Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1882-10-30

From a Portland (Ore.) Letter to N Y. Times.
The political situation here has especial
interest for our home folks, and, as It re-
lates to the election of United States Sena-
tor, It NAV prove interesting to the world at
large. You, of course, have telegrsphic re-
ports OF our legislative work, and by the
time this arrives you will know whether we
elect Senator or not. Some time in July
| wrote you that the leading names for the
Senatorship were ex-senator ]. FL Mitchell,
George H. Williams and Joseph N. Dolph,
and thought one OF the three would
be successful. The session opened with
Mr.. Mitchell and a full lobby on the
ground. 1t is only fair to say that
he and his friends showed more strength
than was expected. The Republicans have
fifJY-four votes out of ninety on Joint ball
lot. 1t was not believed that out Of that
number Mitchell could command majority
even, but his friends from the first claimed
many who announced that their preference
was for either Dolph or Williams. The op-
ponents to Mitchell were aware of the
shrewd work they had to encounter, aud
from the first one-third of the Republicans
eighteen in ali-refused to 90 into caucus,
and asserted their independence of So
called party usages. Sure enough, in the
caucus, attended by thirty-six. thirtY-four
gave their first choice for Mitchell,
and all gave him their allegiance.
LUG NOLC uhS nOW kOuG Ou lOE luIt5
weeks. At one time Mitchell had forty-two,
within four of an election, five of which
were Democrats and one an Independent.
1t is now believed that Mitchell's election is
impossible. The eighteen will never con-
cede, and 1t is asserted that Of the thirty
six at least twenty-five will pledge them
selves to adhere to Mitchell to the last.
How Mitchell got at least ten Republican
votes that were pledged against him, or how
he got the six Democrats and Independent,
is the question. The afr Is full of reports
of bribery. and the investigating committee
win report In late case that they find one
of Mr.. Mitchell's best friends involved in
corrupt overtures to q member who is q
family connection.
During this bitter fight the 0reqOaian has
gone to the extreme in showing up MitchelPs
unhappy early history. II anything, It has
been malicious in so doing, and 1t Is not re-
markable that its course has created sympa-
thy in many minds for the object of its at
tack. For myself, oppose him because he
has been to me the embodiment Of the ma
chine in politics-the Republican "boss,n
who has built himself up by use of patron
age. II civil service reform is desirable,
then Mr.. Mitchell is not so. That is my view
of the matter, and the view taken by the
great majority of those who oppose him.
One memorable feature of this Senatorial
matter is that Mr.. Mitchell has, in q sense,
Ddu bub Htlu 10 ulLub6l. lH6rS Is q SLrODg
opposition to him, and In favor Of any
good Republican, but It has not centred on
any candidate. The vote is cast for one and
another, and at times is divided among seY-
eTal persons. No other candidate IS appar-
entity making an effort. They simply bide
the issue. Mitchell's friends seem TO think
they can name the successful man, but the
Is will not consent to In that manner give
him the disposal of patronage. 1t is q sin
gular combat-one man against the field.
The Democrats have held out inducements
to the Is to vote for Judge e. D. Shattuck,
man Of good abilities and fine character,
who was once a Republican and now
figures as an Independent Democrat.
But that offer doesn't take. Quite a num-
Der of votes are cast for Henry Pailing, a
wealthy gentleman of this city, of hf
standing and character, who would be a
credit to the State. 1t is not impossible this
sentiment may grow until it win win. So
far 1t is dissgreeable political squsbble.
MIR. Dolph has not permitted his name to
be used, nor will he unless Mitchell draws
out Of the fight. Ny impression is some
one must get the Republican vote before
adjournment, but the Mitchell men are the
kind that never give up. Reports of bribery
and corruption are rife, and are unhappily
based on the fact that such criminal ele-
ments have entered into past Senatorial elec-
tions. When the results are fully known It
will be time to judge IL such features exist
In the present contest.