Phenix Gazette

EDITOR'S CORRESPONDENCE.

Washington Jan. 4, 1830 :

Dear Sir:—The Metropolis is so near your own town, that I need not give you any information of Washington Correspondents generally, or give you any of our local news. My intention is occasionally to send you a few lines touching public affairs, national politics, and distinguished men. Mr. Webster, the Ajax of our party—but indeed he is hardly a party man—is now here at his post, and I look for much from him. Independent, consistent, and fearless, he must be respected even by his opponents. I am told that the corrupt satellites of power, who have received their rewards, have much to fear from his opposition to their appointments. But I am afraid, that Party is too strong for principle, and that the whole herd of hungry cormorants, will receive their warrants for at least four years feed upon "Treasury pap." Your remarks upon certain late occurrences have been well received here by every man who loves virtue and has a respect for the morals of his country. You need never be afraid of striking at vice especially when it is exerting its influence in "high places"—debasing and demoralizing society, and seeking to pull down all the barriers between refinement and libertinism. To-day I attended Congress. The "scramble" for the public lands has commenced at an early period—I found Mr. Blair of S. C. upon his legs upon the motion concerning the distribution of the lands. He is to be followed by Mr. Clay of Alabama. Perhaps this subject may give rise to considerable discussion before it is finally disposed of. The North and the South here unite together in opposition to the West—almost it appears the only subject on which they can agree. I understand, likewise, that the bill granting pre-emption right to settlers on the public lands, came up to-day in the Senate, and after debate, in the course of which our old friend Mr. Noble of Indiana, contended as manfully as ever "for the rights of the West," as he is so fond of calling them, was postponed until some day next week. Mr. Arnold, the opponent of Mr. Lea, and the petitioner for that gentleman's seat in the House, it appears, is determined to keep the members' eyes open—they require occasionally a little excitement. The Judiciary Committee have not, however, gratified him in presenting all his trash which he wished to be introduced as evidence. In this they have acted wisely. I cannot, however, help thinking that Mr. Buchanan—a travelled out of the record when, in making his report against the printing of these documents, he undertook to acquit Mr. Grundy of the charge that had been made against him by Mr. Arnold. While I was in the House to-day, the bill to regulate the allowance of forage to officers of the Army, came up, and was productive of some debate and sharp shooting between several of the members. I must refer you to the newspapers for a report of this debate, which I cannot undertake even to sketch. Mr. Drayton, from the Military Committee has made a report in favor of several recommendations of the President's, with regard to military matters, and has likewise reported several important bills. I think, notwithstanding all that has been said that most of the members feel inclined to do at least something this session. I can only hope that their acts will tend to the promotion of the general welfare, and be conducive to the happiness and prosperity of the nation—I shall write to you again shortly. The debate here referred to, will be found under the proper head in this morning's Gazette.

Ed. Gaz.