The Athens post. [volume] (Athens, Tenn.) 1848-1917, 1858-04-30
From WASHINGTON.
Correspondence OF the Athens Postl
WASHINGTON, April 81,

United States assuming PiOteS'Oi"'N WV
Mexico. lie made n long speech, advocating
the step. did not hear it, but learn that it
was listened to with good deal of interest.
The resolution was referred to special COM
mittee, but will amount TO nothing. We
have already as much territory and as many
interests as we can well look after; and, be-
sides, the proposition starts from the wrong
party. When the people of that miserable
and unhappy country shall evidence desire
to place themselves under our protection, it
will be time enough to begin to consider the
subject. We are, beyond doubt, great ma
tion-great in extent, in industry, in produc-
ton, enterprise, and wealth, and great even
in our self-sufliciency; but we are not quite
ready vet to assume the position of step-fa-
Their to all that portion of the continent be-
yond our present limits. This proposition
of the erratic old hero of San Jacinto is his
last card.
OWNS Pacific Railroad Bill, which had
been postponed by the Senate till December
next, will be re-considered. Whether any
thing will grow out Of it at this session, am
not prepared to say, but incline to negative
opinion. AS long rs the Kansas question re-
mains open, you can hope for but little leg
isIation upon matters of substantial interest.
In regard to Pacific Railroad, l have no
doubt about its being built ultimately, and
that Southern route must necessarily be Sc
lected. A line trayersing the entire breadth
ofAhe continent, uniting the eastern sea-
board with the waters of the Pacific, is gi-
gantic enterprise, but regard its construc-
ton merely a question of time, and it is so
regarded here by men who have gwen the
subject consideration.
You will have noticed by the dispatches
that the conference committee failed to agree
at their meeting on the 10Th, yet the friends
of peace and good order do not despair of
some terms of settlement being finally adopt
ed. A large number of the Northern Demo-
Gratis and Black Republicans-for they are
now idenlical-desire to keep the question
open for the next Presidential race; but !
have great faith that there is conservatism
enough in Congress to dispose of it so as to
take the wind out of the sails of the mis-
chief-makers. 1t will be a happy day for both
sections of the Union, when the people shall
arrive at correct appreciation of the motives
and designs of the agitators.
observe in the papers that Southern
Commercial Convention is to meet at the
Capitol of Alabama in May. 1t is much to
be desired that spirit of prudence and pat
rotism will mark its deliberations, and that
no efforts will be made TO fan the fires fanati-
cism has kndled into consuming flame.
The dominant party having lost its nation
atty, sunderng in twain on the slavery issue'
and failing of its boosted mission to give
peace and quiet to the country, conservative
men here are beginning TO talk seriously OF
the necessity for new order of things
Not n Dissolution of the Union, with n
Southern Empire and Northern Republic
but Punishment of the old organizations
and gathering together the conservative ele-
ment of all sections, and blending and work
ing in harmonious union for the sake of the
Union. They contend that the government
has been gradually drifting from its ancient
moorings and is now far at sea, without COM
pass or rudder aud in the hands of Il muffin
Gus crew, and that II reconstruction of par
ties is essential to bring the vessel back to
its old anchorage. But am not able at pres.
Ont to tell what the movement will amount to-
or whether anything, and only allude to it.
as do of other matters of which / casually
hear.
1t is said the government will ask Con.
gress for another heavy loan. The public
expenses have increased for years at On enor
nous rate, while the rallying cry has been
Retrenchment and Reform. The custodians
of the public interests amuse and excite .hC
popular mind with the discussion of mere
distractions, and while they are absorbed
with these, the government funds are squan
dered with prodigal hand. If the people
could be brought face to face with the gross
wrongs and stupendous swindles that ar,
practced upon the national treasury here, tel
to one they would not be long in making "
their minds to the Inauguration of new or
der of things. But it is characteristic o
our people, while they are acutely sensitive
about party matters, they are recklessly in
different of the substantial public interests
The opinion still prevails that there vii
be but little serious fighting in the Mormo
war, although the affair will probably cos
millions of money
1t is now determined that Congress wi
adjourn early in June. Until that time 20
may expect to hear from me occasionally.
]. G, |.
Icy A contemporary says English's Kan
sas Bill, like every thing else relating to til
, everlasting Kansas queston-or moro pre-
perly Kansas lIumbug--is susceptible of an
Interpretation, which interest, or party Low
= and hate see fit to apply.
A L.. 80. in