Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1877-01-16
WASHINGTON LETTER..

ofJauuaEy meeting here was greater success
than the press dispatches disclosed. It was
not as large in number other meetings on
the same day, because there was no building
here that would hold those who wished to
attend. But the enthusiasm was great, the
speeches were excellent and the effect upon
Congress good. Mr.. Wattersou. of Kentucky,
who, by the way, is a,native. of this city, made
the principal speech. Mr.. William W.
Corcoran, who is much spoken of as Mr.. Til
denis Secretary of the Treasury, was one of
the Vice Presidents.
In the Senate yesterday, Senator Sherman
defended the Returning Board of Louisiana.
IF Senator S. could see in Ohio the kind of
political control that the people of Louisiana
suffer from, I do not think he would rest
quietly under it. While he was speaking in
the Senate, the intelligent people of Louis
iana-aImost all the people, apparently
were driving out the carpet Dagger and riff
raft elements which had stolen the State
government Everything seemed to BIO done
peacefully and lawfully, and there was no
blood shed, and if Governor Nichols pro-
ceeds thus prudently and judiciously to the
end, no power on earth can prevent the re-
cognition of his government. Blood-shed,
however, would give an excuse for President
Grant to repeat the Interference and tyranny
of 1874 and this, it is hoped. will be avoid
ed. Senator Bogy replied briefly to Senator
Sherman, and promised a full reply hereafter.
The House and Senate also passed unani-
mousy bill abolishing the Police Board of
th. District. The Board had long been pres
sided over by the editor of the Republican and
the President was anxious to keep him in
power, but he will hardly veto bill passed
unanimously, as this was. The House to-
day commenced an investigation of the
Board. The Republican man will probably
get new place.
Senator Bayard is hopeful of good results
from the committees of the Senate and House
on the counting of the Electoral vote. Like
all the other members, he is reticent as to the
proceedings of the committee but it is known
that he has plan which has been, or will be,
submitted for action. Other members of the
committee are increasingly hopeful.
The report is Just received here of the
nomination of Lyman Trumbull by the DEM
ocrats of Illinois, for Senator. This gives
the Legislature a chance to choose between
Trumbull and Logan. There ought to be
no doubt of the result. 1t is a choice be-
tween a bitter partizan on one side and an
eminent Conservative on the other, and these
are times chat require conservative states
manship.
Business IN some of the burcaux of the
government is practically suspended. Wheth
or this is due to the uncertain term of life
of the clerks, or to tho ineffciency of gov
eminent officers, or to both, do not pre-
tend TO say. But the fact is as stated, and
is the subject of common remark among
those in position to know. Senator Morton
said, two years ago, that we had "the best
civil service OF the planet" bat evidently it
was not formed for this particular time.
Nothing has been developed yet showing
improper use of money in the Oregon Eiec
toral case, though Senator Morton still pro-
tcsses himself satisfied that the proof will be
forthcoming. The attempt was to connect
President Tlden with tho payment of money
for the benefit Of Gov. Grover. The Senator
evidently reasoned from knowledged of what
lie would have done, rather than from just
appreciation of Mr.. Tilden's character.
Connected with the Oregon case tho Sen
ate is considering the advisability Of compel
ling a telegraph operator to disclose the con-
tents of a message sent through him. The
House has a similar question on hand, and
each body is holding back for the other to
take the lead
There is every prospect that the Pension
bill giving IS 90 month to soldiers of the
Mexican, Black Hawk and Semiole wars,
which passed tho House several days since,
will pass the Senate. An efficient committee
of veterans is working for the bill. MEMO.