The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1843-12-22
BY THE SOUTHERN MAIL.
Washington.
Correspondence of the Herald]
WASHINGTON, Wednesday, Dec. 20, ls4S

WASHINGTON, wednesday, Dec. ~, lS43.
JAMES GORDON BENNETT, ESQ.,
DEAR SIR =
have already appraised you of the appointment of
Dr. Bache to the place occupied by Mr. Hassler.-
Of his eminent qualifications there can be no more
doubt than of his confirmation by the Senate He
received his appointment upon the strongest recon-
mendations from nearly every distinguished, scen-
tic and literary society in the country besides the
solicitations received to the same effect from many
distinguished men.
The appointment Of MI. Clarke . the place OF
Auditor in the Post Office Department, which has
also been confirmed by the Senate, excited some
curiosity, inasmuch as he is well known wing
But it is not perhaps very remarkable when Mr.
Clarke's entire fitness for the office is considered
and also that he not only enjoys the high personal
esteem OF the President, but is exceedingly popular
even with democrats-and of course with the
wings
The appointments of Alexander G. Penn, post
master at New Orleans, and of Thomas Mcclure,
consul to Glasgow, have both been confirmed by
the Senate. And these three are all that have vet
been confirmed, or that will be likely to be con-
trmed at present
number of the Senators are about leaving
Washington, to spend the holidays-indeed,
think there was barely quorum present to-day
AS nearly as can ascertain, there is little doubt
of the confirmation by the Senate of most of the
executive appointments, with the exception of
Messrs. Profit and Cushing As to Mr. Prcffit,
you know the reason of doubt, and can say what
you think proper. In relation to Mr.. Gushing, al
though he may be regarded as every way qualified
for the station-supposing that the Chinese govern
ment will receive him in the character appointed
vet previous rejection by the Senate may
sidered ground for not confirming him now. On
the other hand his return to this country would be
attended with much delay and expense.
The tariff question, now fairly before both
branches OF Congress Is assuming very curious
and novel position. No appears to suppose that
bill to reduce the tariff pass both the House and
the Senate, although it is likely bill will pass the
House, especially as the democratic members from
Missouri, Indiana, and Illinois, seem to be deci-
dedly anti-tariff Still the subject must and will
he discussed-and that for Buncombe 1t is a
sword with which Calhoun has attacked Van Blu
rem. IL Will prove a severe touchstone and try.
ing ordeal to some of the democratic members
All parties appear curious 10 the line drawn
aud to who will toe ii. 1t will be interesting
also, among the southern wing members of the
Senate, TO whether politics or pockets bear the
palm. Never since politics became a scientific
game, did the condition of parties require the wires
to be more nicely hung, or more sagaciously pull
led Nothing is more apparent than that the Cal
houn men will make desperate attempt to check
mate Van Buren, with the tariff knight And it is
in this light that all the present movements in Con-
gress on this question are to be viewed.