Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1877-04-16
LETTER From WASHING TON.
WASHINGTON. d. c., !
April 18th, 1877. !

April 18th, 1917. !
To tie Editor Of the Journal!
The National capital is enjoying q comparative
quiet at present. The strained tension of the
general public, regarding the Presidential ques-
ton, has been relieved and the nation is having
political rest, Notwithstanding some grave ques-
tons yet unsettled. The feeling that the imme-
diate danger is past, and that time will settle tie
remaining disturbing issues, is natural and quite
general. Especially at the capital has the politi-
cal agitation been severely felt. Dependent. as
are most all employed here, upon the Government
for their maintenance. the political horizon was
eagerly and anxously watched each day of the
long period which elapsed subsequent to the cleo
ton. Business of all kinds was in a most deplor-
able condition, real estate unstable, and any
thing like luxury q drug in the market. Now
employees feel comparatively secure for another
term and sre more likely TO spend money or in
vest in property.
Yet, politically speaking, there is much that
might be called chaos remaining. Among
political leaders there is feeling of un-
rest. Both parties watching with great inter-
est the unfolding OF President Hayes pacifcaton
policy, the one side wondering whether he will &C.
cede to all their imperative las it would SEEM de-
mands and thus land only thus secure their CO.
operation should they choose to give it, the other,
studying the plans closely, and anxiously ques-
tioning whether such programme, if carried out,
is a rightful one, aad will result in the good de-
sired.
The imperiousness and political insincerity of
the South in the past, causing such a weight of
trouble and sacrifice to the North, has taught that
section to regard compromises with suspicion.
Compromises, here tofore. have made more trouble
than straight out declarations and actions. No
wonder, then, that, considering the section with
which the North deals, and that the issues are
nearly the same-n restoring southern supremacy
and leadershiI-tle more sagacous and discern.
ing men in the so-called free states are prone to
doubt the wisdom and result. of this new method
or policy.
The action Of the Nichols party in Louisiana
shows that they intend to propose no concession;
to listen to no compromise, nor accept anything
which is not entirely favorable to Nichols This
was the same spirit manifested in South Carolina,
and it is feared tn is is but the outcroppng of the
same old disposition and character that prevailed
in ante-beum times in that section.
be taken as an exception. if they are sincere but
it would seem that such expressions have to be
explained to his followers, and his new course
placed before them with a sort of duplicating ap-
peal for ratification. Will they honestly accede
to his request
The strong, outspoken letter Of Gov. Chamber
lain, in releasing his claims on South Carolina il
creating great deal of interest. Many have but
Just discovered that he is possessed with clear
head and is intellectually the peer of Gov. Hamp-
ton. When Hampton was here, there was quite
rush TO see him, as if be were an Intellectual
giant or some other wonderful creature. Yet
Chamberlain is as much of gentleman and pos
sessed Of more ability than his rival.
Both parties in that State are willing to con-
cede that he brought order out of chaos when he
first succeeded to the Governorshp, and that but
for his efforts the State might have been morally
and financially ruined.
However, in the cases Of South Carolina and
louisiana the whole question will most probably
be "adJusted'-hardly settled before the meet
ing of the extra session Of Congress. We shall
then see how much southern support will be
brought to the aid of President Hayes.
Your correspondent doubts very much whether
democrat can change his politics any more than
leopard can change his subsequently, as mat
tiers now stand
The best informed politicians here do not re-
gard the election OF republican speaker as pos
sole. There will not be opposition enough out
side OF the democratic caucus to raise any dis
turbance in the camp. Randall will quite likely
carry of the prize, as all bad feeling generated by
his course at the last session is being quoted.
Alter some diminishing, the democrats will prob
ably settle their difficulties by voting to man for
Randall. Garfield and Banks are now the only
republican candidates mentioned.
The foreign Embassies and Consua,es are like
y to receive the attention of the President imme
diately after the Louisiana question is adjusted.
There will probably be quite shaking up among
the Consuls, as men more acquainted with bust.
ness and less with politics, will be requested to
take these posts. This is the first civil service re.
form indicated by Secretary Evarts.
1t Is though t, here, that Congress will be likely
to remain in extra session two months At leasi.
even if the Louisiana question 10 decided in adj.
vance. EJR