New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1858-03-30
FROM WASHINGTON
co Of The N. Y. Tribune.

WASHINGTON, March 29, 1853.
Although the Administration managers affect
confidence, and continually whistle to keep their
courage up, they found it expedient to convene
caucus last night, in which the faitf 'ul and I'M
faithful we're both represented. Ona former &C.
casiou. Mr.. Barksdale OF Miss, aud Others Of his
brand did not hesitate to say that the presence OF
anti .Lecompton men was au intrusion upon
regular Democratic Conference, 10 which Mr.. John
Cochraps and the Buffalo hunters of 1913 were the
master spirit. These scrIples of contact, were
senced, however, in this instance, whe1 an i'm
Do,tant object might be gained and conversion
expected. The chief feature OF the entertainment,
and indeed it's inspiration, was movement by MI.
English of Indiana, to appoint COMMITTEE
of zen LecOmpton men TO confer with the Amt.
IecomptOn Democrats, in order to ascertain II
some common basis might not be attained which
would harmOnise the party and remove this element
of dscOrd from Congress. Ii was carried without
dissent of course. Mr.. Stephens appealed, with
much earnesness and pathetic feeling, to the dis
affected to come forward and renOunce their oppo.
sison, treating them as erring brothers who had
wondered from the true faith. They would be
taken back and welcomed like the prOdigal son,
and the fatted calf would be killed ill honor of their
return.
Not long ago there was no liberation for these
dissentients. They were formally denounced and
accommodated. Communion with them was
proclaimed evidence of treachery. This sudden
change which has come over the Administration is
explained by an memorable necessity. Its doom is
visible with LecOmptOn PROSTATE, and hence last
humating effort to save foreshadowed defeat. In
selecting Mr.. English as the agent of this expert
rpent they knew their man. His position has
never been really fixed and although recent
speech gave every assurance of decision, he has
faltered since thea, and is now counted with the
South and its allies, like Bishop, Hughs Reilly and
Company. Some miserable make-shift may be
patched up, as pretended justification for his re-
treat. but no such cOntriyance Will impose on the
county or his immediate constituents. lie may
abandon the Opposition, but is without power 10
detach an additional vote.
The Anti-LecOmptOn Democrats stand sold
where they have stood, and express the purpose OF
resisting to the last. They have staked everything
on the issue, and must wait the turn of the die. No
signs Of waverng have been exhibited, and none are
expected. To recede now, would only involve last
inc disgrace They feel the justice Of their position
and will maintain it, despite the persuasive sedac
tions of power and patronage. Heretofore they
have MOLLY defed the menaces of the Admn;stra-
fon. II only remains for them to complete the
work by spu,ning its temptations.
There IA no real fear that the gallant Republican
column will be broken on any vote which requires
,be;r united strength If there has been hesitation
IN mskino concessions which INSCRIPTIONS enc mics
miCbt toSre and would be glad to misrepre9ent, II
has been the he itaton of prudence, guarding a
great cause from besettng perils, and feeling ITS
way to the place of final safety. Let not wise
discretion. animated by the highest dictates
of honor and integrity, be harshy and im-
pertnently denounced. as it has been, for Job
stinscy and unreasonable squeamishneSs.' The
men who have couuted and still counting the
cost Of surrounding hazards, have Illustrated III
their lives and careers sufficient devotion and hon
esy in yindicating this cherished principle to have
exempted their conduct from pert and censorous
criticism. While my own conviction is clear and
decided as to the policy and propriety of amend
ing the Senate bill with Crlttenden's substitute,
and passing il, still the reasons which have been
urged for different course, are entitled TO respect,
o. and Gerry with them force of reason which can
not BE- disregarded. They do not belong to public
discussion and if urged might lead to distraction at
this time Still, there IL no purpose 10 nterpose
individual opinion, against what is believed to be