The New York herald., 1879-09-01
WASHINGTON.
FROM OUR REGULAR CORRESPONDENT.

WASHINGTON. August 81. 1873.
CAPTAIN GENERAL OF THE ARMY-A PROPOSE
TIoN TO REWARD GENERAL GRANT FOE HIS
EMINENT SERVICES.
Since the adjournment Of Congress q number OF
General Grants friends have had under considera-
ton suggestion. coming originally from distin-
gushed Southern soldier whose name is withheld
tor the present, but whose services in military ana
civic life have won for him the confidence and es-
TEEN OF his people, as well as the respect OF tne
country at large to create the office of Captain Gen.
era OF the Army. with suitable pay and allowances.
and to have the same rendered to General U. s.
Grant, in recognition of his patriotic services in be-
half of the Union as well as to afford him perma-
nent occupation in congenial employment the
remainder OF his life. This idea has been quietly
canvassed among the members OF the Senate and
House who have visited Washington during the re-
cess. we'll as at Saratoga. Newport. Long Branch
and White Sulphur Springs. 1t can be said that the
proposition has been received with great favor. and
will take shape in bill accomplishing the purposes
named early at the next session of Congress.
These friends of General Grant have viewed with
great regret the efforts of politicians to embark him
once more the muddy stream of politics. and
have been casting about for suitable employ
ment and position for the distinguished express
ident. This proposition has been prematurely de-
veloped in consequence of the recent announcement
that General Grant willing to accept the pres
idency of the Nicaraguan Canal Company. His
friends are of opinion that the position OF Com
mander-in-Chief of the Army of the United States
would be much more acceptable to him If it could
be gracefully rendered by Congress- since it would
restore him to the rank he taken from almost
forcibly by the politicians in 1863 and which sacri
Ace he has frequently had occasion to regret
1t is understood that quite q number of distin-
guished Southern men have not only warmly es-
poused this proposition. but in fact the leaders OF
tho movement both houses will be representative
Southern statesmen. It can be said also in this
connection that no one in public life whose name
has been associated with the republican nomination
for the Presidency been approached on the SUBJ
ject, and the proposition will doubtless be heard
by them with great surprise. Inasmuch US those
who in the confidence Of tho leaders OF the
ment have doomed 1t proper to make known at this
time their intention. 1t Is no longer secret that the
idea originated and has been fostered the best
answer the South can make to the camor that calls
for Grant. It win be remembered that the
proposition to pension General Shields in the
Forty fifth Congress an amendment was offered in
the Senate to add the name Of General Grant, which
was voted for by quito number of the Southern
Senators. The amendment was adopted. but the
whole bill was subsequently lost in conflict be-
tween the two houses. Then. however. the Senate
had republican majority. Now. the regular session
of the Forty-sixth Congress will contain q demo-
cratic majority in both branches so that the propo-
sition to add to General Grants honors win be .
democratic measure. and WILL it ia believed by its
promoters be the grandest challenge that any poti-
cal party has ever given to it's adversaries.
The present law recognizes four grades in the rank
ara-
tenant general; third. major general. and fourth.
briQadier general. It will be observed that the
prefix is purely arbitrary and simply distinctive.
Therefore, is in the power Of Congress in creating
the office of captain general to define its powers and
responsibilities.
THE FLORIDA SHIP CANAL1-RFFoRTS TO OBJ
TAIN SPECIAL ACT FROM THE LEGIs-
LATURE
Ex-senator Conover. Of Florida. who arrived here
tonight, says that Governor Drew and the other
State authorities have under consideration the re
quest to convene the state Legislature of Florida in
extra session. for the purpose of considering the
proposals made by the New York capitalists for
grant or charter for . ship canal the
State. Tho only question Is whether
the act Of incorporation asked by the projectors
the canal cannot be granted under the law authoriz
ing the granting of charter to parties wishing tc
form q company for business purposes. 1t is un
derstood that the leaders Of the scheme satisfied
that it would be useless to ask for exemption from
taxation, but they not convinced that O general
act granting the right Of way would be satisfactory
to the capitalists who anxious to invest in
the enterprise. 1t is therefore urged that
Especial session of the Legislature ought to be con-
vened in order to give direct authority carry out
the purposes intended in the formation of the canal
company and to assure those willing invest that
the enterprise has the unqualified sanction of the
State of Florida Mr.. Copover says that outside OF
the leading business of the State. but little is
said of tho project by the people. though
pains have been taken to acquaint them with its
Importance and the valueit will be to the State Ex
Senator Yulee here few days ago. and declined
to talk on the subject 1t is believed though that he
is strongly opposed to it, his interests said to
be solely with the railroads of tho State, and that
the canal, II constructed. would interfere with
his business projects. There other repre-.
scntatives of railroad interests in Florida
who are known to be opposed to granting any con.
cessions of liberal character to the canal company
Mr. says that this opposition will hardly be
able to effect anything in case the Legislature
is convened. the project has been talked of for
years and the surveys made by the Engineer Corps
are all favorable to tho plan Of the capitalists. In
Wow of every contingency which might arise
he thinks it advisable for the Governor to
call an extra session of tho Legislature
and has doubt it will be done
when the proposition of Messrs. Aspinwall. Nc.
Mahon and others is better understood. The secre-
tary of War givos Of tho aid OF tho gov
ernmont in promoting the work. and az evidence OF
this reference is made to the appropriation secured
in the Forty Congress to complete the work OF
the survey. which in continuation OF the labor
Of Senator Conover who made tho subject special
matter throughout his Senatorial torn.