Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1880-06-07

WASHINGTON, June 4, 1880.
The interest here in the proceedings of the
Chicago Convention is rising to fever heat.
At the Capitol to-day bulletins containing
the latest news were displayed at half dozen
places, and the corridor leading to the House
of Representatives was filed with an earnest
throng of Congressman and others. The pro-
ceedngs of neither branch of Congress at
trected any attention, except among those es-
pecially interested in the pending business.
All the talk was about the Chicago Conven-
| ton. On all sides were heard expressions of
qualification because Senator COnkling came
| off second best in his encounter with Mr..
Hale and Mr.. Frye, yesterday. Most people
dislike what they style Senator COnkling's
arrogance, and they always rejoice when, as
sometimes happens, he finds himself at dis
advantage in the use of his own weapons Of
warfare. The general opinion about the Cap
itol to-day was that Grant was already beaten
and the belief that Mr.. Blaine would win
appeared to have gained great strength since
yesterday.
Senator Blaine appeared in his seat in the
Senate as usual this afternoon. His air of
quiet unconcern was in marked contract to
the lively interest shown by those who have
| uV pSEsOudl stdhc III tuc stTuRSle HOW gong
forward at Chicago. This evening the hotel
lobbies and the street corners, where bulle-
tins are displayed by the telegraph compa-
MES are centres Of interest
As early as nine o'clock the crowd in front
Of the American Union Telegraph office was
so dense that the policemen at times found
it difficult to clear passage for the passers
by. Dispatches were received at the Blaine
and the Sherman, headquarters, both of
which were thronged with the friends of
those candidates. When the announce
ment of the vote on the Alabama contest was
made, the general expression was, ''Grant is
beaten, sure" The crowds are largely
composed Of Democratic Congressman and
officials of Congress, who appear to be
quite rs downcast as anybody at the pros
pect OF General Grants defeat.
i Vmws BY a GRANT Man.
A strong personal friend of Gen. Grant,
probably one of tho most intimate friends he
has in the world, now here, says that in his
judgment Gen. Grant is released from all
obligations to the Senatorial syndi-
cate and ought to withdraw. This gentleman
says that Grant has been mised by these peo-
+ pie who have told him that he was necessary
to save the country: that he would be de-
manded by the convention with unanimity.
! and that it was his patriotic duty to accept the
nomination; but in view of the recent events
this gentleman says that due regard to his
own reputation ought to induce Grant to de.
cline further contest, whatever effect it NAV
have upon those who have sought to force his
nomination.
BLAINE AND SHERMAN ApvIcEs.
Secretary Sherman and Senator Blaine
have both been busy with their telegram
wires. Secretary Sherman has received LONG
dispatches from Governor Dennisou. reassur.
ing him as to the situation, and Indicating
that the Grant strength on the so-called test
vote Of yesterday was only PCS. The tenor
of Shermans dispatches is that Grant will
most certainly be beaten if he is not with.
drawn.
Senator Blaine received similar dispatches,
his followers being extremely confident
A REvIEw OF THE SITUATION.
c. c. Fulton, a member of the National
Committee, telegraphs the following summary
Of the situation at Chicago.
.'The drill of the third term forces and the
inducements held out to them on enlistment
are not such as to fit them to make an up
hill fight, and there are already rumors Of
increasing OBJECTIONS in their ranks. 1t will
require the assiduous exertions of their
leaders to hold the vote, already
under their control, instead Of being
able to add to their support.
Blaine may be defeated, but all his friends
here have great hope and many are confident
OF course they may. be disappointed, but
these facts are now self-evident: On the
first ballot Blaine will have at least thirty
more votes than Grant. 1t is even probable
that he will come within fift, votes of q nom-
ination on this ballot. 1t is also certain that
If Grant 10 Withdrawn Blaine's nomination
cannot be prevented, and this 10 the reason
Why Conkling il determined to keep him in
the Geld. Whether he will be able thus to
hold them in control il the problem that il
TO b. solved. There may Be- combinations
made to defeat Blaine, but it viii mot be an