The new Northwest. [volume] (Portland, Or.) 1871-1887, 1877-03-09
OUR WASHINGTON LETTER.

To THE EDITOR OF THE NEW NORTHWEST:
The electoral tribunal, now sitting
with closed doors and in consultation
upon the all-sbsorbing topic of the ad-
instability of the evidence offered by
the counsel for Mr.. Tilden, will probably
reach decision by o'clock this after
noon. The Democrats are very despond
ent and anticipate that the cold story
will be told again." viz: eight VS.. seven
against admitting the evidence. They
base their hopes altogetheron on Louisiana,
and should they fail in this, will give up
their herculean task of convincing the
commission that their darling pet, Sam
uel J., is entitled to the soft-cusbioned
seat in the White House. They are
very much on the war-path, brandish-
ing their Jaeksonian tomahawk's with
immense fury, whilst the Republicans
are smiling an agreeable smile of pleas
ant comfortableness in the satisfaction
that eight spots beat seven, and even
captures the winnings. The Republi
cans seemed to have entirely misunder-
stood the game of the Democrats, who
are sticking persistently to "seven up"
hoping thereby to secure such change in
the electoral tribunal as will give them
the eight instead of the seven. The
proceedings are intensely exciting and
may explode yet in volcano of trouble;
but the better thinking of both the po-
litical parties predicate that, notwith-
standing the verdict, we will still shave
peace" The general opinion is that the
decision will really settle the whole
case, as every substantial point outside
of those involved in the testimony sub
mitted by the Democrats is covered by
the former decision of the tribunal in
the Florida case. This is agreed upon
by both sides, and hence the strenuous
endeavOr to have the pending question
thoroughly ventilated. The prevailing
spirit among the Republicans appears
to be that of confidence. On the other
side, the Democrats are divided in feel
ing. Those who have taken active in
terest in the proceedings in the Louis
lana case before the commission believe
that the strength of the arguments pre-
sented on their side must have made
some impression, and they are hopeful,
whilst the original opponents of the
electoral bill are no less despondent than
they have been from the time of the re-
fusal of the commission to admit evil
dence in the Florida case. The Repub-
lieans contend that there was no proof
to show that Brewster and Levissee were
not qualified to receive an election on
the 9th of December. The Democrats
insist that the proof shows them to be
ineligible, and as there was but six
electors elected, hence there were no va
cancies in the other two cases, and nee
essarily there is to be accorded to Louis
lana but six electoral votes instead of
eight Doubtless ere this reaches you
by mail you will have received the de-
cision of the commission, and therefore
we drop the subject.
OREGON.
Very considerable excitement existed
at the Capitol to-day in consequence OF
the publication of dispatches alleged to
have passed between Portland and New
York in connection with the electoral
vote Of Oregon, and which bore the
name of Senator Kelly as sanctioning a
proposition to buy one of the Republi-
can electors. Doubts were expressed by
some Democrats as to whether the tele-
grams were properly translated. The
Republicans threaten that unless Sena.
tor Kelly makes speedy explanation, 6
motion will be made to exPel him fol
this attempt at bribery.
THE BLACK HILLS.
The Senate committee on territories
had long meeting this morning, de-
voted to the consideration of the bill t.
create new Territory out Of the Blacl
Hills country, which it is proposed t.
call Lincoln Territory. There was som,
opposition to the bill, and the commit
tee decided to lay the matter over unit
the next session of Congress.
GRANT.
The President was at the Capitol SOM
two hours to-day urging action upon tn
Indian bill before adjournment, as i'm
migration would be very great this sum
mer to the Black Hills.
TROOPS HERE ON ELECTION DAY.
Petersburg VS.. Mr.. Woods specia
subcommittee have taken considerable
testimony in relation to this place. S
far, it diseloses the fact that there wa
really no necessity for the troops at thi
place during election day; but it is pred
ieated that further evidence will show
different state Of affairs. So "you pay
your quarter and takes your choice"
THE PATENT OFFICE.
Secretary Chandler denies the pub
lished report of the morning papers this
this building is to be used for the inaug
uratiOn ball, and says he will not PERM
it, as 1t would seriously interfere wit
the business of his department.
THE WASHINGTON MONUMENT.