New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1856-12-16
FROM WASHINGTON.
PACIFIC ACKNOWLEDGMENT.

1t ia given out by the special managers Of the
Pacific Railroad, that inasmuch ss the House I'D.
journed when vote was pending upon it at the
extra session, claim to priority over al other bus
ness ia thus established, and will be pursued under
the encouragement of this supposed advantage.
Zeal very often outstrps discretion, and movement
Of this sort will not only excite suspicion, to the
prejudice Of whatever abstract merit the p-ojec.
may have, but enlist determined hostility. The
over-wise ard self satisfied may not be prepared for
such development, but they will be sptt realize
it whenever the attempt shal be made under such
auspices. In the early part of the session. promi-
rent Southern Senators were free to express q
determination to oppose this scheme in almost any
form that might be presented, upon the ground
that while an equitable shsre Of interest might be
appropriated TO their section and several dverging
roads might be proposed to be concentrated upon
one great central avenue still the enterprise, CAPT
tai and energy Of the North would obtain the con-
troll, ard thus WELD q corporation of gigantic pro-
portions, capable Of commanding political as well
as material power TO the disadvantage Of the South.
This view has impressed itself upon the CONNER
cial Convention at Savannah, aud the reflected
opinion Of that body will be apt to produce its
effect upon the tmid and in6rm OF purpose here.
One obstacle is thus fairly stated. But there is
another to be considered in this connection, which
frankness requires should be understood elsewhere,
il is well known in every political and social cir
Gle here. 1t has already gained certain publicity,
and attracted no unmerited comment. refer to
the influences inside the Ha and outside in the
lobby that are engaged in this and other projects,
some Of which are proper, and others Of which are
VIGOROUSLY profigaie. In remarking upon branch
Of this subject few days since, The TRIBUNE
drew very just distinction between men coming
here for a special object, advocating It uprlghty by
the expenditure Of time and talent, and Receiving re-
muneratiOn for the service; and another class OF
men, who habitually stationed themselves around
the Hobbies of Congress, exsggeratng their small
consequence, like hungry wolves seeking whom
they may devOur, and entering into corrupt combs
nations for special OF general legislation. NOexcep-
ton whatever is taken to the first class; but to the
second class eagued il is with selfish associations
in Congress- there is strong sentiment of indigna.
ton rising and disclosing itself emphatically every
day. 1t may yet find utterance in more sgnlh-
cant form than the muttered menaces which are now
bruted in the ante rooms and behind the Speakers
chair.
We see the same men figuring in every scheme.
Those on the floor are indicated without hesitation,
and the obbies are crowded daily with the middle
men or Obetweens who negotiate the cOnsdera.
ton of support and who divide the spOils under
formal contracts. Railroad grants, steam lines,
patent extensions, private claims and other spola-
lions are all assumed to be managed by the same
parties forming choice cOterle within themselves,
and occasionally forgetting the highwayman's maxim
of honesty among thieves. Portions even OF the
Press have not escaped the contact of this specu-
atinp management. and independence has been
sacrificed that venality might thrive. In word,
there is an existing combination, embracing men OF
as many political cOlOrs as JOseph's coat, most vi
whom are destitute of influence or character, but
who have banded together under the common IN.
stincts of plumber to take all they can get and get
all they can by fair means or foul. This fact Is
notorious on every avenue Of Washington; it is the
staple Of common remark, and the source OF deep
modification to those who value integrity IN public
as well as IN private life.
It is no wonder, then, that something more than
passing prejudice should be roused when interests
obnoxious to such deserved reproach are brought
Q bear conspicuously as the parisans Of the Pa
,i6c Railroad, or any other of the many projects
in which they are employed before Congress. And
failure follows their endeavOrs in objects which
ealy merit consideration, II may be ascrl6ed 10
the bad odor of this doubtful support. The mere
recOmme ndatiOn of particular men VINO might De
named at the last session so tainted propositions 10
the Committee room that they were actually with
held fearing the cons eQuence of such advocacy in
| the House. And their cOnfederates, who are Pc
rodically imported here, without other capital to
| recommend them than stock Of ignorant effrOnt-
| ery, are in no better repute. This system has
grown up into one of audacious wrong, from the
impunity with which it has been heretofore toll
Grated. The success which has attended few has
made others bold and defiant, until now it is time
that publicity in some practical form should en-.
tighten the country to the extent and danger OF
practice so cOrruptiDg in its nature and SO per-
vading in its power
NJ MagallOn, the first Secretary of the Spanish
Legation, who. through successive ministries and
revolutions for q series of years, has always
haa haan rnfiEad of hia n
pointment as Minister to Mexico. He has been
acting as Charge dA Gares since the resignation aud
Withdrawal Of Escalante, and will continue TO Off,
cate in tina. capacity until the new Minister may
arrive. MagallOn married niece OF Madame CAL
deron, and. like BOurbilou, the French Secretary
of Legation, who did likewise has now risen to a
| HIGH diplomatic rank. And the same sort OF good
luck seems to have betided the catalogue Of foreign
| diplomats who have been fortunate enough to con-
| sole themselves with American wives BOdiscO,
| Pageot, Calderon, Sartiges, StOeckl, Boeau, be-
| side those named, and many others that might be
cited, we're and are examples OF at least the per-
sonal advantage Of connecting their natOnatles
| with ours by more tender ties than the seals Of
| treaties or the signs of diplomacy. In their of
spring the best hostages of peace and-soOd will are
| to be found.
The rews from Nicaragua, by way Of Havana,
| as vet but mpenecily reported BY telegraph, has
danlper ed the ardor of Walkers special advisers
and autnOrlZed agents III ticc paris LUIS 'ciy
intelligence was watched with anxiety as the read
| els Of this correspondence were made aware, be
cause assurances had been given that Walker
would not only be able TO subdue the allied forces,
| gathered rom three Central American States, but
that he should by the present time be established
at Leon. Upon this foundation, the whole super;
structure Of immediate recognition was reared, aud
| now that it appears to have sunk the hopes and
| expectations that were raised with II must sink
| Etewise. Faure now is downfall, for the loss of
tie prestige which has hitherto attracted followers