Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1888-02-22

Special correspondence of the Journal
WAsuINGroN. Feb. 10.
Nix BLAlNE'> LETTER.
Mr. Blaine's letter is still the subject upon
which men love most to talk. The effect of
it upon the maj ority of republicans was
absolute grief, though a few of the presiden-
tial asprants, and their immediate followers,
accepted the declination with remarkable
promptncss and forttude, but conceded to
Mr. Blaine the highest patriotic motives.
The feeling of depression and anxiety among
his friends which naturally followed the pub
LEGATION of the letter. has undergone decided
change within the past few days. Three
fourths of the members of the Republican
partv-a prominent member of Congress,
noted for his keen political intuitions, said to
me Yesterday that it was ve-sixths-earnest-
" desire that MIR Blaine shall receive the
nomination, first, because they love him, and,
second, because no other man can compare
with him as "A leader in this important crisis.
Mr. Blaine is too patriotic, too devoted to his
country aud his party, to turn deaf ear to
the practically unanimous demand of those,
who, through these many years have been as
loyal to him rs he to them. Many now feel
confident that James G. Blaine will he nomi-
the call of duty, and putting aside his per.
sonal preferences, will become the standard
bearer of the republican party, in campaign
which shall become remarkable for its en-
thusiasm and for the overwhelming victory
which shall result in the downfall of the party
now in power.
BRER SPRINGER AND Cox FALL OFT.
Sunset Cox, and the irrepressible Springer,
time in the House the other day, calling each
other naughty names. The performance
caused great merrment on the Republican
side especially when Mr.. Cox accused Mr.
Springer of talking with his heels and dane
ing with his head" The Democrats are di-
vided into cliques and cabas which threaten
to effcctually block the wheels of legislation
all through the session.
People residing at a distance cannot fully
appreciate the change which has come over
this city under democratic administration.
1t is very marked. From the close of the
war down to the advent of Cleveland's adj
misstratiou, disloyalty was at a discount in
Washington. and loyalty was too common
virtue to excite comment. The Union Sol
der was respected. and the Constitution was
veuera,ed. But in this respect there has
been a change. This administration, cspec-
tally of late. has seemed determined to play
into the hands of the south. Looking over
the lists of appointments in the government
departments AS they are announced from day
to day. one will see that the appointees are
nearly all from south of Mason aud Dixon's
line To such an extent has this line of
policy been adhered to that strong southern
sentiment has been developed here for near
" three years past until today it may be said
10 almost predominant. The bright eyes,
the intelligent faces. the elastic step, the
careful attention to person and dress which
characterized the government employees I'M
der republican rule. have been largely re-
placed by class which is wanting in these
pleasing characteristics. One may observe
here now, though in oditied form. the
od-time swagger. the braggadocio, the domi-
neering spirit of ante-hellum days. Broad
brimmed hats, long hair, and cadaverous,
sallow-hued yisages, are seen everywhere.
There is little social intercourse between
those representing the two sections of the
country. As a rule those from the south hold
themselves aloof from their northern brethren,
on the ground of superiority. Perhaps | can
best illustrate the sentiment which exists at
the National Capital today by quoting brief
extract from the only democratic daily pub
lished in Washington. 1.-The grandchildren
of the present generation of Southerners will
remember the crime perpetrated against their
ancestors by the republican party when it
bound them and gagged them, and, holding
Federal bayonets at their breasts, called On
gangs of thieves from the North TO take com
mand of the newly emancipated slaves, and
go in and spoil the rebels
Even if they could forget and forgive the
horrible outrages of carpet-bag negro rule
which is impossible-they are reminded by
bloody-shirt shrieks of hate every day that
the most important issue for them is to keep
the Republican party out of power"
CLEVELAND ADMIRERS.
called at the Hamilton House the other
day to see Mr.. Reed, the leader of the repub-
lcan side of the House of Representatives,
and, while waiting for him in one of the par /,
lors, overheard without wishing to be