Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1878-12-20
LET7'ER From WASHINGTON.
WASHINGTON, Dec II,

WASHINGTON, Dec II, 1878.
The great event of last week was Senator
Blaine, speech on the southern mode OF conduct
ing elections. On the day his speech was deiiv-
cred your correspondent heard prominent polti
clan, one whose opinion is entitled to high respect,
say that it the greatest effort of Mr. Blaine's
life. That is high euogy. But the prevailing
sentiment among those who heard the speech was
by no means in accord With this praise. The re-
publicans missed the fierce invective which they
expected; the democrats were disappointed be-
cause they found no chance for counter attack, a
chance which Senator Blaine's speeches usually
give, they fancy Hence on one side complaints
were frequent that the speech was cold or tame,
on the other (for want of better argument) that
his whole effort was founded on hearsay evidence.
But the democratic Senators who rushed into de
bate could do nothing but lsmely defend tho
South and as time has passed MIR. Blaines posi-
ton has been found almost unassaishle, and the
general comment which it has excited, and thu
awakened attention Of the North to the iLequalit.
between the power Of the Southern voter and his
brother a. the North. show the vitality of thu
speech 1t certainly wears well" and if thu
influence of the arguments advanced and tn
soandness of the position taken, surely this effor
should be given great praise. As if to make this
speech the more brilliant by contrast, the demo
cratic senators Offset it by their lame attempts
dcfelce. They added nothing to theiriepulatioD
and have received little but qualified praise o
severe censure f. ON their friends. They serve /
the very useful purpose of strengthening the il
dictment against them, and for that should receive
the thanks of all good republicans.
Senator Edmunds has at last succeeded in hav-
ing his bill passed by the Senate, and it has gone
to The House and been referred to the proper com
miitee there. Much praise is due to Mr.. Edmund
foi the persisteLcy with which he has pre- Sc ntet
the matter aud the ability which he has shown IN
securing its passage. And the democrats who's,
votes aided him also deserve credit for their un
par tIsan course. The evil to be remetied is very
threatening. and it is to be regretted that Com
gress, apparently, has taken so little interest in
the matter. But Congress is not alone to blame.
for it has heard no general dema nd from the peo-
Pile for a remedy The stormy times which were
immune ut but shoit time ago were avoided. and
with that men seemed to be satisfied, seemingly
trusting to happy fortune 10 release them second
time from embarrassments which they found il
extremely difficult to escape the first time. IL
would seem that peril oEce averted would have
been promptly and eiIectually provided against |;
but in this case what has been everybodys bust
ness came very near being nobody's business. So
jealous, however, are the democrats of measure
coming from the republicans, especially when it
is fathered by Senator Edmunds, that many are
doubtful of the passage of the bill in the House.
The House continues its strict attention to bust
ness, and has sent TO the Senate during the last
week the Consular and Diplomatic, the Pension
and the Navy appropriation bills, making five in
ALL and have assigned the Indian appropriation
bill for to-day. The Senate will dispose of the
Consular and Diplomatic and the Navy bills this
week. bill to supply the deficiency in the pos
tai car service will be passed by the House before
the recess. The silver men are confident that
they can pass bill Tor the punishment of banks
that discriminate against the Bland dollar. The
vote on Mr.. Forts resolution last week points to
the conclusion that bill of that nature in reg ular
order will receive the support of those who sup
ported the silver bill The sense of the Senate on
would probably receive the same support there.
Whether such q bill can stand the test of law re-
mains to be seen. Senator Beck's inquiry into the
manner IN which Secretary Sherman has treated
the SILVER received for customs seems to indicate
that the spirit of partial reputation is not dead
Secretary Sherman's reply will probably be that
justice required him to treat all creditors alike
But that answer will not satisfy the silver men,
They want their dollar forced upon the people,
and they Will not admit that there is any wrong in
50 doing; and it is very likely that they will agi-
tate to the end of the session, their power for
evil being limited only by the lack OF time The
question whether an attempt will be made at the
next session to Gust Senator Kellogg has been
much discussed for want OF something better to
talk about. great many think that his case
stands on the SAME footing with Senator Buffers
Kellogg was admitted on the merits of the case
ana his Title to seat is good as that of any
Senator, but Senator Butler was admitted on 4
pr'o'a Jacie case with the right of contest given
10 Mr.. Corbn. No doubt our democrat friends