The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1876-05-19
WASHINGTON LETTER.
WASHINGTON, d. G., May IS, 1876.

WASHINGTON, IL. u, mhy ~, io'o'
There is Just now a marked stiffness in po-
litical affairs much like that death like calm
which often precedes the most violent storms.
The attitude of the two great political par
ties is like that of a couple of tigers about
to engage in deadly combat. Both crouched
upon the ground with glaring eyes, each
frame quvering with intense emotion,
and each ready and anxious upon the slight
est movement of the other to make the dead
ly spring. That this will be one of the
warmest political contests shat has ever been
waged in this country think is unquestion-
able Pending the coming strife the people
in this locality seem bent upon enjoying
themselves. Picnics have not yet come into
vogue, the weather IA yet being much too
cold for such delightful amusements But
May balls and dancing parties are all the
rage with the bellies and beaux, while gen.
tlemen of more nervous and active temper
of the turf Last week was prolific of ex-
citement in series of trotting matches at
Brightwood Park. And this week will wit
ness some fine running under the auspices
of the newly organized Jockey Club. Quite
number of fine horses are already Assem-.
bled and are in training for the stakes. The
Fitzhugh affair is approaching crisis and
will in all probability be determined to-day
by his resignation. On Saturday the House,
after lengthy discussion of resolution
presented by Mr.. White of Kentucky, in
structed the Committee on Rules to inquire
into the conduct of Doorkeeper Fitzhugh
referring the whole matter to that committee
and requested them to report at once 1t is
number of aspirants for the Presidential
nomination and such diversity of opinion
among the 'knowing ones" as to who will
be the man. Blaine seems at present to be
the favorite of the Republicans, and Thur
man that Of the Democracy. The Boston
IKatchmaa says the better sentiments of the
people will control the national parties or it
will create an independent party to execute
its will. The independent voters are no
longer helpless, they hold the balance of
power and will support no man for office
'ChoSe character is blsmiskcd even By suspicion,
If the latter part of this be true the Demo-
cratic party may feel assured of tire support
of the Independent element, for as things at
present appear the Republican party may
be searched in vain for candidate whose
record does not afford at least fair ground
for rational suspicion. Grant, it may be
supposed, selected the abest and the best his
party afforded to aid him in the administra-
tiOn of the government, and what an array
of political tricksters, corrupt officials, and
dishonest men generally do they present
Custer has been reduced to Lieutenant Col,
and the Boston Post wants to know if Fred
Grant will be made General. And in al
luding to this the New York Express says :
following the removal of Henderson, the es-
cape of Babcock, the frightening away of
Marsh to Canada and the eager acceptance
OF Belknap's resignation, the Custer affair
unfortunately gives color to the belief that
Grant is more interested in furnishing the
prosecutors than the prosecuted The Gus
WIN llouSC Ntlc IulOIlllcu lIdI llt
jewels sent to Gen. Sherman daughter by
the Khedive Of Egypt are to be re-exported
to Europe in June by Daniel Morgan & Co.,
the consignees, as otherwise they might be
sold at auction to pay the duties. The Sen
ate has exempted them from duty but the
House will not concur. But for the timely
interpositon OF Tom Scott the country would
have been afforded the extraordinary specta
Gle of the entire body of Congress paying its
way to the Centennial like any other com.
mon individual. The Chicago Tribune says
Mr.. Hinkley, of the Philadelphia, Washing
ton e. Baltimore Railroad, refused to dead
head that august body, but Mr.. Tom Scott
seeing a favorable opportunity to put in /
telling stroke, came promptly to the rescue
with two free trains over a roundabout route
The Congressman saved their fare and the
great Pennsylvania lobbyist has placed the
whole body under obligations. RENO.