The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1879-02-27
Washington Letter.
WASHINGTON, D. :, Feb. 21, 1879.

IF any of the Republican statesmen
have fattered themselves that the
Democrats are not in earnest in their
determination to repeal the test oath,
and deputy msrshal provisions of the
election law, they are very likely un-
deceived by this time. The same unity,
harmony and determination that per-
vaded the Democracy when they de-
manded the removal ofthe troops from
the South, exists now in the ranks and
they mean business. To Democrats of
backbone, who believe in standing
square up to an aggressive fight against
Republican encroachments and out
RACES, this is one of the most encour-
aging signs of the times. It will not
do to denounce the revolutionary and
Unconstitutional tendencies of the Re-
publican party, and then shrink from
the duty of combating them. In ev-
cry election since 1874 the people have
sustained the appeal of the Democracy
and voted with them, and now, if they
have not the courage to vigorously sit
down upon some of this Radical ma
chinery, they do not deserve further
success.
This seems to be the almost unani-
nous feeling here, and the battle for
constitutional rights has begun in the
House in dead earnest. On Wednes-
day when the Legislative and Judicial
appropriation bill came up, the amend
ment repeating the test oath for jurors
was attached after a short and sharp
struggle. But when the next amend
ment, cutting off the supervisors of
election and deputy marshals was of
fered the Republicans led by little Hale
and Garfield, announced that they
would oppose it to the bitter end, and
fillibuster to the extent of an extra ses-
sion. This opens up a debate and a
parliamentary contest, the endof which
can not be forseen. Garfield in his re-
marks stated rather Extensively that
Mr.. Blackburn, who occupied the
speakers chair for the time being, was
there to carry out the behests of the
Democratic caucus, and that no matter
what points were raised on the Repub-
lican side they would be ruled out.
The words were supplementary and
there was a demand that they be taken
down. Mr.. Blackburn thereupon took
the floor and in very temperate Ian
guage demanded some explanation of
the meaning of the remarks. This
made DeGolyer's SIS 900 man s4uirm,
and at last apologize. There can be no
reasonable doubt Of the final outcome.
If the Republicans continue to filibus-
ter and force an extra session, SO much
the worse for them. They would not
only lose the fight in the end, but also
the Senate offices, and the opportunity
they so much desire to intrigue few
Nationals whom they assume can be
bought. Mr.. Hayes threat that he
will call the extra session in the hot
test days in July, or not call it all. does
not seem to have many terrcrs. There
is little danger of his delaying to call
it when the appropriation bill enabling
him to draw the regular installments
of Mr.. Tilden's salary remains to be
passed. .:...s
The most important and impressive
testimony relating to the Southern
elettion frauds yet taken by the Potter
committee, is that of Gen. Barlow, of
New York, one of the prominent Re-
publicans who went to Florida at the
request of President Grant to see fair
count. Gen. Barlow has held many
positions of trust in his party and
State, and is accorded to be thorough
ly honest, high-toned gentleman. He
found shortly after his arrival in Flori-
da, that the object of Chandler, Noyes
and some of the other visiting Repub-
Leans was not to "see fair count, !"
but to obtain fraudulent one. His
Investigations convinced him that the
State belonged to Tilden and he SO in
formed his associates, refusing to act as
counsel before the board for that reason.
In conversation with Mr.. Cowgirl, q
member of the returning board, the
night before the decision was rendered
and after the case had been fully can
vassed, he expressed his opinion that
there was no fair way of giving the
State to Hayes, in which Cowgirl fully
coincided. Governor Stearns, VIM
Esau Chandler and Index Noyes, then
took Cowgirl in hand, and the resu 1t
was that he voted next day to over
turn his honest opinion. How was
this result produced.
There has been unusual life in social
circles during the past few days, which
will doubtless continue till Lent. It
does not consist SO much in big events
as in numerous dinner parties, club
balls, amateur theatricals and that sort
of entertainment. The fact is nearly
everybody in Washington is stage
struck. Even General Sherman has
the fever. There is time in the life
of most young people of the city when
strange fancy for the stage and its
glory and glitter takes full possession
of their being. How grand the hon.
age to stage genius seems to us then.
How pretty the tinsel looks from the
front of the house; how pretty the
actresses, and how many times we have
mistaken dirty cambria for the finest
satin; how brightly shine the glass
diamonds how threatening the wood
en- swords and tin daggers. How sweet
it would be if this strange fascination,
like all the other illusions of life, could
last always. But it all changes when
we see our Desdemona. or Ophelia, or
Juliet, or Pauline swigging lager be-
hind the scenes. To most people the
period when the glory of theatres and
actors is at its zenith is before the
twentieth year is reached. General
Sherman, however, is an exception to
this rule. The fever has just struck
him. have never seen such simplici-
ty in so old q man. He is an inveterate