The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1859-02-17

ed, in despair OF any action, that the bill to
reissue the Treasury notes should be report
ed alone, but the motion failed. The mem
bers Of the committee declare their inability
10 agree on any tariff, and it is therefore
probable that the subject will come before
the House on Monday without the report Of
the committee, should they still continue
their triangular attitude.
Several days ago over 80 Republicans 10
the House were expected to vote for the bill
for the admission Of Oregon, but now the
calculation is that not more thar hall that
number will,if so many.
Judge Douglas has been invited by some
OF the leading Democrats of New Hamp-
shire and Connecticut, TO visit those States
and make political speeches.
WIN. ID. Kennedy, Of New York, appeared
voluntarily before the Sherman Investigating
Committee. His evidence was very import
ant. Geo. Sanders, navy agent of New
York, also made important revelations He
showed that more thon twothirds OF the
purchases made for the Brooklyn Navy
Yard and in connection with which cor.
ruptien was charged, were made by other
parties than himself; whilst hs purchases
amount to $4,000, the others amount to
$4,000.
In the printing investigation committee
to-day, the books of certain New York
paper warehouse were called for. One
member of the firm, now dissolved, swore
the books had been burned. The other
partner swore they were not DESTROYED, but
are in the hands Of the first witness.
There is well authenticated rum0r that
the Marshal of northern Illinois, pine, edi-
tor Of the Chicago Herald has largely over
drawn bis salary, and rendered himself in
other respects liable to the penalties of the
sub. treasury law.
The Post Office Committee have agreed
to report in favor oil line Of steamers in the
Gulf Of Mexico.
The evidence before the Select Committee
on Printing, has fastened perjury on Phil
adelphis witness. 1t also duplicates the
publisher OF the Union. II Mr.. Wendell
refuses to testify, an attachment will be
issued for him
Nearly one hundred witnesses have been
examined by the Naval Corruption Com
mittee.
Correspondence of the n. T. Herald.
WASHINGTON, Feb. 4.
Mrs. Douglas ball last night was quite an
event in fashionable circles here. Every
thing that money, taste and personal prestige
could contribute to render il attractive was
observable in the result. may truly say
that more elegant or enjoyable entertain
ment has not been given in Washington du.
ring the present, nor, indeed, any former
season.
Senator Douglas mansion is situated in
Minnesota row, in block Of five six story
residences all Of which are, from their eapa.
ciOusness well adapted to these fashionable
receptions. In the present instance the pro-
portions, which no doubt the architect con.
ceived would be equal to any of the exigen-
cles OF the most extended hospitality, wee
found barely sufficient to meet the claims
which the social position Of the host and
hostess entalled upon them. There could
not have been far short of . thousand per.
sons present, including all that are most dis
tingu'shed in the official, diplomatic, politi.
cal and social circles of the capital. You
can form some idea Of the eagerness mani
tested to be present at this entertainment
from the fact that up TO eleven o'clock the
street was 50 blocked up with carriages that
guests arriving were compelled to descend
from their vehicles at the distance Of several
blocks IRON the mansion. That the en-
pressemeni thus exhibited was to be attrib
uted merely to the political influence Of the
host it would be mistake to infer.
1t was his young and beautiful wife who
was the great magnet OF attraction upon this
occasion-,hoee who had already had the
pleasure Of making her acquaintance, wishing
to see bow she would do the honors of her
house, and those who had DOT the honor de-
string to profit by an opportunity which
would display to the greatest advantage the
winning and nmiable qualities ascribed to
her.
Emerging IRON my vehicle at some dis
lance iromithe house. and picking my way
gingeerIy over the muddy pathway, ! at last
found myself in the entrance hall carried
forcibly along by living stream.
On entering the reception rooms the scene
was perfectly dazzling. Inuumerah,e lights
dlfiused their radiance over the brilIan.
toilettes and coillures Of the ladies, and
brought into full effect the charm. of the
wearers.
The variety Of Da,lonalties represented in
vested the scene with additional interest.
making up altogether, such coup ddd a.
is only 10 be witnessed in Washington as.
sembly.