The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1878-04-13
OUR WASHINGTON LETTER.

special correspondence TO The RepuDllcaE.
WASHINGTON. D. c.. April 8. 1878.
During Congressional sessions, one
sensation is followed so rapidly by
its successor like the pictures of a
panorama, that opportunity Is rarely
given to grow morbid over them,
though not few involve matters of
momentous import to individuals,
parties and the Nation. All last week
the moribund Doorkeeper of the
House was the chief topic in and out
of Congress until the coup de grHce
was given him in the vote of Thurs
day that consigned him to his Off
cial grave. / believe it is now the
general verdict that Polk was con-
Centrally untitled for the position
from lack of development of the ver-
tebral column. But no one can or
does doubt that he has been made the
Escape goat" of a goodly number of
Congressman, who lured him to his
destruction by promises of standing
by him when the pinch came, pro-
yided he would find places for their
adherents. He did so, utterly ignor-
ing the law in his desire to be accom-
modating. Some of them were evil
IDENTIFY shamed into publicly apollo
giving for his transgressions, by the
knowledge that they had taken a
mean advantage of his credulity and
that they were responsible for his
fall. Frye's was the speech of the
occasion. 1t was, admittedly. the
most effective in party sense, of any
delivered on either side since Blaine's
celebrated reply to Ben Hill two
years ago. The more acute Demo-
Gratis seem of the opinion that the
business may cost them the control
of the next House. The partiality
of a majority of the present House
for those who sought the destruction
of the Government by service in the
rebel armies, is so well understood
that no one manifests any surprise
that a perjured West Pointer who
has just had his rebel disabilities re-
moved, should have been selected as
Folks successor. But Gen. Butler
executed brilliant strategic move
nIent during the confusion incident
to the final vote in the late Door
keepers case, putting himself in such
position that he can press the poison
ed chalice to Democratic lips when
the vote for the successor is taken
forcing them to drain it to the very
dregs.
The proceedings at the meeting of
the Republican National Executive
Committee seem to have been guarded
with unusual care lest they should
be prematurely made public. 1t APP
pears the impression, however, from
what has leaked out here and there,
that a majority favored the policy of
re asserting the cardinal principles
of the party, neither committing the
party for nor against the Admins
tration, but passing by its acts in
silence.
Secretary Sherman's several Skin
mishes with the members of the
Banking and Currency Committee,
seem to have had the effect to greatly
strengthen confidence in the head of
the Nations financial department.
Even Mr.. Ewing was forced to ac-
knowledge that Mr.. Sherman had
shown himself man Of wonderful
resources.
The passage of Blair's resolution
looking to Mr.. Hayes involuntary
retirement from the White House
ana filling his place Iy Mr.. Tilden,
causes not even ripple of excite
ment, So as can be seen, here. Ger
tainly many local occurrences during
the session. have had a far greater
sensational effect in political circles.
UNDINE.