Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1882-02-14
WASHINGTON LETTER.
WASHINGTON. D. C. Jan. %, l:

WASHINGTON, d. c., Jan. %, 1882.
Mr.. Editor:
Having been asked TO write letter to
the DENoCRAT, we will give you what will
come from our pen, with but little thought,
as our time is otherwise mortgsged.
In the beginning we suppose it proper 10
speak of the President. His appointments
have, thus far, been very satisfactory, and
although sometimes slow, and tediously so
to the oflice-Seeker, II he will continue TO
do as well in the future as he has in his
selections Of Judges for the L. s. Supreme
and L. s District Courts, the people will
let patience work, willingly.
We attended his New Years reception
and got such a squstting that our hearty
breakfast afforded no protection; but as
the policeman said, when asked to inter-
cede and stop the jsmmiug outside the
White House, This is free country, and
one mans rights are as good as auother's."
The President shook hands with each
caller, without changing hands, as Gen.
Grant is reported TO have done on ike
occasions.
To 20 from the LOFTY TO the mean, we
have seen, both at the courtroom and in
the cell, the mscreant Guiteau, who has
brought 50 much sorrow TO America and
to the civilized world. To one seeing this
Insignificant looking specimen it hardly
seems possible that he could have pos
sessed 80 much power for harm; but his
power is now limited and his days are
few we believe. This little Il am" stands
so well with himself and is so fond OF
publicity that we 90 not know but he will
stand the ordeal OF the immediate prep
aration for having his neck stretched,
without fnching, contemplating the por-
trayal OF the event in every paper in chris
tendon promptly after.i; has taken place.
The people OF Washington, and, no doubt,
everywhere, will feel relieved when the
trial is ended and the tongue OF this foul
mouthed assassin is no longer allowed TO
SANDER the living or 10 speak well Of him,
FOR the killing of whom he pleads "iuspirs-
ton" Considerable has been said in the
press preiudicial TO Judge Cox, but 1t
seems 10 be the opinion OF those best
qualified by education and observation 10
speak. that his course has been proper,
taking into consideration the rules OF law
governing murder cases and the fact that
il is claimed, for the prisoner, that he is
insane. We were privileged to be in court
when Guteau was "docked," and also TO
be in his cell when DR.. Spitzka the expert,
visited him. Some friends took Us 70 do
for shaking hands with the prisoner, but
our defense was that we wanted 10 see
him at his best, and not 10 induce any
Inspiration" and further that We were
protected by gloves and therefore not con-
taminated. We stood on the sallows
where he must shortly swing, with feel
ing Of sorrow for his innocent relatives,
but with impotence for the machine 10
have its own.
OF course there are always notable peo-
pie here; but now we have something that
is too utterly aesthetic for even the Capt.
tai City Of this great people. We refer to
the only lover OF the beautiful, Oscar
Wilde. We have not seen him, but We
have seen his photo, and we assure your
readers he is immensely got up
Gen Hancock is here and is being dined
by prominent men OF both the great par.
ties. However much people may differ as
20 his fitness for the Presidential office,
all accord to him the noble qualities that
90 20 make the true man.
Although talking to ready listeners, We
cannot tell you any news as to your Sena-
tors and Representatives here. All Maine
men can but feel proud Of her Senator'S
and majority, at least, OF her Represen-
tatives. Hale and Frye are destined to
grow in usefulness 10 their country and
their State. They take an active interest
/ in matters OF national and home impor-
lance and by vote and act do what they
after careful thought, deem TO be right.
They are both good takers, forcible and
effective, and command attention when
discussing any measure before the Senate.
OF course their style OF address differs.
While Frye is natursl-born stump speak
er and perhaps is more magnetic than
his colleague, Hale excels in self-control
and polished diction. The three Repub-
lican Representatives are neither of them
Reeds TO be shaken by Democratic wind,
and Will be heard from when the business
before the House demands courage and
ability.
The time for the eulogy on Gen. Gar.
field by Mr.. Blaine has not been fixed. II
will take place in the hall Of the House Of
Representatives and will undoubtedly be
his greatest effort; for Blaine knew Gar
field, and will speak prompted by strong
love. SrENoG.
4 FEATHER IN THE HATS OF MAINE
GIRIs.-In his book, "1he Land OF the
Midnight Sum-" Du Chaillu says II had