Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1871-06-02
Letter from Washington,
lrnoM OUR REGULAR CORRESPONDENT. ]
WASHINGTON, D. c., May 81, 1871

WASHINGTON, ID. T., May 81, 1871.
THE sENATE's EXECUTIVE SECRET.
The funniest part of the senatorial crusade
against the press as profession, is seen in the
extra precaution taken TO prevent the CORE
spondents from knowing anything of the de-
bates, &C., had over the treaty. In view of the
probability of an important debate over the
treaty of Washington, in the house, next win
ter, apropos of the legislation it will need to
consummate Its provisions, the failure to re-
move the injunction of secrecy from the senate
debates is likely to have serious bearing. So
much is known, however, that there were many
senators seriously troubled by the indetniteneSs
of certain articles, especially of those re-
lating to the British claims. The ablest
senators in the body, with two or
three exceptions, were in favor of passing
a deelaratory treaty or supplementary articles,
In order to make distinct one understanding
of those claims understand that Mr.. Harlan,
among others, deemed this necessary, hence his
demand for secret session on Saturday last,
when the senate refused to go into executive ses-
sion. Mr.. Harlan stated he had a confidential
statement to make, designed for the ear of the
senate only. This is'a step not taken since fugi-
tive slave-law Msson's time. That naughty Vir-
gilman, who has just been gathered to his faith
ere often demanded what Mr.. Harlan
did, while he was chairman of the
committee on foreign relations. Mr. Har-
Ian failed 10 secure either declaration of inter-
probation or an extension of the Mexican
claims commission treaty for another twelve
months.
The refusal of the senate to let the people
know what amendments were offered, what the
debate was and the votes thereon, is piece of
disrespectful insolence which ought not to go
unrebuked. The people of this country, and in
a minor degree those of Great Britain also, ought
to be allowed the opportunity OF becoming fully
informed on oil matters bearing on the treaty.
In no other way can amity be so thoroughly at
tanned. 1t will be bad day for England if it
happens that the diplomats and statesmen en-
deavor to take imean advantage by indefinite
or vague wording of the treaty or any of its arti-
cles.
THE VICE PRESIDENT.
Mr.. Colfax has more serious attack-threat-
ening paralysis of the nerves of the heart-than
it has hitherto been deemed advisable by his
physicians to make public. He is so much bet
ter that the fact may now be mentioned. 1t is
probable he will be able to leave for home to-
morrow, attended by DIR. Bliss. Pullman
palace car has been placed at his disposal, and
it is probable that the journey will be accom-
plished without undue fatigue. The attack is
due in the main to continued overwork and ex-
cessive smoking, while the immediate cause is
undoubtedly to be found in the state of nervous
excitement he fell into over the SEN
ate's folly in combining Messrs. White
and RamSdell. 1t is noteworthy that on
the night of his attack he was delirous con-
siderable portion of the time, and the burden
of his fevered brain and tongue was the condi-
ton of those young men in whose behalf he
appeared at one time to be making speech.
PERsoNAL-sU4iMRR WHEREABOUTS.
The president and family are about fitting to
Long Branch. Most of the cabinet will be ont
of the city during the summer. Secretary De-
lano has already left for Ohio, to be gone six
weeks. The attorney general will soon depart
for Georgia, where he will remain some time.
Secretary Robson will be greatly occu-
pied in preparations for an important en-
gagement, nothing less, it is said, than his mar
riage. He will be at Long Branch good deal.
Gov. Boutwell, will be home for a few days
only. Judge Richardson's absence will keep the
secretary quite steadily at his post.
Creswell and Belknap will be the chief stand
bys.
The British minister's family sail for England
on the Path prox., but Sir Edward Thornton
will remain to exchange the formal notifications.
1t is believed here that he will be elevated to the
peerage.
A new French minister is expected. Who it
will be is uncertain, but it is said leading Ger
man diplomat here, suggested, in conversation
the other day, that Louis Napoleon be irst con-
suited, as he or his son, with the empress for re-
gent, will soon be in power again.
The Netherland minister has been recalled.
The Russian will summer on Staten Island; the
Italian somewhere in New York, the Peruvian
goes to Saratoga and Newport. Washington
will be dull to the fashionable butterflies, but
more endurable TO us poor fellows who have to
work, and enjoy ourselves in doing it.
OBSERVER.