The Union and journal., 1870-12-30

WASHINGTON. Dec. &c, 1870

Eprron or TIE UsIos AND JsuRSAL,
The San Domingo imbroglo is now the lead
ing topic Of discussion, and although i have
frequently alluded TO the question, yet II has
become 50 formidable and Of such vital impor-
tance that all other questions sink into insig-
ni6csnce. suggested in my last some fears in
regard to the discussion Of the question, but
the results have been more serious than ap-
pretended. Not only has this question shaken
the Cabinet, but il has proved 10 be an element
OF discord in the Senate, and fear that II may
prove destructive to the republican party. The
senate sat one entire night to discuss the reso-
luton Of Senator Morton, which provides for
the appointment by the President, Of three COM
missioners-to serve without pay, and secre-
tary, with pay, who shall visit San Domingo
and make inquiries in regard to the wishes ot
the people in relation to annexation, the mate
rial resources Of the country, the liabilities OF
the government, and obtain such other inform-
alton as may be deemed desirable. II is said.
and doubtless Il Is true, that Mr.. Sumner lost
his temper towards morning, and said some
things which in his calm moments he would not
have said. am not surprised that at last MIR.
Sumner lost his temper, for no senator OF that
body has been more bantered and bullied than
he has. Every one who is 1t all eonyersant
with the proceedings OF the last session, lows
full well that ring Il know Of DO other name
to call II by) seemed to exist, the chief object
Of which was TO assault, at every opportunity
Mr.. Sumner. II Is well known that during the
entire session, Carpenter, Schurr and COukliug
endesyored to build up reputation by traduc-
ing Mr.. Sumner. The present session the num-
Der seems to have increased. and the first onset
was made by endeayoring to Gust Mr.. Sumner
from the distinguished position that he holds as
chairman Of the Committee upon Foreign Ar
fairs. In this effort the combination was un-
successful The next onslaught was made Al
the night session at which, during the entirs
evening. Coukling. Elmunds and Chandler
were condemning in the seyerest terus and
most denunciatory style, the unfaithfuness OF
Sumner, stating that he had proved rccrcsnt "a
very singular rrmark from Senator Conkling
when il will be remembered that at the last ses-
sion he was bitterly opposed to the San DOmin'
40 treaty, but now fayors it,) that he had abus-
ell the confidence Of the President by con-
seuting to the San Domingo measure when con-
suited by him and now deuouncing It.
THIS abuse Of the confidence Of the president
was set forth in the strongest possible light and
commented upon. and upon what was il found
ell, Simply from the fact that Mr.. Sumner did
say in the presence Of the president and other
thai he was an administration man. and that any
measure put forth by the executive would re.
ceiye his careful consideration only this and
nothing more. And from this remark, some,
who seem enyious Of the exalted position that
Sumner occupies, eudcayored to make out that
he had proved recreant, and even treacherOus,
and thus calumny and abuse were heaped upon
him.
In my opinion Mr.. Sumner win ou,li,e III,
storm, to be more highly esteemed for that noble
quality that he processes, Of maintaining the
right and never swerying from his convictions
Of duty. II will be remembered that Conkling
when be was member Of the IIousc, eudeav-
orel to yanguish Hon. Mr.. Blaine, and what
was the resulti Il made Blaine Speaker Of tb,
House. Those who read the remarks OF Mr..
Blaine will remember the rough handling thai
Conkling received. As Ear as have observed
the party upon whom Conkling's wrath falls,
usually Is eleyatel thereby. and am. therefore
forced to believe that Senator Sumner viii loss
nothing by Conslings opposition. Senator
Fenton and COnkling are not upon speaking
terms. and II is undoubtedly true, that the Stat,
OF New York islcst to the republican party frum
the factious disposition Of the latter. Conklng
seems TO be 6re brand. hery and impetuous,
having no curb upon his passions, and proud OF
his sarcastic invectives more than Of his reason
ing powers or logic. 800.
Il certainly appears plausible, that this direct
and united attack upon Mr.. Sumner was made
for some specific object, and the rcadiness with
which those who participated, declare. that as
Mr.. Sumner lost his temper and spoke disre-
spcctfally OF the executive, he Is not suitable
person 20 be the Chairman cf the COMMITTEES
upon Rorvign Affairs. seems 10 confirm the idea.
II is said that upon the reassembling Of the SEN
ate, the first business will be to rcorganirs that
Committee. and to displsce Mr.. Sumner. Think
that no such attempt will be made, from the fact
that the administration cannot afford 10 do any
such thing. The affair has become too serious
already. and the condition cf the republican
party Is such that Few more Of such disoryan-
iiing questions as this Of San Domingo, and In
1872. the probability Is, that the republican
party would not have an administration.
The Cabinet officers giving RECEPTIONS upon
New Years day will discard all spiritucus H..
quors, which by the way is progressive ftat-
ure. Last ycAr this WAS not universal, bat
The DEPARTMENTS closed at IL o'clock upon
Saturday and Will rcmain elosei until TUESDAY
morning, afier which until New Years they will
close at noon. giving the employers thereby the
privilege Of enjoying the holidays The wealth
cr at the present time b the coolest that has