Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1881-05-11
DOnhifnl Things.

Doubtful Things.
The two great parties Of the country, if
they live long enough may get the uncer-
tainty Of doubtful things impressed on
their minds. And they may learn to class
as doubtful some things they at first con-
sidered as certain.
Two wears ago there was a beautiful
illustration Of this mistake about what is
sure Of coming TO pass. That was the
time Of the famous extra session when the
democrats in congress, laying as they sup
posed the foundation for power that was
to hold control Of the government for
many long years, were in reality making
their defeat in the approaching national
contest possible and probable.
This spring when the Senate was called
together it was thought few days would
suffice for confirming the nominations that
would be made and attending to a treaty
or two that needed ratification. The pres.
dental election was pass ed, a new presi-
dent had entered on his term of doing
the executive business of the government
and the people were willing their con-
gressmen should rest awhile.
The senator's on each side soon found an
issue however. OF course they understand
what the issue is, but the people have not
yet discover it very clearly; and when
they do get a glimpse Of it, it seems to
change from time to time. Awhile ago it
appeared to be whether Gorham and Rid
dleherger should be elected officers Of the
Senate-now it looks as though neither
can carry even the full republican strength
in the Senate. And the curious thing
about it is that in general folks don't seem
to worry much at the cloud that has
come over the aspirations of these two
gentlemen.
In Mr. Gorhams case especially the
democrats of the Senate have been doing
rather a good thing tor their opponents in
keeping them from electing Mr.. Gorham
to the position he wants They ought O
have the thanks Of the republican caucus
for so doing That caucns, it may be re-
marked in passing. is also rather a curious
thing. Two years ago the democrats had
control of the national legislature and they
set up q caucus system that was deservedly
condemned. Government by caucus was
a miserable affair-and it did not do its
owners any good either. 1t was always
more trouble to manage their caucus than
to do their business.
1t would be real nice thing if some.
body who knows would Just show the diff
ference between government by demo
cratic caucus and that by republican eau
Gus. In this benighted section of the
country there is lack Of ability to explain
the mater-to show that the system of
doing things one has attacked another for
is the system to adopt for ones self.
Explanation or no explanation, the &C.
ton of the Senate now waits on that of a
republican caucus which has held several
sessions. The immediate cause of the
extra delberation is that there is trouble
over the New York nominations The
president last week sent a message to the
Senate withdrawing the nom ma tions for
that state except Rohertson's and Elmer's.
This in effect was to take back the nomi-
nations made from the Conkling side.
This action has created great stir in
Washington and Mr.. Conkling is now
engaged in trying to control the republ.
can caucus against Robertson and also 10
get democratic votes against his con6rma-
ton Its not certain yet how the New
York senator will come ont in his war on
the administration. He accuses the presi
dent If having broken his word to him
anil is generally in state of unrest and
hostility frame of mind not unusual to
him.
In this contest the sympathy Of folks
will be With the president so far as his
course is vindication Of the Just power
Of his Office and check to that power
known as the courtesy of the Senate" Or
general principles the president is in
the right. If the public sympathy doe:
not follow him ii will be because of side
lights that NAV be thrown on the pqrtcu
lar case in hand. Mr.. Cnnkling's friends
claim that the president is intoxicated
with power that the chum cabinet
controls him; and that letters to Mr.
Conkling and other evidence will show
that the New York senator had a RICH
to expect and receive different treatment
The event will prove which is right in
this particular case.
Bv the way letters seem to be grea
trial to the president. He has beer
bothered with those he didn't write anC
now the bother comes from those he dit
write. His course in this New York mat
ter makes one thing sure: his New
York opponents will not call him the sam
kind Of names they did Mr. Hayes. 1t il
is better to be accused of being 'intoxical
ed with power" than to be charged will
being milk and water sort OF parsonage
Mrs Garfield Is reported to be quit,
sick.