Cleveland morning leader. [volume] (Cleveland [Ohio]) 1854-1865, 1861-12-24
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[From our Regular Correspondent.l


WAsHmeToS, Dec. 81.
The excitement relative to the Mason-sli-
dell e~mbroglio, seems to be subsiding in a
very considerable measure, and a more con-
fdent tone as to our ability to produce q pa
ciRc solution of the trouble seems TO prevail.
What the specific demands Of the British
Government are, have not yet t~ranspired, but
1t seems almost certain that they are not Of
the bolIigerent nature 30 generally appre-
hended. One thing, at least, Is certain, and
that Is that the bearing Of the Administra-
ton, while 1t is not arrogant and defiant, will
be firm and determined. A distinct under
standing will be had with the English Gov.
eminent and if Mason and Slidell are restor-
ed to their liberty 1t will be at the expense
of an acknowledgment Of that power that
the fright Of search and seizure is hereat-
ter to be forever abandoned. This is q prin-
ciple for which we have commended ever since
the formation of our government, and if 1t
can be settled now Is q distinctive doctrine
among the nations, we may deliver up the
two conspirators without the loss o fnAtiOnal
honor indeed, we shall be the gamers in
the end.
Still there is no clue by which we can as
yet state anything concerning the facts as to
the real position Of the case between the two
governments; but if war is unavoidable, we
shall meet it as becomes US, and prosecute il
to the bitter end, well assured of the ultimate
triumph.
The continued inaction of the army in all
parts of the country, is q subject Of consider.
able anxiety to the people here; the season
when effective movements could be made il
almost past, and unless a vigorous prosecu.
ton of the war is soon commenced, winter
quarters will become a military necessity
1t is no justification to be compelled to say
that Gen. Mcclellan does not command tbs
confidence Of the country as he did threI
months ago; it is to be hoped that he viii
socn give som substantial evidence that VI
"haYe a general among us"
The increase of anti-slsvery sentiment il
the army is a feature in the developments o
the day which should not go unnotei.
believe I may truly assert that the grea
bulk Of our soldiers comprehend the statu
of the slavery question as thoroughly as d
our Legislators, and that they are prepare,
to give 1t more practical solution. Congress
may pass any and ell possible enactment
for the emancipation Of the slaves bu
whether Congress does or does not, on
thing is still appaIont-the practical eman
cipation policy will mark the track of tn
army in its southwark march.
lido not think that there exists any neceG
sity for specific legislation upon this subjec
it will work its own solution if left TO tn
military necessities" which must surrOun
the army in its progress.
We have continued rumors Of sdvanC
on the part of the C~onfedsrates; of thei
driving in our picksts and attacking our out
posts. 1t seems altogether probable that
there is any work done upon the Potema
/ this winter, the enemy will be compelled t
take the in~itiatory.
d Among the new members Of Congress
who are becoming distinguished for industr
and usefulness, may be mentioned Repre-
sentative Riddle. he is = handwriting an
attentive member, prompt and effective j
debate, and untiring in his devotion to ii
peculiar interests Of his constituency. Tt
18th District can have no cause to regr,
its choice o fdelegate to the National Legi
~lature. X. Y. q.