Weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1858-1865, 1860-01-18
WASHINGTON CORRESPONDENCE.

WASHINGTON CITY, Jan. 9, 1861
Ir consequence of the failure of the House to Or
ganze the Senate have done but little beyond des-
patching executive business and indulgng in dis !
cursve debate upon the prominent topics discussed
by the President in his message. bill of some
Importance, however, was recently introduced by
Mr. Mallory, Chairman Of the Committee on Naval
Affairs, proposing to regulate and increase the pay
of officers of the Navy. The average increase is,
believe, about one and half per cent. on the pre-
sent salaries. The passage of this bill would be the
barest justice to the gentlemen it conemplates bene
fitting The extraordinary rise in the price of eve
ry necessary of life long since induced legislative
action for the benefit of Representatives Army
officers, and executive employees, while those of
our public servants "who go down to the sea in
ships" have been neglected receiving only the rate
of pay established in 1885. The proposed increase
is mere pittance, but it would be OF material aid
to these gallant officers who are generally gentle
men in moderate circumstances.
Perhaps before this reaches you, you will have
learned from our city papers of the difficulty be-
tween Mr.. Branch and Mr.. Grow of Pennsylvania,
which led the former to take initiative steps for
settlement by hostile meeting. The note of Mr.
Branch is so plain, pointed and Characteristic that
shall here give it:
"WAsHINGToN CRY, Dec 20, 1860.
SIR Will you please name time and place out
side the District of Columbia at which you will re-
ceive from Inc communication in writing
L. O'B. BRANCH. !
Hon. G. \. Grow"
On the 3Oth Mr. Grow replied and after referring
to the RECEIPT of Mr. Branchs note, says:
Regarding duelling as at variance with the pre-
eepts of the Christian religion and the sentiments of
Christian people, = l cannot re-
cognize it as justiiable mode of settling Difficult
ties among men even in cases of unwarranted provo
cation"
He concludes by saying he twill defend his per-
sonal rights whenever assacd." What strong
odor of sanctity pervades the atmosphere in which
Mr. Grow moves, when "hc shifts from afar the
smell of powder, and how eagerly he screens him
self behind the plea that such satisfaction is "at
variance with the prccepts of the Christian religion"
1t is little remarkable that with such conscien-
tous regard for the precepts of the Christian re-
!gion, his venomous tongue spit forth vile
SANDERS and impudently insult Southern gentle
men. Mr.. Grow certainly did not know the gentle
mar he was insulting and thought he could put in
practice declaration he made in New York Just
previous to the assembling of Congress, that the
Southerners would rant and foam, but that they
would be easily subdued and tanned" But it ap-
pears that Mr. Branchs quick and determined de-
mand upon this person caused his courage like that
of Bob Acres, TO ooze from his tinger-ends," and
induced him to protect himself with the towards
shield. The statement made in some of the papers
that Mr.. Branch on being arrested exclaimed "the
information did not come from our side" is sheer
fabrication; he gave utterance to such express
sion, or any other, which could possibly bear such
all Interpretation.
They have been speechifying and occasionally vot-
ing in the House, but the hope of organization is
but little more promising than weeks ago. There
seems at present better feeling between the Demo-
Gratis and South Americans; but can hope
scarcely anything from this; day time may rob
us of every advantage gained, by violent, impudent
attacks upon the Southern opposition by stubborn
northern and northwestern Democrats. 1t strikes
me there can be no organization, long as the An
ti-Lecompton Democrats maintain their position.
They have perslSently refused to vote with any of
the organized parties of the House. and seem actu-
ated by determined purpose to hold out until Jno.
g. Davis, or some other member of this diminutive
faction shall be taken up and they be enabled to
give the administration blow and achieve Douglas
triumph at the same time. 1t is very difficult
matter to harmOnize and draw into concerted action
two parties who have been bitterly opposed to each
other but this is time for raking up past fcuds;
and conciliatory and patriotic purpose should in
fuence the Democrats and South Americans to for
get for the time being, the exactions of party and
make some sacrifice for their countrys good. After
eecting conservative Speaker and throtling black
Republicanism, then pitch in, and the devil take
the hindmost"
The Republicans are very loud in their declara-
tiOns that SOutherherS consume time in spcech-ma-
king-not they. Sly foxes these Republicans!
They know that with their internal Helper doc
trnes the policy best adapted insure success will
be keeping silent tongue. Whenever some one,
little bolder and less experienced than the old foxes
has ventured to put his head out of the Republican
den, it has been eifectually chopped of, and that
man does not hazard another speech The ability
and talent evnced by the Southern members in their
discussions with the Republicans is subject of gen.
eral remark in this city, and is just pride
to those who hail from the South. In every en-
turned upon themselves, and they have been driven
to the wall. This is not Southern braggadocia, -
but fact which will appear by reference to the de-
bates published in the Globe.
1t would be folly to venture opinion as to who
will be the Speaker whose chances promise best.
Mr. A. may have, in the morning, very fattering
prospects of election but a. noon he is toppled
down, and Mr.. B. will almost surely be the fortunate
man. Speculation on matter so uncertain is idle.
The N. c. delegation are all in fine health and
spirits and deservedly popular among the N. c.
residents here. The four South American members
from the Old North State have made, in brief
time, hosts of personal friends among the Demo-
Gratis; and will here state in this connection that
while shall freely anu fearlessy comment upon
the legislative action of these gentlemen, shall en-
deavor to do in spirit of fairness and lberality
The Northern Mail due here yesterday did not
come through, and the rumor rapidly spread that
the contractors had refused farther service until
paid arrearages eould not trace this report to an
authentic source anasfaoubt its correctness.