The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1852-12-18
FROM WASHINGTON.
Correspondence of the Caledonian.
WASHINGTON. Dec. IL, 1852


and as usual have done but little work-more
however, than they sometimes do the first
week The first day of the session was aus
picious,-a bri ght and cloudless sky, warm
and agreeable atmosphere, and the brilliant
rays of the orb of the heavens greeted the
representatives of the people as they enter
ed the portals of the capital of the nation on
their meeting together after short recess.
and Presidential contest, in which the great
principles of the two parties entered but lit
tie, and very little feeling comparatively was
manifested. The congratulation of members
of both political parties showed that they did
not consider the defeat of the Wing party
would prevent the continuance of the pros
perity, peace and happiness of the country,
if the victorious party would only use their
success with becoming moderation. and follow
in the course marked out by the present
executive head of the government Previous
to the meeting of Congress rumors were riffs
in regard to the prospect of war with Spain
on account Of the treatment of our Govern
ment steamers by the Governor General of
Cuba; but when the session commenced our
relations with the authorities of Cuba were
beginning to assume a more peaceful attitude,
and our representatives found that the Unit
ed States were at peace with all the world,
and IN the enjoyment of peace, prosperity
happiness, with treasury so full that thew
know not what to do with the surplus.
In regard TO Cuba it NAV safely be predict
ed that before MANY wears it will become part
and parcel of the United States That the
leaders among the democracy have deter
mined upon that think may be set down as
settled, The acquisition Of this island inhab-
tied by a race diSsimlar to our own. with
language, manners. and customs altogether
different, cannot, think. I've set down as very
desirable, though perhaps on account of its
proximity To our shores it would be more adj
vanta"cous to our business community.
On the first day of the session, in the SEN
ate, the credentials o. two members were pre-
s"ntcd-onc from kcntuckv. and the other
from lndiana-Mr Dixon and Mr. Cathcart
Mr. Cathcart was immediately sworn: but Mr.
t'wlnn objected to Mr. Dixon being sworn in
aud moved that his credentials be referred TO
4 select committee. 1t will be recollect,d
that Mr. Clay. when the Legislature was in
session last winter. sent TO them his letter of
resignation 10 take effect the first of Septem
her last. The Legislature accented the res
lGnation and chose Mr. Dixon to serve out the
nneNplrcd term Of Mr. CLAW to commence on
AMI after the lst OF September. "hich was the
day upon which the resi- gnation of Mr. Claw
was To take effect. A is well known. Mr.
died proylou. To that date. and the Governor
OF Kentucky appointed Mr. Merriwether to
I'LL the vacancy in the Senate occasioned by
ms death, up 10 the first Of septcmber. The
objection urged to Mr. l'iNon's being sworn
IN IS that there Is no vacancy: that the an
Pointment of Mr. Merriwether ought n ha
considered As extending to the election of
another Senator at the next meeting of the
Legislature. The clause in the Constitution
upon which this objection is based is as fol-
lows And If vacancies happen BY resirna-
ton, or otherwise. during the recess of the
Legislature OF any State, the Executive tbere.
Vi may make temporary appointments until
the next meeting of the Legislature. which
shall then fill such vacancies." Those who
a'or Mr. hNon's being sworn into office con- +,
end that he was legally chosen to fill a va ,
'ancy that would in future take place, 1.-THE +,
Legislature having power to fill vacancies in :.
t'h'no) and that Mr. Merriwether's appoint- ,
ncnt was to fill a vacancy which accrued =
previous to that time-his credentials limit ,
NJ HIM TO the first OF September That Mr. 6
'iNon should be sworn in have no doubt -
md the discussion which has taken place in
he Senate has served TO dispel the doubts of ;,
many persons upon the subject Mr. Glenn =.
ms said the other day if it were decided that =,
'ir Merriwether was not now a member of :;
he Senate-and his not being here to claim u
eat showed he did not feel himself entitled 20
me should decide that there was a vacancy o.
nd 60 for Mr. Dixon's being sworn in All
he W hlg members as far As have bo,rJ =,
mem express any opinion upon the subject. \
o Tor Mr Dixon, and many of the democrat 4
members have been cautious abou, oxnross
NJ any direct opinion in the matter, though n
the same time they are in favor of tho mat
er being referred to a committee for invest;
alton. think the whole matter w;uho, r
ded on Monday. :"
Mr. Clemens in the Senate and NJ c,
the House have given notice tba, ,bo,. u;u
i'roduce bill to confer the title Of Lieut
General upon Gen. Scott. Both Of those .
entlemcn are democrats. and both ,,or,
't Mexican war under Gen Scott.
MT hrsk gave notice the other dav that he :.
'ould ask grant of public lands for the con- J.,
ructlon of Railroad from the Nlississ;nn;
yer to California. When will that very i'm
'rtant road be commenced?
notice many speculations in the papers in
gard to the probable composition Of n,
Cabinet. General Cushing it is said
III certainly have a placc-that of Secretary