The press. (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1857-1880, March 19, 1862, Image 2

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 19, 1862
THE I.ATEST WAR NEWS.
The growing fe*rs, that General Burnside with
his army would he overpowered or captured by a
larger number of rebels before succor could reach
them, were happily dispelled by the agreeable in
telligence received yesterday that the gallant
Uener&l and his army, instead of suffering a dis
astrous defeat; had achieved a most brilliant vic
tory. The rebels, 10,000 strong, under the com
mand of General Branch, were formidably en
trenched six miles below Newbern, North Carolina.
t>ur troops attacked their position on Friday last,
and, after a most desperate fight, drove the rebels
out of their stronghold, capturing three light bat
teries of field artillery, forty-six heavy siege
gmigi nnd a large quantity of small arms* amuual'
tion, etc., together with 300 prisoners. Our troops
displayed great bravery, and due credit is awarded
them for dispersing the rebels at the point of the
bayonet) aftor their ammunitionhad been exhausted.
Our loss amounted to &b»ut ninety killed and four
hundred wounded, while that of the enemy is
about the same. The effect of this victory caunot
be over-estimated. With Newborn in their posses
sion, the Union troops command two important rail
roads, one running to Raleigh and Goldsborough,
sndLthe other to Beaufort, N. C. The latter place
so isolated from other puts of North Caru-
rUilwUiat its surrender, together with Fort Macon,
»ncij>nl defence of its harbor, becomos a mili
cessity. The steamer Nashville, which en-
Beaufort after running the blockade, will
also fall into our possession, provided it bo not de-
stroyed.
Our special correspondent writes us an interest
ing letter from Bowling Green, Ivy. The devasta
tion of the town is described, ana the atrooities of
the rebels detailed.
Another fight has taken place in Arkansas, and,
as may be supposed, the enemy have bean com
pletely rooted. The happy event occurred at
Salem, Fulton county, a few days since. One hun.
dred of the enemy were killed, and a considerable
number of them taken prisoners, including three
colonels. But tws companies of’ cur troops wars
engaged.
The despatch which we published yesterday,
that Island Ko. 10 had been taken, was premature,
hut it will doubtless be substantiated in the course
of to-day. Flag Officer Pennook has telegraphed
to the Secretary of the Navy, via Cairo, that he
j,ad succeeded in battering the enemy’s fortifica
tions all to pieces, and Irnd dismounted one gun.
The despatch was sent at nine o’clock on Monday
morning, and the bombardment was to have been
renewed yesterday. IVe await details with interest.
The rebels will undoubtedly fight with desperation
at this point, as its loss would give us the entire
control of the Mississippi, and place Memphis at
our mercy.
The rebel Buckner, from his cell in Fort Warren,
has written auiie a jocular letter to Geo. D Pren
tice, of the Louisville Journal, which the Ken
tucky editor has roplied to in his usual vein.
Buckner is treated to a mild form of scarification
that will admonish him to curb his ironical
propensities in future. We publish his first
attempt, as a cuiiosity. Prentice, in his re
ply, which is about a column in length, says:
We are glad that the big rebel, in subscribing
for the Journal, has had judgment enough to
send us good Union money instead of the rebel
shinplasters he has so often forced upon as good
Union men ns ourselves. It seems that be avow
edly subscribes for our paper because he thinks
it surpasses all others in misrepresentation. Now,
if he has such delight in merely reading false
hoods, how deep and keen must be his rapture
in telling them. Beyond all doubt, his life must
have been one of exquisite enjoyment. As for
Roger Hanson’s message to us, it shall of course
be attended to. Wo did promise Boger some
fine whisky, and it is on hand. It is already
jugged, like Boger himself. And, truly, wo can
recommend it. While It is passing down his
throat, he will perhaps almost forget the disa
greeable sensation, that, in his* moments of re
flection, he no doubt feels about his neck.”
Congress Yesterday,
Senate.— A resolution relative to the contracts
with Mr. Stevens, for bis floating battery, and also
the payments made on such contracts, was adopted;
The joint resolution from the Military Committee,
Authorizing the President to assign commands of
troops in tbe field, without regard to seniority, was
passed.
Tbe bill to provide for judicial proceedings on
captured property, and for a better administration
of the law of prizes, was passed.
Mr. Starke offered a resolution that the papers,
etc., in reference to his loyalty be referred to the
Committee on the Judiciary. The resolution was
referred to a select committee of five.
