The Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1877-1885, 1883-11-12
WASHINGTON LETTERS.
From our Regular Correspondent. ]

WASHINGTON, D. c., Nov 10, 1888
The intense interest which prevailed
here, in the various state elections, has
given way to feeling of serene satisfac-
tion among democrats and correspond
ing depression in the ranks of the admin
istration republicans More interest was
felt here in Virginia than in any other
state, because it was thought to have a
more important bearing upon the ap-
proaching presidential election The re-
suit there is not very encouraging to the
president, whose only really distinct policy
has been the alliance with Malone 1t
now looks as though the Arthur delega-
tion, promised by Malone, to the repub-
lIcan national convention would not be
such powerful factor in the deliberations
of that body as was once anticipated
The little Virginia trickster and trader,
for whom the republicans in the senate
and in the administration paid such big
price, is irretrievably crushed Taking
the results ovel the country as whole,
the general feeling here is that President
Arthur's boom has been punclured His
chances for denomination are now con
sidered just about as slim as would be his
hope of election if nominated. For weeks
the administration organ here has been
proclaiming that the only hope of the re-
publicans for success in 81 was in carrying
Virginia and North Carolina. That hope
has now become one of the most forlorn
prospects political party ever contem-
plated, and the leaders fully realize it,
Notwithstanding all their efforts at whist
ling to keep up the courage of the rank
and file
The influx of politicians and prominent
people is increasing daily now. Ex-
Senator Stewart, of Nevada, has been
here lately looking after the improve
ments to Stewart Castle" once the most
conspicuous private building in the city
Since the fire which destroyed the tower
a few years ago, it has not attracted sc
much attention; but this season it has
been restored to somewhat of its former
appearance, though painted darker color
Mr.. Stewart does not look day older
than when he left the senate. There is d
fresh color in his face, a sparkle in lis
eyes and vitality in bis every move
ment that many younger man might
envy. He says he is not coming to Wash
iugton yet He will wait until he is al
old man. Mrs. Stewart will probably
spend the winter here occupying the
castle. House building represents t
pretty serious business for the brave
hearted ex-senator. At nine differen
times in his life he has built handsome
house for home. and each time he ha
finished the house he has been bank
rupted. 1t is said he is never so Cheerful
and happy as when he has had every
thing in the way of fortune swept away
Then he gathers his wife and babie
about him and says with a happy smile
We'll, darlings, we will have to tr,
again, | guess" Mr.. Stewart says tina
he does not believe General Grant or an,
one else will make much out of thei
investments in the southwestern railroad
system, if they have gone in for a perma
nent investment. The railroads bein!
built through Mexico run through poo
country, where the inhabitants are to-
lazy to work, and will not develop thei
country, no matter what opportunity i
offered them.
According to the signs cropping GU
here there will be strong attempt mad
at the approaching congress to erect tw,
new states out of the territory of Dakota
This movement proceeds from bite
sectional warfare that has grown up be
tween Northern and Southern Dakota, tn
latter of which has recently framed neV
constitution preparatory to her admission
The northern men declare that the cor
vention that framed this constitution wa
a fraud upon the people, inasmuch as nc
one in twenty of the voters of the terrtor
were given opportunity to vote upon th
question of its authorization. Meatnim
the capitol building at Bismarck is rap
idly approaching completion, at q cost G
about quarter of a million of dollarl
exclusive of the grounds. PHoNo.