The Democratic Press

Washington Letter.

WASHINGTON, D. C. June 1, 1877.

THE SOUTH UNDER SURVEILLANCE.

The pious radicals of the North are howling very loud over the deplorable condition of the society of the South. The most horrible crimes may be committed at the North, and the murderous proclivities of the people are passed quietly over, by condoning the depravity of the individual whilst in the South a murder of a single individual from personal quarrels entirely, is characterized as that of the whole people of that section and is made the pretext for Federal interference, as is the case in the Chisholm affair in Mississippi. The Governor of Illinois has taken no steps to capture and punish the assassins of the sixty miners at Streator, Ill., and yet there is no talk of asking Secretary Evarts to write the Governor of Illinois a letter reminding him of his duty. Where be thy consistency, oh, ye Radical Rads?

THE BALTIMORE POSTOFFICE.

The long, heated and hotly contested Kilkenny cat fight over the Baltimore postoffice has reached its finale. The agony is over, the fiat has gone forth in the appointment of one Erastus B. Tyler of that city to the position and quiet reigns supreme over the monumental city once more.

CARPET-BAGGER WHITMORE.

This ex-Congressional carpet-bagger's sudden flight from South Carolina, it is reported here, was owing to the recent developments in the legislature very seriously complicating him with a large steal, and he has returned to his native State, Massachusetts where, it is hoped his own people will visit upon him the punishment he so richly deserves.

DISTINCTION ON ACCOUNT OF RACE.

Mr. Mayes is about to appoint one Alfred C. Anderson (colored) to the position of Minister to Hayti, as he comes endorsed by the prominent colored men of the country, but the right of a black man to represent a white man's government abroad, even at Hayti, is what puzzles the ruling classes of this country, and his preference for the black is certainly in violation of the 15th amendment.

THE VACANT JUDGESHIP.

It is somewhat reliably rumored here that Attorney General Devens, will be appointed to the vacancy on Supreme bench in consideration of his urgent regrets for leaving the bench of his native State for a Cabinet position. His regrets are very outspoken, and he would gladly return to the more congenial shades of his former occupation.

MEMORIAL DAY, 1877.

The yearly custom of decorating the graves of the soldiers and sailors, was observed with even more than the usual zeal. The Grand Army of the Republic have been busy, assisted by a committee of ladies, for a week past gathering flowers and evergreens with which to bedeck the grassy mounds, and the success which attended their efforts was made manifest in the profusion of floral tributes placed on the graves in the various cemeteries and on the many monuments throughout the city. The day was most auspicious for the beautiful commemorative services. The sun shone resplendent and the warm rays were tempered by a most refreshing breeze. Business generally was suspended and the two District cities wore a holiday look. As early as nine o'clock, and from that hour until after mid day the avenues were lined with carriages and pedestrians, and the usually quiet streets of Georgetown were alive with people wending their way to the Grand City of the dead, Arlington. Each recurring season adds to the loveliness of this attractive place. Nature keeps pace with art and the lofty oaks on the hillside seem animated, as the foliage undulates in the soft breeze of a spring morn, whilst the air, fragrant with opening blossoms enlivens the scene with myriads of feathered songsters. The principal ceremonies were at the central stand where at about 12 o'clock the Presidential party arrived and were received by the executive committee, and at 12:30 o'clock the grand procession, consisting of the decorating committee, ex-soldiers and sailors, and the orphan children, formed in front of the Arlington Mansion, headed by the Marine Band. They then marched to the tomb of the 'Unknown' where, halting, the band played a dirge; after which the march was continued by the main road to the cemetery, where the procession separated and proceeded with the decoration of the graves. At the conclusion of which the procession re-formed and counter-marched to the central stand, where the services were closed with appropriate singing and prayer. Thus the cloud of darkness has been dispelled, the night of gloom has ended. We bask in the daylight of happiness; we live in the sunshine of prosperity; balm has been poured on the nation's wounds, and we are offered of the oil of joy.

SHERMAN BACKS DOWN.

The Secretary of the Treasury has concluded not to force his financial policy upon the country in which he disowned that silver was specie, and will execute the existing laws in regard to the resumption of specie payments, thus obeying the will of the people instead of his own egotistical false ideas. The press was too much for him and he 'caved in.'

SHANGHAI.

The suspension of Mr. Myers, U. S. Consul at Shanghai, by our Minister there, Mr. Seward, for falsely circulating matters reflecting upon him (Seward) is approved by the State Department here, and his Consulship Myers, is to be immediately dismissed.

MEXICAN POLICY.

The Administration has decided since notifying the Mexican authorities that they must instantly put a stop to raids across the Rio Grande, as well as the depredations committed upon our people, to send General Ord, with a sufficient force to carry out the intimation of the Government and chastise these marauders upon their own soil should another breach of international law occur. So it will be perceived our 'Uncle Samuel' has his back elevated.

HAMPTON AND TILLMAN.

We have it from a member of the Cabinet that the Administration feels assured, satisfactorily so, that both Govs. Hampton and Tillman are carrying out in good faith to the best of their abilities the assurances given Mr. Hayes in regard to the equal protection to all in their respective States, the howling of Blaine, Morton & Co. to the contrary notwithstanding.