Idaho semi-weekly world. [volume] (Idaho City, Idaho Territory) 1875-1908, 1880-07-20
WASHINGTON LETTER.
From our regular Correspondent.I
WASHINGTON, July 0, 1880


cheerful and confident feeling among
the Democrats to be met here. And
on the other haud, never but once
have | seen such depression and CON
sternation among Radical uffice-hold-
ers. On the night of the election in
1876, when Democratic success was
apparent from the dispatches, ard the
next morning when it was confirmed,
there was pretty sick lot Of Repub
licans around here, but their distress
was short-liyed, for when the plan to
steal a few states was indicated by
Chambers dispatch from New York
that afternoon, their spirits went up
again. But now the attack of multi
grubs has set in very early and have
yet to find anything to indicate pos
sible relapse. The certainty of Han
cocks election seems to be conceded
on every hand either openly or tacitly.
The utter lack Of enthusiasm or unity
among the Republicans is even more
evident now than at the outset, and
the mysterious actions Of both Conk-
ling and Cameron tend to increase the
dismay in the ranks of the officehold-
ers- Clerks In the departments are
not coming down with their little con
tributions to the campaign fund with
such aiacrity as has distinguished
them on former occasions. Altogether
the outlook is not very rosy on that
side.
1t has been telegraphed hence that
General Hancock would resign his po-
sition as Major General previous to
publication of his letter of acceptance,
and upon iaquiry | fird that such a
step is being considered among his
active friends. The reason assigned
for this proposed Course is that, pend
ing the election, General Hancock, if
he remained in the army, would be re-
strained by the rules aud customs
governing army officers, who are sup
posed to be men without political
preferences. Another reason is an OBJ
lection which his candidacy presents
in person being elected to the high
est civil Office in the land while still an
officer in the regular army. 1t IS also
said in explanation that Gen. Hancock
does not wish to embarrass or in the
slightest degree retard the success Of
his party, and as citizen he will be
wholly free and on an equality with
the Republican nominee The exam
pie of Gen. Grant, who did not resign
ntil short time before his Inaugural
tion as President, has no
influence with General Hancock.
Besides, it is alleged that this step
win increase the popularity of the
Democratic candidate and make sue
cess doubly certain. Of the wisdom
of this reasoning there will be differ
ence of opinion l thiEk, and fer my
part see no reasons againstt the resig-
nation
The new museum building. belong
ing to the Smithsonian Institute, is
rapidly approaching completion of
it | will take occasion 10 give some
account hereafter. But speaking of
the Institution reminds me of a matter
that has recently caused some talk !
here: In 1875 Congress appropriated
SIS, 900 at the instance and request of
Professor Henry. for the report of the
scientific results of the Hall Polar ex-
pedition. Unfortunately this sum
was left by Congress to be expended
under the direction Of the Navy De-
partment, of Secretary Robinson. that
iS tn say and when the money was