The Morning herald., 1877-12-20

lr[Om OuI 0peClAl COrreSpOnOenC.J
WASHINGTON, D. c.. Dec. II, 1877.
Neither the daily papers nor the illustra-
ted weeklies will let alone the recent trouble
between Gordon and Conkling. There wsa
not much of 1t. Conkling was impertinent
In words, and arrogant In manner, as is hia
habit. Gordon was too quick in resenting a
fancied slur, and Conkling met the rash
words Of Gordon with words fully a. rash
and much less excusable. All danger of .
hostile meeting is over.
As soon as heard that Senator Hamlln
was engaged in making peace, I knew then
there would be no bleod shed. That old
statesman, who never killed anything larger
than three ounce trout, and, indeed, has
been serewdly suspected Of buying rather
than angling for them, was the choice Of
Senator Conkling. That choice loft nothing
possible but peace.
No man of intelligence in this city believes
the present troubles at Ell Paso, Texas, are
to the Government Of Mexico, or
Mexican citizens. They uuqueationably
come from citizens Of the United States, un-
fortunately but necessarily received within
the territory comprising the present State Of
Texas The mere fact that treaty trans.
ferred their alliance from one Government
to another did not civilize them. Like the
Indians, ignorant and savage, they become
victims of every ingenious and unscrupulous
adventurer who goes among them, and are
easily enticed or driven into violence. Their
actions should not be made a pretext for
war with Mexico.
1t is gratifying to know that investigaA
lions Of this Mexican matter, now going on
here, both Gen. Sherman and Gen. Sheri-
dan have expressed disapprobation of the
order for our troops to cross the border into
Mexico. This N axes 1t certain that the
Evil position of the Administration is alone
for so dangerous an order. By
ind BY we shall know what caused Mr.
Hayes to issue 1t.
1t is said the resolution of Wood, that
House Committees be authorized to sit
Turing the recess to "send for persons and
papers," and to make Investigations, SC.
vas intended to bring about a thorough
Of things in the Interior De-
,artment. It is at least certain that more
han one anti-administration Senator has
expressed regret that the House Republicans
efeated the resolution. Probably there
7ill be no radical opposition to It wien the |
House meets in January.
Secretary Schurz has issued an order that |
las the germ of practical civil service res
orm in It. He says the heads of bureaus |
nder him must not 60 10 Congress for leg
Station unless by his direction. If Schurz,
r any other man is to conduct the vast and |
omplex affairs of this Department, he
hould certainly have the selection of his
ubordinates and full control of all recom>
as to legislation. or late one
his Commissioners-the Commissioner of |
'ensions-has been urging upon Congress-
zen and before Committees a complete
hange in the system of passing upon PEN
lon claims.
The Secretary may or may not approve of
be proposed change, but he will not have 1t
,bbied for, except In legitimate manner.
Cash left to the credit of the Confederacy
0 England, after the surrender, which is
aid to amount to over ten millions of dol.
lrs, is to be secured by the Government, If
ossible. Attorneys are employed, 1t is
aid, with promise of ene.hslf of what is
objected. HILTON.