The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1854-04-09
Affairs In Washington.
Correspondence Of the Detroit Free Press


WASHINGTON, March 30, 1854
The Case Of Captain Gi6so~-1he Aerioan ConsM in
NeU York-7he Ramsey Route
Dispatches recently received from August Belmont
our minister at the Hague indicate that the negotiation
in regard to the indemnity demanded Of the Dutch
yernment by Capt Gibson Of the American vessel Flrt
for the loss Of his property and his imprisonment at
Batavia, nearly closed II is probable that the in
demnity will be granted ! understand that Capt,
lures in the Dutch East Indies, and that will be pub
lshed some time in May next, under the title Of The
Prisoner of Meltreveden.n 1t will doubtless prove
very entertaining and instructive work. The second
mate Of the Flirt who had been missing for time
has recently turned up in New York. He was in this
vessel during her entire cruise and arrested in
pany with Capt Gibson at Paembang, and taken to Ba
tavia, where he detained for ten months. During
this period he for some time confined on board a
Dutch guard ship and was removed from there to q
felons prison. Even after 1t was ascertaned by the
authorities that proof could be procured against him.
he was imprisoned for two months at public station,
while awaiting the arrival of vessel to convey him from
the island He was at length taken to Singapore in
government mail ship, and after wandering about the
world for year or more he at length arrived in New
York. He confirms Capt. Gbson's statements in every
particular He has himself preferred claim for in
demnity, which will doubtless be enforced by 60
vernment
II had been stated that Mr. Rafael the Mexican Consul
at New York. to take the money obtained under the
treaty and apply to the purchase of to be
Mexico, to be used against the United States by Santa
Anna There is no truth in this ridiculous state
ment Mr. Rafael is now here He is authorized in the
event Of the ratification Of the treaty to take $25 900
and proceed 10 Europe, to endeavor to induce emf
number can be brought over, to whom Santa Anna will
offer lands and other inducements to settle in his country
This disposition thus manifested by Santa Anna to intro
duce enterprsing industrious and thrifty population
into Mexico affords indication that he seeks to ad-
vance the interests Of the country eectuay than
they could be promoted by involving it in war with
the United States.
1t probable that the Ramsey route to California will
soon receive the attention of Congress 1t will be brought
up in connection with the bill Of Mr. Churchwe concern
ing California mail contracts to which have before made
auson This bill, you aware, gives the California
mail contract to the company which shall prove its
ability to transport it in the shortest time The Com
mttee Post Offices and Post Roads have agreed unani
mousy to report the bill to the House, and altogether
likely that it will pass Should it become law the
superiority Of the Ramsey route will be made mani
fest and the Postmaster General who inclnes to
regard the route mpractcable will doubtless be ready
to acknowledge not only its practicabiy, but that it is
altogether the best route for California mail transporta
tion II it proves best for mail service it WILL of course
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