New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1860-12-01
FROM WASHINGTON.
From Our Own Correspondent.

From Our Own Correspondent
WASHINGTON, Nov. 90, 1860.
The absorbing subject of discussion by d,y and
by night at this capital, is the state d the
Union. Everybody talks about it, for it is the
Gfeblood which flows in every vein and artery of
| prosperity and even existence here. The specu-
ations are as various as the persons who make
them, and it ia often amusing to witness the
phases of thought which this topic eliminates, as
interest, or feeling, or passion chances to pre-
dominate | happened yesterday in an omnibus,
and secession of course was the theme, since
there is no other news recognized in good or bad
society. The course of South Carolina was much
criticised, especially to her attempt to drag the
South, or at least the Cotton States into revolution.
A homespun-lOokiDg character who turned ont to
be Maryland farmer joined in the conversation,
and with sharp twang to his voice, remarked that
South Carolina in this business reminded him OF o
Prince Georges County team" "And what sort
of a team is that" inquired listener. why"
said he, " little jackass in front, and large yoke
of oxen behind !" We all thought the figure pretty
good, and most Of the company being Southern men,
enjoyed it hugely
The Old Public Functonary is much hurt at his
exclusion from the prayers of the South Carolina
churches last Sunday. He admits having long
known his condition to be bad but he had not be-
fore supposed il was past praying for. What greyes
him most is the fact that when he ectured the Yam
kee clergy in his Siman letter, two years ago, no
State appauded him so much as that where the
pulpit is now used to preach secession, and where
the name of " the President OF the United States
is put outside the pale of grace In view of all his
sacrifices for the South, and his valuable services
Mr.. Buchanan thinks South Carolina might have
spared him this indignity in his declining years and
departing power.
After bankrupting the Treasury and bursting up
the Administration, Mr. Cobb now proposes to retire
from the Cabinet and seek shelter from the coming
storm by assuming the leadership of secession in
GeOrgio. His pretense for this desertion is differ
cnce of opinion with the President on the abstract
right of a State to secede from the Union. This is
a mere sham, and nothing else When he differed
the Tariff he thought of resigniDg, but was
very willing to hold his own opinion and let the
President express his. Mr. Cobb wants TO be elect
ed to the Senate for six years, and he has made
several excursions to Georgia in the last few months
for that object only His competitor, Mr.. lversOn-
the present incumbent-has always been an honest
extremist and therefore is in line. But the
adroit Secretary of the Treasury has tried to turn
his plank by the profession of superior zeal, and
will strive to make merit of this resignation, when
he has only ninety days to serve, and acostly VIM
ter in Washington to contemplate.
Politically and economically considered, this
movement is quite worthy OF Cobbs schcnlng
genius and if il fails to win it will not be his fault
He, more than any man IN or out OF the CABINET, is
responsible for the bunders foies, and crimes, of
this Administration. His was the master-splrit
which controlled the weak mind of the President on
LecOmptOn. and seduced him from the policy which
he had originally marked out. The results OF that
abandonment are now witnessed. and when the
Administration is on the eve OF It's exodus rom
power when the bitter fruits Of It's errors are yis-
bic everywhere, and when those who have enjoyed
it's confidence and favor should at least die with har
ness on their backs, Mr. Cobb finds it convenient to
retire. leaving the Treasury empty and all his
false estimates and exaggerauons sadded
upon whoever may be willing to grasp
that barren scepter. And not content
with this desertion, he has been cOnspiring for q
month back TO smash up the Cabinet as cover tor
his Own retreat, by making Southern test among ms
colleagues Mr. Thompson and Mr.. Floyd have
snapped at the bait, and may may not follow his
lead as circumstances happen to direct. III any
thing should turn up unpromsing at home Mr..
Cobb may even yet repent of his present purpose,
which is TO withdraw next week, but on terms OF
professed friendship with the concern MI
Buchanan does not affect 10 conceal his
feelings at this breach of good faith on
the part of one to whom he has yielded
so much of his confidence and regard.
But he is, like Lear, after he had parted with his
kingdom to the ungrateiul children, pOwerless ana
condemned Poor Old Public Functonary! ne
will return to his dreary home at Lancaster, with
scarcely friend TO welcome him, of the many who
were so eager to be regarded in that category four
wears ago. His old intimates, and most conhdehtal
companions of former years are they VINO now most
openly proclaim hostility, and who refuse to tolerate
any intercourse with the man for whom they toned
so hard and long to make him President OF the