The daily exchange. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1858-1861, 1859-02-07
LATEST NEWS.
TELEGRAMS.
From our O'on Correspondent.
From Washinofnn

WASHINGTON, Feb 6th-The Democratic caucus
last night was failure, only thirty members at
tended The Committee reported plan for cut
ting down the Post Office expenditures by repu-
dating existing contracts 1t was discussed at
length but the caucus finally adjourned without
taking any vote. 1t is evident that the strongest
democratic faction in Congress is that of the Hun
ter party, which is against both the President and
Secretary Cobb, and is determined not to agree to
any modification of the Tariff whatever. The ad-
ministration asks for the passage of law authori-
zng a reissue of Treasury notes for two years
but such law cannot pass The Penn
sylvanians absented themselves from the caucus,
and resolved not to be bound by its action. The
Post Office Department estimates its deficiency
next year at nearly ten millions of dollars.
From the Reporter of the associated Press.
The Democratic Caucus was in session last night
until half past 10 O'Clock. 1t is said that not more
than fifty members were present at any time
About two thirds of them were Southern men,
None OF the Pennsylvania delegates were present.
The Hon. John Cochrane was in the Chair and
the Hon. Messrs. Rufin and Cavanaugh acted as
Secretaries.
Mr.. Garrett, from the Committee appointed in
pursuance of resolution of the former caucus
submitted the following resolution:
Resolved, That means ought to be provided for
the payment OF the outstanding Treasury notes.
and that the Deficiencies of the Treasury should be
met by reduced expenditures of the Government
This resolution he supported at length, show
ing in what particulars the reductions can be
made.
Mr.. Vallandgham advocated retrenchment, and
claimed that it was the duty of the Democratic
party erect reform.
Mr.. Crawford stated his programme, by which
there would be surplus of three millions of dollars
in the Treasury. 1t would, however, be necessary
to extend the operation of the Treasury Note law
tor one or two years.
Mr. Phelps, of Missouri, would go as far as any
one to reduce unnecessary expenditures but argued
that 1t was necessary to grant the Government
sufficient sum to defray unav voidable expenses
MIR. Stephens thought it necessary to check this
tendency to expansion, and mentioned that letter
of President Buchanan, complaining of the increased
expenditures of the Government was one of the
strongest eectioneering documents.
Mr.. Smith, of Tennessee, did not believe that the
expenses could be curtailed in the manner stated
but expressed his willingness to retrench where it
could be done without detriment to the public
vice.
Mr. Sickles believed the estimates had been
reduced to the lowest point by the Executive De-
partment, and did not agree with gentlemen in
setting them down in absence of knowledge of all
the facts.
Mr.. Smith, of Virginia, presented his pro-
gramme-to reduce the pay of members of Con-
gress and of the clerks in the various departments
and in cutting off large slices from the Army and
Navy appropriations, and from those of the Post
Office, DC He said he would try to introduce his
plan in the House, and make it a new question.
Mr.. George Taylor rose, not to make speech
but to show at least S50OOOO might be saved in
printing and on the Congressional Globe.
Several other gentlemen indulged in the debate.
No question was taken any of the propositions
An adjournment without day took place. 1t was
understood, however, that they would have another
caucus, to which all the Democratic members will
be invited.
While the above mentioned caucus was in pro-
gress all the Democratic members of the Pennsyl-
vania delegation convened in the Room of the Com
mittee of Ways and Means. They unanimously
resolved: lst. That the creation of permanent
national debt is at with the principles of re-
publican simplicity which our Government is
founded, and dangerous to our future prosperity;
and that we will earnestly oppose any attempt to
inaugurate such policy. End. That we esteem
the recommendations of the President in his last
annual message the subject of revision of the
Tariff as eminently wise and politic-that the best
interests the country demand legislation in accord
ance Herewith, and that will use all legiti-
mate means to such legislation at the present
session of Congress. 3. That we do not recognize
the acts or proceedings of the caucus now being held
in the House of Representatives binding on us in
any manner whatever. 4. That committee of
three be appointed to confer, from time to time
with the Democratic members of the Delegation,
and to take such steps may be to obtain
united action.