The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1877-02-24
WASHINGTON CORRESPONDENCE.
MAsHlNGToN, Feb. 18th, 1877.

DEAR WHG:-The quietude of the Len
ten season has settled upon Washington
society, humblng the spirit and checking
festivities. The gaietieS of social life are
in manner ''busted.' The merry mask
ers have thrown aside their masks, young
ladies' have laid away their bail costumes.
The dress suits and nobby boots of the
young society beau have also been put
away, the vanity fairs are closed and quiet
reigns for short time, at least, in the so
cial circles of the Capital city.
THE DECISION.
The most casual observer here Yesterday
could not have failed to notice that some
thing of unusual Importance had transpired
somewhere. Tie hotels, street corners, and
every newspaper office was, to some extent,
occupied 10y gatherings of politicians jour
nalists, church men, and even boot blacks,
all anxiously discussing the probable effect
which the recent decision of the Electoral
Commission would have upon the political
situation. The announcement OF the decl
sion threw the whole Democracy into utter
that party had suggestions to offer to pre-
vent the inauguration of Hayes, no plan to
reach that consummaton had been decided
upon. Some of the Democrats sought So
lace at Col Peltons head quarters. 1t
was like misery seeking company. 1t would
have taken hot h Use of "blue glass to
have revived the dropping spirits of those
gathered there.
In ,n al
For the partisanship of Justice Bradley.
Saturday last was a right bad day for promi-
nent Democrats. Speaker Randall lowered
himself very much in the estimation of
right minded men, Irrespective OF party,
by the insult offered to the Senate in refus
ing to recognize the presence of the Secre-
tary of that body. who was sent over by 1t
in an official capacity as bearer of a ne sSaoe
to that House: his action is very unfavnra-
bly, commented upon in all political circles;
and the more it is considered the worse it
smells Senator Kelly failed to relieve him
self of completely in the Oregon election
frauds; and "Old Grandmother Bngy y lost
about what little standing he had by his
coarse and vulgar assault on Justice Brad
ley.
BAD TEMPER.
Party spirit runs high, aud the lines are
sharply drawn. The feeling on the part of
some of the Democrats is very bitter. On
last Sunday the editor of the Capital Don
Piattl advised the assassination of Presi
den-eltct Hayes. The seditiouS article was
so preposterously reasonable that there is
scarcely 4 man, woman, or child here but
what denOunces it. Whatever may have
been his motive in penning snch foul and
revolutionary article it is not my purpose
here to state The idea. however. that most
impresses one is that the main object was
to introduce some sensational project for
advertising his paper, even at the risk of
becoming VIGOROUSLY famous or Infamous
There is not lower man to day in the COM
munity-Randall not accepted than this
Piatt lie hangs like leprosy on social re
speciality, and is little better than the
skulking cur that is stoned to death when
unfit for use.
IN THE SENATE,
the Democrats are greatly depressed over
the finding of the Electoral Commission,
while the Republicans are corespondngly
happy Senator Ferry wears q smile that
approaches a broad grin. while Morton
looks ten years younger than he did last
week. Others think that wise men never
whistle until they are out of the woods,
still they think it quite safe for Republi-
cans to work up good quicker; as the way
seems to be clear.
The various "gin mill" are doing
thriving trade and have passed over their
bars more ''smaShes," punches, and cock
tails than they have in any two months
before. The Republicans drink because
they feel good, and the Democrats drink
kerauSp they want to feel good
REBEL CLAIMS.
The judiciary committee have not, nor
do they intend to, reported an amendment
to the Constitution prohibiting the payment
of the rebel claims. They have had the
subject before them for two months, and
have not even considered it. The Repub
licanS have urged upon the Democratic
members of the committee the Importance
OF the matter, but they have smiled, and
ignored it entirely. The Southern mem
bers have squeiched the whole measure,
and it lies dead in the committee room.
No power but Republican Congress can
reSurrect it, for the Democrat House will
not do it for fear of their Southern friends.
The amendment is a dead letter. it is
'deader" than nail in the lid of a coffin.
LEGISLATION.
The Presidential middle has, so far, in
teifered very much with great deal of LEG.
| islation that the country is sadly in need OF,
and for the short time left for this Con-
gress, it will have to do great deal of night
work to get through with its legitimate
business. The appropriations are very
much behind, as well as other important
legislation, and unless the work progresses
faster, an early session of the next Con
! gress will be necessary.
| Yours in disappointment,
II d