Tbe bill for the abolition of slavery in the District
of Columbia was taken up and agAtfi p&StpMtod-
House. —The Senate bill to increase the effi
ciency of the medical department of the army was
discussed without .action.
The went into Committee of tho
"Whole on the state of the Union, to consider the
tax bill, which was amended in some of its general
provisions.
Pennsylvania Legislature.
gxKAT*.—The bill to incorporate the Little
Beaver Valle; Railroad was passed.
House. —A joint committee of three was ap
pointed to attend the remains of Colonel Cameron
to the place of burial-
In joint session, the public printing was allotted
to Messrs. B. Singerly and W- H. Myers for three
years. _
The Capture of Newbern
A gentleman wlio left the Burnside Ex
pedition on the 11th instant, safely embarked
at Hatteras Inlet, brought the intelligence to
this city that it would attack Netvbern and
capture it by Saturday, the 15th instant.
Although aware of this movement, we declined
to publish any information in relation to
it, on account of the danger of apprising the
enemy of the plans of the victorious general
whose anticipations have been fully realized,
and who has acquired now renown by his last
brilliant achievement.
It seems to be General Burnside's forte to
strike terrible blows upon the enemy at the
very moments when our citizens are most dis
trsssed for his safety. While the nation was
regretting the loss ol sorno of his vessels in the
terrible storm he encountered soon after he set
sail from Fortress Monroe, and while many
were fearful that nothing - but a terrible
succession of disasters awaited him, the
hearts of all loyal men were gladdened
by the news of the glorious victory of Roa
noke Island.- When the intelligence of his
advance to W inton was followed by news o
the evacuation of Manassas and the accumnlaf
tion of a large rebel force at Suffolk, Virginia,
gTave apprehensions were again
but he was fortunately then engaged in per
fecting his preparations for the capture of
the important city which the enemy have re
peatedly boasted was so strongly fortified that
it could laugh a siege to scorn, and defy any.
assault that could be made upon it. It will now
probably be in bis power to take Beaufort,
If. C., and its chief defence, Fort Macon,
and to seize Ihe rebel railway communications
in the interior of the State, whenever it be
comes necessary to control them.
Iron-Clad Steamers.
At a special meeting of the New York
Chamber of Commerce, held in that city yes
terday, Mr. Low presented an interesting re
port from the committee which, in conjunction
with delegations from the Boards of Trade of
Philadelphia - and Boston, had visited .Wash
ington fur the purpose of conferring with the
Secretary of War in relation to the defence of
Northern cities from the attacks of iron-clad
steamships. The conclusions arrived at were,
that stone forts do not afford sufficient ob
stacles to their ingress, hut that as vessels of
the Monitors description can defend our own
ports and successfully assail others; and that,
■« ha view of the magnitude of the interests
it is the duty of the cities of Hostou,
Philadelphia, and New York to enter at once
upon the creation of iron-clad vesseh of the
requisite strength and power to cope with the
Menimac, or other formidable batteries,
should such appear on tho scene of our pre
sent conflict.’'
As two iron-clad vessels similar to the Mer
rimac are believed to be nearly completed at
Mobile, and one in New Orleans, prompt ac
tion is urgently recommended. Corporations
and wealthy individuals are requested to con
tribute to the speedy construction of com
plete defences; and a hope is expressed that
our mechanical activity and energy will be en
listed at once, so that the delays of legislation
may be avoided. %
The Progress of the War.
Every important point against which wc
have fairij' brought the resources of the na
tion to bear since the commencement of ac
tive operations lias been captured. The ac
tive rebels have been entirely driven from two
Slates, Missouri and Kentucky, in which they
had established mock Secession Governments,
They no longer menace the frontiers of Mary
land or the national capital. Only iu eleven
States is there a semblance of rebel authority
preserved, and all of these are constantly
menaced by our fleets or armies. Large por
tions of live of them—Virginia, Arkansas,
Tennessee, North Carolina, and Florida —are
now held hy our troops, and the whole sca
coast of the remaining six—viz: South Caro
lina, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisi
ana, and Texas—is either closely blockaded or
actually occupied by the Federal authorities.
