The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1857-11-01
Affairs In Washington.


UTAH neutrality-suspicious. IN THE NAVAL
CoURTs-IMroRTANT DECISIONS OF THE ATTORNEY
GENERAL REGARDING OFFICE HOLDERS, KANSAS
INDIAN LANDS, LABoRERs' SALARIES, ETC.
WASHINGTON, Oct 81, 1857.
Sir william ousely is to be entrusted with no official
communication whatever to our government. He may
possibly pass through the United States 10 visit his wfes
relations. This, however, is not even certain. Lord
Napier needs no Official assistance here.
Baron stoeckl has returned from New York in tine
health.
The administration satisfied tina, Governor Cum.
mings, Of Utah. will meet with difficulty in being
inangurated
General Roblcs has returned TO Washington Dispatches
received this morning from Vera Cruz and by telegraph
from the City OF Mexico that Cabinet had been
formed Our government will regret learn that is In
contemplation to transfer General Robes to England.
Naval Court No was not in session today In Court No
2 Dr. Graham examined for the government in Com
mander Rnggold's case Court No was occupied with
the OF capt. Richie. Mr. c. 5. Watkins, Lieut. w.
L Hun, and Com. c. Rnggold were examined behalf
Of Capt, H. The oral testimony beng closed documentary
evidence offered.
The following synopsis OF the opinions OF the Attor.
ney General in three important referred to him by
the Secretary Of the INTERIOR
Whether the holding and being paid for performing
the duties OF than Office by the person il
forbidden by existing laws; and
whether person receiving salary for services
rendered IA Que capacity can be compensated from
treasury for any other services lac may DC called "
render.
The Attorney General decides that no officer Of the gov.
eminent having salary fixed by law other officer
whose compensation To 81 500 per annum can
receive pay for any service whatever, whether
be within the line OF bis duty outside oft Nor Is IL
possible Tor any such officer the salaries more
than Office, matter under what circumstances he
ma hal mort mod he ruffn Df mn thnnu
waichmcn and messengers excepted by law, and
the opinion Of does not apply to them.
Tie second involves the following points
l. As 10 the nature Of the title by which the Kansas
ali-brecds hold their individual reserves under the
treaty Of lo25.
Tie Attorney General decides that against All other in
dyiduas combinations individuals their title is per
and absolute and under that treaty the Indians may
claim security their atoms through the protection
Of The United States, by the highest sanction " and CHAT
white man, withou, authority or the President has
right to set his foot upon Indian reservation" The
whole force Of the 20, should the opinion of
the Attorney General be excrcd, II necessary TO yindi.
cate the good faith Of this treaty.
As to the applicability OF the provisions OF the trade
aud Intercourse ~ june 1854 10 the Indian
iands IN kansssH ANA Nebraska.
The Attorney General decides that this act Is applicable
TO the lands in question and that m'fMoy force may be
lawfully employed by the Prcsdcn, to remove all tres
psssers, who are, moreover, liable 10 penalty Of 81 900
Tor making settlement ON these reservations.
On the third question, TO what persons meant
10 be included in the provisions o the act Of August L.
1854 giving annual salary Of $3.50, and the joint reso
luton o; Augu, Is, 1866, giving annual salary II six
hundred dollars TO all aborers IN the depart
uents public grounds at Washington, the Attorney
General decides that the apply only TO those persons
who constantly and regularly engaged al plain ma
nual labor under the authority Of laws which expressly
authorize their employment and attach them 10 the seye
raj Offices The aborcrs thereof. Persons who work
special contract which fixes their wages or who
are employed ia the Offices under the appropriations
for labor, or who bring skill well labor 10 their
duties, or who are employed only occasions,
within the meaning OF the acts referred TO-