Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1882-06-20
Washington Correspondence.

WASHINGTON, d. c., june I4th, 1882
Editors KenneJec Journal:
Having Just heard of the nomination OF
Col. Robe by the republican convention for
the Office of Governor Of Maine, ! desire to
congratulate the party on its unity, harmony
and wisdom. Col. Robbie will be popular
and wise Governor; for the good feeling and
earnestness of the convention. assures him
an election, although the contest will be fierce,
and hotly contested. The campaign has
opened suspiciously, but it should be pushed
vigorously until it reaches the goal of victory
Let us off with our coats and go into the bat
tie, feeling that we have a good cause, good
leader, and harmonious party.
THE Political OuTLooK.
If the republican party in Pennsylvania
and New York was as united as it now is in
Maine, and in fact, all other parts of the
Union, the skies would be unusually bright
for il. The late success in Oregon shows
that il is as intact in the Pacific States as
ever More, it is increasing in numbers. As
I mentioned in previous letters, the influx Of
population to the great west and northwest
carries with it, with hardly an exception,
proportionate increase of republican voters,
so that wherever there has been slender
majorities. now there are substantial ones.
Nebraska, Colorado, Minnesota, Wisconsin,
Oregon, and the coming State of Dakota are
all surely republican. with California and
Nevada more than holding their own. The
Territory of Washington is following the
lead Of Oregon, and whenever it becomes
State it will not be doubtful.
Looking southwark we find the little State
of Delaware now classed as doubtful Vir-
ginia will at least remain in the hands of the
readiusters, while North Carolina and Ten
nessee are far from sure to the democrats
The same may be said of Missouri where dis
sensions in the democratic ranks and a large
immigration have added greatly to republic
can chances. The same influences are at
work in Arkansas and Texas, and which, by
1884, may produce wonderful political
changes. Only in Pennsylvania and New
York are the prospects clouded by party
troubles. Yet these may easily be healed be-
fore 1888, comes along, and even now by
sensible mutual concessions. 1t is believed
here, and 1t is to be hoped, that ere Novem-
her compromise of n consistent and pacity-
ing nature will be made in the Keystone
State, to be followed by like action in New
York. Should this be consummated the
unity and success of the republican party in
1884 would seem to be assured. providing no
new causes for trouble come up.
The TARIFF COMMISSION.
The Tariff Commission seems to be a sort
of elephant on the Presidents hands. Few
seem to want to serve on it by reason of the
exhaustive labor it would entail if the sub
ject is investigated thoroughly and con-
scicntiously; and, on the other hand, the
fruitless and unenvious position the Commits
sion would be placed in if nothing important
be accomplished. The animus of the resolu
ton was good. but the benefit to be derived
is so uncertain that the better class of our
political economists dread to attack the puz-
cling question.
ADJOURNMENT OF CONGRESS-.
1t is almost certain that Congress cannot
adjourn much before the middle of July.
While the appropriation bills are in good
condition rs to progress, there are numerous
bitches which will come up in both Houses;
besides there are many other quite important
matters to come up. There are several cleo
ton cases vet to be settled and many impor-
tant public and private bills to be considered,
ere the members can consistently go home to
mend their fences.
The BUSINESS OUTLOOK.
The prospects for fine harvest next fall
will have much to do with the condition of
work and trade and aid largely in
keeping down the balance of imports
now running agains: that Of exports. A fail
ure to produce an average crop last year
has had somewhat uniavorable effect upon
our balance of trade. and similar failure
this year is looked upon with much trepida-
ton. Mercantile business this spring has
been proportionately depressed. Labor
strikes have added to this depression, and
high prices have added another weight. As
each of these causes are mostly removed,
business will quicken and confidence in bust
ness and labor circles will be restored.
For the six months ending MAY /, 1882.
our imports have amounted to $685.. 00o, 900.
against 1907 ,000. 900 in the corresponding
period of the previous year--making the ex-
cess of imports over exports S9l. S53, 900.
while in 1881 il was $S4, 734 900 the other
way. The increase has been steady and
necessitates large export of gold, as our
bonds are not now taken as readily as here
tofore owing to the decreased rate of interest
and somewhat supplied market over the
water.
Should the crops in European counties be
large our prospects for overcoming this ex-
cess of imports will not be flattering, but in
any event we would be likely to prevent any
embarrassment in our trade or financial pros
poets.
1t 10 not too late yet to have poor crops
but at present the outlook is exceedingly en-.
couraging. and in few weeks more the dan
gers will be passed.
A Curious Bill.
Among the expenditures in the late cele-
bration at Yorktown was the following curl
oua items for Our Maine pqonle IN road and