The New York herald., 1851-11-29
n E WS BY THE AILS
Our Washington Correspondence.
Nov IQlv

Our Washington Correspondence.
WASHINGTON, Nov. rs, 1851.
Matters a~d Doinss in the Federal Cay-Ins Cons
test for the Ctgkship-Intrigs.ss of the Politicians
The Beginning of Hot Work
There is but one subject in Washington now
the meeting of Congress. The difficulties with
Spain, the iasurrection in Mexico, the great Mag
yar who attracts the attention Of all the world, nor
anything else can be thought of here, till Congress
is organized, Or in other words, till all the places
are disposed of. Men are remarkably warm in
their friendships just nov. Every one is delighted
to see his dear friend the member or his very dear
friend the Senator. One of the honorable gentlemen
decl ared to me- yesterday, that he had pain in his
hand with the frequent and hard gripes Of as cton
from his Washington friends. He is an urbans
man himself. and quite new her,, and he naively
assured me that he deemed our citizens the most
owing people in creation. The National Ho
ell is the great centre of operations. There the
politicians hold a perpetual caucus. AS the ia.
nous Committee of Public Safety in France de-
clared itself to be en- psrmanence when the country
was in DANGER so the patriotic Office seekers and
holders intently and constantly vgilant to the
country and themselves, which are always con-
ne cted, from the Vandals. One party declares
that the spoliators will attack the CAPITOL and that
it is necessary to defend it to tie death This is
beating up recruits for the defence. Another party
asserts that the enemy is now in possession, and
that it isnecessary to besege him. and by powerful
army dislodge the spoiler. The war has comm snced
already, but only with small arms and with distant
shots Next week it will be carried to the Capitol
and the big guns will be opened. Yes, there will
be war and slaughter in the precincts OF the Capi-
n A al ant is inn N aaaa
the faces of the people. Men form themselves into
groups or pairs and talk softly, whisperingly, and
mysterousy, while they cast furtive and inquiring
glances at all around watching the treacherous Van
dals who 90 ABOUT disguised Were a stranger 70
Washington and to the habits Of our politicians to
witness all this buzzing and mystery-aii this
solemn conversation and attitudinixng, and these
anxious countenances, be would conclude that We
are on the eve of momentous events. We, how
ever shall not be alarmed; We know it is all about
the election of few oic cers for the next Congress
But there is som sth'ng more in all this caucusing
in the corners and behind the bars Of the hotels,
than at 6rst meets the eye. The Presidential con-
test enters into these elections. The Speakership
will be controlled in some degree by that. But
the office of Clerk OF the house, though much
inferior one, will be contested more warmly with
eye to the Presidency. It is not so much
whether Mr.. Young or Mr.. Forney shall enjoy
the three thousand dollars year, as it is whether
ners, shall be placed in position TO exercise
grea. influence, which he Is fully capa
BILE of, il the candidature OF Mr.. Buchanan
for President. All the Pennsylvanans are
hard a. work, moving heaven and earth on this
issue Mr. Forney has corps, sort of small
regiment Of assistant editors, sub editors clerks,
and friends with him, frem the old Keystone
state beating the rappel morning, noon, and night,
with the full expectation Of brevets after the war Is
over. They are all indefatigable, and certainly
make Mr.. Forney formidable opponent Of Me.
Young, who is q modest, retiring gentleman, ana
consequently less active. Mr. Potter, Of Ohio, is
also spoken Of, but not much at present. TIE coa.
test will be evidently between the two former, aad
upon the gre ound | have stated.
For Speaker, the names mentioned a. present
stand thus Linn Boyd, Of Kentucky; Bayy, Of
Virginia Jones, Of Tennessee aud Disney, Of
Ohio Boyd appears to be the fayorite. There a-e
wepty can ida.es for doorkeeper of the House n
;he Senate, the present officers will probably hold
heir places, though MIR. French, Of Washington,
Intends to use his strength for the oa,e Of Sscrs-
tary. He has many friends, and viii prove
powerful adversary to Mr.. Dickens. Tksse are the
ways Of politicians, which are often like those Of
Providence, past finding out. LooKER-os.