Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1877-02-05
OMAHA, Neb., Dec. -
LETTER From WASHINGTON.


WASHINGTON, d. {. Feb. lst, 1871,
| To tie Editor Of tie heaatbee Journal.
As write, one of the most memorable events
in the h story Of this country is taking place-that
of counting the Electoral votes of the Centennial
election for President, end an election so close
that its result has remained in dispute long long
after the casting of ballots took place 1t is hard
ly possible that such strange political mixture
will again occur during the next century.
Probably By the time this letter is published,
the decision of the Irrational Returning b bad
consisting of ten than that OF Louisiana, over
which much quarreling has taken place, will
have been made, at least far as to settle the
question as to who is President for the next four
years. 1t is idle now, perhaps, to discuss the
merits OF dement's Of this newly constituted meth
| cd or the means by which it was brought about
Ii is sufficient to say (and the sum and substance
of the whole is in the saving that there is always
| this difference between the democratic and repub-
! lcan parties When the democratic party gains
q post it never gives II up but holds on to it like
grim death; while the republican party always has
enough conservatives. weak kueed supporters, or
tender hearted leaders, to carry it into compro
mise even at the risk of it's entire disadvantage.
1t was so with the Wing party; and the repub-
lcan party, on whom fell the task of opposing the
Wings old enemy, has the same weakness. This is
the secret Of democratic vitaliy-;his pertinacous
clinging to every adyantsge-else the party would
have been dead long ago
As Zack" Chandler puts it: "The republicans
ale willing 10 throw away four aces for the chance
of getting flush" But it is too late to cry over
split milk if it is spilled
Tine question is now in the hands of those who
must temporarily settle these disputed questions,
aud, let US hope that the republicans will be
awarded their claim.
The scene in the House is a brilliant though i'm
pessiye one.
The rule granting tickets to limited number
Is not exactly democratic movement as First
come first served" is the general rule in both
Houses of Congress; but owing to the tremendous
pressure which would naturally follow on such a
day, this procedure seemed absolutely necessary.
Yet spite of this rule, the rotunda, the corridors
and every available space in and around the Hall
Of the House Of Representatives is packed. There
are many roughs in the city, but the extra police
sworn in are doing their level best to ferret them
out and prevent theft.
As leave the House, Vice President Ferry is,
with Speaker Randall lat his side, commencing
the vote counting, beginning alphabetically.
The scene is very impressive and is well worthy
OF at least view although the details of objec-
ton and reference merely, without the great de-
bates and parliamentary tactics, which, had not
the compromise bill passed, would have come 10,
are comparatively devoid Of interest. The Diplo-
matte Gallery is full to overlooking, showing the
interest of foreign ambassadors iu the affair The
other reserved galleries are full of notables, from
very many parts of our country.
Generals, Governors Of lates, eminent lawyers,
politicians of all shades. ladies Of high rank and
social standing-all these go to make up this vast
assemblage of witnesses of this memorable trans
action in behalf of the interests of this mighty ma
ton. As | leave this sight behind, look forward
in thought, to our country one hundred years
hence, and wonder if the same halls will be used
Tor the same purposes, and, if so, will this
beautiful edifce represent the eloquence and wis
dom of united nationi God grant that this may
be only the first of many centuries of American
unity, brotherhood, and general prosperity
The unanimity of the Maine delegation is va
stronger wing of the republican party with appro-
baton. Senator Blaine wears the the dignites OF
his new position with becoming modesty and
grace. Indeed nc remarks that he is like new
schooboy and must take time to learn the routine
Of Senate duty. But, with so many callers in
both a friendly and business way, cannot see
how he can find leisure for his lessons. 1t is sur
prising to see the heaps Of cards in his card-ba
ket each day at his residence; and at the Senate it
is really amusing TO witness the way in which he
is obliged to divide his time. Being a new Sena-
tor, and SO very popular he is subjected not only
to the assaults of the lobby, but to people bent on
all sorts Of errands.
lie goes into the Senate, and very soon dozen
or more cards from outsiders come to his desk.
| He waits until the number has assumed a consid
cradle figure, and then, leaving the Senate Hall,
darts into the midst of them hears each petition
complaint, inquiry, congratulation, or Whatever
else it may be, until the force has thinned out and
then escapes by some side door into his seat
| Pretty soon the pressure outside has become too
| strong again, and he again makes an attack, and
| again retreats in good order His good nature and
sympathy, rather increase than diminish these
calls, and how he is to check the tide, don't
| know.
Senator llamlin being an old veteran. knows
better how to single out the necessary from the
unnecessary iAroads upon his time and conse-
quently has less trouble Still, he has enough to
| almost worry a saint.
| lie also has kind heart and Is ever attentive
to all reasonable demands. lie is noted, here, as
being one of the most devoted of men, to the
wants and necessities of his constituents Often
and often You may see him plodding his way
through sleet and snow, or mud and dust (hc gen
orally walks, and never wears an overcoat) on
some errand OF duty or mercy, going to some Office
or department in search of some Information or
employment for those inportuning lin.
lie is as faithful in little things as in great ones
and when you trust petition or case of any kind
TO Hannibal llamlin, you may be sure it will not
| be overlooked or shelved. When the Department
clerks see him coming into their offices, they make
up their minds that they have got business on
hand, and that his case cannot be pigeon-hol
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