Daily globe. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1878-1884, 1882-12-25
WASHINGTON.
Why Lincoln and Chandler Don't Want
Assistant Secretaries.
GUATEMALA AS FEDERAL STATE.
The Junta to Demand Its Admission to
the Union Of States.
PROBABLE EFFECTS OF THE MOVE.
The Absurd Proposition to Create Bob
Smalls Captain in the Navy.
THE MAHONE.BECK EPISODE.
Ridiculous Attitude OF the Virginia Re.
aGiuSter.
The Junta to Demand Its Admission to
the Union Of States.
PROBABLE EFFECTS OF THE MOVE.
The Absurd Proposition to Create Bob
Smalls Captain in the Navy.
THE MAHONE-BECK EPISODE.
Ridiculous Attitude Of the Virginia Re.
adjuster.
Especial Telegram to the Globe. |

lOpec1al Telegram to the GlODe.
WASHINGTON, Dec. 23.-Secretaries Lin
coin and Chandler asked congress last ses-
sion to create the Offices of assistant secre-
tary of war and assistant secretary of the
navy. At this time these ministers thought
there was great need of assistant secreta-
ries not only to relieve them of part of the
labors attaching to their Offices, but to
take charge when either secretary was
called away from Washington. Several
months have elapsed since these Offices
were created, but so far as the public is
aware nothing has been done toward filing
them. A prominent official, who ell joys
the friendship of both Lincoln aud Chan
der, says he is advised that neither of these
gentlemen wanted an assistant score
tary in his department., for the rea-
son that now they hold absolute
sway and are not called upon to divide any
of the responsibilities of their Offices with
another person who might have sufficient
political backing to make it unpleasant for
them in case of any differences about the
work connected with the service. This
gentleman is of the opinion that both the
new Offices will lapse and not be filled. A
Republican senator, in speaking about the
matter said that congress would undoubt-
edly abolish both Offices unless the presi-
dent ignored the wishes of the two secreta-
ries and filled them. He thought it strange
that Lincoln and Chandler should be so
anxious last year to have the Offices crea-
ted and now be opposed to filing them.
THE GUATEMALA JUNTA.
For few days past there has
been considerable quiet talk among a few
gentlemen who are close to the administra-
ton, and who are in a position to catch
the cream of the talk in diplomatic circles,
to the effect that the junta of Guatemala is
about to take step that will not only be
startling, but will excite the deepest in
terest both in this country and in Europe.
1t is said that the step which the junta
proposes to take is to pass resolution ask
ing the privilege of admission as one of
the United States. As is we'll known a
difficulty has existed long time about a
boundary line between Guatemala and
Mexico, and it was understood that
the sole purpose of Barrios' visit
to this country last summer was to get the
United States to interfere and settle he
difficulty. This boundary business may
have been discussed while Barrios Was
here, but it is now asserted that the main
purpose was to ASCERTAIN the feeling O:
the administration and of the leaders OF
the opposition party on the question of
admission to the Union. A leading mem
Der of the house is reported to have said
to-day that if the matter came before
congress in any shape he should favor it.
He said that the admission of Guatemala
was only the first move of getting posses.
sion of Mexico, and that when Geatemala
was a. part of the United States
it would not be long before
the other South American states
would be knocking at our doors for ad
mission. 1t may be, he said, that Mexico
will not come to us peaceably, and we Ger
tainly shall not force her; but there are in
dications of trouble brewing on account Of
our railroad interests there, and out OF
this trouble annexation may ultimately
come. If Guatemala asks to be annexed
it is represented that strong party viii
be found in this country to favor it.
ROBERT sMALLs.
There is considerable talk in navy circle:
about the bill introduced in the house {
few days ago by Mr.. Macky, of Soutl
Carolina, to authorize the president t.
appoint Robt. Smalls as captain in tn,
navy, with the understanding that h,
should be placed ON the retired list will
pay accordingly. Robt. Smalls is known
as Gen. Smalls in South carolina, having
received that title on account of his con
nection with the state militia during tn,
period of Republican rule. He is short
heavy-set negro, about forty three years O
age, and is the possessor of fair an,oiD
of intelligence. He is member of III,
house, and although he has not much t.
say on the floor or in the committee rooms
it Is generally admitted that he has very
good idea of what is going on. I
is difficult to understand, however, wha
put it into his head to want to be retiret
captain in the navy. He knows nothing
about naval matters, and it seems to be
sort of farce to put man in the position
he wants to occupy who has neither CLAIM
nor fitness for the place. The services OF
which his claim is based might entitle hin
to a money compensation, but not to ranh
If the story is true about what he did t.
aid the federal cause during the war, it
not altogether creditable to him. He wa
the pilot of small steamboat in Charles
ton harbor. He was slave and tn
steamboat, which was called tn
Planter, was owned by hi
master. One day he was pilotin,
a number of confederate officers who wer
taking soundings andmaking surveys abou
the harbor. Instead of fulfilling his trus
he run the boat under the guns of the fed
eral fleet which was blockading the harbo1
and surrendered the boat and officers. Fo
this service he wants to be retired cap
tain in the navy. with pay that amounts t
over $4,000 year. The impression pre-