Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1834-05-24
FROM WASHINGTON.

To the Editor Of the ~ Y Courier E Enquirer.
WASHINGTON, d. c., MAY Is, 1884
In my letters of the 18th and 14th. noticed
the expected message from the President on
the subject of the French treaty. No such mes
SAGE has been transmitted to Congress. 1t is
now supposed, by many, that the rumor was
not based upon any fact, but was merely con-
lecture This is not true. On the 9th the Pre-
sident was determined (and so stated to some
of his friends) to make the communication re-
ferred to- He was equally determined as to the
character of that document; that it should be
firm and energetic. These remarks are not
made without authority.
And now, why has the message been suspend
ed? Two answers may be given to this inter-
rogatory. In confidential Court circles it is
said, and believe truly said, that Mr.. Living
ston has informed our Executive, that French
corvette would sail, in few days, with a mes
senger on board, for the purpose of giving the
necessary explanations as to the cause why the
Chambers refused the requisite appropriation
for carrying the treaty into effect. This, then,
is the reason assigned for Withholding the mes
sage. | have no doubt il has had, as it ought
to have had, its full weight
But is this the only, or the controlling reason
for the silence of the Executive on the subject?
II is not. There are new conflicts for suprema-
cy IN the Cabinet responsible, as we'll as the Ca
bnet Irresponsible When the dispatches were
first received, Gen. jackson was for immediate
and decided action. Mr.. McLane, Mr.. Cass,
and Mr. Barry, were with him in opinion. On
the 10th or 18th, Mr.. Van Buren, became alarm
ed Mr. fancy, Mr.. Woodbury., and Mr. But
Ter, conceded in sentiment with the Vice PreSi-
dent On the 18th Cabinet Council was held.
Mr.. Barry made speech in support of emerge
tic measures. But it was finally concluded, by
common consent, that things should be left in
stqtu quo until the arrival of the corvette from
France.
During the last week, several gentlemen in
the State Department have been busiy engaged
in tranSlating from the French Journals all the
Debates in the Chambers on the motion for
making the requisite appropriations. am al
so advised, and through a channel in which
place implicit confidence, that the outlines OF a
message has been actually drawn up, submit
Ted to the President, and, in substance, receiv-
ed his appreciation.
1t these statements are correct and ] enter
tain no doubt on this point you will perceive
That mighty struggle for supremacy is in EN-
oryo. Mr.. McLane is with the Presidentin OPT
mon. The question is connected with his de-
partment as Secretary of State. The Vice
PRESIDENT is not member of the Cabinet pro
per. Is his influence so controlling, DIS not only
70 put down the Secretaries of State, of War,
and the Postm aster-General,b but also to change,
and new mould the views of the Presidents II
Is, then is he, in IN reality ffesiueli' &c Juo'o
DO not stop to enquire who is right, or VINO Is
wrong in this controversy But have no hesl-
tatonS in saying say if Mr.. Van Buren, triumphs,
then does he annihilate the last vestige OF pow
er which his ripdI possesses. say ricaL II
Mr. Van Buren, is discounted in this struggle,
It's effect viii be severely felt ~ NM on .ne Re-
suit of this question, therefore, mucn may ae-
pend as to the future organization OF the |aoi-
net. The Vice President will appear as little
IN front as possible. His business is, to pull the
wires behind the curtain 1t is thus that he
manages the President. Can he play the same
game, with any prospect of success, with Mr..
McLane, Mr. Cass and others, whom he has
long hood-winked2 Time will develope. If it
should be found erpedient by the dominant
party, to abandon Mr.. Van Buren, what would
YOU think of Louis McLane as their candidate
20. of PRESIDENT? Be not surprised. eve are in
he midst of revolution
Spy IN WASHINGTON.