The Secession movement is writhing in the
agonies of dissolution. The most sanguine
traitors can find but little to buoy up their
hopes. They may possibly have prepared in
New Orleans or Mobile iron monsters resem
bling the Merrimac which they liepe to dasli
successfully agaiust our squadrons; or they
may attempt, with the large army they doubt
ices eti!! retain iq Virginia, to aolueve a vic
tory which will reanimate their drooping
spirits; or they may look with some little
confidence to their favorite General, Beaure
gard, for new fortifications and new lines of
defence in Tennessee to prevent the army of
the West from gaining possession of their
communications between that State and Vir
ginia.
But it is not probable that any of these ex
pectations will be realized; and the failure of
either of them will prove fatal to the con
spirators. Look where they will, a host of
dangers glare upon them. Their defences
upon the Mississippi are fast giving way. The
evacuation of Columbns lias been succeeded
by a terrific attack upon Island No. 10 j and
the period is not far distant when we will gain
possession of Memphis—an event that will
soon be followed by the capture of the great
Southern metropolis, New Orleans. Thus
treason will be eli'ectually crushed out in the
Southwest.
On the Atlantic seaboard, it is menaced with
equally portentous dangers. The guns of
Fortress Monroe, which was providentially
saved from the general capture of our
strongholds in the Secession districts in
the furore of the first outburst of the re
bellion, will forever command the natu
ral outlet of Virginia. In North Carolina,
the late victory of General Bitusside at New
bern will create another panic and restore the
Federal authority at almost every point along
its coast. General Shermax, Commodore
DurOST, and the Stene-fieet, have taken excel
lent care of the sea-board of South Carolina
and Georgia. And on the Gulf of Mexico,
Fort Pickens and Ship Island are terrible eye
sores to the conspirators.
Our lines are rapidly closing in upon them,
from the North, the West, the East, and the
South. Each week chronicles a series of new
Union victories or rebel abandonments of ini
portant posts. Day after day our armies are
strengthened ami our munitions increased,
while their guns and powder are captured,
and their soldiers taken and held as prisoners.
We are gloriously retrieving all the errors and
blunders of our first battles, and marching on
to affinal and complete triumph with a celerity
worthy of a great and powerful nation.
Naval Warfare.
The efi'ective service rendered by the Moni
tor, in the naval engagement on Sunday, the
9tli, is of importance not alone for the present.
Its influence on the future can scarcely be
over-estimated. From this time—or, more
correctly, from the time that we have the iron
clad war-steamers recommended by the Naval
Committee in the Senate—the United States
virtually will be equal to England and France
in naval armaments. As ordinary steam-ves
sels superseded the « old wooden walls,” so
the ordinary war-steamers have to be super
seded by the iron-elad vessels. England ex
pects to have a dozen of those ready for ser
vice within two years. The Warrior and the
Defence, it is true,have not answered expecta
tion, but failures are often the parents of sue,
cesses, and renewed efforts will probably lead
to improvements. Besides, the British Ad
miralty are about building mailed war-steam
ers on the plans of one Captain. Coles, which,
as iar as can be judged from Lord Clarence
Paget’s brief description of them, seem to
have been “ conveyed ” from those which
Captain Ericsson so employ
ed in the construction of the Monitor-
There is no reason why the United States,
with an immense extent of coast on the At
lantic and the Pacific, should not have, not a
dozen, but twenty or more, mailed steamers.
Captain Ericsson has written that the Monitor
did not put forth her force, which is sufficient
to - destroy not only the Merrimac, a war
steamer plated with iron, but even the English
Tlorrior and the French Gloire. Give us,
whatwc soon shaliliave, a dozen or two of
mailed war-steamers, built on the best princi
ples, and the boasted superiority of the Eng
lish and French navies becomes a relic of the
past. Henceforth, naval contests will be de
cided by the iron-clad war-steamers, and there
is no reason why we should not have as many
of these omnipotent arms of battle as any other
Power.
It is flattering to our amour propre, as a
nation, to know that the practical action of
some of the greatest modern applications of
science and skill was first matured and ex
hibited in this country. Many persons in
Europe had speculated and - experimented
upon the application of steam to the purposes
of navigation, hut Jons Fitch and Robert
Fulton showed that it could bs done—-for
they did it. Again, Franklin believed that
electricity might be applied telegraphically,
and, in 1794, (as we learn from the “ Antho
logia ITiberniea,”) Arthur Young described
liow M. Losstosn, a French savant, actually
made an alphabet of motions by electricity,
declaring, “ as the length of the wire makes no
difference in the effect, a correspondence might
he carried on to any distance—within and with
out a besieged town, for instance—but it was
Morse, an American, who carried out the idea,
and invented the Electric Telegraph. Lastly,
though France and England have been en
gaged for a considerable time, and at vast ex
pense in preparing mail-clad war-steamers, it
was on American waters and by American
skill and courage that their power was first
made operative in service.
