New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1861-03-30
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From Washington.
Special Dispatch to The n Y. Tribune
WASHINGTON, Friday, March 20, 1861

| Inc OH sumter QUESTION ID otih
and will probably remain so for several days A
protracted meeting of the Cabinet was held this
morning on that subject, but adjourned without
reaching a final conclusion. All the material
facts have already been given to the public, and
after the recent, reports made BY the two special
agents who went to Charleston, 10 additional in
formation is expected or desired. The whole
case is now fully before the President, and in
cludes the opinions of his Cabinet, Of Gen. Scott
and the engineer officers, and the special personal
reports referred to. He expects to take the en-
tire responsibility of whatever decision may be
reached, and will, doubtless, be sustained by the
country. Mr.. Lincoln has taken every precau-
ton to satisfy his own mind Of his duty first
and will act under that conviction, regardless OF
consequences.
Neither Capt. Fox nor Col. LamOn was per-
mitted, while at Charleston, TO examine the
military works and Notifications made by the
State authorities. They both visited Fort Sum-
ter, under escort, and did not go beyond it,
The chief object of their mission was to confer
personally with Major Anderson concerning
some points, about which the President desired
fuller and more explicit information than has
previously been obtained.
The extent and nature of the works have been
the subject Of constant correspondence with the
War Department by Major Anderson, so that
the Administration is well informed on that
score.
General Cameron went TO Harrisburg this even
ing, and viii return By Tuesday. 1t is not sup
posed that any action will be taken concerning
Fort Sumter in the mean time. His views OF
policy regarding it ere perfectly understood. de
considers the Withdrawal q military necessity,
with the inadequate means now at the disposal
of the President, and the absence OF all discre-
tionary power.
FORT PICKESs.
Notwithstanding the unauthorized contradiction
in regard TO the landing of the 400 soldiers on
board the Brooklyn at Fort Pickens the fact is
nevertheless true, and the order lelt here by
Messenger two weeks ago. He is daily expected
back, and it is quite probable the public may
learn at any hour of the result o. hs presence
there 1t depends entirely upon the character OF
the secret orders which Jefferson Davis recently
sent to General Bragg, whether these troops are
landed peaccably or not, The Government has
done nothing TO provoke collision, aud II II
should unfortunately occur, the Southern Con
federacy will be alone responsible for the conse-
ouences that may ensue.
THE CONTRoLLERsIuP.
The intended restoration OF Elisha "hitlesey
IN the First Controllership indicates determi
nation on the part of Mr.. Chase to arrest the
cuIpabIe and extravagant allowances 0f the last
two Administrations. His other appointments &
reasonable posts about the Treasury conform to
the same principle Rigid and innexble rules o.
accountability viii be applied in all the Depart
ments
TIE PATENT OFFICE
Mr. HaIloway entered upon his duties as Com.
missioner of Patents today, and will doubtless
make a faithful officer. The Appeal Board OF
Examiners, established by the recent law, will
relieve. TO some extent, the pressure upon his
position. and secure the professional assistance
which has been heretofore much needed. As inst
organized, the Board is composed Of well qsaG
sicient men The Putent business, after
80 ,en depressed for styeTal months, is
=, ard over one hundred and fifty hre
issued weekly. -,,o,.,,,,.ns
The crowd has tijh. 'eu o''' ''",'
the adjournment Of tbs - 'hu'c' anu tic Au''iii.''
tration viii now have III OPP "''",!' W
first time since taking posses,ion % 49,, -
turn serious attention 10 The grave .="'1.'O''
by which it is surrounded. Tins far,it has 'o'H
embarrassed at every stage Of progress
THE LARGE CITY APPOINTMENTS.
The New-York, Philadelphia, and other prin-
cipal appointments, will be taken up when tks
immediate pressure of public affairs is over. IL
is the intention Of the President and Cabinet TO
dispose Of The patronage promptly and 'deesively,
wherever they can give it the necessary consid-
GRAFTON.
THE FOREIGN MISSIONS.
Al The new Ministers are expected TO start for
their posts immediately. The law allows thirty
DAYS, Usually, for preparation, but the condition
of affairs in the country requires their presence
immediately especially at the leading missions, to
counteract the efforts that Will be made for
recognition by the Southern Confederacy.
Notwithstanding the reports from abroad, there
is authority for stating that none OF tho great
powers Will recognize the Montgomery Govern
mept until the United States have first admitted
or accepted it as an accomplished fact. The pO-
stiop of the Administration in that respect viii
he soon defined, since the instructions to the new
Ministers must cover this ground completely.
The President has no power, under the Con
....Ao,. 90 ackpoul ledge ReceskOn and there.