Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1877-12-27
WASHINGTON CORRESPONDENCE.

WdSHINGlOL CORRk SROI DENCE.
WASHINGTON, d. c., Dec. 81, 1877.
To the Editor of the Journal:
Notwithstanding the holiday adjournment and
the absence of many Congressman and other pub
lie notables, the city is exceedingly lively The
time is almost given up to the holidays. The De-
parments will run on half time next week, except
on Christmas and New Years. when they close al
together 10 no other American city is Christmas
SO universally celebrated. High and low, rich and
poor, all denominations aud all classes, accord in
more or less degree, to the custom.
Families generally gather in the stray ones as
is the Thanksgiving custom in New England ,
presents circulate freely, even beyond family and
lover ties, 10 friends and acquaintance of known
character, and festivals in the churches, schools,
mansions, and halls are abundant. In fact every
body intends TO have good time and wants every
body else 10. The streets look as full as Broadway
New York, and the display as brilliant. A careles.
fellew Oike your correspondent gets thumped
jolted or pushed about ia q shocking manner; for
strange to say there is no taking The right of the
way here. Every body takes one side or the other
OF b0th as he chooses, and just at this time both
sides Of the way are attempted at once by too
many. In New York or Boston, and fol aught
know, in all large cities pedestrians always keep
to the right, and thus very little trouble exists in
passing along. Why Washington should be so
marked an exception, never have been able to un-
derstand but that what state is a fact, any one,
l think, who has been here, will substantiate.
THE RECESS.
Several of the Committees through few plod.
ding "Subs.." viii have made considerable pro-
gress during the holidays, and will be able to re-
polt results when Congress assemblies again. The
Army Bill Tor the next fiscal year is receiving par.
tcullr attention, and various officers of distin.
guished rank will be consulted at once relatives to
their views on the subject. The present disturbed
condition of the Mexican border will most likely
put an end to all disp )siton to reduce the army,
and the rank and fle-palticularly the rank, are
much more cheerful their future prospects and
can spend the Christmas holidays more generously.
The committee on the Mexican troubles are appar-
emily very busy and expect to present to Congress
very full aud clear idea of the actual condition
Of things on the border. SO far, they have dis
covered no disposition the part Of either gov
ernmept per Sc to get the other into hostile rela-
tons. The most of the trouble seems TO lie with
the desperadoes and smugglers who infest the set.
Elements along the boundary, and who care no
more for God, man or their county than do the
horses or cattle they steal. Don't 20 to that part
Of Texas uDless you 30 prepared to shoot and be
shot at promiscuoasly.
BLAINE AND CoNRLING.
! The friendly relations seeming to exist now be-
tween Blaine and Conkling arc made the subject
of general conversation. The friends of these
two distinguished men seem particularly happy
over this entente cordiale and prophecy great re-
suits as the following Of the same.
The republican party certainly looks to such as
they fol leadership ia the future, aud tins joining
Of forces is good omen. The democracy have
all slong been Boosting of the advantages they
must desire from the uufrendly attitude OF the
various Republican leaders towards each other;
but this last junction knocks the boasting all out
Of them, and they are now ready to see Hayes,
Blaine, Conkling, Eysris and all the rest Of the
party guides joining in general love feast. They
cannot understand now it is possible for leaders
to quarrel and make up in any organization out