Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1878-01-08
Washington Correspondence.
WASHINGTON, ID. C., I
Dec. 90. 1877.

Washington Correspondence.
WASHINGTON, ID. C.,
Dec. 90, 1877.
Mr.. Editor The desrth OF political
news now upon Us. gives opportunity 10
think aud to enjoy the holidays. The de-
lightfully bslmy days we ara favored
with gives the season moro ihI appear
ance ii spring than OF miiwinter. and
ono eau hsIdlY realize that / IL Chis.lnns
time, - he sees the trees budding and
flowers blooming in tho open sir.
For tho tirst time in fourteen months
can j, b, said that there is no political ex
cilemcrt here. the strain OF the cam
psisu of 1876. followed by the Intense
intcrcs' ,ha, centersd on the Electoral
Commission, tho uncertainty that fol.
lowed the Inauguration OF President
Hayes and continued TO intensity during
tho summer. and until Congress assem-
bled. all conspigsd 20 keep tho public in
ouo continual fever OF excitement.
immediately or the assembling of Con.
gress the struggle Tor supremacy com-
menc,d aad contributed new fuel 10 tho
already consuming flames. When il be-
came known that Paterson aud Conover
had turned traitors, it seemed for days
that power had entirely slipped from
the grasp OF .he republican party. But
those who have long been considered the
leaders then united tor the work. and the
Senate was saved but only to torever pass
from The republicans on March Alb. 1879.
as the house has already gone. No sooner
was il settled which party should control
the Senate than interest began 10 be
manifest in the New York appointments.
Senator Conkliu, who has just come on.
OF the STATE campaign flushed wiki vic
tory. promptly accepted the gauntlet
thrown down Tor him by the sdmiuistra-
ton. and in his position RS chairman OF
the committee on Commerce, prevented
these nominations from being reported at
the Extra session, as Ut that time they
would have been promptly confirmed
At the commencement, OF the regular ses-
sion he succeeded in changing the per-
sonel of his committee by substituting
Senator Jones OF Nevada Tor Burnside Of
X. |. This made him master OF the stu
alton. Alter securing the votes OF three
or tour democratic Senators. no promptly
reported these nominations 10 the Senate
and such as be desired 10 defeat were de-
ieated, and he to-day stands forth as the
conquering hero OF one OF the fercest
political battles ever fought in the United
States Senate.
We are far from believing that all is
dark and gloomy. 1t svery evident that
the Pr, sident has very little ii any desire
10 keep on good terms with the leading
men OF the republican party, and il is
becoming more apparent every day that
it is impossible for him TO do so. His
cabinet, as at present constructed, pre-
cIudes any possibility OF such thing.
OF the seven members. only three have
consistent record in the republican
party, aud these have very little if any
influence in shaping the policy OF the ad-
miuiStration. The settling of the mis-
understanding between Names iavorite
son and Senator, (Blsine). and Senator
Conkliug, the lack OF any display of am-
biton to become leaders, coupled with
willingness to join others in working for
the unity of the party gives hopes for the
future.
The developments thus TAR show that
there is very little honesty in the pral-
ing about reform in the Civil Service
The preference shown rebels. and the
freedom with which to roam about here
and threaten what is TO be- done ought to
OC euAuClcut W aWdkcu auu uuAsO lhO w
tire republican strength. The assertion
that appointments are made without Con-
gressioual interference so persistently put
forth in certain journals, is entirely void
OF truth; none but republican senator's
or members are tabooed in this matter.
The history OF the country shows that
there has never been time when any eI-
scutiye has ever consulted more freely
with Congressman upon the matter OF az
pointments than are Senators Gordon.
Hill, Lamar and Bsyard and men OF their
Tx, at the present time.
That the democracy still anticipate see
ng Mr.. Tilden President there is no
ioubt, as it was boldly asserted at the
lime OF the struggle over the Senate, ii
he democracy were successful, the House
would pass a resolution declaring that be
vas duly elected President, and that
President Hayes was usurper, when he
,Tilden) would promptly nominate a
cabinet and they would as promptly con-