The daily exchange. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1858-1861, 1859-12-13

r0r Of Dcterring the Election of Spedker-Th
Presidents Message Political Htrigues - Tn
Government Estimates, dc.
WASHINGTON, Dec. II, 1859.
caucus of the South American members of Con
gress was held last night to take into consideration
proposal, made by several of the prominent mel
among the Democratic members, to unite for thu
purpose of organizing the House, either by thu
election of a Democratic or an American Speaker
There We're present twenty-five South Americans
and one North American, Mr. Briggs, of New
York. II. Winter Davis and Mr.. Boteler, of Vir
ginia, were not there; the latter was absent from
indisposition.
The proposition made by Mr.. John Cochrane
OF New \ ork; Mr.. Winsow, of North Carolina, aud
other leading men, and was to the effect that when
ever the Democrats could throw their whole
strength, solid vote of ninety-three for their own
nominee for Speaker, the South Americans should
unite to elect him; or whenever the Americans
could throw vote OF twenty-seven for an Ameri
can nominee, the Democrats should Join them to
carry the election. The Americans believe they can
raise their vote to twenty-seven.
The caucus sat till eleven o'clock discussing this
proposal and general questions affecting the party
but came to no conclusion to act with the Demo
Gratis; not so much from any ndisposition to act
with them, as from the fact, that the proposition
dld not came from caucus or from any authorized
assent of the entire body of the Democratic mem
the Democrats to elect a Speaker but it was not
iusurmountable. If the Democrats in caucus would
agree to the proposition made by Mr.. Cochrane
and the others, it would be acceptable to the Amer
leans, and they could elect the Speaker As it is,
both parties will enter the House tomorrow act
independently as they have done all along.
While this is the position of these parties of
Southern men, the Northern sectional party is
making daily progress towards the election of
sherman. One by one, the so-called anti Lee
compton Democrats are dropping into the Republ-
can ranks. Out of the seven eight of this non
descript party three have already sippifed their
preference for Sherman. The Republicans claim.
and think with some reason, that they are within
one or two votes of eecting Sherman. Heis de-
cidedly in the most advantageous position.
The Democrats will stave off the election for
some time longer if possible, unless by some COM
binato they are of defeating the Republicans
IN order to ventlate more thoroughly the endorse
ment, by the Republican members, of Helpers ag-
gressive sectional programme
There is a rumor, having some foundation of a
number of prominent libusters being about to pro.
ceed from here to the South-to Savannah, it is
said-to join larger body for the purpose of max
ing an excursion still further South, during the
cold season. These gentlemen have kept their
movements concealed, and there is not much light
at present the subect-but | have no doubt
Mexico, and probably the Texan frontier, is the
place of their destination.
1t has been stated that the President will, in his
message to Congress- renew the recommendation
made in his last message to have an apprOpria ton
made and placed at the disposal of the Executive
to use, if opportunity should occur for the pur-
chase of Cuba. This is doubt true; and from the
action of Mr. Slidel in giving notice in the Senate
that he would call up again, on an early day this
Cuba question, it is probable he is acting from a
knowledge of this fact, and in concert with the Ad-
ministration. But the statement that there is rea
SON to believe the Spanish Government NAV consent
to enter into negotiations for the cession of Gu
ba, is utterly without foundation. do not
think the President believes this. If he does,
he has been grossly misled by weak or
designing government officials. Much as [
would like to see Cuba annexed to this country, |
regret to say there is not the least chance for it at
present. and. in fact, we further from it than
heretofore No Spanish minister, no Spanish gov
ernment would dare, in the present state of public
feeling in that country, to listen for one moment to
a proposal to negotiate for the union of Cuba to
the United States. | write from the best authority
In making these assertions. Never, perhaps, since
the time when Spain was the first commercial and
colonial power in the world, was the Spanish mind
so filed with the prospect and belief in future-a
great future. And to think that Spain would CON
sent to negotiate at this time for the cessiOn of this
great colony, 'the gem of the Antilles" is ridi-
culnus.
Forney friends Haskins and the rest are 50 afraid
of his being cheated out ofthe Clerkshp that they
are going round taking pledges from the Repub-
licans.
1t is said that the Democrats have resolved that
no vote shall be taken on the plurality resolution
before lst January, and if they adhere to this de-
termination no Speaker can be elected before that
time.
Mr.. Corwin, of Ohio, is reported to have said,
that if the extreme men in Congress represent fully
the sentiments of their constituencies the Union il
virtually destroyed.
Sherman's chances are improving. The anti
Lecompton men, one by one, drop into the Repub-
Hcan ranks. To-day the Republicans confidently
calculate on wanting only one or two votes Ap-
pearances favor this conclusion.
Certain anti-LecOmptOnites continue to vote for
Davis, of Indiana, believing that the Democrats
will ultimately take him up.
1t is said that Mr.. Douglas has abandoned his
contemplated trip to- the South
The treaty with China will be submitted to the
Senate at an early day, accompanied by important
dispatches of Mr.. Reed, and other correspondence
connected with this subject. 1t will be remember
ed that the ateness of the arrival of the treaty in
China precluded the possibility of ratification at
the time indicated therein and it is believed by
some that further legislation will be required by
us to make it binding. The President, however,
is OF different opinion, but will send it to the
Senate for such action may be deemed necessary
by that body. When the treaty was receive from
Mr.. Reed it was with the understanding on the
part OF the Chinese authorities that when ratified
the rescript should be forwarded to this govern
ment. The rescript has been received which
action is considered by them as well as by the
President as giving it validity and force. Should
the Senate think differently, a simple resolution
will obviate the difficulty.
The Senatorial Committees will not be material
ly altered from last Session. Mr. Bowman will
pretty certainly be elected Printer of the Senate
The War Department proposes no additional in
structions to Gen Scott. The joint occupation OF
San Juan probably is restored BY this time on the
basis of his proposition to Gov. Douglass and
nothing is left but the discussion of the title be-
tween the two Governments, with which he has nc
concern. General Harvey will remain in charge
of his department on the Pacific for another year
The following stated to be the Government
estimates for the ensuing fiscal wear comnared with
those of last year. They show a decrease Of
S6,4l3,0l9:
ESTIMATES lS6O-6l l959.6O
Civil list, foreign intercourse and