The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1858-01-04
AFFAIRS IN WASHINGTON.


Our WaAh1uHt0n Corresponueuccs
WASHINGTON, Dec. 81, 1857.
Secretary 7Aompsoxs Grand Ball-7hs Roslk, Weath
Beauty and Ton Of e Capital Assembled-Lords, Barons
Cheraiievs and Givilians Enjoying Themselves DC
Considering the short space Of time which interviewed
between Governor Browns bA and the ons given last
evening by Secretary Thompson the latter, though not
largely attended, will compare favoraby in every
point Of view. Nothing could surpass the stray OF beauty
there assembled the elegance of the cosumes the rich
ness decacy and variety of the viands and the admra
Bile taste displayed throughout The Secretary his &C
compshed lady, and his charming and fascinating niece
Miss Wiley, did all in their power 10 render this agree
able reunion and succeeded admirably 1t WAS attended
by ali the rank wealth, beauty and.ton Of our gay and
brilliant metropolis Notwithstanding the ncemency Of
the weather without, within all was joy and gadness
Senators, grave and gay; representatives, wise and
otherwise diplomats whose Heightened vsages indicated
profound secrets and politicians ready and willing TO
the country At hours notice, here mugng in the
Rnazes of the giddy Dance
] shall mention only few OF the prominent persons
that met my gaze Among the Cabinet officers Secretary
Cobb Secretary Floyd and Postmaster General Brown
all that were present The veteran Cass rarely if
attends these evening parties.
The Vice President Mr. Brecknridge, shone couspicu-
ous, and was the observed Of all observers,' as no
usually is on such occasions.
The corps diplomdqne represented in the persons
of and lady Count and Countess de Sarges
and Lord Napier Lady Napier was unav odaby absent The
He looks though he had not yet recovered from the ef
fects of the Webster letter. and is said by some that he
will.
Among the Senator's with their accoy pshed ladies and
beautiful daughters noticed DR.. GwiL, Mr.. Sde Gov.
Seward, Gov. Brown OF Mississippi Mr.. Clay Of Alaba
The other wing the Capitol fully and ably repre-
sented. But time and space will not permit to clabo
give extended notice OF this grand and elegant
ball Suffice it 10 say II was an exceedingly recherche
affair.
WASHINGTON, Jan. l, 1858.
Lord Napier Not Consulted by Gen. Cass the Nicaragua
Quest,o,--7he Contract for Post Office stamps and En-
peIspes--1he Pdcees, Pofeds and Potooaamies in the
White House-Captaia Rynders at HomeInteresting In
terpiew rih the President and Picturesque The
President Pdcfying the Pasonees and the Poncas
The statement made Of the New York journals
days ago. that Gen Cass had submitted the treaty negoa
ted with Yrsarr the Ncaraguan Minister to Lord Napier
and the British Minister had expressed his dissatsac
ton with the condnns of the treaty, is mistake. Lord
Napier has not expressed any dissatisfaction disa gree
ment in the matter.
From January 10 March 81, 1857 the Post Odice De-
partmen contracted for As osj postage stamps equal
to 81 9,77i 20; from April to June 80, 80 $50 75o
stamps equal 81 1856 90 from July to September
80 "a AIS stamps equal to 81 24s ,2o4 20; in all
hundred and thirty millions of stamps of all denomna
,ious-that to say, of ones, fhrces, dvo's tens
and twelves included Toppan Carpenter Co have the
contract for the stamps for four years. Rawdon, Hatch
& Co had previously but their bid being higher than
that of Toppan Carpenter Co. the Postmaster General
awarded them. Nesb has the contract for stamped
envelopes for four years also.
