New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1856-12-26

10 adopted, one more vote would secure his $780,
Cameron has the art of enlistng dou btuI ;n0venss
and he has alec the ability to second bis almissi
skill.
Since Mr.. Buchscans visit to PHILADELPHIA, a.
conn unication between Washington and that
point has been more frequent and intimate; eo..
seauently many revelations have come to light tAst
were previously obscured; among otbers the fsrt i
that is now pretty well ascertained, that the Dur.
pose Of Gov. Wises appearance at Wheatls,d.
after disclosing certain personal views aud wisAe,
ss to Virginia, was to protest earnestly against anv
offer Of Cabinet seat 10 Mr.. Toucey. The reason
of this objection has not been stated; but thos,
who remember bis report as Chairman Of the c I'M.
mittee in the House of Representatives, on Ia
Ciley duel are prepared to believe that Cause and
effect are thus logically illustrated. The maansr
in which this exception WAS urged. doubtless pro.
duced an impression; for, since then, the merit AZ
Mr.. Clifford Of Maine have been canvassed in con.
nection with the place that had been, by consent.
assigned to the present Senator from Connecticut.
New England will have a seat in the Administer.
ton, unless the competing interests render selec.
ton Lexpedlent.
Among the pilgrims to the temporary Mecca a
Philadelphia, was Mr.. Slidell, of Plaquemine zane.
Though without expectation Of q portfolio, be II
not Indifferent to chances in another direction, aud
is quite willing to come within the rule Of "ro.s-
tion," which is urged the true policy to b pur
sued by the incoming dynasty. An easy foreign
mission would suit his tastes habits and ambition,
and this is something, considering past relations
which Mr. Buchanan cannot conveniently deny.
Talking of 'rot ation," the anxious oiiceholders
have found particular comfort in one If NJ. Web
ser's recently published letters. He contends that
rotation has double signi6cation aud means repe-
titon, q Nh as succession. Upon this definition,
the ms maintain that if rotation be the accepted
bayn 10 oh rghf Ia ina
the construction which insures their benefit, az adj
verse competitors the more popular sense which
results IN their disadvantage. These literal refine
ments will be relieved soon after the 4th of March,
and with no great satisfaction To one side.
Mr.. Nicholson of The Union went over t. mako
his salaam also, carrylog with him surrender Of
the organising whenever the new powers were resdy
for the transfer. His printing contract with the
Senate will expire with the advent of Dir. Bu.
chanan. and beyond that there is little inducemeat
for prolonged connection here. No Indication has
been given OF his successor; but as Sir. John Ap.
petOn is near the throne, and may be even domi-
ciled at the White House, probability points to him
as the future keeper of the kings conscience. The
Virginia Electors quietly recommended Beverly
Tucker for this post; but his crusade upon Mason
and Hunter while conducting the deceased Sesti'
mel might involve complications not desirable to be
encountered at the outset Besides, Tucker is out
spoken and leagued with Young America, which
is to be put under the ban as beng pugnacious and
manageable. The Organ-grinder must be secre.
tive, sharp and shrewd; neither Of which qual6ca.
tions is enrolled among the conspicuous virtues Of
the recommended Vlrginian.
The memorial presented by +. X. Collins and hs
associates, though professedly desiring termnstn
of their contract with the Government which hes
several years to rum leaves place OF retreat winch
may be conveniently found by repeating the law Of
the last session giving the notice BY which their pay
will be reduced less than One-half when the sI
months required have expired. And tho effort viii
probably be made in this direction. The whole
system of ocean mail service as 1t now exists 10
founded upon wrong principle aud the sooner the
Government opens it to liberal competition, the
sooner will the postal arrangement be improved,
and special mOnOpOlies be abolished. The Collins
line has achieved success and reputation in tho
contest with the British steamers, and il has Q
certain admitted claim to public consideration;
But there are other great interests to be regarded
also, which concern the whole community, ana
these appear to be inconsistent with the singular
privileges conferred upon this corporation. II the
Government is fairly committed under the original
contract, about which there are two positive
opinions, reasonable relief ought to be afforded.
Bey Ond this point there is no equitable claim. A
bi introduced by Mr.. Rusk at the last session, bat
which was not pressed on account of his subsequent
absence proposed to open the ocean mails to bidders
within certain limitations and upon sufficient
security making the Postmaster General RESPONSE
Bile for the selection and for the apportionmcnt
according to the necessities of the service. 1t will
be renewed this Winter, with the advantage OF
information. Most OF the projects now
before Congress are mere jobs, recommended only
by the pertinacty with which they are pursued by
specializing agents in the lobby. INDEX.
Correspondence of The N. Y Tribune.
WASHINGTON, Dec. "a, 1856.
The agitation Of the Slavery question, instisated
By the present Administration, has been fruitful OF
other ills than those witch lie immediately on the
surface in connection herewith. The agitation has
been made the cover Of system Of loose, and OK
travsgant, and venal legislation, which has not st
tracted that public attention which it has demanded
simply because it was prosecu ed while the coun-
try was reused to excitement on another subject
The railroad grants put through the last session
are case in point. The enormous quantity Of
lands alienated at that time will stand forever ~
monument of the prodgahty and Iog-roling of Goa
gress. Out of the whole batch Of grants there WAS
not one that could hare passed Congress on it, own
merits. 1t was only BY vast system Of reciprcca
aid, the measures ahead being forced through By
those behind, and those in tie rear being dragged
through by those forward that the immense grabs
were consummated. 1t Was confederated scheme
of States ard corporations to ges possession OF the
pubic lands utterly fatal to integrity Of legisstion,
and subversive Of every principle of wise admni''
tratitp. Some of tho Western States will feel the
curse of the land monopolies thereby created for
generations to come.
1t is not civil to charge upon Congress, or the
people about Congress, mercensry conduct in 10
nrenisea Ii ia no. polite II say this one pr16ted