all parties that
Blaine completely oyerrcached and out
witted Randall. The democrats feel that
they have been led into trap and un-
necessarily sacrificed.
II is possible, however, that Mr.. Blaine
has made a political mistake. 1t Is
thought by many that hc is not in har-
mony with the magnanimous sentiment
Of his republican brethren. Mr.. Blaine
is in favor Of granting full pardon to
all who participated in the rebellion ex-
cept jeff. Davis. Heis fully convinced that
Davis is responsible for the atrocity
and barbarism Of Libby and Anderson
vile, and great and magnanimous as he
is, he does not believe that crimes oil such
magnitude should DO pardoned-Jctt.
Davis, from MIR. Blaine's standpoint, is
not only guilty Of treason but OF cold
bloodet murder. This is Mr.. .Blainos ex-
cuse for Withholding amnesty from jeff.
Davis and if he be correct rs to fact, his
course is not only justifiable, but deserves
The commendation of the civilized world.
The Republican party has no dispose
tion to reopen the questions arising out
Of the late rebellion. These questions
have passed from politics into history,
where by common consent, they should
remain. II Ben Hill and his ilk exper-
ience any peculiar pleasure from the
memory Of their "deeds Of valor," let
them enjoy it; they have nothing else left
TO them. History will do justice to the
brave men of the Union. They are too
brave to be vindictive.
1.-THE soldier braves death for ianciiul wreath,
When In glory's romantic career,
Yet he bends Ger the foe, when In battle laid low
And bathcs every wound with a tear"
We understand Mr.. Blaine to be in
perfect accord with his party. His only
objections to JEFF. Davis being, his re-
sponsibility for the atrocity and crimes
OF Andersonyillc and Libby.
The Democrats made two grand mis-
takes in the fight over this bill. First
Randall should not have had charge OF II
He is laundering demagogue. He
ought TO have seen At aglance that the
bill could not pass as prepared, and nc
cepted Blaine's amendment under protest.
Had he been actuated by sincere desire
TO benefit those requiring the assistance
Of the bill, he would have done so. Their
next mistake wasin permitting Ben Hill
to make aspeech. Hillisone Of the most
indis Greet and intemperate speakers in
the House. 1t is said that his more con-
seryatiyc friends spent most OF the night
before with him imploring him TO refrain
from saying anything that would be Of
,fensiye, But he has furnished the Republ-
can party with most excellent campaign
document. There was great deal oil
grumbling and dissatisfaction among
Democrats at the turn matters took. They
feel that they have met the enemy and
he ia not theirs. The Democrats haven
recognized leader. Indeed they have
very poor material to select one from.
There are but few men oil experience
and ability on that side Of the House.
A very large majority Of them were not
"cut out" for Congressman. They re-
minded me very much Of the Democratic
ticket Of this State OF 1870, which was
nominated to be defeated. Many OF the
Democratic Congressman would have
been refused nominations had 1t been
imagined they could be elected.
Many Of the Republican members are
men OF large experience and unques.
toned ability. The contests in the
House are contests between brain and
numbers. Brain has now the victory on
tho amnesty bill, and is likely to be sue.
cessful whenever and wherever they
come into contact with each other.
l heard Mr.. Boutwelps reply TO Sen.
ator Davis. Itwas very apparent that
our good.natured Senator was trying to