The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1854-12-29
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WAsHrsoros, Dec. q. Issl. :

wAsMsoros, Dec q, 1854. =
Invent to the capitol to-day expecting to
witness the dispatch Of much business in a
very brief space of time, because of, the
small number of members in attendance; but
was mistaken. and found that slim House
could talk as well as full one Mr.. Haven
and Mr.. Campbell appeared very anxious to
obtain the Presidents reasons at length
for vetoing the river and hafhor bill; but IL
is pretty well known that they desire it for
reason not more amiable than that which
induced job to exclaim, "Oh that mine enc
my would write book ia wish that many
modern reviewer of repeats. Gen. Bayly
b replied very effectively when he referred to
the precedent set by Washington with refer
enee to veto messages. That distinguished
man gave no reasons at length. General
Bayly also suggested another excellent
thought, which he attributed to Slas Wright,
namely. that each separate appropriation
should fern the subject of distinct bill
This is in my opinion, the only way in which
appropriations can be fairly and understand
ingly made. Ii is true, as was to day sug
gested, that there would be log rolling un.
der such system: in other words, thatvotes
would be given for one bill that votes might
be obtained for another; but that would be
only the voluntary performance by individu.
al members, each on his own responsibility,
sity. How much discretion is left to mem.
hers when they are compelled to vote for or
against hundred appropriations, for as many
different objects, an gross This usage has
always appeared to me absurdly unjust, and
/ hope we may ere long see the end of it.
Congress virtually stands adjourned until
the second day of January, and then the en-
ergies of many will be put forth to do much
work in brief time. The mediation subject
will be brought up forthwith. l notice that
few or no journals of either side in politics
are in favor of this measure. They fear that
it may embroil US in European affairs and
argue that we sbouId~keep out of such trou-
bles. This is all very prudent, to be sure,
but think not wisely prudent. would that
our Government and people could stand
more aloof from the Governments and 30
pie of Europe than they do; that they might
not brag, insult and menace nations of the
greatest proves; that they would forbear.
in public meetings and in legislative coun-
ellis, from the adoption of resolutions and the
Illumination of immense speeches, in com
lnendation of political movements in the
Eastern hemisphere; but when it comes to
the proffer OF an office Of mercy, to friendly
mediation because of our freedom from all
"entangling alliances" with the politics of
Europe, then may We move without fear Of
evil. AS an umpire, we may effect much
good, if successful; and if unsuccessful, no
harm can result to US.
have this evening listened to highly in
terestiDg lecture on Winds and Rains, by
Professor Espy, of whom you have often
heard. This was the first of a course of lee
lures to be delivered before the Metropolitan
Mechanics Institute. Professor e. is GER
tainly very well informed and very inee-
NOUS man, and deeply instructive, whether
accurate in theory or not. He is a man of
gentlemanly presence, probably fifty five to
sixty years old, scarcely of medium height
ruddy complexion, and hair well bleached by
the frosts of time. marvel much that he is
not frequent lecturer before the public. He
made decidedly good impression upon his
auditors tonight. and elected their hearty
commentator. Abe.