New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1851-05-08
WASHINGTON.
Exciting Rumor In reference TO the Filllbus-
ters"-The Capitol Enlargement, &c.
Corresp ondeuce OF The Tribune

Correspondence OF The Tribune.
WASHINGTON, Monday, May 5.
We have had all sorts of Cuban invasion ru-
nors yesterday and to day none however sun
GENTLY well authenticated, though they were GER
tainly sufficiently grave to make it worth while to
transmit. The most formidable of these runors
was that fre-some had it ten-thousand men
had sailed from Jacksonville, Florida, for some
well appointed landing on the island OF Cuba ~
wa, added that it was understood that our naval
vessels would take good care to let them get lar
out of sight before they gave chase. Another ru.
NOR was that a much larger force were expected
shortly 10 rendezvous on some islands in the Gulf
TIE Government have teegraphic dispatches
from various quarters in the vicinity Of the Gall,
which concur in stating the belief that an exPe'
diton of some magnitude 10 on foot. The lntor'
nation, however, is far from being definite.
The Collector of Savannah has won golden
opinions from all quarters for his prompt interfer
epce-even to the extent OF chartering steamer
without waiting for the slow transmission OF the
formal orders of the Government IL is said that
the Government is much pleased with this In
stance of Southern fidelity
No plan for the enlargement or alteration OF the
Capitol building has as yet been adopted. but
two or three plans worth considering were offered,
and 10 all of these there existed radical objec-
tions which were plain to the eye of any man oil
common sense, not to say anything OF archltects
or builders The faults however, consisted In the
plan rather than in the style OF architecture The
President with two eminent architects from the
North to explain the designs and assist him 10
decision examined them for some hours IN the
endeavor TO make a selection from those present
ed The result was, it simply appeared an I'M
possibility. This was some time since. Inc
President has more recently had the matter I'M
der consideration without being able to arrive at
anything more satisfactory. 1t Is but Just TO the
architects who presented their designs, TO say
that some of them were exceedingly elaborate,
ornate and tasteful, and in keeping with the
character of magni6cence appropriate to such
work A feasible and convenient plan however,
was not presented. IL 10 unfortunate that the
mesgre provision OF $500 was offered to cover
the expense Of drawings since il involves loss
TO the competitors, while it elected but little
competition.
Itis pity notwithstanding that our northern
architecis-mRny Of whom have realized all the
gories Of the sDtique structures OF Corlnth greece
aud Rome with which they have mingled the
more modern Elizabethsu aud some original and
/ chaste American ideas-did not compete Tor tue
honor Of deslgnDg the recOnstructon OF the build
ing appropriated 20 the use Of the American Con
sress The truth. however, seems 20 be land II
OUGHT 10 be honestly COME ssed-thst our northern
people co not feel that degree of interest In any
hing which concerns the present seat OF the Ma
tional Government which might be naturally ex-
pec,ed The cause 10 to be found in the clrcum N
stance that Slavery exists there. They do nor
wish TO asitate the question Of its removal-lt
creates so much distur bsnce. But they feel most
keenlv that in this indeed in most other things,
one section Of the Union has its own way, as 1t
will doubtless continue 10 have. They feel that
All the reasons Of expediency and propriety, 90
well "a the united wish OF the whole North, are
not allow ed feathers weight in the scale. The
South seems to have taken Washington IN
der its especial protection it is therefore left to
them.
Ii is curious to observe that the most important
authorizations 70 the national monument TO w ash
ipetob. now slowly ascending on the banks OF the
Potomac, are from the South. This 10 doubtless
sscribabe TO the indifference felt With reference
n ANYTHING connected with the sea, Of Govern
ment Even such & work, for this reason. fails 70
call forth a response among those who hold his
character. name and fame in the most sublime
What will be done in the matter OF the enlarge
nsnt of the Capitol is at present difficult 70 tell.
THE only feasible thing seems to be that OF leav.
;ns the matter until Congress shall take il up and
ofsr an adeouste sum for designs. The aserna-
live evidently is the expenditure OF millions more
than ia necessary in the structure OF work which
mn.t prove but i'll adapted for the purposes and
oh;ect, sought after in a new building.
ooJeo'' WOUTBR Won TWILLER.
a-