The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1877-05-05
from Our Regular Correspondent

decided to call the extra session for Octo-
Der 10th. This decision astonished every
body; for, although it was known that the
Government was extremely averse to bring
ing the lawmakers to the city before next
winter, it was stated by members OF the
Cabinct.that they had thoroughly consid-
cred the subject and had found no way to
avoid it.
The effect of the postponement upon gen.
eral commercial interests and upon the po-
litical tone OF the country will doubtless be
important. The belief in Administration
circles is that by next fall the pacific policy
and prudent measures OF the Government
will produce decided improvement in the
feeling of even the most dissatisfied per-
sons, and perhaps considerably modify the
relations OF political parties.
The postponement OF the extra session
until October was so entirely unexpected it
brought
| CONSERVATION AMONG TIE POLITICAL HACKS
and candidates for congressional fayors,
and the effect upon the hotel and boarding
house keepers, who had been industriously
| preparing TO reap Il golden harvest, was
almost ludicrous. AS it had been known
that the Attorney-G General had given an
opinion that no funds in the treasury could
be diverted from the objects to which ap-
propriated, and Secretary McCrary had de-
clarcd he could not get along without more
money, it was no. doubted the special ses-
sion would be held at an early day, although
| the President and Secretaries EvartS and
Schurz thought it would be unnecessary.
At the last Cabinet meeting it was agreed
that the proclamation should be prepared
with the date left blank, to be filled to-day,
and it was a surprise to the Cabinet them
selves when Secretary McCrary announced
his change of front. This morning he held
meeting OF his Bureau officers, and found
upon consultation that the War Department
could get along very well until October, as
the army is only paid of once in two
months, and only one payday would be
missed, which has often been done hereto
fore without dctrimcnt to the public ser
vice. The announcement OF this fact in
dlced the change Of date from June to Oc-
tober, though Secretary Sherman remained
obstinate for some time. The President
favored the delay because he believes ses-
sion OF Congress in the early months OF
summer would prccpitate discussion
OF the currency question and OF his
southern policy, and place the Admnistra-
ton at unfair disadvantage. The first would
tend to defeat the carly and successful re-
sumption Of spccie-payment, to which the
country is steadily advancing. His method
OF dealing with the southern question, he
thinks, should have 4 fair trial before those
who doubt its wisdom pronounce against it,.
BY next fall it will be fairly under way, so
that members may 60 to Washington with
well-defned and matured views as to whe-
Their they should or should not give their
support.
Associated Press Reports by telegraph to the
Dspach.l
AN EXTRA SESSION OF CONGRESS CALLED.
1t was decided at the meeting Of the Cab
met to-day that the extra session OF Con-
grcss was rendered desirable by the failure
OF the last Congress to pass the army APP
propriatlon bill. 1t is not to be called to
meet in June, but on October 18th. This
change of the original programme was made
upon careful consideration Of the general
interests Of the country, and also in COM
pliance with the almost unanimous desire
of the business community, rs we'll rs OF
members of Congress themselves as far as
they could be consulted, that thasc should
rbe no session OF Congress this summer il it
could be avoided, and upon mature inquiry
, into all the circumstances or the case 1t was
ascertained that without any Immediate ap-
preparation OF money the army can be
clothed and supplied with all its necessaries,
and that until the 18th OF October only one
regular payday has to be passed. 1t was
: also considered that if Congress meets in
October it may remain in continuous Scs-
sion and finish its business before next sum-
mer, so as to avoid the Inconvenience OF the
hot season next year as well aS this year.
A proclamation calling the extra session for
October 18th is to be issued without delay.
The Cabinet remained IN session until 8
O'Clock. The announcement that the extra
session had been postponed till the middle
of October caused general CONSERVATION.
The naval officers pay for April, May, and
June (some $S00,000), and 100000 in the
Department of Justice, must remain UNI
paid. The disappointment among the citi-
,. zens of the District, who anticipated gay
aud profitable summer, is great. There is
much distress here for the necessaries OF
life, which the extra session would have
practically relieved.
WHY THE TINE FOR THE EXTRA SESSION WAS
CHANGED.
. The paragraph telegraphed early tonight
was from the official bulletin. Il member
: OF the Cabinet says the change from 4th
June to 18th October was determined upon
$ for the reasons stated in the bulletin, and
not in any degree from apprehension on the
quence Of the discussion OF the Presidents
!. southern policy. This matter, he says, was
not taken into consideration in the Cabinet
, deliberations. In fact, this gentleman con-
tinued, looking at the question from mere
" political standpoint, we should have in
ferrcd that the criticisms and attacks on this
policy should be made at an earlier date,
and that all possible explosions Of wrath
should quickly occur, and thus the
sooner expose whatever force they may
, possess. Another member explains, in re.
gard to the postponement OF an appro
priaton for the army, that the soldiers are
now only paid once III two months, and nc
very great inconvenience will be caused tc
them by the intermisson OF one payday, rs
this has happened to most Of them before.
The officers, it is believed, can quite readily
obtain money for few months upon their
pav-rolls, and there is authority for proyi.
ding for .quartermaster and commlssary
stores. Or course in these calculations it Is
anticipated Congress will promptly pass
the appropriation bill in October. Abou'