, 1878-10-03
OUR WASHINGTON LETTER.
WASHINGTON, d. c., Sept. II, 1873

WASHINGTON, d. c., Sept. II, 1873.
Politicians of both parties seem to
consider the result of the election
in Maine on Monday as indicating
great changes in the politics Of the
whole country, but especially of the
North. As to which Of the old par
ties is to be swallowed up, if either,
of course Republicans and Demo.
Gratis differ radically; but each, prob
ably, has comfortable assurances that
his own will be safe. Perhaps they
will both survive, and yet administer
the affairs Of states and of the coun-
try. | have often noticed that, no
matter what the political events are,
really earnest man Of other party
can figure out immense losses for
"the enemy" But at any rate, what
took place in Maine is suspicious
enough. Hale, popular and rich
young Republican leader, who had
5000 majority 2 years ago, is defeat.
ed, and Powers, not as well known,
but of equal ability, loses his former
large ma ority and runs 1000 behind
his opponent. For the first time in
a quarter Of century the Wing
party fails to elect its candidate for
Governor, and the Legislature is in
doubt. These things in so conserva-
tive State as Maine, are strange
enough in themselves, and, as the
politicians say, must have an inAu-
ence in other States. Let us hope
that influence will be for good. We
pay too much attention to mere party
politics anyway.
Every indication now points to
the selection of Mr.. Randall by the
Democrats as Speaker, if they shall
control the House, and he be re-
elected to Congress, and to Gen.
Garielde by the Republicans with
the like contingencies. Either OF
them is amply qualified for the very
responsible office.
The President and those Of his
Cabinet who are now absent will re-
turn in a few days. The wanderers
will come to city which is exceed.
ingly beautiful in the autumn months
and which, doubt not, will yet be
the great resort of Americans at that
season of the year.
The experiments in making sugar
from ordinary corn-stalks which have
been carried on by the chemist of the
agricultural Dept, in this city, for
some time past, are being continued
with improved facilities. A few days
will decide whether or not the man
ufacture can be made profitable.
The material can be so cheaply sup
piled, and in such unlimited quaint.
ties, that success in the experiments
may be said to be of the highest
general Importance.
What they are suffering in the
Southwest the more fortunate North
will never know. The most cruel
siege in the most cruel war that ever
was fought was not in all respects so
terrible in its effects upon dwellers
in city as is the silent scourge that
has place in New Orleans, Memphis,
Vicksburg, Grenada, and other cities,
and is slowly finding its way up the
Mississippi river, and extending
right and left into the country. AT,
ter the kindly frost shall have killed
it-God hasten the day-will come
the hunger, the nakedness and the
never ending sorrow for those that
are gone. The South has had SINH
lar experiences, but this promises, in
the space 1t covers, to exceed them
all in severity. But there never was
time when relief could be so read
lily forwarded, in money by telegraph
and mail, and provisions and nurses
and medicines by rail aud boat.
That which has made the spread Of
the fever so rapid affords also the
means by which the whole country
can quickly minister to the suffering,
and how nobly it is being done! In
the Northern cities one can hardly
pass a square without finding some
depository for the much needed con-
tributions. 1t is only to be feared
that, as the fever abates, a still will
ing people will forget that the neces-
sites that come after it are still
great. KNOX.
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