Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1881-11-29

fxos-THE GuITEAU TRIAL-TmE SPEAKER
aHrP-THE CABINET.
WASHINGTON, d. C., Nov. Goth, 1881.
There are but three topics Of general dis
cussion now at the Capitol, viz the Guiteau
trial, the speakership and the cabinet
changes. The ignominious failure Of the
Star Route proceedings, (predicted in my
former letter. has caused that matter to drop
out Of notice almost altogether, as it is
thought that no more real positive action will
be taken in the cases--at least the principal
actors in this mail contract drama, will not
appear again on the stage Of the court. The
"subs." may carry on side-show. While
all honest men feel that this is a disgrace to
the country, yet there is no way to look at
the matter, other than to acknowledge that
the officers OF the Government have been out
witted in their plans. and have been placed
in m exceeding sorry plight before the peo-
pie.
The GUITEAU TRIAL.
The Guiteau trial drags along-to those
hasty for judgment, extremely slow but it
10 we'll that the laws Of the country even to
the vilest criminal should be carried out in
out, no fault can be found. There 10 bare
possibility that the assassin is insane. II so,
even such wretch as he-guilty Of so ter
rible deed, might receive mitigation of pun
ishment. Therefore with due regard for the
enormty Of his crime and Difference to the |
wrath of the people, even he, il proved of I'M
sound mind, would come under the purview |
Of mercy.
But the evidence during the trial so far
and the prisoners mein and actions, have
only proved that if there is any insanity |
about the prisoner it is of that kind that car
ries a consciousness with it sufficient to sub
ject him to punishment. His actions, par
ticularly, Of late AZ compared with those
prior to the commission of the deed lead the
most acute experts of human motives and
responsibility to believe that he is ''sham-
ming"
Prior to the crime the man was compare
lively quiet in speech and action. Now he
makes himself exasperatingly active and
b0isterous-so much so as to greatly inter-
fere with the process of trial. His whole
manner Is that of bully and a coward BY
turns, ~ II both were necessary to convince
the jury and the public. That he may have
an odd streak or two in his nature may be
true chow few who do not have) but that he
10 not conscious Of having committed a great
wrong no one who reads his letters and hears
him talk can doubt for an instant And the
letters written prior to the act on political
and other matters show great deal of
shrewdness. ingenuity and plenty of egotism
loo much for a really insane man. in
the minds Of a vast majority Of those who
have read them. Unless Scoville, his ad-
vocate, should associate with himself other
lawysrs ADLER than he, think the trial can
not last longer than up to Christmas. il so
leng. The evidence for the government
being all in, with but little cross questioning.
y seems ~ if there need be little delay on
eAas side unless much rebuttal testimony
shall be needed
The SPEAKERsHiP.
Correspondents are generally 80 very much |
enlightened an topics like the speakership |
question that suppose I should put in |
word of knowledge. must confess that I |
ann not ''too utterly too too on this matter |
and must confess to an almost utter ignor- |
ance Of the inner workings Of this political |
machine during It's preliminary movements, |
and the coes are being shArpened.
sAall have to take my cue from those who |
20 about - professioned qsid names. These
say that the two most prominent men in the |
race are kasson and HiscoCk, with any num- |
Der (less than 293) behind them hoping to
slide into the coveted place.
Burrows Of Michigan, and Reed from our
State seem to be looked upon as the real CON-
pfomise candidates should the lions be got
out Of the way-Burrows for the Western
compromise and Reed for the Eastern-ac-
cofding 10 which section is favored.
II would be = little singular. if, after the
republicans have reclaimed the House, .
speaker from Maine should be chosen, Mr.. |
Blaine having occupied the chair up to the
time tlse republicans went out of power. 1t
10 we'll known that, had Mr.. FRYE remained
in the House he would undoubtedly filed the
place at the coming session, and right ably
would he have done so. And now Mr.. Reed,
although . comparatively new member, comes
up very prominently for this position, being
backed strongly BY New England, and may
gain the coveted prize. No one doubts his
ability, too, to all the position, and it Will
make US Maniacs rather too proud, may be, If
our State comes out ahead again in this friend
" contest. Rest assured OF one thing. how
ever, that republican will be elected. The
talk or fnsion Of greenbackers and demo-
Gratis ID the sheerest nonsense.
TRE CABINET.
II Is highly probable that all changes in the
cabinet will be known before Congress ad-
journs for the holidays. No one knows 4
thing relative to the Intentions Of the Presi-
dent. II 10 certainly guess work. But when
certain very prominent men come on, visit
the President and then return to their homes, |
it squiuts little toward the fact Of some in |
portant business on hand. Perhaps In this |
connection we can only mention Howe oil
Wiscoasin, FFelinghuysen Of New Jersey,