New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1868-12-14

is there at all. lie wisely confines his visits 10 INC
Republican side; and even then superhne Democrats
like James Brooks and John Morrssey snl his pres
ence from afar, and send mp Jeremiads thereon
over the decay of democratic institutions-for TINS
man. claiming seat from Louisiana District, and
not unlikely to get it, is a negro with genuine knky
wool, and complexion that might fairly enough
Tor darkly enOughl indicate at least three
fourths African blood. He does not
belong to the best-educated class OF
French negroes in New Orleans. and he has
done nothing marked to earn the distinction of
being the first of his to sit in body that not
long ago was enactng Fugitive Slave laws. In fact
he cannot be said to have the entire confidence OF
that class of tried Southern Unonists and friends 10
the negro, of whom Mr.. Thomas J. Durant is the
most conspicuous type. But he had intelligence
enough to edit local newspaper, and sagacity
enough TO secure nomination for Congress from
men not over willing TO give it, We might wish
the negro race better spokesman in It's
first representative on the floor of Congress,
from the great city which undoubtedly con-
tains the largest number of intelligent negroes OF
any in the Union bnt the failure TO send the best is
not altogether a novel one. Even New-York think,
does not display perfect uniformity in always select
ing her ablest cultivated, and wsest citizens
for her members of Congress.
Several members who failed TO get certificates of
Congress. Some will undoubtedly make strong
cases. Mr.. Leonard W. Myers Of Philadelphia
for example, within the first week after
beginning 20 take evidence has secured
proof of more fraudulent votes for his com
petitor than tue whole majority against him. lie
can scarcely fail 10 gain admission as soon as his case
shall he considered Still, il is undenable that
feeling has sprung mp against the action Of the House
in cases like that OF Mr. Columbus Delano and that
there will hereafter he strong disposition 10 leave
Democrats in seats to which their right is doubtful
rather than be suspected of trainng point in favor
Of Republicans.
The influence Of the incoming Administration -
Of course already plainly to be but this Con-
gTess has nevertheless a will and mind OF its own
Gen Garfield carried through with whirl the
removal OF the Indian Bureau 10 the War Depart
ment under the stimulus of Grants recommendation.
But the next day, when he brought up his proposition
for general system Of military education, IT was
found that Grants was not always name 10 charm
with Garfield made known the fact that the plan
was approved by the head of the army, but even
Washburne took strong ground against II, and the
votes were yet decided. The same independent
disposition promises 20 extend 10 the subject of
continuing the present high grades in the army
and navy. II one may judge from the current e1-
pressions Of opinion there viii be earnest opposition
to the filing of Grants place in the army. Some
would hold il for Grant himself, TO lie rcoccupcd
after the expiration Of his term as President, and
others would prefer TO abolish il; but they would
agree in treating the Generalship not as permanent
rank in the army TO be filed by regular promotion
but as the special reward Of distinguished serYices
not 10 be used save signal occasions and by specific
Congressional action SO they would have the Office
Of Admiral lapse after Fauagut shall have ceased to
fiji ito be unused again, til another Farragut shall
.rf. Il - ~ |fE.
brilliant
The common belief that Gen. Butler j. lying IN
wait for an opportunity 20 harTass Grant seems likely
to be disappointed His movement for the repeal Of
the Tenure of ONCE act is understood 10 have been
made as a graceful way of saying that the next Adj
mnistration would not need watching. and that the
popular confidence in Grant was deserved.
IL has been interpreted. indeed rs q for
nal burying Of the Ratchet, and the bignih-
canoe Of the act s heightened by the known cordial
relations that have suddenly sprung up between
Butler and Grants confidential staff adviser Gen.
John A. Rawlns Grant himself has heretofore ox-
pressed approval Of the TenuTe-of ONCE act. Still It
is not unnatural that the extension OF power its
repeal would give should crafty him--the more on
account Of the source from which it comes-and the
probability that the Civil Service bill will speedily
become law obviates the objections that some
might raise.
The truth about the much-ycxed Alaska business
probably lies between the extremes. There is no
doubt that some money was paid for services sup
posed TO fuTthershe passage of the appropriation.
There is great deal Of doubt whether the Russian
Government paid 100000 or the twentieth part
of IT, for lobbying Of any sort, Mr.. Robert j.
Walker was known 10 the Russian authorities as
an ex Senator of the United States ex-Secretary
of the Treasury confidential agent OF the
Government in Europe during the war, and a
gentleman Of undOubted ability and presumed
influence. The Russian possessions on this con-
tinent had been gold 10 our Government at q
large price the title bad been transferred, and the
tnited States had taken Possession; while yet the
money had not been paid, and Congress was very re-
luctant TO make the appropriation. But, excellent
az he was at making a bargain, tho good Baron
Stoeck could scarcely lobby 1t through Congress so
we'll Thereupon Gov, Walker was retained TO do 1t
for him. The Governor did the work--fathfully If
not well-and got his pay for it, 10000 In gold
certainly, and $4,000 probably This much of solid
fact ~e get out Of the Alaska stories.
The rest is slippery bog Of rnmors and uncertain
ties. Quite possibly little money was drawn from
tho deluded Russians by Adventures who repre-
sented themselves as able to control the columns OF
certain influential newspapers, aud thereupon did
"land-ofice business" after the fashion of the able
lobbyist who went up into high mountain, and
there proposed TO make title deed to all creation
when he didn't Own rood. But the dealers In ice
bergs and waruses not So Jolly green as to In
vest any 1900 600 on these gentry. The belief in
some diplomatic circles is that only 100000
were RENTED to Russia in the now famous draft Of
the Barings because the rest was to be used, in
cordance with arrangements made before the sale
G,a efactad executing contracts for arms