The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1861-12-27
News from Washington.
JEFF. DAVIS AND GENERAL WISE.

JEFF. DAVIS AND GENERAL WISE.
WASHINGTON, Dec 22.-The Union and
american learns from authentic sources that
President Davis has under consideration q
matter which would in all probability re.
suit in the resignation of General Wise and
all the officers in his legion, in which event
0. Jennings Wise, his son, would resume
bis post as editor of Enquirer, and oppose
the administration with all his power. This
would be most unfortunate circumstance
at this juncture, when single turn of the
wheel may bring endless disaster to the
South.
GENERAL SCOTT COMING HOME.
The Government today received intelli-
gence, brought by the last steamer from
Europe, from General Scott, stating that
be inteaded to take passage in the next
steamer for the United States. The Gene~
raj does not state the object of his return,
but he undoubtedly brings information to
our Government OF important m0vem ents
abroad. 1t must he a serious matter or
General Scott would not return so speedily,
for it is we'll known he had made arrange
ments to remnin Tor long time.
OPINION IN FRANCE.
A gentleman occupying high position
in Paris, writing TO friend in this city,
says the impression was very general in the
best informed circles, in France ard Eng.
land, that rupture between England and
the United States is inevitable.
RUMOR CUNTRADICTED.
Herald dispatch. The city has been
excited today by silly rumor that Gov
eminent had agreed to surrender Mason and
SIidell TO Great Britain, and that they were
to be given up on Tuesday. There is not
the slightest word OF truth in the report.
No such proposition has been entertained.
In fact, Government has determined that
British complication shall. be secondary to
the rebellion. That is the affair of most
vital importance, and nothing in our foreign
relations will be permitted to turn from it
the attention of Government--even the
sentiment OF other affairs will be made sub
ordinate it.
THE GAINESVILLE AFFAIR.
The victory at Evansville on the part of
our troops is brilliant, especially as they
had never been 10 any action. Letters
found on the dead bodies OF rebels show in.
tense hostility of the South to the North.
One said it was impossible for the Federas
to remain much longer on the Potomac.
The news from England and pressure from
Congress will compel Mcclellan to advance,
and in such an event victory by the Con-
tederates is certain.
a despatch to the Times says notes passed
between Lyons and Seward about the Trent
affair.
RUMOR THAT MASON AND SLIDELL
ARE TO BE GIVEN UP.
Special W0shingto1a Dispatch to POST
There is a ruthor that the Cabinet has
resolved to release Mason and Slidell, and
orders have gone out to ship them at once
to Halifax. The Post regards it improbable.
A special dispatch from Washington
states that Minister Adams reports to the
State Department, that be had an interview
with Earl Russell, after discussion of the
Trent affair in the British Cabinet, but no
definite conclusion was arrived at.
The special dispatch also says that Ire
land IS ripe for revolution in case of war
between England and the United States.
Not much faith is placed in this.
GEN. BURNsIDEs EXPEDITION.
Gen. Burnside's expedition will not get
away from Annapolis till alter Christmas,
but is sure to sail before New Years.
EFFICIENCY OF THE NAVY.
WASHINGTON, Dec. 23--The President
has approved and signed the bill to further
promote the efficiency of the Navy.
LORD LYONS AND MIR. SEWARD.
7ribuae's specia! We learn that, Lord
Lyons had today another Interview with Mr..
Seward. 1t is understood, upon what seems
to be good authority, that the meeting was
friendly in its character, and satisfactory in
its results.
Lord Lyons, who some days ago seemed
to be in doubt whether he could do so has
formally renewed bis previous invitations
for Christmas.
A Cabinet meeting is to be held tomor-
row at which, it is thought, the case will be
thoroughly discussed.
GEN. KELLEY MOVING ON WINCHESTER
Intelligence was received here today, that
General Kelley was at Hancock, and about
TO move towards Winchester by way of
Martinsourg, driving the rebels from that
section of the State as he proceeds, and re
opening the Baltimore and Ohio railroad
as soon as practicable.
Money has gone to Kansas to pay the
arrears due to our troops raised there to
whip Missouri rebels /; $4,000 is the sum.
A SLIM SENATE.
WASHINGTON, Dec. 24.-Not more than
twenty one Senators were present at the
session to day. The majority OF them, as
we'll as many members of the House, having
left the city.
The Attorney General has respectfully
declined to give to the Senate his opinion
on a private claim, alleging precedent as
we'll as want of power as justification for
non compliance with the request.
james Fl. Lane of Kansas has been CON-
firmed Brigadier General of volunteers.
SENATE CONTRIBUTIONS.
The Senate has confirmed the following
appointments of the President: Robert
Haley, of California, Consul at Manzela /;
VIM. Pickens, Governor of Washington
Territory; Geo. N. Milne, Receiver of Pub
lie monies at Springfield, Illinois James
Bettills Receiver at Otter Tail City; A.
Whit Jooov Roooiuor at Ro1Eo11 IU;coono,r.