New-York tribune., 1868-02-15
WASHINGTON.

STANTON--CO1lMiootO-'A'-'
THE STATE DINNkh'
[" wlsHNoToS. Friday, Feb. 1tiNs
liant Gen. Sherman according to private dls-
matches received in this city. does not appreciate the
kind intentions of Mr.. johnson in assigning him to
tha command of tho new military division, with
haadouarters at Washington. The Lieutenant-Gen-
has tele0raphed to one or two of his friends In
washington and other places that he does not wish
"a come here and that he does not believe the Presi-
dent can legally create new military division. He.
Is 50 determined on this point that he prefers the
alternative of resignation and viii so act If ordered
70 accept the post. Lieut,-Gen Sherman has tele-
sraphed to his brother to have the Military Commit
zee refuse TO sanction the appointment and the Sena
tor win present bill denying the authority Of the
President to make the proposed change. This action
on the part of Lieut-Gen. Sherman creates great
deal of talk here tonight among those who know the
facts and the ill-success of Mr. johnson in his at
lempts to manage the Generals and make them
dance to his music, affords much amusement to the
Republicans. The President has already arrayed the
three ablest Generals Of the war against hun,
namely, Generals Grant. Sheridan, and Sherman
may be added to the LIST. The bauble Of the
hrevet is not sufficient to induce Gen. Sher-
man to assume command of the Division Of
the Atlantic. Many speculations are ahoat
concerning Mr.. JOhnsons motives In the creation Of
this Department People say that he feared the con-
sequences of impeachment. and meant to resist the
authority of Congress. There possibility, at
least. that Gen. Sherman. having immediate COM
InAnd of the troopsi in and around the capitol would
follow the fortunes of the White House in any con-
ftiet that might threaten and help Mr. johnson dis
perse the revoutoniss, he is pleased to term the
xLth Congress. Others insist that he intended to
snub Gen. Grant; and again. another party hold, and
these the Presidents friends that his only motive
was to confer upon Gen. Sherman mark of his APP
probation. The latter supposition is deemed nearer
the truth than either Of the other two for the reason
that having during his administration showered so
many honors upon the enemies Of the country. he
wished to sgnslze his reign by comforting some Ia
For upon at least one loyal man.
In the Senate to-day, the bill which under dis
enssion yesterday regulating the mode of appoint
ment TO fill vacancies in the Executive Departments
Df the Government, was taken up and passed sub |
stantally as given IN yesterdays dispatches. The
ease of Senator-elect Thomas Of Marylandwas taken
mp att o'clock, and discussed, without reaching
any conclusion, until the hour of adjournment.
Strong speeches against Thomas were made by Sem
ator Howard and Others. and the sentiment against
him seemed to have gained strength since the COM
Iaencement of the deDate Ills exclusion seems !
almost certain. The Senate will reach a vote on !
Monday. Senator Wilson gave notice Of q resolution
calling upon the President for information TO what
authority of law he had for creating military
division. The impression is that he had no authority
whatever, inasmuch the Military Districts all
created and defined by Law, and cannot be changed
except by Congress.
In the Executive session of the Senate to-day |
several hundred breyet and other appointments were
made. Among other important business transacted
the recall of the confirmation of Gen. Jefres
Register of the Treasury.
Senator Shermal's bill. providing for the admission
of Alabama, was considered at q special meeting Of
The Senate Judiciary Committee to-day and dis
eussed at great length, but action was postponed
until the official vote Is received None of the other
business before the Committee was taken up
The Military Committee had long discussion to-
day Major Whiteseys proposed System of military
instruction. and 1t was determined to report a bill
embodying the points Of his report. The Committee
also decided to report adversely al petitions and
bills looking to extension Of the benefits Of the
gave three months pay proper to all officers in com
mission at the date Of its passage, provided, they
should remain in service until the end of the 1t
passed for the purpose of stopping the numerous
designations which being sent at that time,
thereby seriously mpairing the efficiency Of the
vice. The Committee hold that this was purely a
gratuity to the persons named, and that officers
missioned after that date, who left the service
before the end Of the war not entitled to any of
Its benefits.
The House Committee on Post Offices and Post
Roads had under consideration to-day the propTiety
of establishing amidnght mail between this city and
New-YOrk. Arguments were made in favor of the
proposition, but no faction was taken on It, Under
the present regulations the Eastern morning mail
for the South is delayed twelve hours in New-York
Mr. Washburne win present the Consular and Di-
plomantic Appropriation bill tomorrow. The Com
mites have cut down Mr. SewsIds estimates tl54-
80, which makes the appropriation for the coming
fiscal year sfJG52O less than for the present year.
The order directing Major Gen. Thomas to return
to his post in tho War Department Adjutant-
General. which was issued last evening, is meant by
the President a blow at Secretary Stanton.
II is known that Mr.. Stanton and Gen. Thomas are
not ON the best possible terms and hence Mr. john
sons order. la this game of snUbbing it is diamond
cut diamond. and it is very probable that the
Secretary will prove to be little too sharp for the
President 1t is said that the words of the
law, directing that officers over &c years in the
service may DO retired viii be SO altered as to read
''shan be retired" under which Gen. Thomas win
have 70 leave tho service. The dispute between Mr.
stanton aug Gen. Thomas arose during President
Lineoln's Administration when Gen. Thomas was