The Wheeling daily register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1864-1878, 1869-03-18
WASHINGTON GOSSIP.
Especial Dispatch to Pittsburgh Commercial.I j
WASHINGTON, d. c., March 16, 1869.
THK. TREASURY PoRTFoLIo.

"AsHLNGToN, ID. e., March 10, lcoS.
THE. TREASURY PORTFOLIO.
The fact has been ascertained beyond
dispute that as soon as it became
evident to General Grant that A. I.
Stewart could not be retained as the
Secretary of the Treasury, he immedi-
ately wrote q very earnest letter to
George II. Stuart, of Philadelphia, ten
dering him tho position, and urging
him TO accept. Mr.. Stuart replied that
his health was such as absolutely to pre-
|clude his acceptance.
MR.. SUMMERS SPEECH ON THE ALABAMA
QUESTION.
Numerous dispatches have been re-
ceived to-day inquiring about the ex-
pected speech of Mr.. Sumner upon the
question of the Alabama claims. The
speech had been prepared with great
care, to accompany the report of the
committee on Foreign Relations to the
Senate in executive session upon the
Alabama treaty. 1t takes firm ground,
and is understood to coincide with the
views of President Grant, who, when
the treaty was published, declared that
payment for few ships destroyed was
the Insignificant part of England's
debt; that she was responsible for the
destruction of our commerce, and for at
least years prolongation of the war.
The speech is in print and ready for
presentation to the Senate, when the
treaty comes up, but under the usual
rules can't be obtained for publication
unless the injunction of secrecy be re-
moved. Both the English and French
ministers regard it with deep interest,
and the former is aware of its main po-
sitions. While not intended for the
public the statements already made of
its main points have attracted general
attention, and coming from the Chair
man of the Committee on Foreign Re-
lations, much weight is given TO the
matter, as indicating a new policy on
the part of the new administration.
THE HOUSE COMMITTEES.
The dissatisfaction with the arrange
meut of the new committees is una
bated. Mr.. Lawrence, of Ohio, pre-
pared a resolution for the appointment
of select committee of seven to in
quire into the expediency of changing
of the House. Quite number of Re-
publicans support the measure, and the
intention is, if enough strength can be
gathered, to introduce it tomorrow.
SENATOR THURNAN's FIRST SPEECH.
Senator Thurman, ef Ohio, made his
first speech to day. 1t was in favor of
the repeal of the tenure of Office bill.
The Senate gave very close attention.
The Senator occupied the floor only
about twenty minutes. The impression
made upon the body was of very fa
vorable nature, and the remark was
made in many quarters that for the
Democrats, he would take the place of
Hendricks.
IN THE PRESIDENTS HANDS.
Among the bills laid before the Presi-
dent to-day, was Mr.. Schenck's for
strengthening the public credit, and
that striking the word "white" out of
all laws in this district.
THE TREASURY DEPARTMENT.
Secretary Boutwell, was besieged again
to-day by a crowd of OffiGe-seekers.
Horace Greeley was one of the visitors.
He wants Hiram Walbridge made Col
lector of the Port of New York. The
Secretary has called on heads of bureaus
for a list of clerks and a statement OF
the business pending. Ex-Congressman
Halsey, of New Jersey, is mentioned as
the possible Assistant Secretary, but no
decision has been reached. The Secre-
tary and the Commissioner of Internal
Revenue have decided as n general rule
to adopt the recommendations of assess
OTIS in the appointment of gaugers and
assistant assessors, and the recommend
atious of collectors for storekeepers
Eighty clerks are TO DO discharged on
the first of April, unless Congress makes
provision this month for their salaries.
PRIVATE SECRETARY.
The President to-day appointed Hor.
ace Porter, late of his military staff, as
Secretary. Persons having business at
the White House will find him cour-
teous and accommodating.
POSTMIsTREss OF RICHMOND.
The President has ordered the ap-
pointment of Miss Van Lew as post.
mistress at Richmond, Virginia. This
lady is well known by reputation, if
not in person, to most of the soldiers
who served in the army in Virginia.
Her family was constant in attentions
such as csuld be rendered to Union sol
diers in Libby, and she herself rendered
q good deal of valuable service to Gen.
Grant and other leading army officers.
THE TENURE OF OFFICE ACT.
The debate in the Senate this after
noon on the tenure of Office act was
quite spirited and interesting. A ma
iority of the Republican speakers
favored a modification or suspension,
rather than repeal. The story was gen
orally circulated on the authority of
the West Virginia Senators, that the
President had said he would make no
removals, except for serious cause, until
the Senate had disposed of the pending
bill in some way. The indications are
that a vote on the question of repeal or
suspension will be close. The House
will be decided on insisting on repeal,
even if the matter goes to the Confer
ence committee.