The Portland daily press., 1876-02-18

ssruay 10 facilitate the transit of merchandise
from the Dominion Of Canada through sbe ter
rtory of the United States provides bv legal
provisions, for precisely what was souobt last
spring through regulations of the Treasury De-
partment under existing law, which, as was
claimed by Senator Morrill, and Representative
Blaine were fully authorized by the statute.
1t will be remembered that Hon. Geo. w, True
Surveyor of Portland aided especially BY Sena-
tor Morrill, spent some time in Washington last
spring upon this question. The bill of Mr..
Conkling, in all probability has some connec-
tion with the agitation then begun. Serious
opposition will probably bs encountered
from the friends of the frontier collec-
tors, whose profitable stationery speculation
the sale of BLANKS at profit of two thousand
per cent-wil be npped in the bud il this bill
becomes law. There is no doubt but that the
whole Maine delegation will join in pressing
the bill to its passage. Probably no port 10 the
country has more direct interest in this bill
than does Portland-and her citizeps should
see to it that the proper represe ntatons of her
interests are made to Congress.
The compulsory pilotage bill of Mr.. Hale has
been considered in the House Committee on
much opposition from the pilot interests along
the coast s,uth of Cape Col If it goes
through the House it will be through tho unit
ed efforts of the New England delegation who
are determined that it shall succeed and that
that unjust tax upon our commerce shall be
abolished There will be no trouble with it in
the Senate-as the bill passed that body, dur
ing the last session through the labors of Sena-
tor Hamln
The Maine delegation are unusually active
this session. especially in behalf of New Eng
land commercial interests. The bill of Mr.
Frye for the payment of Alabama claims as
fast as awarded is in direct keeping with the
two above mentioned, and one in which Port.
land is also more or less interested.
The presidential nomination is the question
of the present time in this city. There is no
Disgusting the fact that Blaine is fast gaining
ground, especially in the West and Northwest.
Kansas friend has just informed US that at
least three-fourths of the Republican journals
of that state favor his nomination, and have SO
declared, while the people are on his side in
even greater proportion-and what is true of
Kansas is true of Nebraska, Iowa and Mime
sofa, while Wisconsin and Michigan are little
If any behind the states already enumerated
in his behalf. AS arule the leading Journals
in the larger cities of these extreme western
states are silent on the presidential nomina-
ton, but the less prominent papers in the
rural districts have spoken almost unanimously
in his favor These latter, refscting as they
do the sentiments of the people, Independent
of any political influence, are more indicative
of popular preference than are the more ex-
tensivelv circulated journals of the cities.
Straws indicate the direction of the wind
The Democrats of the House are very sensi-
tive on the financial question, as indicated by
the result of the vote on Mr.. Hae's resolu-
tion of Monday declaring the financial prin-
ciples of Congress. The Democrats cut it off
in its incipient stages by refusing to suspend
the rules and vote upon its passage They have
been caucussing for more time and Mr.. Hale
took this highly ingenious method of finding
out whether any we'll defined party purpose
had been developed. The result indicates that
the Democracy are still swashing about in the
fog and in the mud, financially. They are evil
IDENTIFY trying to ascertain the probable effect
OF an attempt to resuscitate the apparent de.
funct artificial infant, popularity, or rather ,sn-
popularity known as the rag baby.
Judge Goddard, who has been spending some
days in Washington, left for home a day or
two since.
Washington has been favored with spring.
like winter, with scarcely week of cold wealth.
er since November A violent storm of last
night is just now clearing off quite cold.
The whiskey ring trials have caused consid-
cradle speculation and discussion, especially
that of Gen. Babcock. Few persons seem to
understand the difficulties under which these
men are tried, and if man is acquitted of the
charges against him by Missouri jury, it viii
be for the reason that he has absolutely proved
his innocence beyond the shadow of ques-
tion, while his conviction would by no means
establish the fact of his guilt beyond reason
able doubt
A trial of Republican, especially one con-
nected with the present administration is as
one-sided as would have been trial of Neal
Dow for an alleged misdemeanor, by a Jury
composed Of the o.d-time rGmsellers Of Maine,
in the time of their greatest wrath coIss-
quent upon his efforts for their over
throw If Babcock is not found guilty,
ne will certainly have proved himself
second George Washington in honesty Even
disagree ment of the jury cannot be cousid-
cred less than au ordinary acquittal. 1t is the
almost universal opinion here among friends
and enemies that the prosecution has failed to
make out case. MNoT.