Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1859-01-17
WAsHINGTONN NEWS AND GOSSIP.


WASHING TON NEWS AND GOSSIP.
Mr.. GIDpISGs.-Mr Giddings, OF Ohio, got
himself into a scrape on Saturday last, in the
House Hall, which be will long remember, he
essayed an abolition speech out OF piaoe-uo
bill for codifying the revenue laws oe,ns unue,
consideration-in which he took the hoe.1 VI
charging the Democratic party Win oehs IN
favor of reopening the African sia'e uaoe,
and dem landed that some democratic member
should answer-yes or no-whether the charge
was true or not. Contrary to his evident ex
recitation, his colleague, Mr.. Cox, did give
him the categorical answer he demanded, en-
phatically denying the truth Of his charge, of
course. Mr.. c. then turned the tables upon
his veteran assailant, by demanding to know of
him-the probable Republican candidate for
Governor of Ohio at the next election-whether
he does or does not favor negro political equal
ity in his State-a doctrine repudisted by
large wing of his party there, though up to
this time vehemently insisted upon by Mr..
Giddipgs himself
Refusing to take lesson from the frankness
of Mr.. Cox, Mr.. G. squirmed, wriggled, and
twisted out of his dilemma, by proclaiming
that he considered negroes justly entitled to
political co-equality with the Democra;s!-but
expressly declined to say that he also considered
them justly entitled to political coequality
with the members Of his own-the Republican
party! Repeatedly, Mr.. Cox put the question
to him, and as often did Mr.. Giddings refuse
to answer the question; preferring to expose
thus glaringly the want of good faith-ipgen-
in ha nII &c
his career in Congress, by at this late hour de-
Ginning to avow, when such avowal might in
terfere with his prospect for further advance
ment, allegiance to the ism in which he has
from beginning to end-altoge her lived moved
and had his political being.
The AMERICAN NAvY.-In answer to reso-
luton of the House of Representatives calling
for the number of officers in the Navy and Ma
rine Corps, the number Of employees under
| charge OF the Navy Department, and the num-
| Der of naval vessels, Secretary Toucey has
submitted a statement from which Nc derive
the following: -
In the Navy-Captains, active list, 81, re-
served list, 20; commanders, active list, 116,
reserved list, II; lieutenants, active list, $40,
reserved list, So; masters, active list, 20, re-
served list, II; second masters, l passed mid
shipmen, none on the active list, reserved list,
2; surgeons, SO; passed assistant surgeons, 80;
assistant surgeons, 80; pursers, g.; chaplains
| "a; professors Of mathematics, II; chief en-.
gineers, 81 first assistant engineers, 80; second
assistant engineers, %; third assistant engi-
neers, 63; midshipmen, As; acting midship-
men, 1S6, boatswains, 40; gunners, A car
| penters, 48; sailmakers, Al.
In the Marine Corps-Lieutenant colonel, 1;
majors staff, 3; captain, staff, l. majors, line, 4;
| captains line, IL; first lieutenants, 20; second
| lieutenants, 10.
Seamen, Marines, and other employees, un-
| der charge of the Navy Department-Number
| of seamen now in the service is that authorized
by law, viz $500; marines, including non
commissioned officers, musicians, drumners,
| ffers, and privates, sos; other enployes-at
Portsmouth, N H., $50; at Boston, Mass, 400;
| at New York, N. Y D.. $50; at Philadelphia.
Pa, ,O96; at Washington, D. c., 1873; at Nor
| folk, Va, 1916; at Pensacola, Cos; at Mare
| Island, $50; at Sackett's Harbor, 2-tOtal,
| SAT-.
The vessels of war belonging to the Navy are
given as follows:-Ships of the line 10; frigates,
| 10; sloops, 81; brigs, 3; schooner, l; screw
steamers, first class, s, second class, 6, third
| class, 9, tenders, 2; side-w wheel steamers, first
class, 3, second class, third class 3, tender, L.
store ships, g. receiving ships, total, 49,
The ACQUISITION OF CUBA.-0n Saturday,
the Democratic members of the Senate assem-
bled in caucus, for consideration of the Presi-
dents recommendation concerning the acqui-
sition OF Cuba. The sitting was of three or
four hours duration, and the debate involved,
| apparently, every phase Of the question. The
majority expressed themselves favorable to the
measure, but there was a great deal of differ
ence of opinion, as to whether a move, in that
direction, at this time, would not be prema-
ture, and Illustrate the very object sought to
be attained. 1t is said, that Mr. Douglas
thought there was no danger that the Presi-
dent would act precipitately. He was in favor
of acquiring Cuba, but preferred to wait the
occurrence Of an event similar to the Black
Warrior affair, and then seize the Island by
way of reclamation. This suggestion was not
concurred in by most Of the other Senator'S
and 1t ELECTED very animated debate. The
result of the consultation was, a determination
In general terms, but several Senators refused
to commit themselves to any precise methad of
action, preferring to be left at liberty to ex.
anime the subject more fully.
MEN AND THINGS IN THE NORTH CARoIrn.
LEGIsLATURE.
fCorrsspondenes 9th. Star
RALKIeH,N c., Jan 10, 1859
The Legislature is still moving along with the
business before 1t, in quiet, pleasant way, and
veryfreefrom all excitement and everything Of the
kind True, there is a little sparring now and
then, but 1t passes Of very pleasantly, and every
man seems to be In good humor, every time you
meet him.
There are some noble spirits in the present
Legislature, such for instance as NJ w. Ransom.
OF Northampton, pleasant, handsome, and tai
ented son OF the Old North State, who is for the
nrst time In her service as a Legislator, though