New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1869-03-09
WASHINGTON.

NESS TO A COMMISSION OR hESlGN-Iith
QUESTION TO BE DECIDED To-DAY-THR
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA EQUAL RIGHTS BILL
PASSED IN THE sENATE-EX- PRESIDENT
JoHNsoNs VISIT TO BALTIMORE.
IBY TELEGRAPH TO THB TRlBuNEI
WASHINGTON. Monday, March g, 1862
Tho excitement in political circles continues. The
Capital, the White House, and the Departments
were scenes of great activity to-day. The House
was Tin session. but the floor was crowded through
out the day by members who employed themselves
solely in discussing the question of the hour The
Senate met at the usual time, but it was manifest
that all present were laborng under the excitement
of the unsettled state Of affairs and in no humor for
business The ofce-seekers, whose number is legion
are in suspense and know not which way to move.
Mr. Washbume took possession Of the State De
parment to-day and for several hours Lac was visited
by numerous applicants who wish to serve the cOun-
try abroad. Indian agents land spectators, and the
usual persons who flock to the Interior Department
were in attendance there all day, but Mr.. Cox, the
new Secretary had not yet arrived, bat is expected
to be on hand tomorrow. Mr. Cresswell, the new
Postmaster General was absent to-day but he too
will return tomorrow.
The great interest however is centered in the stn
alton as regards the Treasury. Your correspondent
telcgraphed late last night the situation as it then
stood. Mr.. Stewart after consultation with many of
the most prominent men Of the dominant party in
Congress became convinced of the fact that the
law which made him ineligible would not be
repealed and in order to relieve al concerned from
the consequent embarr assnent he expressed to the
President his willingness to retire. The President
IN return declared to Mr. Stewart his desire to have
him continue, bat in The contingency of that being
impossible iir Boutwell, was asked If he would
accept the Portfolio Of tho Treasury To-day, how
ever, Mr. Stewart conceived new idea. He had
gone so far in the natter and felt such deep inter
est in the success OF the undertaking. that he ex-
pressed himself as willing to make any sacrifice nee
sssary to obviate the difficulties surrounding him. He
therefore after advising with some friends proposed
to the President and made absolute transfer and
disposition of all interests and profits which may be
derived from carrying on his business during bis Of
fetal term the transfer to be made to Mr. Astor, Mr.
James Brown, and Judge Hilton, Of New-York, as
trustees, who shall have an absolute disposal
Of the funds thus acquired for the use of
public charity in the City Of New-York. Tho
trustees to select the charity and be absolute author
ity in the matter of their disposition To this propo
siton the President readily assented, but legal ad
vice was deemed necessary before definite action
could be taken. Tho best legal authority has been
sought and among those consulted were Chef-Jus-
tiee Chase, Caleb Cushing ex-Attomey General
Eyarts, Senators TrumbuI Fessendon, Cameron,
COnkDg, ex-senator Frelinghuysen. and other prom
inent gentlemen in Congress- Opinion is divided
but the majority are against Mr.. Stewart. Between
the two statutes that of 1889 and that Of February
%, 1853 the opinion is that there
Is no escape for Mr. Stewart excepting by his abso-
Iutewithdrawa from his business IL is held that he
cannot transfer the contingent profits of business,
and thereby relieve himself of all responsibility.
Suppose there should be profits but losses instead
he would be the responsible party, and he re-
mains throughout in the capacity of an
importer. His proposal, therefore, for temporary
transfer Of his business is considered insufficient
70 relieve him Of his inelegibiity. Ali concerned
have been fully advised in the whole matter and
final settlement is expected tomorrow. If Mr.. Stewart
sees no practical way Of Obyiatng the law he will
make his resignation unconditional, and the Presi-
dent viii then nominate new Secretary 1t is ex-
pected that Mr.. Boutwell, will be the man. Should
this occur it viii necessitate change Of
the AttOmey-Generalship, as tho President
Is adverse to having two men from the same State
in his Cabinet Judge Hoar viii probably retire,
end either Mr. Tremain, or Judge PierrepOint Of
New-YOrk be called upon to accept the position.
The President is severely criticised, by oHicious
Republicans in Congress for not having
appointed the Hon. James +. Wilson of
Iowa, TO position in his Cabinet 1t may
be interesting to know that it is not Gen.
Grants fault that Mr.. Wilson is not to-day Cabinet
officer He was rendered the Attorney -Generalship,
ana upon declining that, was offered his choice
OF TWO other departments. which he also declined.
de prefers to retire to private life and the practice
Of bis profession.
Mr. Adolph E. Borie, the new Secretary Of the
Navy arrived here to-day and has been in consulta-
tion with the President this evening He expressed
Adesire not to accept the position rendered him. but
Gen. Grant and his friends insist that he shall
LATEsT.-Mr. Stewart after the fullest copsulta-
ton with the President and the principal officers Of
the Government, including Senators and Represen.
tatives, has prepared letter Of unconditional re-
ssnatiOn OF the Office Of Secretary Of the Treasury.
and has also by the aid Of counsel drawn articles Of