The New York herald., 1876-11-20
Concentration of Regular Troops
at Washington.
THE CAPITOL TO BE GUARDED.
Midnight Movements Of Heavy and
Light Artillery.
IS THERE A. CONFEDERATE PLOT +?
The Government Preparing for
Possible Emergency.

Possible Emergency.
1t was stated yesterday in certain well informed
circles in this city that it positive fact that
the government Is concentrating troops ut the ma
tional capital This assertion was made In face OF
cials at Washington as published ycster-
day. 1t was stated that twelve companies
OF heavy artillery are being concentrated at
the arsenal in Washington at the east
the command Of Brevct Major General Barry, who
until recently in charge Of the artillery school
at Fortress Monroe Besides these companies 1t is
understood that Captain Ramsey's light battery,
which has been stationed for some time at Fort
McHenry, near Baltimore, is under orders to
report at the Washington Arsenal, il it has not
already gone there. Captain Ramsey is to have
two additional guns to the six he had, and horses
have been purchased for these extra guns. The
three companies Of artillery that were reported as
coming East from Leavenworth and Omaha were
stopped on the way Saturday night and were trans
ferred to Washington via the Northern Pennsylvania
Railroad. These three companies make part OF the
twelve already mentioned. The government will,
therefore, have at its command at least GOO
men to act as infantry, and four full sections Of
field artillery, all under command OF experienced
and capable officers
The reason that it is exclusively heavy and light
artillery that Is being moved to Washington and
concentrated there is that all Of the infantry is
either on the Plains down South, the latter bod
les OF troops being at too great distance
to be brought up. The movements OF these
troops for the Washington garrison have been
secret and it is believed that their presence at the
capital is not yet known to the residents outside
OF Official circles What they are needed for or
what emergency is foresecn by the government is,
Of course, as yet unknown 1t is surmised that
the Capitol building Is to be strictly guarded for
operations.
THE NEWS CONFIRMED FROM WESTINGHOUSE
TnERE A CONFEDERATE PLOT?
[BY TELEGRAPH TO TIE HERALDl
WASHINGTON, Nov. 10, 1879
Rumors have been afoat here for several days
that Washington was to be garrisoned by all the
available troops which be spared from the South
and West. Several companies Of artillery are en-
route from Leavcnworth and other Western points,
and four companies have already arrived from
South Carolina In addition to this force six
teen companies OF infantry are, it is said, to
be brought here, and VIII be r'ared in
garrison around the city, For what ,se this
military moyemcn. is intended has not yet been def
nitey developed, as the matter has been conducted
with secrecy and nothing Of the object win it is
believed be disclosed until the undertaking. what
ever may be its extent, shall have been further ad
vanced. There Is good reason, however, for saying
that for some time past the propriety of
having troops in this vicinity has been dis
cussed by officials and others having the
ear Of the administration and by whom the alarm.
ing representation was made--whether exaggerated
or not is matter for future investgation-that the
organizations in the Southern States known as rife
clubs aggregate some 263,Oo0 members, onicered
armed and drilled, who are ready at moments
notice to respond to signal OF their leaders, to be
gwen in frrthcrancc OF plan agreed upon in con-
nection with the pending Presidential complica-
tions
IS THERE CONFEDERATE PLOT?
The weakness OF Washington in case OF a surprise
from inside outside was also made conspicuous
by the remark of indiscrcct partisan an ex-Con-
sation near the Interior Department, to the effect
that he could, II he was SO minded, slip
into Washington during the night with 1000
men and take possession OF the principal
and Navy, Principally and at the same time capture
the whole OF the administration, the President,
Cabinet officers and all He also said that since the
late war people south knew all about the defcnces
OF Washington what places suitable for fortin-
cations and exactly what resistance would be met in
such movement.
THE CABINET NOT APPREHESsrvE or DANGER.
In view OF the Presidents opinion as expressed
recently in his interview with your. ur.corrcspondent,
that It would be unwsc not to take all proper pre-
caution and to be prepared against any commotion
or surprise, it Is believed that the present
movement to garrisoning Washington with
troops is in accord with his sense Of what
Is suggested by foresight and regard for safety.
Though there is no heavy store OF arms nor much
ammunition here at this time, 1t Is felt that the
capital should not be without troops from this
time until after the 4th Of March, Despite all this,
no serious apprehension Is acknowledged the part
OF the ofIicials that there will be any violence
or trouhie and fhcv nil profcss IN fcol that avery