The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1876-04-19
WASHINGTON CORRESPONDENCE,
WASHINGTON, }
April 8, 1865

April 8, 1859 /
EDITOR DEMOCRAT
A Republican member Of Congress,
Who is understood to be in the coun-
ills of the White House Ring, said,
yesterday, in my hearing, that if the |
Democrats could carry. New York
State, they would select the next
President; but that they would have
to do some pretty tall work to accom-
plish that end, as the administration
would show them before they get
through. This simply means that
the Custom House, Navy Yard, Post
Office and Internal Revenue service
in that State, backed by the immense
sums Of money that are now being
upon Republican ofice-hol-
ders all over the country, will be used
to aid the Republican nominee. tits
more and more evident, every day,
that New York is to be the great
battle ground. Forewarned, fore
armed.
LEAKY SENATORS TO BE BROUGHT TO
~ BOOK.
Just now the Senate Is greatly ex-
ercised over the publication of its
transactions in executive session.
Executive sessions are held almost
daily, for action upon Presidential
nominations and foreign treaties; the
doore being closed, and none but GER
tain sworn officers of the Senate be-
ing allowed to be present. The Sen
ators are pledged to secrecy; and yet,
in spite of all precautions, scarcely an
executive session is held of which the
proceedings are not published to the
world on the following day by enter
prising news gatherers. This con-
traband information comes, ofcourse,
from certain Senators; and who these
leaky Senators are it is the duty Of
the Committee on Privileges and
Elections to find out. As rule, the
information referred to is drawn out
by the reporters from different Sena-
tors. All the shrewd news m an
wants is clue; and if, perchance, he
can obtain this clue from a good-na-
tured Senator, he is sure ofgetting at
"bottom facts He learns, for in
stance, that the Senate, in executive
session, considered the nomination Of
John Smith to be Post Master of Bos-
ton or New York. Familiarity with
passing events enables him to judge
by whom the nomination will be fa-
vored, and by whom opposed, Gas, for
instance, in the case of r. H. Dana,
and straightway he calls upon an in
different Senator, and very cautiously
sounds him. lie does not, by any
manner of means, begin by asking,
What did you do in executive ses.
sion today because the answer
would he laugh, and, II am sorry,
hut am not at liberty to divnlge
what is done in executive session"
On the contrary, he begins:
Il hear that Senator - made q
violent speech to-day, against the
confirmation Of Smith,"
"Indeed! who told you 500" que
ries the Senator.
"Well," returns the willy newsman,
81 heard it from several sources; and
I know that two or three correspon'
dents intend to telegraph to their pa
pers to that effect, tonight" This
of course, is pure fiction simply tc
provoke the interviewed Senator, into
a communicative mood.
"Well, I can say this much" re
plies the Senator, "that Senator - -
did not make violent speech in op
position to the confirmation of Smith
He made moderate speech, oppo
sing Smiths confirmation solely or
the ground that although he is mar
Of good moral character, he is not the
choice of the people of
eyes," replies the interviewer, 'bu'
didn't he charge Smith with having
once failed in business under suspic
ious circumstances?''
''He simply referred to the mat
ter" responds the Senator, "sayinl
that he was unacquaiuted with tn
particulars, but that the Senat
ought to inquire into the matter
before declining upon Smiths case.
| "Who urged his confirmation? ?
asks the reporter, growing holder
Senators 49,, aud
made speeches in his favor"
"What are the prospects of his cor
firmation, Senator?"