Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1853-1862, 1859-12-15
Washington Gossip.


WASHINGTON. Dec FL understand there are
twenty-one out of the twenty three South Ameri-
cans who are disposed to support the Democratic
nominee if they cannot do better for themselves
short of uniting with the Republicans. The Repub-
licans are now contemplating reaching their object
by adopting the plurality rule, and intend,
when they see a favorable moment, to move its
adoption.
1t is reported and believed that Douglas asked an
interview with Buchanan, for the purpose of re-
Cancellation The result is definitely known. some
asserting that Buchanan Indignantly repulsed him,
| and others stating that reconciliation was eff
fected and that Logan's speech was the result o.
| 1t.
| caucus of the South American members of
| Congress was held Saturday night to take into
consideration proposal made by several Democrat
c members, tc unite for the purpose of organizing
the House by the election of Demo cratic or Amer
lean Speaker
There were present twenty-five South Americans,
and one North American. Mr.. Briggs of New York,
Winter Davis. and Boteler of Virginia, were not
there. The latter absent from lndlsposltiOn
The proposition was made by John COchrane of
New York Winslow of North Carolina, and other
leading men, and was to the effect that whenever
the Democrats could throw their whole strength of
a solid vote of 90 for their nominee, the South
Americans should unite to elect him, or when the
Americans could throw a vote of q for the Ameri-
can nominee, the Democrats should join them to
carry the election.
The caucus sat till IL O'Clock discussing this
party, but came to conclusion to act with the
Democrats from the fact that tine proposition did
not come from a caucus or from any authorized
assent of the entire body of Democratic members.
There is some opposition to fusion with the Demo
Gratis to elect a Speaker, but it not insurmOunt
able If the Democrats, in caucus, would agree to
the proposition made by Mr. Cochran and others, it
would be acceptable to theAmericans and they would
elect Speaker As it is, both parties will act indie
pendently, as they have done all along.
While this is the position of the Southern men,
the Northern party is making daily progress to-
wards the election of Sherman One by one, the
anti ecompton Democrats are dropping into TIE
party, three have signiied preference for Sher-
man. The Republicans claim that they are within
one or two votes of electing Sherman.
1t is said the Democrats have resolved that no
vote shall be taken the plurality resolution before
the first day of January, and if they adhere to this
determination, no Speaker can be elected before
that time COrwin of Ohio is reported to have said
that if the extreme in Congress represent fully
the sentiments of their constituents, the Union Is
virtually destroyed Shermans chances are i'm
proving ....a
The following are stated to be the government esti
mates for the ensuing fiscal year, compared with
those of last. They show decrease of s6,4l3,-
0l9.
Estimates for 1860 and 1851, s46,27S,S93
do 1853 and 1860 52,24l,3l5 |
For Speaker a candidate is about to arise in |
the person of Mr. Reagan, of Texas. This gentle |
man. though identified With the Democratic party,
is not unacceptable to the South Americans on &C
count of his moderate views, and 1t Is sac, to-day
that he can command their votes should he be pre-
sented and receive the support of the Americ ans
and Democrats. The anti-LecOmpton Democrats |
will be compelled to choose between him and Mr. |
Sherman or incur the responsibility Of delaying the
organization of the House.