The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1859-02-10
LATEST NEWS FROM WASHINGTON.
WAsHINGrOH, Feb. Ia

bhIbol NENo IhUu VhoulNUlUN.
WAsHrxGros, Feb. Ia p. NJ.
A Democratic Caucus was held tonight.
John C0chrsne acted q Chairman, and
Messrs Roffin and Csvanaugh ~ Secreta.
ries. valandgham, Of Ohio, had been
nominated as Secretary, but be declined,
saying the call for the caucus had not been
submitted 10 the Ohio delegation, at whose
instance be had come here, TO ascertain the
character Of the proceedings. About fifty
men were present, principally from the
South, but including two from New York,
two from Minnesota, one from Ohio, and five
from Illinois. A great Diversity Of opinion
existed as TO the proper methods Of meeting
the present emergencies Of the government
but very general impression prevailed that
the estimates were altogether too high, and
that measures must be taken TO reduce the
expenses very materially. Resolutions were
adopted, First, that it is inexpsdient to dis
turb the tariff OF 1857. Second, that com
mlttee Of five be appointed 70 report at the
caucus, means by which the expenses Of the
government can be reduced, and the caucus
adjourned until Saturday night, when gen.
eral call is TO be issued TO the democratic
members, and the question Of retrenchment
is To be debated.
The Senate Post Office Committee have
decided TO report bill abolishing the frank.
ing privilege, and in lieu to furnish Senators
and Representative with $3.50 worth OF
stamps Also, TO increase the rate OF post
uge to s cents.
Senator Mallory has prepared an elabo-
rate report in favor Of the increase of the
navy, 10 conformity with the recommends
ton of the Secretary.
There is no truth whatever in the report
OF the probability Of Judge Blacks appoint
ment to the Pennsylvania judgeship, made
vacant by the resignation Of Judge Irwin
hence all the spsculations are baseless.
j. NJ. SpillOck has been confirmed as Z.
$. Marshal Tor the district OF Georgia, in
place Of Mr.. Stewart, who was removed
on the ground Of not having used sufficient
vigilance in the yacht Wanderer case.
Although evidently majority Of the
House is in favor OF the passage Of the
Senate French Spoliation bill, its necessary
reference under the decision to the Commit
tee Of the Whole on the state Of the Union,
may be regarded az conclusive of it's defeat.
The House Committee on Territories 10.
day agreed to report bill for the establish
ment Of the territorial government OF JEFF
ferson, including the Pixies Peak country.
At meeting Of the Committee on Ways
and Means TO day no action was beld upon
the tariff They are awaiting the returns
| from principuI cottoo houaoo lnr tho IN ont n
OF January, from which the Secretary ex.
poets to draw definite conclusions as to the
revenue that may be anticipated from the
present tariff. He expects these returns
will foot up six millions.
In pursuance OF the resolution adopted at
the Democratic caucus on the tariff last
night, Messrs. Barnett, Valandigham,
Crawford, Burnett, and Marshall. Of Illinois,
were appointed committee TO report at the
adjourned meeting, on Saturday, some plan
Of retrenchnent in the expenditures Of the
Government.
The Select Committee appointed to ex-
anime the acts OF Mr.. seaman, the late Su-
perintendent of Public Printing, expect to
complete their labor next
The select committee 10 examine the al
legged abuses in the Navy Department and
the Navy Yards, have summoned and con-
tinue summonng more witnesses than they
can conveniently examine during the present
session.
The Senate in executive session to-day re-
sumed the consideration of the nomination
Of Emory ID. Potter, as Collector at Toledo,
but as no quorum was present the question
was not taken.
The Committee on Military Affairs is still
engaged on the consideration Of the Wash
ngton and Oregon Indian war debt Messrs.
Lane and Stevens the delegates from those
Territories, last night had hearing on tbs
subject before the Commissioners.
WAsHlSGroS, Feb ,.
The Judiciary committee Of the Senate
has decided the Indiana case in favor ot
Messrs. Bright and Fitch.
IL is now positively stated on the author.
ty OF the President, that Secretary Cobb is
preparing q communication to Congress,
recommending revision OF the tariff
Senator Slidel says he would be- willing
TO take the tariff Of 1886 temporarily. aus
indications are that bill reviying that bill
can pass the Senate.
Mr.. Iulee, chairman OF the Senate conf
mttee on Post Offices, is prepariugs bill Tor
postal reform
The proposition Of uniform increase Of
letter postage has not yet been agreed to,
desires being expressed to have two rates. 3
cents under 300 miles, and ; cents for over
that distance