We nAYE always thought that the most
ardent enemies of the rebel leaders and rebel
soldiers would be found in tho seceded States.
It is natural that this should be the case. The
people of these insurrectionary States have
felt the practical force of tho war, not only in
a depreciated currency, unremunerativc indus
try, a ruined commerce, and grievous taxa
tion, but also in the presence of the horror and
desolation invariably accompanying war. The
contest, which affects our financial system
and makes comparatively easy burdens of
taxation for our people, brings death and
devastation to them, and when our ad
vancing armies have driven the rebellion
from its stronghold, the men who have
been tho victims of its leaders will turn upon
and rend them. We have a suggestive illus
tration of this feelmg in Kentucky, as de
scribed by a newspaper correspondent, writing
from Louisville. “ Prominent
he says, “ oppose the return amongst them of
those who took up arms against the country
and the State. They ask, ' shall w« permit
outlaws against God and their country to
come back with hollow profession* of loyalty,
and go up to the polls, claiming an equality of
political power with wr sons, who have
risked their lives in defence of the country
which those men tried to destroy
There can be no policy of mercy or magua
nimity to these people of the rebel States
which does not carry with it repentance and
punishment. However anxious we may be to
forgive, forgiveness must he deserved. If,
upon their subjugation, we instantly accepted
these rebels on equal tvtms of citizenship, our
war would be an unnecessary waste of life
and treasure,'and treason would have an im
munity from punishment and molestation in
the future. Senators might leave their seats,
go into a war, and if vanquished, come back
again. On this policy, the war would bo
one-sided, arbitrary, and profitless. The
enemy would, in any event, be fighting a
winning battle. If victorious on the field,
they could reorganise new power and estab:
lish new systems. If defeated on the field,
they could appeal to our mercy as brothers,
and come back to tlicir old political dominion.
The people of the war-ridden States appre-
ciate this far more, keenly than our statesmen!
in the North. They announce the practical
policy for dealing with traitors. They can
only return to their homes, or rather to the
communities tliey have injured, after having
met the just retribution of their crimes.
LETTER FROM “ OCCASIONAL.”
Wasuinuto.v, March 18,1862.
Among the most earnest advocates of the
abolition of slavery in the District of Colum
bia, are Bepresentatives and Sonators who
wilt oppose emancipation in the States, unless
on the theory of the President’s last special
message. They demand the removal of the
peculiar institution from this District on two
grounds—first, that Congress has exclusive
jurisdiction over this ten miles square; and
second, that the Constitution does not pro
hibit such legislation. They insist that now
is the time, if ever, to pass such an act; that
such an net once adopted, slavery can never
be restored, and that of the three thousand
persons held in bondage nearly all are tit for
freedom, and that no result would flow from
this policy that would not favorably affect the
Interests of the people immediately concerned
and the reputation of our country among
foreign nations. A clear majority in each
branch of the National Legislature is known
to be in favor of the abolition of slavery here.
In the City Councils, however, a very de
cided opposition is manifested to this moa
sure; but in almost every case it comes
from men heretofore identified with the
interests of slavery, and more latterly
w ith the proscriptive policy of the Buchauan
Administration. To such an extent is this
partisan feeling carried, that tlic same men
literally oppose the oath of allegiance w hich is
proposed to be submitted to the voters at the
coming spriDg election. Like all of their
school, they continue to sympathize with the
rebels, and look forward to the day when the
influence of the traitors in arms may assume
its ascendency, and when Washington may
become as of yore, the headquarters of trea
son. If this war is to be productive of whole
some fruits j if the reign of Secession is to be
forever closed, it will be the duty of Mr. Lin
coln’s Administration, and especially of the
military authorities, to adopt such a.course as
will show that it has not been fought in vain.
