Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1876-12-30
OUR WASHINGTON LETTER.

OUR WASHINGTON LETTER.
Special Correspondence OF the Standard.
Cold Weather at tho Capitalize Fire
Eiend-The Baneful Eject OF the Ex.
listing Presidential Uncertatnty-Sout
Carelina-Wade Hampton's Friends
egon.
WASHINGTON, Dec. Is, 1876.
The cold spell which has prevailed
for the past two or three days, and
still continues somewhat moderated,
has closed the Potomac to naviga-
ton. Boatmen report the river as
an unbroken sheet of ice, as far
down as Maryland P oint-thirty-fve
miles.
The fire-fend, which made its
presence so apallingly felt in Brook
Ign on the 5th inst, appears dis
posed to touch this city with the tip
Of his wing. On Saturday and yes
terday, we had numerous alarms,
but owing to the prompt and efficient
action of our admirably conducted
Fire Department, but little damage
was done. In one instance q loss
of fifteen hundred dollars, and in
another about eight hundred, seems
to have been the extent of damage
from the two most serious confagra-
tons. The baneful effects of the
political uncertainties which seem to
paralyze business throughout the
country, is perceptible even here,
although we never did, nor ever will,
lay claim to any commercial impor-
lance; and if the dullness in the bus
mess circles of this city is a fair in
dication of what is felt in the great
commercial centres, we may look
for failures and suspensions without
number, and crippled condition
that is unprecedented.
The latest advices from South
Carolina state that everything is re-
markable quiet in Columbia, and
that the Democrats are still hope
full. Chamberlain has pardoned
all the state Board OF Canvassers,
who were committed for con-
tempt; and in addition it is said
that Bond, United States Circuit
Judge, has determined to rule that
he has jurisdiction in the case and
will exercise it if necessary. The
Judges of the Supreme Court are
determined to maintain their posi-
ton. This must bring on a conflict
of authority, which will add another
very serious feature to the already
deplorable state of affairs. Where,
in the name Ct all law and prece-
dent, Bond finds authority to inter-
fere in a matter of contempt, it is
difficult to imagine. A commitment
for contempt has always been con-
sideSed an offence which even habeas
corpus, in all its majesty and might,
could not annul; and the interfer-
snce of Bond is only attempted at .
lime and under circumstances, which
cad him to feel that his assump-
ion of power and authority will be
,ountenanced by the Federal Gov
eminent, and enforced by the Fed
sral bayonet. The Congressional
Committee will begin its work to-
lay. There is little doubt that its
members will be able to clearly dem
,nstrate that the Democrats carried
he State, not only for Hampton, but
llso for Tlden. The Committee, il
s thought, will not occupy more
han ten days, and will be able 10
submit its report 10 the House on
is re-assembling after the holi-
lays.
!, A movement is ON foot, in this
;ity, to raise testimonial fund for
General Hampton. Hon. George
the historian, started IL .
ew days ago. with . subscription Of
400. Mr.. W. w. Corcoran fol-
owed with 1000. and Columbus
Alexander responded with 900. Mr..
Bancroft though . Rspublican, no
itically. commsnds ths conduct q
aenssal Hampton il Tie hiehssl
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