The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1870-01-13
FROM WASHL.NGTON
Nayal Affairs.

Special Despatch 10 The Bpe',ing Telegraph
WAsHINGToN Jan. 13.-It is understood that
several naval vessels have been ordered to San
Domingo, to reinforce those already there. The
United States steamer Alaska "a new steamer,
carrying ten guns), fitted out at Boston, will,
after completing her trial trip, proceed to New
York, previous to her departure for the Asiatc
fleet. The Benicia now at New York, win be
ready to sail by the 25th inst The following
officers have appeared before the Naval Examin-
ing Board for promotion, at the Navy Depart
ment since the first of December LAST
Lieutenant Commanders T. o. Selfridge and Chas.
A. Babcock, Mdshpmen Charles A. Adams, George
Bocknger, and Perry qarst, Captain John j. Almy,
Commander X. w. Shufedt, Midshipmen III. McLory,
f. A. De Blois, and J. Coggswell. Masters f. NJ.
Code and r. 1mpey are under orders to appear.
The Darien Expedition.
The following persons have been ordered to
report to Commander Thomas o. Selfridge, for
the purpose of accompanying the Darien sur
veying expedition
j. A. Sullivan ESQ.,, and A. T. Mosman, Esq.,,
Assistants Y. s. Coast Survey; II. G. Ogden, Esq,
and H. L. Maridan ESQ, Sub Assistants Q. s. Coast
Survey; Timothy H. OSullivan, Esq, Photographer;
and Mr.. L. Karcher, Draughtsman.
Two telegraph operators will also accompany
the expedition, but have not as yet been desig
mated. The expedition has been fitted out with
all the necessares in each of its several depart
ments with the greatest care. Every precau-
tion will be used to guard against contractons
of diseases peculiar to that climate, and also
against the hostilities of the Indians, by numer-
GUS trinkets, with which to obtain their good
will and services as guides, etc. The whole of
the 1sthmus is to be surveyed, and the work to
be completed before the sickly season sets in.
The several vessels will sail about the Goth in
slant, all under the command of Commander
Thomas o. Selfridge, and vessel is to be Or
I. A. D. a
Great credit is due to Vice-Admiral Porter for
his strenuous efforts in planning and fitting out
this expedition which will doubtless prove
success
The Cession of British America to the United
States.
Despatch to The Epening Telegraph.
WASHINGTON, Jan. 13.-A prominent member
of the Foreign Relations Committee is preparing
a speech in which he will advocate the cesson
by Great Britain of British North America to us
in lieu of the money damages claimed on ac-
count of the depredations of the Alabama. This
is the second step in the scheme planned by
Robert j. Walker before his death, and partly
executed by Mr.. Sumner in defeating the John
SON. Clarendon Treaty.
The District of Columbia.
movement is on foot to secure from Con-
gress territorial form of government for this
district. At meeting of the committee of citi-
zens appointed to represent the District before
Congress, Mr.. Williams, of Indiana, member
of the House Committee on the District of
Columbia, was present. 1t was determined to
submit the views of the meeting to President
Grant before he sends to Congress his special
message on matters connected with the District
Registered Letters.
Despatch to The Epening Telegraph.
WASHINGTON, Jan. 13.-The Convention of
Postmasters assembled at the department again
to-day to consider the best means by which to
increase the efficiency of transmitting money in
registered letters. The convention closes this
evening with grand banquet, to be given at the
residence of Postmaster-G General Creswell.