Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1868-05-28
THE EVENING STAR
Washington News and Gossip.

THR WAR DEP raj Tkcmas
visited the War Department tins morning about
half past nine o'clock, and proceeded TO the
room of AdJutant General Townsend, with
whom he had an interview of half OF three
quarters of an hour, though he made no de-
mand for the key uf the Seeretary's office, and
does not intend to do so. The President has
deemed il advisable 10 make no farther move
in the matter, and has therefore directed Gen.
Thomas not to make any demand for the key.
as tits expected that Gen. Schofeld will shortly
be confirmed and erter upon the discharge Of
his duties as Secretary of War.
The Secretary's offce is still locked, and
the key is IN the possession Of Gen. Townsend.
The regular routine business of the Depart
meht rs transacted by the officers thereof, but
all matters requiring the consideration of the
Secretary are laid aside until some one shall be
authorized to discharge the duties 81 the Office
General Townsend this morning directed that
those doors of the Department, which have
been locked and guarded since February last
be opened. and now persons having business at
the Department can enter the building by
either doer.
Four sentlnels are still on duty-one at each
door. General l.. A. Pelouze, the ficient As
sistant Adjutant General. is still on duty, and
transacts all business pertaining to his Office,
though number Of matters have been brought
before him, which he has been compelled to
postpone until Secretary shall take charge Of
the Department. General Thomas visited the
Executive Mansion about II O'Clock, and had q
short interview with the President, after
which he went out to the Soldiers Home.
where he had q business engagement.
The SENATE CAUCrs.-A caucus of the Re-
publican Senator's was held this morning to
take into consideration the question of ACCEPT.
ing the resignation of Col. Forney as Secretary
of the Senate. After an interchange of opinion
it was thought best to postpone action until
next Monday. There was quite a little breeze
IN the caucus, occasioned by the fact that six
of the Republican Senators who voted for the
aequittal of the President on the impeachment
articles entered into the caucus. This was OBJ
lected TO by some present, and Messrs Wade
Chandler, Cattell, and other extreme Radicals
at once withdrew, and refused to participate
while the anti-impeachment Senators Were
present.
Ex-senator Creswell, of MARYLAND. is the
candidate most prominently named a the sue
eessor CT Mr.. Forney, and the indications are
that be will be chosen on Monday next Be-
sItes Creswell Gen. j. s. Brisbln, Ex- Senator
Foster, of Conn, Ex-senator Fogg, of n c.,
and Mr.. Nc Donald, present Chief Clerk of the
Senate, are applicants for the Secretaryship
CABINET CHANGEs.-Many rumors have
been afioat to-day as to certain changes to be
made IN the Cabinet at an early date. The re-
ports are not without foundation, as several
members of the Cabinet will shortly tender
their resIgrations to the President, though not,
ii is said. on account of any disagreement or
difference Of opinion. 1t is probable that
Messrs. Seward. MeCulloch and Randall will
TetIre from the Cabinet soon, and the name o,
Charles Francis Adams is mentioned as the
new Secretary of State. Robert j. Walker.
Collector Smythe, of New York, and Hon
VIM ;. GroesbeC are mentioned for the Treas.
ury Department, and Hon. VIM. NJ Evarts for
toe Post Once. The friends Of Messrs. Adams
and Evarts say that neither of them would &C.
cept the positions named, at this time.
MAJOR GENERAL JOHN NJ. SCHorIEID
whose nomination is now before the Senate for
the Seoretaryship of the Department OF War is
an olo army eficer, and is the only one left of
the original five commanders who were an.
pointed to the command of the Military Dis
trIcts in the South when the reconstru ction act
was passed by Congress. He Is a gentleman
OF high integrity, and much esteemed by his
brother officers. Gen. Schoield has never taken
any active part in politics, and his well-known
ability makes his confirmation probable He
Is now at his post Of duty as Commander OF the
first Military District, (Virginia,) but il con-
firmed will at once BE- telegraphed for aud i'm.
mediately come TO this city and enter upon the
discharge Of his duties.
THE WHITE HoUsK.-The President was be.
sieged again to-day by visitors, the ante rooms
and halls Of the White House having been
crowded since 10 o'clock this morning. A large
number were admitted to his Office, among
whom Were many ladies. A greater portion of
the visitors called only TO congratulate the
President upon his acquittal, though there was
a large attendance of office-seekers and lobby.
lists present, many of whom were unable to
gam admission. Secretary Welles, Secretary
Brow ming. Postmaster General Randall. Gen
eral Thomas. Mr.. Stanbery. Senator Dsolittle
and number of Representatives had inter.
views with the President during the day
NoTIFICATIoN TO GENERAL GRANT.-Maior
General Pleasanton, a member of the com.
mIttee Of the Soldiers Convention 10 notify
General Grant of his nomination. arrived IN
the city last evening direct from Chicago, and
Will attend at the presentation Tomorrow.
General Sickles, also a member of the same
committee, proceeded direct from Chicago to
New York, where he has an important engage.
ment Tomorrow night, and hence will not be
present Tomorrow.
THANKS To SECRETARY SrANrox-Soop
after the Senate met to-day, Senator Edmnnds
offered Joint resolution rendering the thanks of
Congress to Hon. Z. NJ. Stanton for his fidelity
TO the country, and the able manner in which
he has discharged the duties of his Office. not
only during the rebellion. but i'm the recent
struggle TO establish peace throughout the
country. although assailed for so doing by the
enemies of his country. Senator Hendricks
objected to the resolution, and it went over
until to- morrow.
1.-THE BILL for the erection Of the new jail, as
il passed the Senate to-day, provides for the
selection of q site by the Con gressional District
Committees and Committees upon Public
Buildings and Grounds, who shall also ap.
prove the plans.
The JaiI shall be erected uuder the direction
of the architect of the Capitol.
The cost shall not ex ceed e2OO,UO0; Washing.
ton shall contribute S7o, 600, Georgetow Sl2 ,OOl
and the county $1,000.
THK PAY OF ARMY cFFIcERs.-The House
Committee on Military Anairs is in daily re-
eeipt OF a large number Of letters from officers
OF the army asking that the thirty.three ana a
third per cent. increase on their salaries, which
expires on the 1st Of July next, be continued
The committee Is disposed to grant the same
and bill will shortly be reportsd m ,ha uousa