The New York herald., 1874-12-14
WASHIlJGTON.

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WASHINGTON. Dec. Is, 1874.
NsedTul Improvement or the Mtssts-
sfppps Mouth-The Jstty System Con-
demned-The Ruined Levees and Dan-
ger or Dcpopulation.
The commission sent to Europe TO examine the
)etty system ut the mouth OF the Danube and other
rivers, with view to ascertain whether 1t could
be adopted in deepening the mouth OF the Missis-
sippI. are now ut Southwest Pass and have care
fully examined the delta OF the river before begin.
ming their report 1t Is understood that both Gen.
erals Comstock and Wright are OF the opinion that
the etty system Is impracttcable for the Mississippi
aud that the Fort ST. Pntltp Canal. the route OF
which Is also being examined by another commits
sion, is the only way to AVOID the mud lump block.
ade which has so seriously tnterfered with the
commerce OF the river.
The commission, consisting OF three officers
OF the Engineer corps and two civil en-.
glneers OF whom General warren Is presi-
dent. appointed by the President to report
upon the best method for improving the levees OF
the Mississippi River and retaining the lands,
have finished their labors and will be ready to re-
port in q few days. TIE commission are unani.
nous In the opinion that the government sho uld
begin at once comprehensive system OF rebuild
ing and improving the evees bordering on the
States orArKansas, Mississippi and Louisiana -
otherwise the crevasses caused by the hoods OF
last spring will expose the Inhabitants OF the
submerged districts to more serious trouble than
they have yet experienced and utterly impoverish
the people OF wnat has been and ought stil to be
prosperous and productive section OF the coun.
try. The report viii be submitted to the President.
and by him, IL Is said, It will be sent to Congress
with an urgent Recommendation that Congress
authorize the Engineer corps TO proceed With the
work and make for 1t liberal appropriation.
Judge Swayne Not to Resign from the
Supreme Bsnch-secretary Bristow
Undazzled by the Judicial Ermins-
The Cattoll Case.
Judge Swayne, or the United States Supreme
Court authorizes denial OF the report OF hls In.
tended resignation. His health Is good ana hts
mind vigorous, and he does not feel the need Of
rest. There Is some reason 70 believe that persons
anxious to get Mr.. Brstow out OF che Treasury,
and thinking It possible persuade him 10 accept
place on the supreme Bench, were the authors
ol the report about Judge Swayne. The straignrior
ward business course and direct uncompromis-
ing character Of the Secretary OF the Treasury as
also his opinions the currency and finance cues.
ttons, create strong opposition 20 him; but they
have also made Tor him many strong friends. His
determination to oconomize In the expenses OF
administration, wherever he can, IL likely to re.
form Aome surplus oficers out OF place, and has
Just caused Mr. Castell ana his friends some dis
appointment. The Secretary could not see, 1t ts
said the need tor two financial agents In London,
and he preferred Mr.. Bigelow to Mr.. Cattell. as
likely TO be the more efficient 1t Is understood
to be NOT impossible to drive Mr. Bristow out OF
the Treasury. but he viii hardly De drawn OUT by
the offer or seat on the Supreme Bench. nor
will he be worried out by petty annoyances. II
he goes out II viii be on CONFLICT OF principle
or OF an important point In policy, and this does
not seem probable JUST now.
The Special Committee ON L0uisfana
ANafrs-The Coming Invsstigatton.
The House will tomorrow be called upon to de.
eide whether the special COMMITTEES to investigate
the condition OF AFFAIRS In Louisiana shall 60 down
to New Orleans or hear evidence here. The seleo.
tion OF the members OF the committee will depend
somewhat upon the question Of whether they are
TO remain here or 60 70 search Tor the truth upon
the scene.
Wautsd-A "supsrvising Architect"
John Macarthur, Of Philadelphia, who was Secrs.
tsry Brlstow's nrst choice AZ Supervising Archi.
tect, arrived here last night and Will tomorrow
decline the position offered him. Mr.. Macarthur
does not, upon examination, ind the place OF
sufficient Importance TO induce him to give up
his present business IN Philadelphia. It II IN.
derstood that Mr.. Walsh, or st. LOUIS, now super
intending the construction Of the new Post ONCE
building 10 that city, viii be offered the position
aud will accept.
The District Of Co1umbia B1ll In ,hs
Senate.
District OF Columbia Affairs win probably occupy
the Senate Tor the next few days. The bill to
create new form OF government, giving the con.
troll and management OF Washington matters 70
Board OF Regents, comes UP Tomorrow. AZ the
report OF the committee handed In the nrst day OF
the session BY Senator Morrill, was unanimously
agreed to by the members OF the committee tnero
10 likely TO be no long or partisan discussion over
the bill. which u founded on this report. Two or
three days as furtnest Will sufice TO perfect shs
details.
Rumored Political Object or New York
Legislators I'm Washington.
Nessrs. uatchelder. busted and To-Day, mem
nsrs Of the New YORK Legislature. are In town.
Mr. Tobey says he wishes an appropriation by
Congress for breakwater on Lake Champlatn.
There H. howsver. rumor that the New Yorxers
have political deaigns, and that they would be
pleased II rhe President would consent TO help
them 10 New York and at Albany with his patron
age to redeem the republican defeat OF this fall The
absence OF recognized leaders in both tne political
parties 80 lar IL Q topic or general remark among
those who take interest In the political situation.
Neirnsr party ~ yet accepts any one man ~ its
chiei but the democrats generally repudiase any
new converts, and Mr.. Mills, OF Texas, expressed
the common sentiment OF his side when ne ssld TO
soms one who suggested that General Banks
should be made Speaker, swell, Banks may sing
with u.s. bur he can't lead the ohoir.'
florida To Have q Democratic Senator.
Advioes from Florida indicate that democratic
senator VIII succeed senator Gilbert, though the
state elected republican Congressmen. senator
Conover leaves here on Monday next or home, to
use his influence 10 securing . republican col.
league IN the Senate.
A Proposed BAH 90 Reimburse the De-
posttors OF the Freedmem's SavinCs