Lynchburg daily Virginian. [volume] (Lynchburg [Va.]) 1852-1861, 1859-02-18
Editorial Correspondence.
WASHINGTON, 10th February,


The ,peech of Mr., Crittcndcn on yesterday was
one Of his most brilliant efforts. Perhaps the old
Senator has Lost somewhat Of his former fire IN
debate-but he is none the less strong in argu-
ment, and in original and forcible language. Ills
speech ought to satisfy the country OF the danger
Of this thirty million proposition. Besides de-
monstrating the absolute fuility of the attempt to
negotiate for the purchase Of Cuba with thirty
millions of dollars, Mr.. Crittenden but expressed
the universal sentiment when he declared that
this was movement not founded in patriotism,
but altogether in the interest Of party. 1t is n
device-and such device as will not surprise
those who are acquainted with the modern eide OF
political morals--to avert the eyes Of the people
from the misdecds the corruption, and the profit.
gacy of the party in power. Mr.. Slidcll has
some reputation as shrewd tactician, skilled in
the diplomacy Of party--but much mistake II
the people do not see through the transparent
gauze which is to this thirty million propo-
stion.
The act Of the admission Of Ctegon into the
Union was consumnrated day before yesterday by
the taking of the oath Of Office by the new sena-
tors One Of them Gen Lane is well known Ia
the country. The other. Deazon Smithor, as he
is popularity called. "Dclusion' Smiths not of
so much note. Whatever of reputation lie has,
was acquired, l.elese, b, editing a .ler paper
during the administration Of hat gentleman.
Speaking of Oregon | am reminded Of the enor
nous claims that were presented here last year
for the Indian war debts in that country. | un-
derstand that charges, such ms never were heard
of before were found in the accounts and that
the Committee to which the subject referred
has determined to cut down the amount to about
one fifth of the original claim. Even this,
doubt not, will be compensation more than enough
for the services performed
The speech of Mr. Hunter in the Senate on Monday
is regarded as conclusive of the Tariff question for
the present session. No change will be made
with the revival Of trade, present and prospective
in the rates Of duties Mr.. Hunter thinks that,
there will be revenue enough next year for an
economical administration of the Government.
But it is good joke for Mr. Hunter to talk about
ECONOMY in the presen, day aud generation
When the effort seems to be to see how much and
not how Title the Administration can spend. Mr..
Hunter ought to make the same calculation that
! have heard recommended to persons who pro-
pose to build house-estimas every conceivable
item Of expenditure, aud then just double the
amount.
The remainder OF the session will be devoted
principally to the Appropriation bills. They are
not much advanced as they usually are at this
period Of the session. The House of Representa-
tives will, in all likelihood, not take up the Cuban
bill even should it pas the Senate.
had the pleasure, last night, of attending n
most unique and novel entertainment-an ova-
ton given by one Of the wealthiest citizens of
Washington to the distinguished poet and orator
Albert Pike. It will be recJlected that the news
papers killed of Col. Pike last summer and pub
iishcd splendid tributes to his memory His
friends here, gratiGed at his return from the land
of ghosts have given him several such wakes"
The company last night was composed of about
one hundred Of the choicest wits of the Metropo-
ls-Senators, Judges authors, editors aud oif-
GERS of the Army and Navy. TWAS most agree
able reuniou-lopg to be remembered by all who
were present
Col Pike will visit Lynchburg some time in the
~Sprus, and remain several days. S.