The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1879-01-01
WASHINGTON CORRESPONDENCE,
w ARLINGTON,
Dec. %, 1881

There is an apparently we'll found
ed report that Mr.. Conkling has dis
counted the probable result of the
next Republican Convention by de-
Ginning to be Republican candidate
for the Presidency. II we accep.
what has long been the common opin-
ion this reduces the field of cLoice
to General Grant and Senator Blaine.
Under ordinary circumstances it
might be possible for the Conven-
ton to go outside the list of ac-
know.edged leaders and take some
new man, but the party, having the
experience of the last two years in
view, will certainly not do that. 1t
is Grant Or Blaine, if Conkling has
really declined. In view of the fact
that Mr.. Conkling has all the politi-
cal prominence which has so far
been fatal to Republicans who as
PRED to denomination, and none of
the personal popularity in his party
which Blaine has, bis determination
is probably wise one.
There was an instructive debate in
the House on the 18th, touching The
comparative economy of the Govern
ment since the Democrats have con-
trolled the House and for the time
prior to that. 1t is q favorite trick
of the nimble- tongued Mr.. Foster to
charge to the House Democrats all
the deficiencies which their prodigal
Republican predecessors made neccs-
sary, and all the vast amounts Of
money illegally spent by the Depart
mcnts. This he did on the 18th,
and was promptly rehuked by
Messrrs. Blount, Clymer and Hewitt.
The Senate, after excellent spec
ches by Messrs. Wallace aud Merrl-
mon, passed Mr.. Blaine's intimida-
ton resolution with Seuator Thur
mans amendment. The Democrats
to man have favored making the
investigation an open one, and the
Republicans, with equal unanimity,
secret one. No man has ever been
able, SO far as / know, to give good
reason why these Congressional in
vestigations should be held in secret.
There may be exceptional cases in
which secrecy is advisable. Our
own party has not at all times been
consistent in demanding proper pub
LEFTY, but the unanimous demand of
Democratic Senators in this matter
Of the Blaine resolution may be taken
as settling what the party will do
hereafter.
In the course of the debate Mr..
Whyte, Of Maryland, caused much
amusement Ivy alluding to the differ
rnce between the Senate without the
ever uneasy Mr.. Blaine and the Sen,
ate with him. He earnestly depre
Gated the bringing up Of political
questions. at this time, and urged
that the Senate follow the example
Of the House by attending strictly to
business.
All the Senators present voted for
the amended resolution except
Messrs. Eaton, Hill, McCreery,
Morgan, Wallace and Wiiyte. Mr..
Thurman was absent, but it was an
nounccd that, if present, he would
vote with the majority.
There is no doubt that Senator
Thurman authorized newspaper
statement, the other day, that he
would not consent to be candidate
for Governor of Ohio. There are in
,iications, however, that the pressure
upon him to accept the nomination
will be very great. Some Ohio Dem
ocrats go so far as to say that victo-
ry is certain and will be oyerwhel-
ming with the Senator as a candi
date, and that with any other candi-
date, even though able and popular,
there is doubt of the result. His
State or tue country has no Office
which Mr.. Thurman would not hon
or, and, because of the great events
which have come to be believed on
the Office he is now asked to be a
candidate for, his friends are anxious
that he should reconsider his deter
mination. MEMO.
DREECH- LOADING SHOT-GUNS,