Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1883-04-17
Washington Correspondence.
A PoLIrIcAL HoRoscoPE-EARLY STIRsI'
OF THE POT.-PRoMIsEST WoULD-BE PRE-
IpEsTs Parry MASGUvERISG. TT
TARIFF HITcHEs. TROUBLES A,
PROSPECTS.
WASHINGTON, ID. c., April 10, lss

Editors Kenaebee Journal: i
Excepting now and then an official chang
or some such minor political incident, new
in such line of correspondence is rattle
scarce. The civil service reform question {
defined by the action of the late Congres
seems to have taken that matter, for the pre-;
ent. out of the way of politics, or at leas
political discussion. 1t was supposed that
the tariff question was placed in the same ref
tive condition when Congress adjourned; but
it would seem that such is not the fact, Of
which more hereafter.
There is enc theme which. in spite of con
siderable length of distance ahead, is becom.
ing very prominent. and that is the presiden-
tial succession. The cauldron is beginning
to show signs of being disturbed by warmth
which will be red hot in about year from
this time. There is a seething mass of spec
ulation and calculation, out of which in due
time appears lot of presidential aspirants
and their hackers. But this mass is in more
dire confusion just now than has been expe-
rienced for many presidential canvasses, in
view VI the uiAtu tofultioH VI paitlts anu
issues. Neither party has made up decided is
sues upon which to impregnaby plant itself,
and each has some serious internal dissensions
which must be healed ere there is any pros
pect Of winning the victory. The republican,
defeats of last year are still too fresh in the
minds of that party, and the tariff and other
blunders of the democracy in the past, with
a still divided front on the first named,
tba latta frpmulpus mi N
rather dubious condition of several hereto
fore reliable Southern States, as to going
democratic, still further complexities the con-
dition. Several political aspirants, too, with
antagonistic ideas rs to party issues, make
the mixture still worse. Whatever NAV be
the final result, it seems to be clear that the
republicans are, at present, better conditioned
for forming distinct and prominent pl atform
than are their opponents. Having the finan-
cial policy under practical control. and hav
ing given distinct expression of views upon
the two most prominent and agitating ques-
tons. namely, tariff and civil service re-
form, they have placed themselves upon an
elevation where, as it WERE they can sit and
look down upon future wranglings and fight
ngs of their divided opponents as they try to
settle or unsettle the present status on these
points to their own liking. True there is
some division between republicans on these
issues, but not by any means TO that apprecia-
BILE and alarming extent which is apparent in
the ranks of the other side. In fact, the COM
ing candidacy between Randall and Carlisle
will develop an astonishing amount of bitter
ness, especially as regards the tariff issue
Henry Watterson, with all his eloquence and
backing, will be on hand to push Carlisle on
free trade basis, while the East will strenu-
ously work for Randall who really stands
l..
and moderate tariff at least.
Of course. every thoroughly posted man
knows that if the democratic party dared
freely to express its views on an out and out
platform, it would proclaim free trade can
VASES. Its leanings are all that way. But,
like its last leader. through fear of the dear
people. especially the working people, il
would choose to hush the question into a
local corner and there leave it until a more
convenient season. But, like Banquos
ghost, it will not down. They have
too many leading spirits and posi-
tive pronouncers on both sides.
so the issue must, it would seem, be defined.
But whether defined or underlined. they are
likely to lose votes by reason of the elephant
many more at least than their opponents. A
victory BY Randall would seem to make him
possible candidate for the presidential race
and he knows il; hence his anxiety and per-
sistency We may therefore count in Ran
dali as Presidential aspirant on the demo-
cratic side gentleman George" of Ohio.
with HE civil service hobby feels himself
fairly entitled to place in the race and viii
probably claim it; but his sincerity in this
matter il most assuredly a drawback instead
Of q boost. He has attached a sore spot upon
the back Of his party which can only be
healed BY a reassertion of the old Jacksonian
theory which everybody knows by heart, and
which that party hugs TO its heart. Blu,
S.George" may be counted upon as bourbon
aspirant No. 2. Many extreme bourbons
still hang on to the skirts of Samuel j. Til
den and proclaim him a candidate; but the
idea is not only next to improbable but al
most absurd in view of his health and wears
Besides, the democracy don't like defeated
candidates As a rule. Even Hancock, with
all his popularity can hardly be called within
the range of candidates. still Montgomery
Blair insists that he is to be in the field, and
re must therefore give him place on the
list.
Really the strongest boom is that of Nc.
Donald, of Indiana. He has fewer enemies
and IL less pronounced on leading issues and
has no particular hobby. But fear he has
started the boom too soon, and what is worse
for him, his principal boomer-George Al.