New-York daily tribune., 1856-08-05
FROM FLASHING TON.
From Our Own Correspondent.
WAluIN

From Our Own CorTespond.nt
WASHINGTON, Aug. 3, 1856.
Now that but two weeks of the Session remain,
snd there is barely sufficient time to pass the sppro-
pristiOn bills with proper scrutiny, attempts will
be made to carry through objects of special legsla
ton, which may be, in fact less meritoriOus than
they appear or are supposed to be BY those
supporting them. 1t is understood that the COU-
mittee on Public Lands have agreed ~ report bill
making grant of land to the Territory of Mime.
sOta to aid in the construction of railroad therein
and the bill is 30 framed that the old company
which Was concerned in the fraud two years ago.
will come in and derive all the advantage No one
supposes the Committee would lend itself
10 h scheme of this Sort admitting the
fact 10 be as is reported; but il shows the nsces-
sity Of unusual vigilance now, as well az the dam
ger Of pOstpOning or presenting large measures,
like that contemplated in the expiring days of the
Session. Suspicious may be- uDjustly excited in
some cases a0d discredit attached to propositions
entitled tO meritOrlous consideration. by pursuing
this mistaken course. As rule of action, it is
safe TO put aside every bill which has not been
fairly csnvsssed during the last fortnight, except
such hs are imperstiyely demanded for the public
service and against which no valid objection can
be urged. The lobby would soOn be reduced by
this process and Congress would adjourn in better
odor than has attended it OF late years.
Much apprehension is felt here as to the ulti-
mate consequence Of the present difficulties in
Californis. IL is ss dangerous for the Vigilance
Committee TO relinquish the power which they
have assumed, as 10 continue it's exercise. In the
one case, such surrender would be almost GER
tainly followed b. hostile demonstration on the
part of its opponents; while IN the other it would
seem 10 involve a complete extinction Of legal
authority. Then there is the great danger result
ing from al such movements, that, the original
object being accomplished, it may be perverted TO
others, OF more doubtful purpose. This state of
tniI gs demo nsrstes cOncluslyely that our Pacific
possessions can never be retained under the infu-
ence ard discipline which are felt 10 the states of
the Atlantic, unless there be speedy
mode Of transit and comm uLicatiOn. Nature has
interposed vast bsrriers in the dividing range of
mountains which science and enterprise must
overcome IN order 10 unite us with the |,ial con-
tact and sympathies belonging To our people. The
time is not far of when it may be difficult TO re-
tain California under any circumstances; and
when it is considered how many years will be
necessary 20 complete railroad common saga city
should urge the promptest and mort energetic
action for this object that may be consistent with
the public interests. The wagon road which the
Senate authorized. is good beginning and cannot
be pushed forward with too much zeal and activity
81 the Chairman OF the Committee Of Ways
ard Means mas fairly got his Appropriation bills
under way, which were reported i've months ago,
ard there are no privileged questions to override
them. there is some respect that if the Senate will
work w TO the hours of the House, they may be
passed in abundant time 10 save tee humiliating
scenes which are witnessed here periodically.
Without presuming to set up NY humble judgment
against that of wi.e law makers, it does seem to
me that the policy of attaching conditions to these
bills. except in extraordinary cases, is very ques
tonable. To restrain the use of the army against
pesceatle settlers in Kansas. "a proposed By Mr.