The New Orleans crescent. [volume] (New Orleans, La.) 1866-1869, 1868-01-08
NUMBER l24.
LETTER FkoM wAsnIseTo.-
From Resident Csrespondent1
WASHINGTON nac % Ice,

Icrresp0ndcntl
WASHINGTON, Dec. %, 1867.
Southern interests, condition and wants dest,
tuition in the South form the principal burden of
the Northern speech and press at present. IL the
South is not represented in the congressional
halls, she is in the lobbies and streets of the cap
ital. frequently meet Mr.. M. A. Bryson, who is
here in behalf of the Chambers of Commerce of
the Mississippi valley. pressing attention to their
general commercial interests and especially to
the importance of improving the navigation OF the
rivers. A bill is before the House committee,
making the necessary appropriations. A few
days ago Mr.. Bryson called the attention Of the
proper department to the condition of the Marine
Hospital at New Orleans, insisting that as the
building was erected for the use Of seamen and
boatmen, who are taxed for its use, they should
have the benefit of the building. Attention will
therefore, probably, be given this matter. Mr.. b.
is also pressing the passage of the steamboat bill,
argued upon at the convention OF steamboat
owners, held at Cincinnati. Another matter Of
vital Importance to New Orleans, which is re-
ceiving the attention of this gentleman, and which
is being presented for consideration, is the follow
ing: The trade Of the South seas-our exports to
and exchanges with the Central and South Amer
ican States and the West India Islands. This is
a subject worthy of earnest attention as our trade
with these countries has fallen OFF much Curing
the last few years, while their trade with France
and England has been doubled.
General Gilem Is still here, comforting with the
president and Generals Grant and Howard, rela-
tive TO the destltution and suffering from short
crops in Mississippi, and as to what course
is best to be pursued to alleviate, as far as
possible, the suffering among both freedmen
and whites. General Howard Is of opinion that
the government should at once extend aid both to
relieve present want and to guard against q worse
state OF affairs than now exists. A gentleman
from Charleston has presented plan for the loan
Of thirty millions of dollars. General Howard fa-
vors furnishing provisions at once to the dis
tressed. The absence of Congress renders il i'm
possible to carry out any practical measures of
immediate assistance, as there is no authority to
use any funds for such purpose.
The president few days ago promised to ap-
point point CONGRESSMAN Philip b. FOuke, OF Illinois,
Gate Of New Orleans) solicitor Of internal reve-
nue-an appointment which does not 20 to the
Senate for confirmation. But it is stated the
promise has been changed to one for the place of
naval officer at New Orleans but Mr.. Fouke's
friends still press his claims for the socitorship,
an Office which has not been filed since the law
was passed. Secretary McCulloch informed me
yesterday that there is no probability Of the Office
being filled, the present officers of the revenue
department being fully qualified to attend to the
duties of the office.
Candidates are numerous for all the Offices
vacant or not. Col. C. W. Moultdn. of Cincinnati,
brother.inlaw to Senator Sherman, is the last
named aspirant for the commissionership of in
teInal revenue. Mr.. Rollins has not yet resigned
it, and probably will not resign, though the
friends of Moulton say ihe will do in his favor.
Charles Mason, of Iowa, is recommended by Sec-
retary Browning to fill the position Of commits
sioner of patents while tie Democratic friends of
4. c. Theacker are pressing the president not to
accept the latter gentleman's resignation.
The weather is again warm as Ia New Orleans.
Navigation on the Potomac has been fully re-
sumed, the six inches thick Of ice having thawed
out.