Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1883-12-15
LETTER FROM RICHMOND.

Especial correspondence OF the Alexandria GAZETTE
RICHMOND, Dec. 14.-Since Maj Baker
P. Lee, Lewis Brainard, of Richmond, G.. P.
S. Crockett, of Wythe and II. G. MotIett, of
Rappahannock, have been announced for
the position of Railroad Commissioner, Cen
eral Hurt, Of Pittsylvania, and Maj. j. c.
Hill have been named for the place also.
Senator Newberry, of Bland, will make his
first speech Of any length, when bis resolu-
ton for the resignation Of Senator Malone
comes up.
1t may be safely said that his effort on
this occasion will be full Of that vim and fire
which makes real eloquence. He is man
who believes what he says. None Of bis
utterances are for mere effect. This Is the
secret of his power AS an orator. He was
more feared by Riddleberger than any Sena-
tor present, and / have seen Mahone's Me
Too vince under the lashes inflicted by The
mountain Demostheues until the sight WAS
painful. After he had been given one drub-
bing, he was careful not to interfere with
Newberry again. In fact Riddleberger
framed his speech always so as TO avoid Of
Tending the leader of the Big Four when
that leader was present. Gen. NeWberry
expresses great qualification over the out
look in Virginia for the democratic party,
and is especially pleased at the defeat OF
Gorham, which is an additional vindication
of Virginia's great cause before the whole
country.
The caucus of the fragments" tonight,
as the gathering of the detected Malone
ties is called was sorry affair. They are
spirtless and have no object upon which to
unite and no leader They recognize no
man as their leaderjust now. The defeat
of Gorham demoraized them more than
ever as this proved beyond doubt that
Mahone's assertion that he still led the re-
publican party was absolutely false like bis
numerous other assertions. Mahone's hum
bly, takiog back seat in the Republican
convention yesterday was startling to those
few who still blndly followed him. Hence
the Importance Of holding the caucus to-
night The aim was to stop their demor-
lization. Some few of the Malone strikers
have been hanging anxiously around the
democratic caucuses when in session, but
have gone away bewildered Nothing has
taken them aback more than the united &C
ton Of the democrats on the debt question.
1t was said that Riddleberger was in the
city to night. He has kept very quiet.
Some of his friends who have been indignant
whenever it was asserted that he was Il re-
publican are disturbed over the receipt of
the intelligence that he has been hanging
about the republicans since his stay. They
have always contended that Riddle is a
good democrat"
candidate who came a long way to run
for the Office of Agent Of the Penitentiary
was very much disguised when he learned
that commissions now amount to about $I3
year, and that the office would he abolish
ed. 1t is understood tonight that the cau-
Gus appointed committee to consider the
ACCESSIBILITY Establishing the Office OF Reister
of the Land Office and giving the duties
thereof to the Second Auditor, who is TO
have one additional clerk. Mr.. Wingteld
will, it is understood, be the clerk.
Mr. Barton, day, introduced two bills az
fecting the Washington, Ohio & Western
Railroad Company. One OF these bills is
simply to confirm, out Of abundant caution,
the sale TO the present company and the
change Of name. The other is to authorize
the present company to unite with, cross
at grade, aud to consolidate lis road with
other roads, looking especially 10 proper
connection with the Shenandoah Valley
Railroad Company. Mr.. Barton introduced
the bills as they were drawn, but he will see
that they are SO amended so to provide that
the consolidated road shall in its further
construction conform to all the requirements
of the present charter Of the Washington,
Ohio 4; Western Railroad Company.
STRONGBoW.