New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1861-03-01
The PRO-SLAVERY REBELLION.
FROM WASHINGTON.
THE CABINET-THE TARIFF-GO0D
PROSPECTS.
ersa Our Special Correspondent.

iNOA0l Iva @'
erse Our Special Correspondent.
WASHINGTON, Feb. q, 1861.
The great excitement of the hour il the lorna
don of the Cabinet. IL is always difficult and
embarrassing task even in ordinary circumstances.
In the present convulsed state OF the country the
Difficulties of the case are greatly enhanced.
Not ONLY choice of men 10 involved in the Sc
lection, but choice of individuals as the rep
resentatives of ideas, at a critical period when
tie circumstances of the country are unsettllng
the prepossessiOns and even the convictions of
sar statesmen. Ordinarily, mans political
connections and associations determine his
opinions. 1t ia not 30 now. In every party
there is q large body of men who receive its
central idea with only moderate degree of
earnestness, who, in fact, rally round it az
means of political success, rather than as the
embodiment of sincere conviction. SO
that when the day of trial comes,
there is, in every party, numbers
of individuals who finch at the first pressure
upon them. They surrender at the first urgent
demand of any political necessity that arises. 1t
u not strange, therefore, that now, In its first
hour of trial, the Republican party should fnd
plenty Of men in its ranks belonging to the class
have referred to, counselmg retreat from its
main position. 1t ia this kind of counsel that
new lends unusual interest and Importance to the
soutest going on in regard to the Cabinet. And
Il IL impossible, therefore, but that the party
should wear the G'ra'' Of Serious DIVISIONS IN the
personnel of the coming Administration. CIrcnm-
stances have given prominence to men represent
ing the sentiment Of yielding the main position OF
NE party to the pressure brought to bear upon H.
The contest that now exists lie to arrest the pro-
Gees of decentralization and compose an Admins
srstion out of those materials Of the party which
rest upon earnest conviction of the souudness and
the vital Importance Of its cardinal doctrines 1t
il not, perhaps strange to witness the contest.
But il would be ext aorinary and humliatmg If
Is should not succeed. Its failure would tell
tale of dishonor and weakness which should cause
a blush upon the cheek of every honest RePubl-
can IN the country. But while it lasts, doubts
and fears are excited aud interest and anxiety
are reused TO the highest pitch.
Il is a satisfaction to feel that the genuine
Republicans have faithful representative in their
chosen leader. They have, at least, not been
deceived in him, as, considering the idea OF
availability, which Of necessity enters so largely
into our political arraDgementS they so easiy
might have been. There il DO doubt that Mr..
Lincoln is a conscientious, earnest, and a hrm
man. l therefore leOk for hopeful issue Of eX-
sting complications, so far the personnel of
the Cabinet is concerned. 1 believe there will be
.s,,bN 70 az
President and the Chicago platform; among them,
leo, those who are known 10 the country rs men
Who will do it, regardless of consequences.
Iti,n subject of infinite modification and dis
spst. to be in an atmosphere where we are daily
tainted by our opponents, and by the camp iol'
loxsrs of all parties, who infest the ranks in the
hone and expectation Of plumber with being in
the hands of leaders who design TO bind the
party who have elevated them, hand and foot,
and hand it over IL it's enemies But this is the
position of Republicans in Washington, and
has been for weeks. Thank God, the time sp-
breaches when this uncertainty, the existence OF
which is a damning disgrace, will soon be re-
moved. Let US be thankful also for the prospect
that the lapse of time will put end to the
tsunt by removing the ground Of it.
The tariff has at length got into hopeful po-
sition. The House having cOncurred in the Sen
ase's amendments, numerous as they we're, with
the exception of that imposing duty on tea aud
coffee, the difference between them has been
finally settled by the Conference Committee of
tbs Senate agreeing to recede on tea and coffee,
leaving them free as heretofore. The only Objec-
ion to this arrangement is, that we lose revenue
ny IN unnecessary reduction Of the duty on sugar,
which, in the present state of the sugar culture
and market, is not of the slightest consequence
to the consumer, much as is made of it by some
of the Western members.
But, as the bill stands it is the expectation
that it will give US near fifteen millions per an
NUN over the present tariff beside being of very
great service TO the industry Of the country. as
70 what is lost by sacrificing the tea and coffee
duties of which the Treasury stands so much in
need, it il thought the mischief can be repaired
ct the next session by attaching an amendment
imposing whatever duties our necessities shall
Justify upon any loan bill those necessities shall
render necessary at that time. If the state OF
the country shall require nothing of the SORT the
present bill will then, as now, stand Invested of
every serious objection which has been raised
against II. }. s. y.