The Daily Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Or.) 1876-1883, 1882-01-25
Washington Notes.
(From our Regular Correspondent

/ ally dull one In this locality. New
Years day however was stirring
time, and the reception at the
White House was very largely at
tended. The impression had gone
out that the usual receptions every
two weeks during the winter were
not to be given this season, gnd so
everybody in town endeavored to
avail themselves of this opportu-
nifty to see President Arthur in
the White House as well as to
take look at its improved condi-
ton. There was in consequence
a great jam. The reception for
the general public was preceded
as usual by the official reception
of army and civil officers and for
eign ministers. 1t was for many
reasons notable reception,
marked by new faces and new
names, with a new chief magis-
trate, and the almost total ignor-
ing of old customs. The Presi-
dent enjoyed the day, and when
informed that his reception was
larger than any Of Mr.. Hayes
and exceeded in numbers all OF
Grants but one, he expressed sat
isfaction for the compliment.
Yet it was not altogether to be
interpreted that way.
The long drawn out trial is now
coming close upon its end, and it
becomes more and more fixed in
the minds of observers that the
wretch Guiteau has been. weaving
his own rope. The people of
Washington and of the whole
country have been justly incense d
at the disgraceful scenes and out
rageous conduct of the prisoner
in court during the progress of
the trial, but the one mitigating
fact in connection with it is that
all this has simply had the effect
to make justice surer 1t has OBJ
liberated every vestige of sympa-
thy which at the beginning some
felt for the miserable creature;
has given the experts and court an
opportunity to study his mind and
character, and gone far to enforce
conviction upon the minds of the
jury. No one who has observed
the jury during the past two
weeks expresses the least doubt
that their minds are made up be-
yond the slightest probability of
change. 1t is likely that in very
short time the verdict of guilty
will have been returned, sentence
of death pronounced, and Guiteau
will be lying in a cell, his bravado
all gone, in condition of utter,
cowardly, unpitied prostration.
After he has given up hope there
will be no more doubt outside the
courtroom OF his absolute account
ability than there is with those.
whe have witnessed his daily
manifestations of ungovernable
malice, brutal egotism, depravity,
and blackguardism. He is shrewd
and cunning when confronted
with the possible consequences of
his act, and has expected by his
conduct to save himself from all
punishment, beyond a few years
in an asylum, meanwhile having
secnred the notoriety he so much
covets.
Anna Dickinson, whose magnet
ic platform eloquence, earnest
face and firm ''jaw" is known all
over the country, and who has de-
termined to play mems characters
on the stage, will shortly appear
here.
Since it became known that
Gen. Grant had changed his mind
concerning the Fitz John Porter
case there has been considerable |
curiosity touching the effect this |
would have upon friends of the ex-
president in the. senate and else |
where. People were especially |
solicitous about Senator Logan,
who made such an exhaustive
speech last winter in opposition to
Porter. In response to an inquiry
on the subject, however, the sena-
tor said day Or two ago, that he
was very much surprised at the
L o.