The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1861-01-17
OUR WASHINGTON CORRESPONDENCE.

WASHINGTON Jan. 10, 1861.
Arrival Of General Dir-Abuss in The Treasury Depart.
ment-Dark and Gloomy Prospect a: TIE Son1-yo
Hopes from Congressional Inleciluy-7M President
Poocrless--Kr. Sesrurds Speech, dc.
Secretary of the Treasury Dix arrived in Washington
last night His presence is much needed. Everything
has been left at skies and sevens by Thomas. Segar
smoking newspaper reading and idle chat constitute the
principal occupation OF the greater number Of the clerks,
while business is utterly neglected. Letters from
merchants and capitalists remain unanswered and OF the
five millions Of dollars OF Treasury notes, for which the
money paid in three weeks since, ony about
third actually been issued and forwarded lenders
Things under Cobb have been gradually sinking from bad
to worse until the commoncst requirements Of business
decency secuted The compLaintsrom New York are
endless but have heretofore received no attention.
Holders OF Treasury notes becoming due of
compelled 10 send them to Washington to collect the
amount and interest. But viii il be believed that the
custom has grown up OF csnceIg the notes and not pay
ing the interest acknowledging the receipt Of letters
until after lapse OF four i've, six and even ten days,
during which time the further interest which should
is lost Yet, when Mr.. Thomas was demonstrated
with on this and kindred subjects by of your New
York people he contented himself with writing mpuden
and vexatous replies unworthy of government repre-
preventative.
AS FOR the stealing operations that have going
| everywhere
in more effective than heretofore TO ferret out
the truth 1t said that the heads Of Information,
upon which Covodc Committee acted last session. and
which were Intended damage the President,
tuay supplied by Secretary Floyd for the purpose Of
diyertpp attention from his department. II may
be remembered that not hint at the macasances in the
War n.nartrnent tranpred throughout the whole course
OF the evidence.
General Dix is SO well known an active business
man as we'll as gentleman Of the most unspotted IN
,ecrity that IL is believed he will eitaer make clean
sweep Of the ders and rascas the Treasury building,
or else reform their habits entirely Clayton must be the
first to go His unpopuarty and the dstrust 10 which
he is held exceed all bounds He is trusted by one
Things look dark here to-day Tho utter inactivity Of
Congress supplies those who otherwise would have
hopes The House Of Representatives Is an assem-
blage governed by wooden.nutmeg Christianity
with all the cant and hypocrciy OF the worst
Puritan elements. National discouraged South
ern leaders rcerate that outside OF south Carolina
in Georgia. Alabama, Mississippi and Florida the Union
prevails In the hearts o the people; but thath
be got at. It Is buried Ia present triumph,
feverish, dernagogc sccessonsm. All eyes have been
turned towards Washington, but hero nothing is done.
! Mr. Buchanan has but few weeks TO remain
| in Office, and can neither act upon hopes or
/ fears, az no would be enabled to do If
his term were but b2u expired. 40 -
next 70 powerless, though his intentions are
gooi and no Is surrounded by comparatively able
stanton and Dix alone might have aided tho country
greatly If they had been IN Office earlier and then there
il General Scott who i ndefatgabc fear IL Is all in
| vain.
sewsrds speech g regarded as characteristic Of the
trimming nature Of tho man. Republicans say TO re-
cans and draws back from the ground ho has held for
twenty years. while democrats accuse him Of partially
yieling for the purpose OF gaining time. That u s op
posed 10 coercion and civil Is It's main good feature