Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1877-12-05
WASHINGTON CORRESPONDENCE.
WASHINGTON. d. c., Dec. 3, 1877.

WASHINGTON. d. c., Dec, 8, 1877.
To the Editor Of Kenaebtc journal
| The struggle in the Senate for political supre-
macy which has been going on for two weeks on
ly ended with the extra session. 1t was a contest
of intellectual giants mighty wIestle OF minds
in which Senator Edmunds came of the victor
and showed himself more than match for the
leader of the democrats-Senator Thurman
Rarely if ever has more exciting struggle taken
| place in either branch of the national legislature
Tue democrats showed boldness and arrogance
which they have never put on before since the adj
vent of republican power. Ben Hill OF Georgia
| fairly roared, and his attempts TO overawe repnb
lican Senator'S especially Mcmillan of Minnesota,
brought forcibly to mind the famous contest be-
| tween Mr. Blaine and himself, and the wish came
on that the absent Senator was present aud physi-
cay vigorous, that he might once more have the
opportunity of chsstsing Hill. Southern AFRO
gance has faithful representative in Hill, and he
| brings the old plantation s~agger and bravado in
| to the United States Senate, much to the disgust
we suspect of more decent democrats.
Senator Sharon of Nevada has been secretly
abused almost as much Is Messrs. Patterson and
Conover. lie is said to be in San Francisco at
tending to his own personal affairs which are re-
ported to be in such condition that it would be
Iuinous for him to leave. lie is, however, ex-
pected here on the 10Th inst.
The abuse of Patterson and Conover for their
treachery was so loud and general that it was
feared they would be driven over to the other side
permanently. but they both voted with the republic
cans on the final vote to admit Kellogg, although
Immediately after voting for Buter There is
now a feeling of confidence among republicans
that they will be able to control the organization
of the Senate during the regular session COM
| me cing Monday. 1t is rumored that Patterson
would resign, and that Hampton would be elected !;
but we cannot find any authority for the report.
lie may, however, be taken to South Carolina to
answer to the charges upon which he has been in
dcied. His absence from the Senate without
pairing with democrat would not give the power
to either side, as even with Eustis admitted from
Louisiana there will be upon the arrival of Mr..
Sharon, clear majority of one, which is as good
as two, for the Vice President IN case of tie vote
will decide it for the republicans every time. The
democrats in their desperation to get control Of
the Senate attempted TO question his right to vote
on special questions, but were speedily compelled
to back down by Senator Conkling, who rlddled
the claim efiecluslly.
Senator ioar of Massachusetts (whose face and
pantaloons remind one somewhat of Horace Gree
ley) took quite prominent part in the debates,
| and on Friday night he made AN eloquent appeal
for the Presidents policy His efforts, however,
met with but little encouragement from the DEM
ocrats Bayard, whose anger he had aroused ac-
! cusng HIM Of insncerity, and declaring that the
President had not defender upon the floor OF
the Senate. 1t would have been natural and
proper for Stanley Matthews to have taken up the
gauntlet al this point, but he held his peace; as
he has in fact all through the struggle, though
voting with the republicans.
How the Third Party" as Edmunds sarcastic
caly dubbed Senator Davis of illinois, would vote
was conundrum all through the struggle, and
excited much surmise and talk but his allegiance
to the democracy has been pretty thoroughly es-
| tablished by his votes. He lodged voting, how
ever, in the case OF Butler. Patterson and Como.
ver's defence for the they TOOK was ex-
ceedngy shallow. Conover is about rs small
man in both mental and physical appearance as
ever occupied high position. He made bad
slip during the debate, in attempting to explain
his course in a certain vote, by saying that Butler
did not require him to vote for him at that junc-
ture. This produced sensation and a general
laugh on the floor and in the galleries; aud it was
though that he had Inadvertently let the cat out
of the bag.
We, of Maine, have regretted exceedingly SEN
ator Blaines enforced absence, as we felt that he
g,a A, 1. 4 4.
participate in the mastery struggle, which has
ended with truce There has not been SO much
interest felt in the proceedings of the Senate nor
so constant and full an attendance since the I'M
parchment of Andy johnson.
As we pass about this beautiful city and see the
splendid statues erected by republican Congress ses
to commemorate the victories of the North to hon.
or her fallen heroes, we wonder how long it will
be before statues of Southern leaders will be
placed along with them. 1t almost Sc ms as though
those now erected were out of place, in view Of
the probability that soon the republic will be
ruled by the very men who sought its destruction
l6 years ago. and As if we ought 10 commence to
make excuses for their presence. The ex-confed-
crates are loudly arrogant and openly exult in
their being rebels; they have no excuse to offer
for their past course.
The telephone isin successful operation between
the Capitol and Government Printing office, and
before long will probably be used extensively
by the Government. We read in the cable dis
patches that the English Government is negotiat-
| ing for its 1t certainly is worthy to be ranked
among the wonders of the world.
| Postal cards are great success. Three ton. a
day OF them were turned out last October.
CLAIMING.