Montgomery County sentinel., 1882-04-21
LETTER FROM THE MOUNTAINS.
ooRREsPoNDENoE OF THE SENTINEL.
QUEEN CITY HOTEL, !
Cumberland Md. (


your correspondent, with "full hand" has
taken his seat, and for few moments, in
hurried and rude way, will try and interest
as best he can your readers.
1t is an old adage in whist that "when you
are at q loss what card TO play, lead trumps,"
and it may be said with equal truth and
force that in writing communications mere
ly intended TO narrate the passing events
start with that which comes uppermost.
One cannot remain in this romantic and
beautiful city, even for day, without OBJ
serving the interest which almost every one
takes in questions of a political character.
Local, county, State and national politics
are ever championed by individuals with
warmth of enthusiasm, an exhaustive energy
and ability, supported by a strictly partisan
press, that is ever keeping up tireess and
merciless fire all along the line, which is
without parallel in the State.
The approaching municipal election is al
ready eliciting much interest, and among
the many prominent personages whose
names have been mentioned in connection
with the Mayoralty is that Of Col. Alfred
Spates, formerly of Montgomery, and who
has still many ardent friends and admirers in
that county who will naturally feel much
interest in his election. There is evidently
much anxiety here that Col. Spates will con-
sent to be candidate, but the continued
serious indisposition OF the Colonel has so
far prevented him from arriving at any def-
mite conclusion. Col. Spates remarked TO
your correspondent to-day that IL heJcda-
cluded to become candidate it would be
solely with view to the Inauguration of
better feeling in the party, in healing dis
sensions, curing old sores obliterating past
differences, and thus have the party in a
4, (oIl fop rod pip nd
effective work.
The next question of political interest that
would seem to be creating some anxiety, as
well as uneasiness is that Of the two judge
ships TO be filled this fall, viz that Of chief
justice, now held by Judge Alvey, and one
associate judgeship, that of Judge Motter,
Judge Pearre holding over for four more
years. Judge Alvey will in all probability
be renominated and though the judicial dis
trict is claimed by the Republicans by some
five hundred majority, will be reelected
Judge Motter has serious opposition for the
nomination for associate judge in the per-
son of Hon. A. K Syester, of Washington
county, formerly Attorney-general of the
State, one of the most finished and fascinat-
ing speakers, as well as one of the most able
lawyers, in Maryland. Mr.. Syester is of
pleasing and popular manner, and never
fails to arouse enthusiasm with the oor
p0pui He is represented to be exceedingly
popular in his own county, and his friends
claim that he will carry his county by three
hundred and fifty votes, and will also greatly
increase his Democratic vote in Allegany
and Garrett.
Francis Darby, ESQ.,, formerly of your
county, will in all probability, be the Repub-
lican nominee for associate judge. Mr.. ID.
has never enjoyed large law-side or crimi-
nal practice, and consequently has but few
sores To tester and make him enemies in his
own county II is also known that he is
without serious antagonisms in Allegany
and Garrett. Mr.. VIM. ]. Reid, of this city,
and Mr.. Stake, of Washington county, are
named in connection with the Republican
nomination for the chief-judgeship. The
nomination and election of Mr.. Reid would
be regarded calamity for which the judi
cial district could never atone. Mr.. Stake
is known as fine lawyer and gentleman
of influence and character but your cor
respondent believes that by proper and ju-
dicious management the Democrats will be
able to elect their judicial ticket. It's known
and appreciated that Judge Alvey is hard
student, reads nothing but law, and that he
understands, and that he has the endorse
ment of the entire bar OF the district. Judgc
ulOAtii boo lllsAAC SDbh ANN1AN ~ p - ss'Ai
and in case he is renominated over NJ. Syes-
ter would also DC re,eleciod
Ii need not be supposed that Allegany will,
be without an aspirant for Congressional.
honors. Col. Schley has already said that
"he intended to demand the nomination"
and some say that there are one or two dark
horses who will enter the race. 1t might be
reasonable to suppose that Allegany, having
been SO fortunate in the past few years in
receiving the nomination, it would be better
II the leaders would evince little more lib
erality as well as modesty, and gracefully
step to the rear. The old adage, "turn about
is fair play" is one full of wisdom and
truth, and there are no instances in which it
is more fully and practically demonstrated
with good results than in political conven-
tions.
1t is known that the Sixth District is a
doubtful and national one. 1t one of those
districts to which the National Republican
Executive Committee turn their special at
tention, and where they bring to bear Fed.
eral patronage, means and political strata
gem in order to hold it, and the Democrats,
ii they desire to rescue it, should pursue
policy of unity of action, unity of purpose,
and the almost fair play. The district is
Democratic, and the only reason why we
are not represented to-day in Congress by a
Democrat arises from the fact that We have
pursued such policy, such course, as has
rendered us unable to consolidate our forces,
This difficulty can be obviated in the future
1t we will only gather wisdom from the sad
and bitter experience of the past. Private
ieuds must be ignored, personal jealousies
and animosities must be forgotten, soured
and embittered feelings must give way TO
the finer and nobler passions Of the mind
and heart, and tiinging aside each intermed-
late agent, the untrammeled voice of pub
lie sentiment must be regarded-or in fewer
and palmer words, the unbiased g0ice of the
people must not be thwarted by reason of
the clash of rival interests or factions.
Writing from this standpoint, and without
desiring TO detract from the claims or merits
Of the several prominent and able gentle
men whose names have been coupled with
the nomination for Congress, your cores
pondent does not hesitate 10 say, that from
careful inquiry and consideration, public
sentiment in this district is singing out the
Hon. Montgomery Blair, Of your county, as
the standard bearer in the next Congression-
al fight. Mr.. Blair's unblemished private
and public character and his commanding
abilities as statesman are the qualities that
are liking public attention at this time
throughout the entire district. The objec-
tion urged by some is that he was Union
man. Granted; but where was Senator
German, Gov Hamilton and Gov Swami,
and host of other Democrats upon this
question: 1t is said that he was in lin
coins cabinet. Granted but what was Mr..
Bair's line Of action whilst in that capacity
1t is known and appreciated that whilst
cabinet minister, and as one OF the many
noble acts of Mr.. Blair, that after Mr.. CAM
eron, then Secretary of War, had concluded
to tasten the rolling stock of the b. & O.
railroad, and take possession of the road,
and thereby throw all the immense passen.
ger traffic and transportation then going on
to the Pennsylvania road, Mr.. Blair, In a
cabinet meeting, told the President, in the
face OF Secretary Cameron, that "he was in
the cabinet to put down the rebellion, and
not to make war on railroads. that there
was no evidenceoi disloyalty on the part OF
the B. Il 0. road that it started in one free
State and terminated in another" II is
enough TO know that the President immedi.
ately vacated the order A gentleman in
Frostburg, prominent old-line Democrat,
and one of influQnca and wealth ea;a o.,