, 1857-02-13
washington Correspondence.
WAsH1NcroN CRY, Dec. IS, Is

WASHINGTON Cry, Dec. lo, looo'
Mr.. EDIroR-The departure of another
mail for the Pacific is at hand. l was in
hopes it would be my province to send you
by the steamer of Dec goth some good
news. But unfortunately for myself and
your many readers, am unable to do SO.
noticed in your issue of Nov. 9Th, some
remarks relative to the acts of the thirty
fourth Congress in regard to your Terrific
rial courts. The Judiciary acts Of the last
session were supposed to apply only to the
States. Your Delegate (COl. ANDERsoN)
asked the committee particularly concern
ing them, and they so informed him. They
were very voluminous, and he did not have
time to examine them minutely. All Of
the Territories were placed in the same
unpleasant predicament. Measures were
Immediately taken by Col. ANDERSON to
remedy the mistake at the opening Of the
present session. The law efecting the
Territories will be repealed, and they will
remain the same as they we're previously.
Rumor says that Gen. Wool (whose
head quarters we're in the saddle during
the Indian disturbances), has asked to be
relieved from the command of the Pacific
division. The friends Of both Territories
in this city hope that such is the case.
Your Delegate is endeavoring to have
Seattle made port Of entry. He has
shown the Secretary the charts of Puget
Sound, and proven to him conclusively that
vessels bound 10 Seattle are often delayed
three and four days by being necessitated to
stop at Port Townsend to enter the ships.
The merchants Of Seattle would thereby
obtain their merchandise much sooner, and
the vessels meet with much quicker dis
patch
You will perceive that the report Of the
Secretary of War alludes to peace having
been brought about by our forces in the
Territories of Washington and Oregon
Secretary Davis says that he means the
volunteer forces as well as the regulars, as
the department recognizes their services.
The Secretary leaves his present position
on the 4th Of March, and enters the Senate
for the next Congress. The volunteers Of
both Territories can rely upon receiving
the warm support of JEFF. Davis in aid Of
their just dues.
The bill reported by the committee on
Military Affairs for the increase of pay ol
the officers of the army meets with the
hearty approval of all friends of the army
The bill will undoubtedly pass this present
session. 1t increases the pay of all officers
500 per month, and 10 cents extra per
ration. This is as it should be. A more
deserving class of educated gentlemen can
not be found than those of our officers in
the army The arduous duties, both mental
and physical, which they perform, justly
entitle them to a competence sufficient to
support them iu a creditablo manner This
bill will strike every one at glance as a
just and reasonable one, and commends
itself to public favor.
Congress has as yet done nothing but
discuss the Presidents message. As the
holidays are near at hand, presume moth
ing Of interest will transpire until they are
over. We are watching with great deal
of anxiety their acts, and hope that they
will soon attend to the wants of the
country.
You will find this an uninteresting letter,
1 fear, but there is one good point in it
it is brief one.
With respect, 1 am yours, &C.,
]. H. S.