Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1857-04-03

lSa3 the -.value Of merchandise transported
through Central Asia, to and from 0renburg on
the confines of European Russia, on the backs
of camels, was estimated at Eve millions Of dol
lars. E
But, it may be said, in the progressive spirit
that marks the age, and especially our country,
We shall soon cover the interior of America
with Q network Of railroads! Looking at its
vast extent, and measuring the future by the
past, we may ask-How soon? In one, two, or
three centuries? and in the meantime may not
the camels prove Of great utility to trade, and
even contribute to the building up of the very
roads in question? These are matters for seri-
Gus consideration, and should be examined with
out prejudice, and intelligently. At any rate,
sustained as the experiment has been by gentle
men Of known ability and undoubted patriot
ism, whose only interest in its success is the
welfare Of our common country, let us accord to
it an impartial support. Fair play, gentlemen,
for the camel experiment! The opinions of
Humboldt, Marsh and Secretary Davis are en-
titled to some weight. .a.s..
TEMPEST IN TEAPOT. The terrible disclo-
sures lin the newspapers) with reference to the
alleged failure of high disbursing government
officer to pay his employees, is based on the fol-
lowing circumstances On the 3lst December
last the appropriation to pay the folders in the
Office of the Clerk of the House of Representa-
tives was exhausted and up to the enactment
Of the Deficiency bill in the last hour of the late
session, there was not dollar in the House
contingent fund that could be lawfully used for
that purpose. Since the adjournment the dis
bursting officers of the House Clerks office have
been industriously engaged in stating their va
rious accounts arising under bills passed before
the enactment Of the deficiency bill, and in pay
ing them OF each in its regular turn. They very
properly refused to take up such accounts and
bills out of their respective ORDER and of course
have been abused like pick pockets by penny-a-
liners and others interested in getting the money
into the hands of the folders in question as early
as possible. The deficiency bill will be reached
in its turn probably by Monday next and ere the
close of the week we presume every person en-
titled under it to dollar from the House con-
tingent fund will be duly paid off.
These are tight times for the manufacturers
OF rumors from the Federal Metropolis. Hence,
a I'D hence only, arises the fact that more or less
Washington correspondents have built mp
hne wonders on this so slight foundation.
PRESIDENTIAL APPOINTaENrs.-The Presi-
dent has made the following appointments in
Cd ses where the commissions of incumbents
hive expired, &C.:
Moses Bates, jr., Collector OF the Customs for
th q district of Plymouth, Mass.
Amos Robins, do. for the district of Perth
Amboy, N. J.
William s. Jackson, do. for the district Of
Vienna, Nd.
John R. Sharpstein, Postmaster at Milwau.
kie, Wis
Daniel Z. Brown, do. at GAINESVILLE, Wis.
Samuel Edwards, do at Belfast, Me.
George X. Berrell, Appraiser of Merchandise
Tor the port of Philadelphia Pa, vice Gideon
Il. Westcott, appointed Postmaster
Also, the following re appointments
Lyndon Taylor, Surveyor of the Customs for
the port of Pawcatuck, R. 1.
Warren Hathaway, Postmaster at PASSPORT,
Me-
Edgar Whidden, do at Calais, Me.
H. ID. Glass, do. at Lynchburg Va.
IHE WASHINGTON UNIoN-By way of "set-
ting right" the absurd stories with reference to
the future of this journal, we have to say that
MI. Appleton is expected soon to enter the
state Department as Assistant Secretary Of
State, for which position no other gentleman
can be better qualified. Mr.. VIM. A. Harris OF
Missouri, formerly editor of % Tie Constitu-
hon, published in this city, will succeed Mr..
A., We presume, as editor and proprietor of the
Union. Mr.. Harris has been abroad as an q
5. Charge, has served in the House of Repre-
sentatives of the United States and is a writer
OF force and ability. As politician, he has
always been consistent Democrat, and his Den
and experience will doubtless prove great ac-
QUESTIONS to the columns of that journal II
appears to be understood that he is to mount its
tripod as early az the middle of the curren,
month.
The LONG BRIDGE.-We hear that the exam.
nation of the condition of the Long Bridge
instituted recently by direction of the Commits
sloner of the Public Buildings, has resulted in
the conclusion that SO, 900 will be the maximum
cost Of its repair. We apprehend that there is
quite that amount in the hands of the Commits
sioner that might legally be used to put the
bridge in proper condition. 1t is, indeed, to be
hoped that the Secretary of the Interior may
realize the propriety and Importance of at once
directing his subordinate to prosecute this work
Of so very great necessity to the end Of reopen.
ing the communication between the North and
South, over the Potomac's waters
The EXECUTIVE PATRoNAGE.-It seems tc
be understood that the Administration have
determined on the following appointments and
reappointments of Collectors Of Customs, which
we expect to see announced officially shortly
Jesse Sharp, Wilmington, Del
l.. d. Starke, Camden, N. C.
Stephen Willets Little Eouha rI,or n