Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1880-12-21
WASHINGTON LETTER.
WASHINGTON. ID. C.,
dec : lssO

Dec. /, lsoO.
The Congress that met yesterday. at the
close of President Hayes administration,
was in far different temper from that
which met at the close OF General Grants
term, four years ago. Then no one knew
who the next President would be, and
many doubted II there ever would be
another President OF the United States.
child in the broad limits OF the Union but
could tell who would occupy the frcsl-
dental office on the fourth Of March next.
The Republican Senate which met In
December 1879, while determined 10 main
tain their rights at the point OF the bayo-
net IL necessary, were burdencd with the
perils. suspence and responsibilities ofthe
situation. The House, with its Demo-
cratic majority, were hot, irascible, mis-
trustfu aud irritated against the Republi-
can Senate and President that seemed 10
stand between them and the future frutlon
OF their dearest hopes OF speedy entrance
into political power. The scenes of leGl
were re-enacted. Now the situation Is
regarded by both Senate and House with
supreme Indifference. and instead OF angry
looks and loud voices, all Is serene as q
Summer day. There was the usual large
attendance that throngs the Capitol at the
onauinu of each session
The floor OF the House resembled the
celebration OF a reunion OF a family or
grown people. Democrats aud Republi-
cans mingle together In sweet communion.
Men who on the stump had abused each
other roundly, strayed amicably into the
seclusion of the committee rooms and
washed down in friendly lbatlon the un-
pleasant recollections OF the campaign.
Others were scattered around in groups
explaining their defeat, or election, as the
case might be. A few OF the newly elected
members who will take their seats after
March 18th, 1881, were watching intently
the motions of those whom they will sue
coed, and forming new acquaintance.
The Presidents message Is concise,
Statesmanlike document that will find
warm words OF praise from his party, and
negative approval from his enemies. II 1t
has been thought that he was cool and in
different TO the Southern situation, the
words in which he arraigns the enemies OF
Constitutional suffrage in the South will
undecieve those who misjudged him. He
strongly arraigus the dominant praty OF
tissue ballots and false counting, and de-
clares that the people who placed the
several amendments to the Constitution
will see that they are faithfully executed
In the future. AS State paper this mes
sage will take high rank with any that
have preceded II.
1t is only within few years that Con.
gress has assumed and exercised its legiti.
mate right to exclusive jurisdiction over
the affairs of the National seat OF govern.
ment but within that brief period by
liberal and appreciative appropriations, II
has redeemed it from being disgrace and
shame to our civilization, to beautiful,
attractive city, worthy OF being the Capt..
toll Of great Nation.
People of affiuence are investing their
means and securing charming homes fol
their families where taxation Is moderate,
and sources Of comfort and enjoyment are
superior to those Of any other place upon
| the American Continent. LOGAN.