Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1880-11-24
Letter from Washington.

To the Editor Of the Aenneoee SoHyHos'
The Presidential election having been most
definitely settled, matters have assumed
their natural condition at the national Capt.
tal. This ouadrennial disturbance more nat
urally affects business and social interests
here than elsewhere. Happily this time as
we'll at other times, no injury comes OF the
result, and as q CONSCIENCE, there Is feeilng
of security and contentment everywhere man.
ifest. Merchants notice decided increase
Of trade: social, benevolent and religious
organizations are benefited, and society gen.
orally is in a smiling mood.
The mooted attempt of the democratic
party to question the electoral vote OF the
State of New York has met with such decid'
ed negations from all quarters, including
prominent members Of its own party, that
but few, and those of the very timid sort,
have any fears on that subject. There is no
question, however, that, had the State cleo
ton gone very closely, that party would un-
doubleday have attempted following the
scheme which was SO nearly successful IN
our own State. The desperation of the party
at this election would have goaded them on.
The COMING SESSION
of Congress might be made very lmpor-
tant one, but it is doubtful if business of gen.
eral interest will be transacted. Our Marine
commerce, the revision Of the tariff, the Con-
gressional apportionment, the Indian question,
the increase of the army, appropriations for
internal improvements, our Mexican relations
and many other important matters will be
pressing themselves upon Congressional con-
sideration, but the now general apathy of the
controlling party, together with the approach
ing changes and shortness of the session, all
tend to the supposition that comparatively
little will be accomplished outside of actual
necessary legislation.
If Gen. Walker finishes his tabulation of
the population of the States in time for this
Congress it is hardly probable that it will
make the apportionment, as, save in one or
perhaps two instances where the necessities
of the cases compelled, the incoming Con-
gress has been adjudged the proper one to
act on this matter. The republicans, too,
will object strenuously to any action being
taken previous to a full investigation of
Southern methods of procedure in elections.
1t may be possible to right the wrongs per-
pctrated in Southern elections by curtail-
ment of representation where free and fair
ballot is not allowed.
CONGRESSIONAL APPoRTIoNMENr.
While alluding to Congressional represen-
tation of the several States it may be we'll to
take look at the probable results SO far as
figures are concerned, and the probable eff
feet on parties. the change NAV have.
Sectionally speaking New England loses
in Representatives four, and the Middle
States six, while the South gains three and
the West seven, making net loss of three in
what are classed as republican States. But
in all probability New Mexico, Dakota, and
possibly another territory will be admitted as
States during the coming administration of
Gen. Garfield. Both New Mexico and Da.
kota are strongly republican and, if admit
ted, New Mexico will have at least two Rep
resentatives and Dakota one, thus balancing
the loss previously mentioned and giving the
republicans four additional Senators and
probably six or seven votes in the next Elec-
toral College. Both territories have sufficient
population to entitle them to admission.
New Mexico has already been knocking at
the door, and would have been admitted but
for democratic objections.
In addition to this probable gain we must
take into account the growing republican
sentiment in Missouri, Tennessee, Arkansas,
West Virginia, Maryland and Delaware in
order to fairly estimate the future strength
of that party in Congressional representa-
ton.
1t is but fair to presume that in four years
from this time. in Missouri, with the tide of
immigration flowing into her border, the
relative strength of the two parties will be
very nearly even. The democratic majority
over all in the late election in that state was
less than 5000. The same ratio of republi-
can gain holds good in Arkansas, while in
the other States have mentioned there is a
perceptible and really healthy increase of the
right sort of voters. An immigration of five
hundred voters might change little Delaware
into republican State. Her democratic
majorities have been decreasing each year
until now there is but a thousand votes diff
ference between the two great parties. Ger
tainly the outlook for the republican party is
decidedly cheering.
The SPEAKERsMP.
So many speakership States are being put
up for smashing that wont pretend to COL
lect them all. So far as 1 am judge, think
those Of Frye, Conger and Kasson figure
highest and in the order named.
With our two greenback members am not
acquainted, and a. their party has gone to
smash I consider their usefulness, so far as
Maine is concerned at an end, that 10, if one
considers that they have at any time been Of
any use. 8tF5
Messrs. Reed and Lindsey are now too
well known to need any praise. Both are
we'll mp in the grade Of irst-class Legislators
and sound republicans, and will have due
weight in matters connected with the incom-
ing administration.