Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1858-07-13
WASHINGTON NEWS AND GOSSIP.

WASHINGTON NEWS AND GOSSIP.
SENATOR DoUGLAs.-The speech of this dis
tinguished gentleman, recently delivered al
Chicago, was looked for in this city with no
little interest, if not anxiety, by the public
men here of all parties The key to their ex
traordinary interest in it waists probable solu-
ton of the doubtful question, whether it was
his purpose to renew his connection with the
National Democratic party or not-a point
quite as important to the future Of the Repub-
lican party, as to the Democracy. In private
conversation Mr.. D. has steadily maintained
his fealty to the Democracy notwithstanding
the bitterness and unrelenting vehemence with
which he fought the party organization during
the last session; as in the newspapers In his
interest the pretence is vehemently urged that
because the party ''organizationSS. in Illinois
sustains him, therefore his and their struggle
to secure the ascendancy of the views and
measures Of the Republican party on the Kan
sas question, is specially Democratic. We have
not been among those who believed it possible
that Mr. Douglas would renew his identified
ton with the Democratic party, because we
knew, FIRST, that he could not jump back into
MS POSltiOu III It's IdDhs anu COuuCls,
and next, that he would accept no such posi-
ton lin the party as he could obtain under
the circumstances.
We are therefore by no means surprised on
finding him in this Chicago speech continuing
TO vaunt his achievements against the Demo-
cratic party during the last session; more es-
pecially directly into the ears of his Republi-
can party constituents, upon whose favor Lie
must now rely for his continuing in public life.
He processes of course to be n Doug las mana
stage of political transition incident to the
transfer of any and every considerable public
mans party allegiance. That, however, will
probably go no further than it is worth with
any one of sense and experience. 1t is to be
presumed that those around US, who from per-
sInal considerations have been hoping that ere
long Mr.. Douglas would forget his griefs and
labor zealOusly to reinstate himself in the favor
o; the Democratic party, will now comprehend
that to continue longer to entertain such fam
cies will be hoping against hope.
INDIANS IN UTAH.-We were shown yester-
day dispatch recently received by the Indian
Bureau, from DR.. Forney, Superintendent of
Indian Affairs in Utah, which bears date At
Fort Bridger, April 18th.
DR.. Z. says that, during the preceding week,
he had visited the encampment of the ShO-sho-
Ne tribe of Indians, on Bear river, some fifty
miles distant from the Fort, in the direction of
Salt Lake City. Having previously promised
two chiefs Of the tribe that he would pay their
people visit when they came up to their en-
campment on Bear river, they had sent for
him an escort OF the two chief: in question and
seventy men, all well mounted, and there was
no proper alternative but for him then to re-
deem his pledge, which be accordingly did. 1t
was his first visit to an Indian encampment,
and he expresses himself highly pleased with
what ne saw. He remarks, among other things,
the habits of industry among these people. A
chief, named Ben Simons, who acted as inter
prefer, told him that the tribe had out hunting
parties almost constantly, and during the win
ter they had killed over a hundred elks, be-
sides great quantities of smaller game
This is one of the tribes, says DIR. F., on
which Brigham Young boasts that he can rely
for assistance, in case of a conflict between the
MOrmOns and the Government. But the Doctor
thinks he . calculates without his host" in this
instance, and asserts that there is no doubt of
the fidelity of these Indians towards the United
States. Indeed, from the Doctors letter il
would seem that the reports of probable Goa
lition between the Mormons and the Indians in
that vicinity, to resist the authority Of the Gov
ernment have had very little foundation for
he continues, by stating that Wash-a-kee. a
powerful chief of the Snake tribe, has sent him
word that he will pay him q visit within two
weeks, accompanied by the principal men of
his tribe. White-Eye, principal chief o. a
large tribe of the Utes, had spent part of day
with Superintendent forney, and urged him to
visit his tribe and have long talk with all the
chiefs and principal men before lie left the fort
and the Sho-AhO-Ne chiefs wanted him to come
to Bear Lake in May, and have long talk
with them
From this dispatch it appears the Indians
OF that district are not the inferior wretches
they have been sometimes reported to be. but
equally intelligent with those with which we
have a more extended acquaintance and under
the present excellent management of the Bu-
reau Of Indian Affairs, the respectful and
proper course pursued by DIR. Forney may be
the means of making them fast friends and
vancing their own interests, and those of smi
grant trains passing through their country.
The SUPPLEMENTAL POLICE.-It will be
perceived, from the Stars report OF the Coun-
ellis proceedings last evening, that Mayor Ber-
ret has availed himself of his privilege of ap-
pointing the forty policemen whom the supple
mental police law (passed since he came into
office authorized him to place in Office in case
the condition of the peace and order of the
city required their services OF that fact the
law makes him the Judge; Of course under
due responsibility TO the city 5 tax payers for
the exercise of his discretion. The cost of this
supplemental police force to the city's treasury
is at the rate-while continued in offce-of
$4,000 per annum; very heavy addition to
the expenses Of the Corporation Of Washing
ton, already so frequently short of funds to
DISCHARGE its ohli1afions ia 20 -