West Virginia argus. [volume] (Kingwood, W. Va.) 1877-1946, 1880-07-17
Washington Lettor.
From our regular Corrospondontl
\VAeuIN0HON- JUI,Y "a.

From our regular Correspondent
WAsHINGToN, july -.
Never during my experience IN Wash-
ingron has there been such cheerful and
confident feeling in Washington among
the Democrats TO be met here. And, on
the other hand, never bun once have /
econ such depression and CONSERVATION
among the Radical Office holders. - On
the night OF the election in 1876, when
Democratic success was apparent from
the dispatches, and the next morning
when il was confirmed, there was pretty
sick lot Of Republicans aroun6 beoe. but
the distress was shOrtllyed, for when the
plan TO steal a few States URR Indicated
by Chandler's dispatch from New York
that afternoon, their spirits went up
again. But now the attack Of nfllligrubs
has oct in very early and have yet to find
anything TO Indicate possible relapse
Tic certainty OF HancOck's election ecems
TO be conceded on every hand, either
openly or tactily. Tho utter lack Of en-
thusiasm or unity among the Republicans
ia even moro evident now than at the out
set, and the saysterious actions OF both
CODkling and Cameron GeGC 10 Increase
the dismaY in the ranks of tho office
holders. Clerks in the departments are
not coming down with their little contri-
buttons 70 the campaign fund with such
alacrity as has distinguished them on
former occasions, and altogether the out
look is not very rosy on that side. OF
course the clerks cannot be blamed. 80
long as there is no hope Of SUCCESS why
should they throw away any Of their
email means ? Some Of them expect 10
want all theY kaEe to g0 out Of town
with.
II has been tolegraphcd hence that
General Hancock would resign his po-
sition as Major General previous to the
publication of his lcttor OF acceptance
and upon inquiry / find that such a
step is being considered among his
active friends. Tho reason assigned for
this proposed course is that, pending
tho election, General Hancock, if he
remained in tho army, would be re-
strained by the rules and customs gov
crning army officers, who arc supposed
to DO men without political preference
Another reason is an objection which
his candidacy presents in person bo-
ing elected to tho highest civil Office in
the land while still an officer Of the
regular army IL is also said IN expla-
nation that General Hancock docs not
wish to cmbarras5 or in the highest dc
grco retard the success Of his party, and
as citizen he will be wholly free and
! on an equality wids tho Republican
nominee. Having tho greatest conf
dcncc i'm the success Of the canvass HE
retirement will in his opinion, IL Is said
bo anticipated only lew months, The
example Of General Grant, who did not
resign until n short time before his in-
auguralion as President, hss 10 innu-
euce upon General Hancock. Besides
il is alleged that this step will increase
the popularity Of the Democratic candi-
date and mako euooees doubly certain.
OF the wisdom Of this reasoning there
will be difference Of opinion / think
and for my.part 500 reasons against
the resignation.
The new museum building belonging
IN the Smithsonian Institute 81 rapidly
approaching completion. OF 10 ] will
tako occasion to give some account
hereafter Rut speaking og tho Institu.
ton reminds mo Of matter that has
] recently caused some talk here Iu