The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1859-02-10
LATEST NEWS FROM WASHINGTON.
WAsHrsGrox, Feb. Tsp. NJ.

{ NbNo
WAsHNGrox, Feb. Ia p. NJ.
! A Democratic Caucus was held tonight
John CochrsDe acted - Chairman, and
Messrs. Rutin and Csvanaugh a. Secreta.
RIGS. Vslsndighsm, Of Ohio, had been
nominated as Secretary, but be declined,
saying the call for the caucus had not been
submitted 10 the Ohio delegation, At whose
| instance be had come here, TO ascertain the
character Of the proceedings. About fifty
men were present, principally from the
South, but including two from New York
two from Minnesota, one from Ohio, and five
from Illinois A great diversity of opinion
existed as TO the proper methods Of meeting
| the present emergencies Of the government !;
but very general impression prevailed that
the estimates were altogether too high, and
that measures must be taken TO reduce the
expenses very materially. Resolutions were
adopted, First, that it is inexpsdient TO dis
turb the tariff OF 1857. Second, that com
mittee Of five be appointed to report at the
caucus, means by which the expenses Of the
government can be reduced, and the caucus
adjourned until Saturday night, when gen.
eral call is TO be issued TO the democratic
members, and the question Of retrenchment
is to be debated.
! The Senate Post Office Committee have
decided 10 report bill abolshing the frank.
| ing privilege. and in lieu to furnish Senators
and Representative with $50 worth OF
stamps. Also, to increase the rate OF post
uge to 5 cents
Senator Mallory has prepared an elabo-
rate report in favor Of the increase Of the
navy, in conformity with the recommends
| ton of the Secretary.
There is no truth whatever in the report
Of the probability OF Judge Black appoint.
ment to the Pennsylvania judgeship, made
vacant by the resignation Of Judge Irwin :;
: ArTS~<~.',,.-4,rsss s~zs. re baseless
j. N. Spillock has been confirmed as e.
| s. Marshal for the district Of Georgia, in
place Of Mr.. Stewart, who was removed
on the ground Of not having used sufficient
vigilance in the yacht Wanderer case
Although evidently q majority Of the
House is in favor OF the passage Of the
Senate French Spoliation bill, its necessary
reference under the decision to the Commit
tee Of the Whole on the state of the Union,
may BIO regarded as conclusive of it's defeat.
The House Committee on Territories to.
day agreed to report bill for the establish
ment Of the territorial government Of JEFF
ierson, including the Pixies Peak country.
At meeting Of the Committee on Ways
and Means 10 day, no action was held upon
the tariff They are awaiting the returns
from principal cotton houses for the month
OF January, from which the Secretary ex.
poets to draw definite conclusions as to the
revenue that may be anticipated from the
present tariff lie expects these returns
will foot up six millions.
In pursuance Of the resolution adopted at
tho Democratic caucus on the tariff last
night, Messrs. Barnett, Vallandigham,
Crawford, Burnett, and Marshall, Of Illinois,
were appointed committee to report at the
adjourned meeting, on Saturday, some plan
OF retrenchnent in the expenditures OF the
Governmeet.
The Select Committee appointed to ex.
anime the acts OF Mr. Seaman, the late Su-
perintendent Of Public Printing, expect to
complete their labor next.
The select committee TO examine the al
legged abuses in the Navy Department and
the Navy Yards, have summoned and con-
tinue summoning more witnesses than they
can conveniently examine during the present
session.
The Senate in executive session to-day re-
sumed the consideration Of the nomination
of Emory ID. Potter. as Collector at Toledo,
but as no quorum was present the question
was not taken.
The Committee on Military Affairs is still
engaged on the consideration Of the Wash
ington and Oregon Indian war debt Messrs
Lane and Stevens, the delegates from those
| Territories. last night had hearing on ths
subject before the Commissioners
WASHINGTON, Feb ;.
The Judiciary committee OF the Senate
7 has decided the Indiana case in favor OF
Messrs Bright and Fitch.
IL il now positively stated on the author.
! ity oil the President, that Secretary Cobb is
preparing q communication to Congress
recommending revision OF the tariff.
Senator Slidell says he would be willing
10 take the tariff Of ls46 temporarily, ani
indications are that bill reviving tina, bill
can pass the Senate.
Mr.. Yulee, chairman OF the Senate COM
mittee on Post Offices is preparinga bill Tor
postal reform.
The proposition Of uniform increase Of
letter postage has not yet been agreed TO,
desires being expressed to have two rates 3
cents under 300 miles, and cents for over
that distance.