The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1862-06-27
NEWS FROM WASHINGTON.

WAshiNGIoN, June 20 1904
xFpacr or TIE APPOINTMENT OF GENERAL POPE
TO THE COMMAND OF THE ARMY IN VIRGINIA.
The consolidation Of the forces under Major Generals
Fremont, Banks and Mcdowell, to BIO called the army OF
Virginia, with Major General Pope the chief Command
Or, is hailed with delight earnest OF the de-
termination Of the President 10 act with reference
emily to the public welfare while Is not doubted that
oil Of hese officers will cheerfully cooperate in the
performance Of this patriotic duty.
THE PRESIDENTS VISIT GENERAL SCOTT.
Tho visit Of the President General Scott il the all
absorbing topic in Washington. thousand surmises
are indulgcd in but all acknowledge that although it
evident tho subject Of the conference important,
aone yet guess what il was and if the fact
ascsrtaincd would be allowed to BIO published until
che government is ready for the announcement.
TIE RUMoRED CABINET CHANGES.
The rumors from New York Of contemplated changes
In the Cabinet believed hore any quarter and
are generally regarded as moro spccuations from the
fact that the Presidents visit Lieutenant General
Scott business the military bearing Of which is
eniy conjectured.
THs ENGAGEMENT NEAR GRAND GULF, MISSISSIPPI.
Flag officer Farrag,it communicates TO the Navy De
partment the report Of an encounter between our gun
boats the Mississippi and the rebel artillery the
vicinity Of Grand Gulf between Natchez and vicksburg
boat sent down to bring up coal vessels from
that point discovered earthworks in the process of
erection. Tho Wssahckon and ltasca were sent down
70 attack them They found . battery Of ried guns
ecsAted there, and force of some Gye hundred artl
1sriss roay to receive them. vigorous fight cnsuod.
1hs struck twenty five times and the Wissa-
Aicson sevcnteen. They however lost but killed
and wounded. The fort being serious obstacle
30 have in the rear Of the boats Commander Palmer
serving that point decided bring the remainder
Ahs squadron down. and break up the business before
ton On tha ~ tha
1ns he dropped down abreast with the squadron and
shssd tho town for hour; but they deserted their
Batteries, and. with the exception Of few rife Shots
mlnifsstsd resistance. Commander Palmer says the
Aeshts are filed with rilemen, and IL they give him
any annoyance he shall burn the town.
1nI ADMISSION OF WESTERN VIRGINIA INTO THE
UNION.
Ths auditory Of the Senate about be treated
shis morning 70 contest between the red and white
RISES Of aboltonism when the hour arrived for that
Body to SIT a. a high court Of impeachment The matter
referred 70 the proposition to admit Western Virgil
MA into the Union as state. The select committee
On the subject (hr. Wade, Charman) had inserted
provision In the bill for the emancipation
y the offspring Of the few slaves now
bold In the region, but Mr. Sumner declared for tho
ammsdate emancipation Of all the slaves and INDUCED
IN characteristic speech about the virus OF slavery
The idea Of admitting State with any slaves At all
20 him horrible Mr.. Hale to antagonze Mr. Sumner
but prevented from stating his views by the motion
% 60 Into the Court Of Impeachment.
FHE rMrEAcHMENT AND TRIAL OF JUDGE HUM
PHREYs by THE SENATE.
TIE galleries Of the Senate dsnsely crowded to-
day TO witness the proceedings in the or West H.
humphreys. The members OF tho Houss Of Representa-
elves dlled tho seats OF the senators, who were
ranged upoo platform specially constructed for the
purpose The witnesses, including Colonel Polk, Pars
Browni6w and Bais Peyton, occupied ssttecs on tho
circle Two tables placed in tho area front
ing the Secretarys desk, OF which surrounded
BY the managers tho part OF tho House prosecute
ahs case whis tho other unused the accused with
his counsel. tor whose convenience II formally pro-
viasd not being present The proceedings were con
Auctsd with all the dignity becoming High Cour, OF
Impeachment.
OUR POSTAL RELATIONS WITH CHEAT BRITAIN.
Tho British Post 0fce has Withdrawn its original pro
position made in 1867, and formally accepted by Post
D, 'ster General Blair in November last for reduced
rate Of international letter postage twenty Ave
% twelve cents between the countries The United
States Post Office Department did not antcirate this
Withdrawal after the subject favoraby reopcncd
ey the present Postmaster General and upon the British
Basis Ibis result will be very much regretted Ivy the
commercial and social correspondents in both countries
THE STEVENS FLOATING BATTERY.
Nr. Stevens had to-day interview with tho Commit
tees Of Naval Affairs Of both houses of Congress. Ho
proposes to complete his battery own cost under
heavy penalties to have done within a specified time
Sndsr agreement that the government shall pay tho
Of its construction IL found to DO efficient marine
BATTERY he will turn the vessel II 10 over 10 the
government upon the payment Of tho cost already in
cured and let II be finished by the Navy Depsr ment
Many Senators and members anxious that ono or
these propositions shah be accepted They regard thom
be finished and DO purchased By foreign govern.
eent with whom there Is prospect u war about the
cline finish the rebcion.
rHs sELxor coMMrrTRE on THE NIAGARA SHIP CANAL.
The Select Committee appointed BY the Speaker, to
whom all the papers ne In relation to the construc.
son OF ship canal around the falls Of Niagara
rsrred, consists Of Msprs. Van Horn, Of New York
Blake, OF Ohio Msnzes, OF Kentucky; Trewbridgs Of
Michigan Rico, OF Maine; Davi, Of Pennsylvan and
Grsvens, Of Indiana.
CELEBRATION OF THE FOURTH OF JULY IN BALTIMORE.
Hon Emerson Etheridgs will deliver GRAFTON from
che steps Of the Washington Monument in Baltimore on
che attn Of July Extensive preparations for celebrating
shs national holiday have been made by the Union mon
~ that city.
THE PRIzEs BROUGHT TO PHILADELPHIA
George A. COREY, Esq, United states Attorney for
Eastern Pennsylvania reports that nineteen oths
Of the prizes broug hit into Philadelphia have been or
wi undoubtedly be condemned and thor proceeds dis
sibutsd prizo money Tho costs In most eases are
light. Quite number Of the prizes are already con.
Asmned aud sold, and the money Is about being paid
ever TO the Navy Department for distribution The
sasss in adjudication at Philadelphia win realize
- our gallant sailors several hundred thousand dollars
THE NORTH PACIFIC RAILROAD.
A the fsstanos OF Senator Deolitte, Of wisconsin
sSous one minute time Of the Senate was occupied
In M Iaaa han "A
Ass's Ne ssessruauon Of North PaoIas Railroad The