Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1881-01-24
WAsHrxeTox, d. c., Jan. 10. ISL.

WAsHrSGToS, ID. c., Jan. 10. ISL
To the Editor Of the Reane5ee Journal:
Pour weeks Of excellent sle;ghing at the
Capital is something remarkable. and yet we
have had il, and outside of the city there Is
still plenty of il. gentleman formerly
from Maine, told me yesterday, that at Falls
church, Va, where he resides. the sleighing
is a. good as he ever saw il in his native town
of WatervilIe Therefore the weather has
been one Of the principal topics for discus
sion Sleighing skating and cutting ice,
have been in vogue since Christmas
The Potomac has been frozen since that
time nearly to its mouth and ice over foot
in thickness. /. taken on, in many places.
Considering the raw atmosphere which is pc
culiar 70 this climate, and the unusual sever
ity Of the winter. | am Of the opuiOn that
Maine has, thus far, been more congenial a.
a wintering place than the District of Column
bia. Colds, coughs. catarrh and kindred diseas-
es have, consequently, become more frequent
here, and deaths are more numerous than
for many winters.
The expiring Congress excites, thus far,
but little interest nothing of great national
importance other than the funding bill of
Fernando Wood has been brought forward.
Should this be passed il will test severely the
ability Of the Government to put its bonds
upon the market at an almost nominal rate of
interest and if these bonds are successful, ii
will prove that United States securities are
deemed far preferable to those OF any other
country in the world. Many able fnanciers
doubt the expediency of the measure, espec-
tally the long time principle. short loan
with bonds of small denominations, and sub
ject to circulation may become popular; but
Mr.. Wood hangs on to the notion that ; per
cents can take the place, or rather follow
per cents on the basis of the latter
This measure out of the way then we may
have some excitement if the democrats deter
mine to press the electoral count or appor-
tionment questions. Both these bills will be
antagonized by the republicans, and probably
with success. There are but two alternatives
for the democrats, either TO allow these meas
ures to drop allow an extra session. They
cannot, thus far. collect quorum of their
own members, and they dread an extra ses-
sion As it throws out of employ so many Of
their favOrites. 4 wear, salary in either the
House or Senate Is not to be laughed at. The
chances for and against new session are
determine.
BLAINE IN THE CABINET.
The almost universal conclusion that Sen
atOr Blaine will take charge Of the State De-
partment, at least shows the drift of public
sentiment and the general wish. Although
the Senator has not. SO far | know. init
mated to his friends, far near, his pur-
poses, eve'y prominent journal places his
Il A.
much smoke may have considerable fire un-
der it. All conccde that he would fill the
place with most distinguished ability, and
Maine, particularly, would be proud of his
selection by General Garfield.
SENATOR H,MLIx.
For the first time in his life Senator Ham
lin has had an attack of rheumatism, and has
been absent from his place in the Senate for
several days. Every one knows that the ven
cradle Senator never wears an overcoat. and
during the coolest weather may be seen in
the well-known swallow tail moving along in
the crowd Che hardly ever rides He will
be greatly missed in Washington. He has a
large circle of acquaintance and many very
warm friends. He has ever carried himself
with dignity and yet kindly, and no man. be
he amongst the lofty or the Iowlv, can say
that he has been treated rudely or neglecttul-
" by Hannibal Hamlin.
This cannot be said regarding many othe,
great men we have amongst us. He has
been faithful in the little rs well as the great
duties pertaining to his office. His constit
uents can truly say: We'll done. good and
faithful servant" and all the people of Maine
will, no doubt, heartily welcome him back as
he returns once more to them and to the
enjoyment of private life. He leaves tn,
State in good hands Hale Frye. Reed
and Lindsey--all able men, and should Sen
ator Blaine go into the Cabinet. no doubt
an able man will represent us in place o.
FRYE. promoted. +. J. Il.