The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1845-05-08

80, to carry out in all the length and breadth Of de-
tail, the various arrangements of the new post-oice
bill; and, fortunately for us the reductions he has
made in the expense Of transporting the mail viii
contribute to off the introduction of the new
system. We gave, the other day, some evidences
of the working habits of the Attorney General, and
shall give others. In "a word, no one can visit any
Of the Offices, without being struck with the appro-
pirate character of the working cabinet
From occasional correspondent Of the n. " Eve Post
WAsHNcroN, May B. ls45.
A word of gossip to you, Mr.. Editor News
you can hardly expect at this season from this dull
place. Washington has relapsed into the most per-
feet repose, which is now and then momentariy In
terropted by an arrival from Europe, or mail from
the South; but, like the vexed waters disturbed by
some urchin's wantonness, the bubble subsidies,
and all becomes serene as before. 1t is enough to
chill one, the dread silence that regDs within the
Capitol that usually favored spot of uproar and tur
mol. To find yourself alone in the great rotunda,
giving sharp echo to your solitary footsteps that is
wont TO reverbrae with such confusion OF tongues,
conveys an impression of loneliness and desertion
hardly expected ever to experience on Capitol HILL
What contrast to the hustle and activity at the
other end of the avenue, the site of the various de-
partments! There, all is in motion, animated and
stirring! Unequvocal signs of steady occupation
pervade every department.; but that of the navy Just
now is, perhaps the busiest. The condition Of our
foreign relations has called this bureau into uncom-
mon vgor. The sailing of vessel after vessel; the
drafting Of officers; the issuing of ORDERS and end
less amount of important detail, afford rapid exer-
else to the hard-tasked faculties of all concerned.
The new secretary, Bancroft, has taken hold of the
helm with askTu and powerful grasp. His industry
knows no bounds. From eight in the morning till
late night he is often at his post The application
oft al daf. Iax
tionnecessary to,the in Office with duties null
hilarious and responsible He dispatches business
with uncommon activity; and such are his powers
of concentration, that whilst nduging in easy
versation with his troops Of visitors, he examines
documents, signs papers, and dictates answers TO
his correspondents. There is doubt Mr.. Ban
croft will dos honor to the cabinet and raise him
self in public estimation; and it is well for the coun
try that we have in his lofty place every way
competent to its requirements. Strange TO say, that
at moment when Washington seems abandoned,
the White House should wear so lively an as
pect. Carriages are driving in and out the day
long, and its doors ever thronged. President
Polk is certainly much sought after, and those who
come have anything but curiosity for their motive.
Business, important business, is engraved their
grave countenances which, carefully read, means Of
fee, or good contracts. Notwithstanding these in
trusons, the President is devoted to his official tasks.
He signs nothing without the srictest examination,
and has frequently, to the confusion of clerks, de-
tected serious in the papers sent for his sig
nature On the engrossing subject Of our foreign
relations, he appears perfectly tranquil. He appre-
hends, il is said, no war with Mexico; and rumor
says, there are steps being taken that will reconcile
that offended power, and putan end to all troubles
from that quarter. The country will yet be sur
prised by the prudence and good judgment of the
President and the cabinet in their measures and pol
icy with Mexico. How our dispute with England
will end, no one can Just now predict. The Pres-
de raH Init aN lad lint.
ing. If England does not seek war, which is far
from probable, it is pretty certain she will not be
forced into any such grave alternative by the impu
ed rashness Of the executive.
In fine, the interest and honor of the country are
safe in his hands. There was a semi-offcia recep-
ton last evening at the White House, which was
well attended Several foreign ministers were pres
ent, and, amongst others, was glad to see the able
representative of Brazil He remarked in CONVERSE
ton, with some POPULARITY, on the extraordinary
lndcrous exaggeratons Of the trifing difficulty be-
tween minister at Rio Janeiro and his govern
ment. The matter has long since terminated salts
factorily to all parties, and MIR. Wise had in no
manner compromised himself or his country. This
Isl of course, satisfactory to both democrats and
wings. To turn for moment from the "knights
of the Carpet" to the carpet ITSELF one could help
being struck with its extreme shabbiness; and the
same remark may be extended to almost every arti-
Gle of furniture in the presidential mansion. Now,
am far from recommending extravaganza or court
y spendor in the fitting up Of this really fine resi-
dence; but am sure there is not citizen in the
| United States, whether from the East, West, or
South, that would not be indignant at the nexcusa-
BILE parsimony of Congress in their nggardly appro-
priatons for furnishing the White House. Why,
will 1t be believed that scarcely chamber in it has
carpet on the floor, and that not the best of them
is provided with half the convenience and that
are 70 be found In the house Of any respectable
family
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