Yesterday were presented TO the President at the
White House Indian delegations OF the Pawneos under
the charge Of Major w. W. Dennson, the Poncas, under
the charge Of Major j. n Robertson, and the Poawsto
mics, accompanied by Mr. Jenes, who acted inter
prefer. The reception in the "fst ROOM Of the
Presidential mansion There from two 10 three hun
dred persons present. and nearly half the number
ladies' Among themi noticed Lord Napier, Dr. Msckay
the popular song writer and editor, nearly all the
bcrs of the Cabinet and sprnking Of New York poll
ucans not the least conspicuous OF whom was the
doubtablo Captain Ryndors, who charactersticaiy and
voluntarily took part IN the proceedings, as he would
have done IN Tammany HAL or among crowd o. rowdics
dent and arranging Me s~'s"ss order. The scene was
highly interesting
ana Mr. MIX Commissioner Of Indian Affairs, the respcc
two agents Of the different delegations directed
form the ndians into hollow square opposite The main
tered he position In the centre, and his venerable
appearance striking figure In the picture Grouped
the President the Secretary Of tho Interior
Mr. Mir COMMISSIONER Major Dennson, Major Robertson
and interpreters On his left were the Pawnees, six
teen In number in their Indian habimens, naked 70 the
waist with blankets and buffalo robes their shou
head dresses Of feathers bears claws and scaps OF
their enemies and with any amount os pani-green yc
red-hrtiebCAlly
They carried their tomahawks, spears and clubs in
their hands In front we're the Poncas, SIX in number,
similarly dressed and ornamented On the right were the
Patowatomies numbering nine, who were not dressed In
Indian costume but IN the manner OF citizens, with
extravagance Of style most comcal.
After presentation, the President welcomed them in
few remarks and requested they would state what they
wbed him do for them The chiefs OF each Of the
bands Of the Pawnec delegation in turn advanced towards
the President and addressed him The substance Of their
remarks the late treaty made with them and tho
pleasure they enjoyed IN having The opportunity Of kng
M sr Sfss a ~ w ine 1ssa nssa ea Sa' S
vanced and spoke In impressive and arm manner. He
said be had come great distance by invitation Of hs
Great Father lie laid great stress ON The idea, and FIRE
qucnty repeated Il, that all Of u.s. white and rod men
alike came from the same Great Spirit He appealed 10
the President for lust of their rights ury
ing argument thai the very soil they stood upon
pointing In significant manner 70 the earth With his fin
ger once belonged " them The rOncas to make
treaty with the government for the sale Of their lands The
Pottawaaines appears, came on without being invited
10 endeavor 30 obtain redress Of evils which they be
Leve they have suffered.
The idca which seemed 10 occupy the minds OF these
Indians most and which thay frequently expression
TO in their addresses was that they are poor" They
compared themselves with the white man. looking nj his
condition and then at their own, and felt that they
poor" They expressed thoir desire 10 become
" rich /" Ike the white man The President percering
the ruling idea OF their minds informed them In brief
and simple language nwht way they could realize their
wishcsby abandoning war, and instead Of living by the
chase 70 cultivate the soil and the arts of life have fire.
quentiy noticed how familiar aud easy people with great
minds with children and how readily understood by
them in conversation so i appeared TO be with the In
dians and Mr. Buchanan Simplicity accompanies great
ness, and beauty IN language in forms anjln manner.
The distance between the great statesman or ~ hiy cu
waited and the rude savage s diminished IN their
tercourse.
appears that the Pavnees and Poncas have been
mics for long time. Mr. Buchanan, understanding this,
after the formal addresses and replies had been made
stepped forward and taking Pawnee with hand and
Ponca by the oh Joined their hands together telling them
~ bury their weapons Of war and 10 become friends This
he did with all taking them by from each tribe
aud joining their hands together AT TIE conclusion Of
the reception, the daughter Of Major cnnhou the agent
for the awnces bright and pretty yonug LAZY OF tsir
teen, ,.wE8 has been great deal with isbo, aud 10
whom they much attached was introduced 20 the
President Pawnee by the Commissioner, the tribe
having adopted her VI. Buchanan kissed her and pre-
sented her TO Miss lane, his necc who took great in
tcre.t in her and who much 20 the semcnt OF the
Young lady naivey asked " she could speak English.
The Indians appeared 10 be much impressed wih the
oopicn aad while they aid not show at fear tadny
the feelings Of most " them evident subducd.
Another tribe of Indians, The Sioux, Ia this
inr. We are receiving natives" enough IN Washington
just now 70 crafty the most intense Know Nothing.
LETTERS TO OTHER JOURNALS.