Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1858-01-22
FROM WASHINGTON CITY.
Correspondence Of the Richmond Enquirer.
WAsHINGToN, January u, 1858.

Correspondence ofthe Richmond Enquirsr.l
WARRINGTON, JANUARY II, 1858.
There is little speculation here as to the proba
BILE action Of the several Committees to whom was
referred the Presidents message, on the subject Of
Nicaragua and General Walker; aud great diversity
of opinion prevails among those who pretend to
know the views of the members of the Committees.
am able, think, to put my readers in possession
of the facts as they really exist. In the first place.
the Committee on Naval Affairs will make no report
at ALL as it is ascerained that the Chairman, General
Booock of Virginia, and the other members of the
Committee cannot agree. To this Committee was
referred the conduct of Com. Paulding, as 4 naval
officer and the Chairman would be disposed to report
resolutions censuring the Commodore for his &C.
tion in arre>tng, even interfering with General
Walker after he had landed on his own chores
Such conduct in an officer of the United States Navy
is regarded by General Bocock wholly inexcusable
and deserving the severest censure. But. in this
view of the subject, his Committee differ from
him, and the result may be no report 1t is due the
distinguished chairman Of the Naval Committee to
say, that he is sympathiser with the libustsrers
but regards the two questions OF hll6usterlng and
Pauldings action, es seperate and distinct While he
may not approve Of General Walkers course he uue
uuivocally condemns the action of the Commodore.
The Committee on Foreign Relations, to whom was
referred the question Of an invasion OF foreign terri
tory by the naval forces Of the United States will
report this week. but may, possibly, report in the
course of time but in such way as to amount to no.
thing. Mr. C,ingman is flibuster at heart, and
opened the ball in favor Of Walker, after his capture
by Commodore Pauding. He will report that the IN.
vasion of Nicaragua by that officer was "a grave
ror"-and should the aggrieved sovereignty demand
reparation, it should be promptly made by our Gov
eminent. This much MIR. Cngman said in his
speech prior 10 the message and be will assert 1t in
his report as il does not conflict with the views Of the
Executive. lie would say more, bat he, too, is held
IN check by his committee, who agree to the report,
as stated above, that implies no censure upon the
President, aud really amount. to An empty nothing at
all
The third and last committees, which has finger
in the pie, is the committee on the Judiciary, TO
whom referred the questions OF law arising in the
premises, and the consideration OF the proprety OF
altering or modifying the neutrality laws OF the
United States The report from this committee will,
indeed be interesting, and will command the atten-
ton of the ablest debaters in the two Houses OF Con
gresa Under any circumstances, the act of 1878
needs amendment, render it more explicit and de-
finite in its erms aud whether the provisions are to
be modified or rendered more stringent will depend
upon the judgment of Congress, independent OF late
transactions.
In the Houae of Representatives to-day resolutions
from the Legislature Of Nebraska read, endors
Ing the character of Judge Ferguson from that ter
ritory, and pronouncng as malicious Islander the
report that he had committed frand upon the pre-.
emption laws. As mention had been made in my cor
respondence of this charge against Judge Ferguson,
Ia gentleman whom your correspondent has never
seen, to know him. deem it due to myself to state
that the charges to which referred were made and
resulted in the General Land Office sending back to
Nebraska the case for re-exsmination. This re
examination has been completed and the papers are
again before the ofhos awaiting the decsion OF
the commissioner. Such are the facts as present
ed by the record hsre. l know nothing
of them personally. The friends of Judge
Ferguson have charged that bis opponent the
Hon. b. b. Chapman, was the author Of the report
contained in my letter. In justice to Mr.. Chapman
feel bound to say that he in NO way concerned
10 the report nor did he know such letter was writ
until he saw 1t in the columns Of the Enquirer
procured:my information from the Department, and
the time stated that zone side of story always
good until the other is heard" and intimated my be-
lief that Judge Ferguson would be able TO meet the
charges I deem this explanation as simple justice
20 gentleman charged with the authorship Of my
letters furnishing your correspondent the in
formation. RAPPAHAHNocK.