The daily exchange. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1858-1861, 1859-01-22
lFRoM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENCE

The majority of the House of Representatives re-
cognizes the Importance of checking speculation in
the public lands of the UNITED STATES, and reserv-
ing them, during term of years, at least, for the
benefit of actual settlers. When the long pending
bill of Mr.. COBB, of Acknowledging additional
guards against frauds upon the presumption laws
came up, the proposition was moved, by way of
amendment, withholding all lands from public sale
for ten years after their survey. The advantages
of such law noticed day or two since; and the
House recognized them by adopting the amend
ment. 1t is difficult to see what reasonable objec
ton can be made to this policy, which is calculated
to ensure more rapid and more healthy develop
ment of the public domain, and secure to pioneers
the just reward of their enterprise. True, prompt
sale of the lands to spectators brings their pro-
ceeds into the Treasury little earlier, but this
advantage is much more than balanced by the evils
flowing from speculation that discourages speedy
settlement and cultivation.
Sundry toadying individuals who ATTEMPT TO
hang around the Executive Departments, and con-
stanty bring discredit upon the Administration by
volunteering their unsought advocacy, profess to
be seriously exercised by my letter of yesterday,
stating the fact that charges had been preferred,
before Committee of Congress- in relation to GER
tain matters coming within the jurisdiction of the
Navy Department, and stating what some of those
charges were. These imprudent advocates take it
for granted that statement of the charges carries
conviction of guilt and are denouncng your CORES
pendent vehemently for ''attacking the SECRETARY
of the NAvY!' l take it that your readers gener-
all have fallen into no such stupid blunder Not
day passes that the Press does not state the COM
plants made against individuals before Courts of
Justice. Surely that does not commit the Press to
the vindication of such complaints.
A SECRETARY of the Navy, like every other citi-
zen, is to be held innocent until proven guilty; and
the assumption by volunteered defenders that he
must be guilty if charged with wrong doing, is gra-
tuitous and offensive have given your readers
ftar Oh 10, -
to tell how many of them have been proven or who
are the men guilty of wilfully disappearing the
Navy Department Meantime, for the benefit of
those to whom writer must necessarily furnish
brains as well as facts, permit me to distinctly dis
avow the intention to express any opinion whatev-
in regard to the innocence or guilt of the par
ties implicated. That is the business of the COM
mittee of investigation, and to them | prefer to
leave it.
Both branches of Congress are occupied to-
day in considering bills upon the private calendar
and the capitol would have been excessively dull
had not its monotony been relieved by fight in
the vestibule of the House of Representatives The
parties to the ''mir' were Hon. GEORGE TAYLOR, of
New York, and Mr.. C. c. WALDEN, of New York,
late Deputy Collector under Mr.. SoHELL, whose re-
mova had been effected through the influence of
the NJ. G. aforesaid. WALDEN was walking
the vestibule, in company with Lieut. MEADE,
of the Navy, when, meeting Mr.. TAYLOR, he
muttered, "You id rascalp' Mr.. TAYLOR,
stepped forward and asked WALDEN if he in
tended to apply that remark to him, and, on
receiving an affirmative reply, struck him instantly
with his clenched fist The effect of the blow was
materially lessened by the interference of Lieut..
MEADE, who struck up the assaiant's arm. WALDEN
retorted with blow from his umbrella, which
knocked off TAYLoR's hat. The latter then
wrenched the umbrella from his hand and struck
WALDEN blow with it which nearly feed him to
the floor. Bystanders interfering prevented further
collision The NJ. c. clearly got the best of it, and
it is rumored that WALDEN will challenge him at
once. do not believe, however, that Mr.. TAYLOR,
who is ordinarily quiet, peaceably disposed gen
tleman, will notice the matter further
The PIcCoLoMINI Concert here last evening
brought out a magnificent audience of our fashion
able and musical people, including full representa-
tons of the Diplomatic Corps Congress, and Wash
ington Belle-dom. The charming Cantatrice fasci-
mated the house, as matter of course, and was re-
ceived with every mark of appreciation. At the
close of the evening she was honored with splendid
bouquet of half opened aponcas cast from the pri-
vate box occupied by Miss LANE, President BUoHAN-
ANS nece.
Lord and Lady NAPIER were among the auditors,
and certainly did not look though they stood in
need of the commseration which their contemplated
withdrawal from Washington so generally excites
Indeed, it is rumored in diplomatic circles that so
far from being disappointed Lord n is delighted at
the prospect before him, and that at the Hague he
to be entrusted with the duty negotiating mar
riage between one of the Princes of Orange and the
Princess ALICE of England. This sort of mission is
always considered highly honorable to the party
chosen to conduct it.
Another diplomatic on dit announces that Lord
BLOOMFIELD will soon retire from the Prussian Mis-
sion, to be succeeded by Lord NAPIER. This promo
ton Will be very great oneespecially in view of
the fact that the Berlin mission is considered one of
the most desirable in Europe now in consequence
OF the marriage of the Princess Royal and her trans
fer of residence to the Prussan Court