New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1858-03-11
FROM W.4SHINGTON
Correspondence Of The N. Y. Tribune

Core,pondence Of The N Y. Tribune.
WASHINGTON March g. 1853.
Az has been foreshadoHed throughout the nom
inaton of Cook as Postmaster at Chicago was con
fImed to-day, in defiance of the opposition of both
Senators from Illinois, and in the face of an array
of charges made by Judge Douglas and not dis
proved BY the ADM nistration, which, under any
other state of circumstances than now exists,
would have booted it out of the Chamber Twenty
five Senators recorded themselves in the affirma-
tive and eighteen in the negative-DOuglas, Pugh,
Broderick and Stuart being among the latter. Pair
ing off reduced the aggregate vote, exclusive OF
absentees not in that category. Judge Douglas, in
careful and calm speech, reviewed the whole case,
and urgently appealed to the Senate to vndlcae its
own integrity by a rejection But his words we're
UNDECIDED. Subsequently, motion was made to
take off the Injunction of secrecy but the majority
voted that down, and as they had just voted the
other up-thus proving that they were not prepared
to face the public judgment on the evidence pro-
duced
As this case has attracted more than usual atteu-
ton brief glance at its leading features may be
desirable. Mr.. Price, the present incumbent en-
tered Office on the 1st of April, 1cj1 having ten
DAYS previously sent his bond to the Department,
which BY some error or accident, was not filed
until the 29th of that month"; he, however, acting as
Postmaster all the while. When Cook vacated, his
account was in arrears some 81, 900, and he had on
hand about ST. 900 of stamps, which were sold to
his successor, Price and the gold for the same paid
over. In rendering his quarterly account ending
3lst March, these stamps, thus sold were returned
as part of his official assets to be placed to his
credit. But in May the Department, having dis
covered light drew on Cook for 50, 900, which he
refused to paw In July that draft WAS repeated,
with an additional one for s., 400, which had i'll the
mean time been ascertained to be the final balance
against him. These drafts were also declined.
The Department then instructed Price to de-
mand the money of his securities who asked
reasonable indulgence for inquiry and arrangement.
In September Cook informed the Department OF
having sold a lot to enlarge the Post Office, Tor
Sl56OO, and desired this sum credited to the I'M
satisfied balance. The Department declined, say.
ing that no money could be recognized rs due until
the jurisdiction was released, which could not be
effected under eighteen months and repeated the
demand for payment Soon afterward, Price va
instructed t. inform the securities that unless the
balance was hqudated suit would be commenced.
In November Cook paid the difference between the
balance against hun and the price of the lot sold
The Department never accepted the deed OF sale
until the 18th Of February after his present nom.
nation as Postmaster Evidence was presented
Cook, for which this property would be liable, be-
cause the deed had not been recorded. And when
these and other facts were submitted to Mr. TOombs
Yesterday, he replied that he should vote for him, if
proved to be the greatest thief and rogue IN the
country, in order to vindicate the principle which
President has asserted Comment is rendered I'M
necessary with such declarations to speak for them
selves
Defaulters of one sort and another are in the best
possible OdOr, and there is fine opening now ter
abOlishinp eYtradtiOn treaties TO allow those per-
secuted patriots whom our laws have driven into
foreign exile 10 return and enjoy the good things OF
forsiving and charitable Administration. After
all manner of tribulatiOn, the President to-day nOn
mated VIM. Selden as Marshal of this District
Only few days ago, he signifed distinct purpose
Of choosing between Mr.. Ould and Mr.. Leno1, and
promised to make the nomination on Friday. But
the outside pressure soon changed that intention,
and local Committees have since swarmed the
White House, advocating their special candidates.
In the midst of this dilemma, the President fell
back upon bis original choice, whom he had aban-
doned fortnight since, owing to some action III the
Legislature Of Virginia concerning the State
bonds, which the broken bank of Selden,
Mr.. Selden is f. L. V, and therefore, OF course
unexceptionsble, but like Mr.. Buchanan he is an
cient in years and hardly up to the demands OF pro-
eressiye Democracy. 1t will 60 hard with him TO
figure as a chief usher in these cold nights, as his
predecessor has done for the President and all the
Cabinet, without much personal benefit to himself
or any increased honor 10 his Office. The nomina-
ton of Postmaster has been more than weak be-
fore the Committee OF the District and not yet re.
ported. And hints have been thrown out that they
mean to be in no hurry no matter what may be the
wishes at the West End.
After at first expressing objection to any quallh'
cation TO the Lecompton Constitution, the Southern
Senators have now agreed TO accept Dir. Pugh's
amendment in substance, if not in form. Thlsis to
be trumpeted, Of course, as q great cOncession-a
Lew compromise-while in fact it has no practical
virtue or value. The President has expressed
much solcltude on this point, and since the North.
ein thunder began TO roll, has personally appealed
to Senators To waive their objections, if, for no
other reason, to relieve his position from growing
embarrassment. This is result of the opposition
which has been exhibited and proves that more
may be accomplished by resolute resistance.
ISDEx