Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1858-07-17
WASHINGTON NEWS AND GOSSIP.


The NEW NAVAL STEAM SLooPs.-We re-
gret our inability to state definitely what are
to be the arrangements of the Navy Depart-
ment for the construction OF the elght new
steam sloops- war ordered to be built by Con-
oress at it's late session. 1t of course arises
from the fact that the Secretary has not him
self vet determined when, how, and where they
shall be constructed, and given the information
to others. We are hourly beset with inquiries,
verbal and by letter. upon the subject, which
evince a very general desire on the part of the
public connected with the different navy yards
and the Independent steamship and steamship
engine building interest, to learn what is to be
done in the premises. We, however, take it for
granted that in its final disposition ut least
one if not more of the vessels and engines will
be constructed at the Washington Navy Yard,
where the Government has a very heavy in
vestment to enable it to execute such works,
which cannot be kept lille without correspond
ing pecuniary loss, and in the vicinity of which
it has assembled a large force of as skillfnl
mechanics any in their line in the world,
who having collected there at the Govern
ment's virtual request, to be ready to execute
such work, cannot fairly be kept without it
when the Government has it to give out
There is population of some thousands Of
industrious, intelligent, and in all respects
worthy persons, dependent on work in the
Washington navy yard for their daily bread,
many of whom must suffer materially if by
any mishap the Secretary of the Navy should
be induced not to order the construction at
this point Of due share of these eight new
sloops-of-war. The Washington Yard is the
leading manufacturing establishment of the
kind owned by the Government, and to ignore
that fact In giving out the work cannot fail to
result in heavy pecuniary loss to the Gov
eminent, from the unemployment of its heavy
investment there in preparations to be ready
to execute just such jobs. OF course specula-
tors in steamship and engine building in va
rlous quarters are now actively engaged in
endeavOring to induce the Secretary to make
special favors Of this work-to accord it TO
them-private gain is so clearly at the bottom
of all their representations on the subject, as
that the Secretary can hardly fail to compre-
bend tho drift of their interested advice, we
apprehend.
The EXCURSION or THE REVENUE Cutter
HARRIET LASE.-The Norfolk papers announce
the arrival Of the Harriet Lane, with the ex-
cursionists on board, at that place on Wednes-
day last about noon. The Harriet Lane left
Washington on Tuesday at o'clock, on trip
of pleasure, and arrived at Old Point ednes-
day morning at half past 5. There were on
board, in addition to Secretary Cobb, Miss Har-
riet Lane, niece of President Buchanan; two
Misses Bright, daughters of Senator Bright
VIM. X. Hughes and lady Mr. p Clayton, As
sistant Secretary of the Treasury lady and
daughter; Hon. f. Ward, of New York Hon.
Mr.. Sardines, of Louisiana; SrWm G. Ousely:
Count Sartiges; Collector Schell of N York:
j. Buchanan Henry; Maj Ramsey, U. S. A;
Messrs. McCallister, b. Ogle Tayloe, Magraw.
Handy, Ssndidge and Scharff. The cutter an
chored of the Hospital. and some Of the visit, rs
went on shore and were handsomely enter
tanned by Collector Simkins. They remained
on shore until two O'Clock, riding through the
city, and noting the places of interest in the vi
cinity. AT half past 3 tho cutter started for
Old Point, where the party landed and dined at
the Hygeia Hotel. From there they were to
proceed to Annapolis and return to Washing
ton. The Norfolk Herald says "The cutter
is in very fine order, and presented on board an
appearance Of neatness, order and airiness very
pleasing to behold, and highly creditable;
while the gentemanly bearing and polite atten-
tons of the officers worthy of special notice"
The following is a list of her officers
Captain. John Faunce; 1st Lieutenant, A.
ID. Sanford; 81, ID. C.. Constable; Sd. S W.
Wilson; lst Engineer, James Dryburgh: "a.
Walter Scott; Boatswain, Joseph Lockman:
Gunner, Thos. Cole; Carpenter, Edward Fitz-
simmons.
IHE INDIAN DIFFICULTIES IN WAsHINGTCN
IERRiTORY.-The War Department is in re-
celpt of more detailed dispatches respecting
the Indian difficulties in Washington Territory
but they contain nothing of special interest
Inherent from what we have already given
Meanwhile the Department is acting with vigor
IN the premises, and in little time there will
be sufficient number of troops in that country
to chastise the Indians for their perfdy in the
attack on Col. SteptOe's command, and reduce
them to state Of quietude and peace.
Ten Clark, who has command of the Pacific
division, is reported to have sent to the seat of
war all the available force he lad in Ca,ifor-
MA numbering, probably, some six hundred
men; and it is thought likely that he has gone
thither himself before this time Gen. Scott
has also just issued the preparatory orders for
sending about four hundred men from the At
lantic sea-board. These latter are ordered 70
be ready to sail from New York TO Aspiuwar
on the 10Th, TUESDAY next,) whence thew will
proceed to Washington Territory without de-
lay The following officers are ordered to ac
company these achievements
Bf Maj j. II. Carleton, LIST dragons; Capt.
H. U. Wallen, 4th infantry; Capt T. c. Eng
lish, 9Th infantry; Capt. E. Underwood, 4th in
fantry; Lieuts. l.. Byssell, C. c. Woods, P. J