Gradually, and, as a consequence of the occu
pation by our armies of the adjacent counties of
Maryland and Virginia, slavery will voluntari
ly or involuntarily retire from these counties,
rendering its extirpation here a comparatively
easy process. When the rebel slaveholders
learn the bitter lesson that they cannot secure
ly maintain their peculiar institution, they will
more to the fat 1 South with their property, and
the soil they leave will bo opened to emigrants
from the free States, who will gladly purchase
it either from the Federal authorities, who
may seize it, or from those who aro already
willing to sell, in view of the fact that it has
become almost worthless to them. And if
this great desideratum is to he accomplished,
it will be the stern duty of the Government to
facilitate the project of abolishing slavery in
the District of Columbia.
The tax bill now before the House is ex
pected to pass that body during the present
week. It will not be seriously amended as
presented by the Committee of Ways and
Means, except possibly in that portion of it
which relates to the tax upon newspapers. A
number of journalists are new here protesting
against this taxation as unjust and burdensome.
They show that, if carried out, it will grievous
ly affect their interests, and lead to the discon
tinuance of some of the most enterprising
publications. Mr. Colfax, the able chairman
of the Committee of Post Offices and Post
Koads, himself an editor of high standing, is,
I learn, preparing an argument to illustrate
and strengthen these points. Notwithstanding
the immense circulation of our American
newspapers, which arc now eagerly purchased
and Toad by millions of our countrymen, it is
a truth that cannot be denied, that, with rare
exceptions, the men engaged upon, and in
terested in, newspaper property are worse paid
than those concerned is other avocations.
They toil in season and out of season, and in
the loyal States have proved to be indefatigable
and unselfish supporters of the Government.
Insisting upon a thorough system of taxation,
and devoted in tlieir efforts to explain tlic ne
cessity of such a measure, they wilt cheorfulty
subniit to any act that may include their pro
perty, but it would be unjust and invidious to
pile upon them heavier loads than those which
others are called upon to boar. Occasional.
The Tracks of the Passenger Railways.
One of the most serious objeetions which the
opponents of passenger railways originally
urged against them is now, to a great extent,
realized, through the neglect of the companies
to keep the bed of their tracks ia a proper
condition. On many streets numerous deep
ruts have been formed on the inside of the
rails, and practically ordinary travel has be
come almost as dangerous and difficult upon
our leading thoroughfares as upon the roads
in Virginia. The wear and tear of drays,
WBgCl>£, and carriages doubtless amounts to
more every week in the aggregate, than it
would cost to fill up all these unsightly and
damaging ruts. The width of the track on
on Chestnut and Walnut streets has almost
entirely obviated this serious difficulty, and it
is to be regretted that other roads did not use
similar rails ; hut having failed to do so, they
should in justice he required to speedily re
pair our streets, and to prevent, hereafter, the
serious damage and inconvenience that is now
so justly complained of by all who are in the
habit of driving through our streets.
The Tonnage Tax Bill,
The following is a copy of tho bill for tho repeal
of the act to commute the tonnage duties, as
amended and passed by the House of Representa
tives. It has not yet been acted upon by the Senate,
having been referred to the Finance Committee on
Monday afternoon:
AN ACT to repeal the act, approved sevonth March,
Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and slxty-one,
entitled “An act for the commutation of tonnage
duties ”
Whereas* An act was pass'd at the last session of the
Ltsiolaliuv, pitfpoHlijg to bo au act for the commutation
of tonnage duties, by means whereof the sum of seven
hundred and fifty-two thousand three hundred and
eight dollars and forty-one cents, or thereabouts, besides
interest ’.beu owing to the State by the Pennsylvania
Railroad Company, and in contemplation of law iu the
Treasury of tt e State, together with a large annual reve
nue Stipulated to V® by the said company as the
price ot its chaiter, and by way of compensation for
the detei iorauon iu value of the main line of the
public works, apprehended and actually inflicted by the
construction and operation of the said road, which revenue
had already reached the sum of three hundred thousand
dollars and upward, and would havo amounted at this
time to a greasy larger sum, with the prospect of indefi
nite increase, were wrongfully withdrawn Irvin the Sink
ing fund provided by the Constitution aud laws of this
State for the payment of the public debt thereof, and
made sacred amt inviolable for that purpose, upon sug
gestions and ccnsiderarfoua which were either in conflict
vnh tho Cor.stitutio i oruttirly illusory and worthless
iu themselves, amounting, :n effect, under cover of a
contract of commutation, to a gratuitous do
nation of all the said moneys ami revenue to a private
c< rporution, without any substantial equivalent what
ever, thereby vtoluting the plighted faith of the State,
increasing the burdens of the purple at a time when
the jifceßyitjes of tho country pre-eminently requir- d the
most rigid economy, And the strictest husbandry of their
rfpources.
