Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1877-10-30
The HOUSE COMMITTEES.
WASHINGTON CORRESPONDENCE.
WASHINGTON, D. c.. Oct. &c, l,

| WASHINGTON, II. u, Oct. 70 1917.
| To he Editor Of Kenaebtc journal:
Owing to the extreme importance of the Bslti-
more races, Congress has done comparatively
nothing in the way of legislative business. The
Senate has been in session but few hours each
day Zone day not at allO and the house has devot-
ed nearly all of its time TO the Colorado case.
Thus while the army marches hither and thither,
fighting Indians or guarding our frontiers, without
any provision for payment, our Legislators can &C.
cept invitations to the and bet their bottom
dollars on the fortunate nags. However they
might be at something worse.
The most interesting topic under Congressional
discussion is the Louisiana Senatorship. The ar
guments of Kelogg's and Spofford's counsel are
well worth perusal, even if the subject does seem
to be threadbare. Judge Spofford was mainly, his
own Counsel and from his own standpoint
handled his case very ably. He is, personally,
kindly sort of person, of Northern birth, and
possessed Of many qualities of head and heart
which are appreciated by political friends and
enemies. He began by admitting that the title of
Hayes, as settled by the Electoral Commission,
was perfect and beyond cavil by right thinking
persons-an admission to which, l am afraid inc
frankess on this point may be part of design on
his part to conciate few republicans, or all the
republicans, in order to win their support TO
his case. Still, let hope that the Judge is sim
cere. He then pleads that its action does not affect
the affairs pertaining TO the State or legislature
of Louisiana, and rests his case on that basis
alone. of course going over the old ground as to
the fraudulent action of the Returning Board and
claiming that the Nichols legislature co-exist-
ed with the Kellogg legislature and had sjor-
ty of legally elected senators and represe natives
even before the recognition of Nichols as gov
ernor.
Judge Shellabarger, Kellogg's counsel, made a
powerful counter argument, basing his plea upon
solid substance, as it were, and showing conclu
svely by facts and figures, which are already quite
familiar to the committee, if not to the country,
that, while there might have been some Iregulari-
ties committed by the Returning Board, the frauds,
tumults and violence used by the Nichols sup
porters throughout the State, as evidenced by
substantial testimony. would fully justify their
general action. He showed, with surprising dis
tinctness, the action aud results of the organza.
ton known as the White League, and proved that
their main purpose was that of carrying the cleo
ton in Louisiana that year at all hazards and by
any means. His argument seemed to create a
profound impression, even though this subject has
often thrust Its ugly proportions before the same
listeners. From the fact that Kellogg's friends are
in the best of spirits since the closing of the argu-
ments, ii is believed that his chances are better
than Spofords.
| 1t is not probable that the committee having this
in charge will report before next week if as soon
There will be some earnest discussion in the COM
mittee room, as there are doubtless one or two
| republican senators that are hesitating somewhat
about giving the place to Kellogg, and yet are
sverse to awarding it to Spofford. The unanimity
with which the republicans referred Spoiords case
to the Committee on Privileges and Elections can.
not be taken as proof that there is unanimity of
purpose regarding the admission of Kellogg.
A CONTINUED SESSION
Is now almost beyond the range of doubt.
The little that has been done far, aud the breaks
that have occurred, have rendered the cause of
the adjourners almost hopeless. Consequently, on
Monday, there will evidently be introduced all
such bills, petitions and claims as generally 20 on
the calendar of a regular session; and from that
time on the lobby will be extremely happy or
miserable as the cases may stand between them
and Congress. two YEAS continued session
would not begin te clear up the face of this won
derful congressional indicator or machine, which
continually takes in such strange food, for good or
bad, for digestion. And it is often ptiful to see
the old and wan faces of those whose bills or peti-
tons have been filed year after year and session
after session, only to be finally neglected or laid
over. Very many of these claims are just, but
are deficient in evidence or wanting in form or in
huence, hence their unfortunate condition.
Thousands Of good claims are finally abandoned
by Of these causes, or for want of means or
good judgment, or utter encouragement. Very
many of them are bought up by practiced lobby
for half or quarter their face value and then
pushed to settlement by good management, good
dinners, or good friends-geuerally all three COM
bined.
know of at least dozen old lobbyists who can
count their dollars up into the hundreds of thous-
ands; and yet lobbying generally Is precariouu