New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1858-05-18
FROM WASHINGTON.
nee Of The n. Y. Tribune.

Correspondence OF Inc N l. Intune.
WASHINGTON, May l6, 1853.
After some inquiry and investigation, / fiud tina!
little progress has been made in practical legislation
during nv short absence from the city The same
Indifference to the public interests is now manifest
in the closing days of the session as has been ex
hbited by the Democratic msjorites during the last
five months. On Friday quorum could not be
maintained and the duration of an ordinary sitting
was consumed ia call of the House, and in arresting
absentt es for the amusement of the galleries and the
benefit ofthe Sergeant at. Arms. Yesterday morning
the Session opened with only 81 Members present
and call of the House was again ordered AMI
ropTcssed until quorum was obtained. few
private bills were passed, and then they adjourned
TO seek relaxation from oppressive lao0rs' linus
far the Compensation law has worked II no puOnc
advantage whatever. 1t would be lar better 10
return to the old per diem system straighten out
the crooked lines of mileage, and fine every absen-
tec not present at the opening and adjournment Of
tb. daily sessions and not recorded every call OF
the Yeas and Nays except in cases Of actual sick
ness Congress is now afflicted with set OF point
;cal leeches, in both branches, to whom the salary
is material object, and who are ready to conform
10 any expedcncy To secure that comfortable income
This fact has VIGOROUSLY influenced msDy votes on
the Kansas question.
Yet notwithstanding the backwardness aud pre-
yious neglect Of the public business, there is an III
disposition to reconsider the day of adjournment.
The only anxiety now felt is concerning the Appro-
pratt on bills most of which, with common watch
fulness might have been passed three months ago.
The default was owing entirely TO the inetciency
of the Chairman of the Ways and Means.
II is quite evident from the revenue OF the last
fiscal quarter, and the weekly returns since then,
Al. r, p
tie Government during the recess OF Congress
without being aided by some discretionary means
of relief. The receipts from all sources for the last
week fell below half million and we are just en-
teriDg the Summer, when there is no probability OF
an increase. Although the appropriations for works
of internal improvement connected with rivers,
harbOrs, Notifications and the like are reduced for
the coming fiscal year, 10 the point of mere protec-
ton against injury and decay, and the enormou,
expenditures in the construction Of palatial
Custom Houses, Ike those at Charleston and New
Orleans are cut down considerably. still this re-
trenchment has been largely exceeded by the cost
Of the tab Expedition, which is only yet IN the
chIysalis state, and hence the aggregate will ave
Mr.. CObb's estimates lar in the rear. The reckon
iDg is appalling TO contemplate, IN the face vi a
diminished revenue and no prospect OF improve
mtht. And, though The Inion recently denied
uIon authority, that any call would be made upon
Congress for new issue of Treasury Notes or q
loan, all the indications render the necessity impera-
tive and almost inevitable. as has been mentioned IN
this correspondence since last January.
The Secretary has just issued proposals for four
millions more of the Notes authorized by the act ct
December, which with the eleven already issued
will leave five on hand to be applied during De-
month OF july, thus consuming twenty M us
more than the revenue in six months. And this is
only the beginning Of the end. Just want until
tie army gets once lodged in Salt Lake, and a
line is established from The western frontier OF
Missouri, as is now proposed, u guard the
provision trains and mails. Wal. until the blis oil
the volunteers begin to come in, with their long
tails of extras. After twenty years OF hghtlng d
few hundred Indians in Floriia, at an expense OF
more than $50 OOO COO the war has Just closed by the
voluntary surrender of the last chief aud his follow
ers. Tie everglades aud hammocks did for them
what the canons and mountain retreats VIII 40 Tor
Brigham Young and his fanatIcal disciples iae