Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1877-01-09
LETTER IRON WASHING T0N.
WASHINGTON, D. {. Jan. 9th, 1877

10 tie Editor Of tie hennebec Journal.
showed up is a term we seldom have 10 use
in this vicinity; but at present we say it and
realize its fullest significance. Twenty years have
elapsed since anything like it has been recorded
Washington caa boast snow piles equal TO any
New York or Boston can lay claim to. On New
Years day, fourteen inches Of the whitest, hard
est snow dropped down upon the city, almost
stopping pedestrianism which, on that day, is I'M
usually lively. Those who were not fortunate or
rich enough to own or hire carriages, trudged
around from mansion to mansion after most
woe begone fashion, and the halls and visiting
rooms at night, were in a most wTetched plight by
reason of snowy coats and boots. However the
latter trouble is always borne without complaint
by the ladies', as the normal condition Of Wash
iugtcn weather at New Years is rain, sleet, mud
and snow. But this unusually severe snow storm
put damper on the receptons-none but the
bravest trying TO carry out the half Of the calling
programme laid out for the day.
This feature of calling on all your friends on
New Years is Tor was peculiarly Washington
custom, although now pretty generally observed
in Philadelphia, New York and many other larger
cities. The average Washingtonian would no
more put aside his calling than would the Wall
street broker his dabbling in stocks. Ont of it
flows the card invitations, ETC., which make up
the subsequent fashionable season.
There is always a pleasant rivalry between the
ladies as to who can count up the most cards after
the New Years reception has passed. Some Ia
dies boast of having received from three hundred
10 five hundred callers.
Pennsylvania Avenue, our great fashionable
thoroughfare, recently paved after the Paris con-
crete style is at present of the lveliest streets
in this country. The sleighng is most excellent,
equal to any seen in New England, and the inhas-
itants are making the most of it. Sleighs OF every
shape and description put into service, making
a strange and fanciful contrast to the gay wheeled
equipages usually in requisiton. All sorts q
queer rigs, costumes and Mosques are used; so
that a regular Roman Mardi-gras would appear to
take possession of cur city. The sidewalks are
lined with people each afternoon, who. if they
cannot ride themselves, can witness the enj oyment
of others.
Grave Judges and Senators often seen among
those driving merry over the snow, while Rep
reseptatives can be Sound as plenty as Brgadier
Generals at the hotels during the war
The storm has interfered considerably with the
sessions and legislation of Congress, many of our
Solons not daring or caring TO risk their lives on
railroads for the sake Of their beloved country.
However, this is evidently not business Con-
gress, and political action will not be lively until
after the return of the various Investigating Com
mittees, which will be in the course OF week or
so.
There is evidently much better feeling all
around in this political region owing TO more rea-
sonable conclusions following the lapse of time.
Whether the Joint Committee appointed to consid-
er the best method of counting the electoral votes
can arrive at any satisfactory conclusion is still
doubted in various high quarters. but there is evil
IDENTITY disposition on their part to amicsby ar
range the matter if they can.
The appointment of Conkling to place upon
the committee clicts much discussion pro and con,
and not few republicans deprecate the appoint
ment; but probably Mr.. Conkling is no more con-
sentative than is Edmunds.
The feeling amongst the general masses is still
strong that Hayes will be declared and inaugural
ed President The South Carolina and Florids
investigations do not pan out al all favorable to
the democracy, and their every hope is now based
upon the Louisiana Reports. Grover and his dupe,
Cronin, have pretty nearly caved in as to their
oceedings-especially since a good, round sum
of money has been traced by Morton from New
York city to their pockets.
The Lobbyists are quite numerous this winter,
although this political mudde has almost com
pletely blocked their pathway to Uncle Sans
treasury. 1t is feared that many honest and long
delayed bills will have no chance for passage, to
say nothing of those newly introduced. 1t would
seem that in view of the increase of population
and business Of our great country, aud consequent
increase of legislative business that continuous
session of Congress is necessary, or else some new
method of legislation, in this relation, devised, so
that honest and just claims could be sooner acted
upon. Many, through want of means, or time. OF
by Encouragement at the slow process, throw up
their chances altogether EJ.B.