, 1877-12-22
Special correspondence.


To THE EDITOR OF THE D1sPATcH:
The past week has been one of
intense excitement in this city, on
account of the effort being made by
the Democracy under the lead Of
Senator Thurman to capture the
Senate of the United States, and
which, on account OF the absence of
Senators Sharon and Blaine. and
with the aid of the carpet-bag Re
publicans from the South. Conoyer
and Patterson, at one time seemed
to be ON the point of success.
Twice the Senate was in session
all night. The contest between
Thurman and Edmunds, who were
the acknowledged champions and
leaders of their respective parties,
was finea exhibition of intellectual
strength and parliamentary skill
and tact. They are masters both,
and worthy to wear the mantles that
have fallen upon their shoulders.
But I had nearly forgotten that this
will be stale matter ere this letter
reaches you.
I notice in paper of the 14th
November, q statement purpOrting
to be authentic, to the effect that
the Secretary Of the Interior had
decided in favor of the Northern
Pacific Railroad Company in the
matter of their application for with
drawal of lands on their so-called
Natchess Pass branch line. This is
an entire mistake. No such order
has been made, nor do [ believe
such order will ever be made. lam
further we'll advised that this matter
will not be decided in haste nor for
some time to come. The article re-
ferred to-which was published in
the Tribune and AatelHgencer--bears
evidence upon its face that the items
were furnished by some one at this
place who was not conversant with
the facts and status of the case.
About week before I arrived here
that is, about the first of Novem-
berthe N. P. r. r. Co. called the
matter up and urged a speedy de-
cision, filing written arguments, etc.
The informant of the Tribune and
Mtelhseacer no doubt came to the
conclusion that the company would
have an easy victory, and taking
time by the forelock, announced the
decision in advance of it's having
been made. But Us Burns says,
"Ihe best laid schemes of men and
mice gang aft aglee, and so with
this correspondent. 1 arrived here
none too soon so far as this matter
is concerned, and our Delegate and
myself have not been remiss in our
efforts to lay the facts and law of the
case. as we understand them, fully
before the department. Time will
tell the result. So far as Congress
is concerned the prospect is good,
but nothing has been done yet even
in committees in regard to our mat
ters.
I met Senator Timothy 0. Howe
the other day, who remembers we'll
the senior editor of the DISPATCH,
and inq uired particularly after his
health and welfare. He also in
quired about his youthful and gallant
friend Of old times, Col. Larrabee.
Senator Howe, of course, has in his
minds eye that Col. Larrabee he
knew twenty or thirty years ago, and
esnot realize the changes time has
made. I took the liberty to inform
him that notwithstanding the Colo
nel's locks were somewhat frosted.
he was hale, hearty and vigorous,
and spices his practice of the law
with fancy farming. including the
raising for use and sale. the finest
quality of full and pure blooded
Spinish merino sheep.
In the same connection ! may say
that not long since spent an even
ing at the house of Judge Arthur
Macarthur; also an old time friend
of the senior editor of the DISPATCH,
and to whom I am indebted for the
acquaintance of the Judge. In
speaking of Mr.. Brown l alluded to
him as the old gentleman. The
Judge laughed and said: "Ofcourse
he is getting old. but it is SO odd to |
hear him called old gentleman" So