Section*!. lie ft enacted by M? Senate and House of
Htpreitniatii'es of the VommvnweaUh of Pennsylvania
in General Assembly 'met, and it is hereby enacted by
the authority of the same. That the said recite! act of
Assembly ol the seventh day of March, Anno Dotniui
one thousand eight hundred and sixey-oue, be, uad the
Mine is hereby, repealed aud tho said tonnage tax or
ties imposed by the act incorporating the said Pennsylva
nia Bail* owl Company, aDd the supplements thereto, Is
hereby restored and imposed and mads payable to tho
Commonwealth in the same manner and upon the same
terms and conditions as though the said repealing act bad
never been pnesed.
£b.-. ii, TW li shall te the duty of the Attorney Go*
ner&l to proceed forthwith to sue for, recover, and collect,
I>» distress or otherwise, the airears of the said t >nuage
tux, which were due and owing at the time of the passage
of the said recited act, which is hereby repealed, together
with such additional tax or duties as would have accrued
upon the tonnage of the said company until the date of
the present act; and for the prop9r ascertainment of tho
amount of the said additional tax, it shall be the duty of
the said company.to file forthwith, ia the office of the
Auditor Generiil, a statement, duly authenticated
oath of the president and treasurer of the g*id company,
of the amount of th«ir business so made taxable for the
intervening period, and also to furnish to tbe Attorney
General, from lime to time, such other and additfoual
etufemeuU, end such Access to their books, ha may
judge necessary for the pnrpese of the said suit, or other
ptocetdings hereby authorised. Provided* however,
tlint tbe moneys paid by the said company, on account
of the said pretended commutation, over ani beyond tho
annual instalment or instalments, payable by them on
their bonds for the purchase money of the public work*,
shall he credited upon the arrears of the said tax* which
w.ro dun and owing nt the passage of thr said repealed
act, end allowed in the collection of the said arrears
pnblic Amusements.
Mr. and Mr a. Darney Williams had a good hou**, anil
an el Ihueia&tlc one, at the Walnut, laet evening- Bke
ney is as droll as ever, while Mrs. W. has lost none of
her vivacity or caricaturing talent. To-night, Mr. Wil
liams appears as Paddy O 1 Itafferty* in “Born to Good
Luck,’ 1 and the lady, in “An Hour in Seville,” plays
e*vi-u cl«»crt£l6F9- ’
Miss Blanche Chapman, tho Eva. of “Uncle Tom's
Cabin,” takes a benefit to-night at the Continental
Theatre. Those who have seen the performance of this
young girl speak of it in tho most enthusiaitic terms*
Wo hope that ft full Uouae will b» Hi® result of the lady’s
appeal.
The complimentary concert to Mr. William Quayle
comes off thiß evonlng at the National Guard Hall,
Race street, below Sixth. Mr. Quayle is well known to
all PblladelphiAns. He is a sweet ballad singer, and but
seldom comes before the public except whoa ho volun
teers for another's benefit. How that an opportunity
OffeiT, we are confident his friends vrlU come forward -
and substantially teitlfy their appreciation of his merits.
People of taste will he pleased to hew that Mr. James
E. Murdoch will give three more readings from his fa
vorite posts; the first of which will iikeplaccs to .mar
row night, at Conceit Hall. Mr. Murdooh Is too well
known as a talented aetpr to need any eulogltttn. To. be
vnalled to lisle* to his readings ia a privilege that should
not be lost.
THE PRESS—PHILADELPHIA, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 19.1862.
FROM WASHINGTON.
Important Action of the Senate Nasal
THE STEVENS BATTERY TO BE COMPLETED,
ViflAjiii MiUbuy foi* Iroiwlnd War Vp«moN.
FEES T 0 RECEIVERS OF PUBLIC LAUDS.
Rupture Between the Spanish and French Le
gations.
Washington, March 18.
Important Action of the Senate Naval
Committee —The Stevens Battery to be
Completed—Fifteen Millions for Iron
dud Wur Steamers.
