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The Feeling in Alabama Before Election.
A correspondent of the Cincinnati Commercial, writing from Montgomery, Ala., on the 5th instant, thus alludes to the despondency of the Unionists of that vicinity on the eve of the late election :
On my arrival here, from Mobile, I find loyal men, and those friendly to reconstruction, quite cast down and despondent as to the result of the election, which opened yesterday.  I refer to the popular vote on the ratification of the new Constitution of Alabama, lately framed by the Convention at Montgomery.
There are votes enough, and more than enough, I am told, in Alabama triumphantly to ratify the Constitution and elect all the Republican State and other officers balloted for.   The difficulty appears to be, that an unfortunate change of the district commanding officer has worked depression of spirit in Union men, and a corresponding buoyancy of hope among Rebel sympathizers and the enemies of reconstruction, which two classes you may take as separate or identical, just as you please.
Complaints are loud here, that Lieutenant Colonel Hayden (Brevet Brigadier) has filled the vacancies in the Boards of Registration with men of well-known disloyal sentiments, and has even displaced registrars of recognized loyalty, by men of notorious Rebel record, unable in some cases to take even the mild oath required of registered voters.
Regret here is pointed and outspoken, that such a patriot and soldier as Major General Swayne should have been succeeded by Lieutenant Colonel Hayden.
I do not care to repeat all I hear concerning the new military administration of Alabama. People here mince neither their statements nor their words on the subject, and, whatever be the result of the election, a strict investigation and accountability will be demanded.  I have no knowledge of Lieutenant Colonel Hayden's antecedents or military records, but I have heard a gentleman, familiar with military matters and army history, say that the officer in question has all the intellect necessary to command a two-company post with brilliant distinction.
It was rumored, as I left Mobile, that Colonel Hudson, commanding that post, had given orders, that two men, appointed by the Democratic party, should be admitted within each polling place in that city, for the purpose, and with the privilege, of challenging voters.
This is almost incredible, for the reason that the registration books have been publicly opened, on four different occasions, in every county and city of Alabama, for the express purpose of testing and challenging voters before registering them, and of striking off their names for cause after registration.  At least, I know from personal experience, that it is so in Florida, which is, like Alabama, in the Third Military District, and I am informed it is so here.  And further, that all the boards and managers have to do at this election is simply to receive the votes of men who are duly registered, and reject the votes of those who are not registered.
The question is asked, are Colonels Hudson and Hayden of the same school of politics?  And, if so, what school is that?

Amusements.