New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1859-11-22
FROM flashing Ton.


From Our Own Correspondent.
WASHINGTON, Nov. 10, 1859.
The removal Of Capt Meigs from the Supcrin-
tendency of the Capitol extension turned directly
upon collision of authority. He refused TO obey
a peremptory order from the Secretary OF War,
and had previously exhibited spirit Of resistance,
which led TO this result. IL was simply question
whether the chief or the subordinate should prevail,
and whenever that issue was decisiyely made, the
result could not be doubtful What other motives
may have operated, the public will not be allowed
10 know for reasons which can easily be imagined
II is alleged, in vindication Of the act, that Capt
Meigs had been favored with this special service
more than double the usual time, to the exclusion
of other officers equally merItoriousi and Also that
he had succeeded in mon0pollzing all the great
honors of this branch of his profession. lie Is stu
at the head of the Aqueduct, which OF ITSELF iur.
nshes large field for the exercise OF ns Admitted
abilities and discipline. The whole matter VIII
probably be canvassed in Congress TINS WINTER ana
then the public may learn more OF its secret In
SEPARATIONS.
Thus far the country has only heard one side OF
the San Juan affair; and while there is general
conviction that Gen. Harvey acted rashly, az II is
we'll known he did unauthorizedly, there is still
much TO be told, that may give different turn TO
the present opinion. Sworn evidence mas been re-
ceiyed here to the effect that Gov. Douglass had de-
signed To take exclusive possession OF tho island the
very day before Gen. Harvey startled the country
by his impetuous movement. The British Govern
ment has been informed of all the facts, and 1t Is
supposed this knowledge has operated to some ex-
tent on their proposed recall OF Gov. Douglass.
While such an intention might serve 10 show the
unftness of the British Governor, it certainly
would furnish no extenuation for the conduct of
the American General Both OF them were
equally untitled for such responsibility. Gov.
Douglass rose from the ranks of the people, having
originally been a laboriBg man in Jamaca, after
which he entered the service OF the Hudson's Bay
Company, and finally became what he now is.
Diplomacy is no part Of his character. He has the
habits and tastes of frontier life, and few OF the
reinernents which might be- expected from bis po-
sition. Gen. Harvey is best known as an Indian
fighter. Of reckless prOcliyites and dashing bold
ness They cannot both he removed too soon from
a sphere to which neither is properly adapted.
There appears to be screw loose among the
Federal Ofhce-holders of this Administration, such
as was noticed during the close of Mr.. Van Burcns
career az President, when the plunderers seized
upon the public treasure by millions, and apPro.
prated it to their personal uses. Within the last
lew months only, several important Postmasters
and Collectors have been removed " for cause, the
cause Being that they took money which belonged
10 Uncle Sam. In most eases, efforts were made
to prevent the removals by interested politicians
but every investigation ordered proved that the
charges were more than sustained by overwhelming
proof As efforts have been made to suppress the
facts, fearing s political effect calls will be made
on Congress next Winter, for the purpose OF dis
closing what the official archives now quietly
cover up. 1t is time these robbers were exposed,
and the responsibility of such disgraceful appoint
ments fixed were il properly belongs.
There is a concocted "cry" for a dissolution OF
the Union this Winter, very much like that which
was witnessed here nine years ago. The nerves OF
the people have grown strong since 1850, and ara
not now 80 easily Jared by the clamor OF dema-
gogues We have been through that scene once,
and its repetition on small scale IN 1856, and
therefore are somewhat prepared for all stages Of
the performance. Just as il is foreshadowed that
the Democracy must be oyertbrown, and that the
lease of this Administration viii exclude similar
tenure Of Office for years, then they are all willing to
dissolve the Union believing ought not to stand an
hour il such disinterested patriots must b6 turned
out Of place and cast of the pension roll. This
Union-saying business has been az much oyerdoIe
as the Harper's Ferry affair was, By which the
Administration gave us a victory in New-fork That
might otherwise have been defeat from apathy.