The Senate Naval Committee, at their meeting this
morning, decided by a format vote to incorporate in an
appropriation hill the sum of $783,000 for thocomplction
of the Stevens Bomb and Shot' proof Battery, now at Ho
toheni New Jersey, avraUic.g completion. They al&6 de
cided to report a bill appropriating fifteen millions for
the construction of iron-clad war steamers. This ena
bles the Secretory of the Navy to either contract for the
construction of an iron Bteam-iam, iron- clad war steam
ers, or irou-6l&<l gunboats, as in his opinion the public
service may require. The com aittoe specify no plana
ncr details, but leave the wVIe matter open ty to the Bu
reau of CoiHstiuction of the Navj* Department. This
important action changes the entire pflicyoftheGo
veinment in maintaining a navy, and places ns in ad
vance of the nations of the earth.
Iron-Clad Vessels in 1812.
The firtt legislation in Congress for iron-clad vessels
was proposed in 1842, {April 14th), In the Senate. Mr.
Stockton reported a bill from the Committee on Naval
Affairs authorizing the construction of a shot anti aboil
preof vessel of the size of a steamer called the Missis
sippi, and making the neceesary appropriation therefor.
It was to be built on the plan of Mr. Robert L. Stk
ykns ; but it seems no action was taken on die bill til]
1802* ten yeara after, when it was brteflr wMhforaiMut
laid aside.
Messrs. llolt and Owen, the commissioners to adjust
and settle the claims under arms aud munition con
tracts. have commenced their labors. The high reputa
tion of these gentlemen for business capacity aud integrity
affords a guarantee to both the claimants and the public
that justice and speedy settlements will be obtained. The
commission was appointed not, as some interested parties
pretend, to delay tho settlement of claims, but to bring
It about at the earliest possible moment. The coiu
mUsioners are located in the suite of rooms formerly
occupied by Secretly Stanton for his law office.
They give their entire attention to claimants, and will be
able to expedite tho work which, if it had to come under
thp.ixfliuiußtion of tho Secretary of Warj conld not he
reached before the rebellion is suppressed aud the war
closed. 7he Government at present is paying only yearly
certificates to claimants whoso accounts have been ad
justed, and requisitions issued therefor by the different
departments. As soon as the requisitions issue in favor
of tho different disbursing officers, yearly ©erfclfUates
will he placed to their credit with the treasury here, and
directions given them to draw against itin favor of those
of whom purchases have been or may be made, in com
pliance with the law which passed Congress yesterday.
An animated debate took place in the flonse to-day
on Senate bill reported from the House Military Com
mittee for medical reform in the army. The act provides
that there shall be added tP the present medical corps of
the army ten surgeons and ten assistant surgeons, twenty
medical cadets, and as many hospital stewards as the
Surgeon General may require. The House committee
amended the bill by promoting the surgeon general from
a colonel to a brigadier general, and by requiring alt pro
motions to be mode from the regular corps, and to make
this increase permanent. Mr. McPheuson, of Pa., de
tired that the bill should pass, as it came from the Senate,
but a vote was not reached.
lii the Senate yesteiday. an amendment was offered to
the Senate bill for the suppression of slavery in the Dis
trict of Columbia, by Mr. Doolittle, of Wisconsin. The
amendment provided that the Government shall aid 41 in
the colonization and settlement, with their own consent,
cf frsP people of color from the District of Columbia in
the Republics of Hayti and Liberia, or elsewhere.” This
provision further amends Mr. Davis’ amendment,-which
provided that the slaves when free should be sent from
Die District peremptorily. It is thought that the effect
of this mii.ndment will be to add a number of Democratic
votes to tbe measure, and secure its passage by a Urger
majority than its friesila expected.
New Legal-Tender Notes to be Printed
and Signed at the Same Time.
Tb. CoiGACtors aro now busily engaged in printing
tbe 51n0,000,000 new Ugal-tendor notes. The:Secretary
of tbe Treasury has authorized them to print the signa
tures of the notes in Jac simile at the same time the note
is printed. This will save the Department a vast amorut
of labor and tneuei'i and enable tho new Issub of the
notes to be made on the Ist of April. Tills is at a much
earlier period than was at first anticipated.
Decision ot the Supreme Court on the
Fees of Receivers of Public Lauds.
The Supreme Court have decided, after an elaborate
argument, two casts —namely, tbe fruited States vs. Lv
sanukh Bahbitt, and the United States vs. Robert
Coles, in favor of the United States, settling therein
the question that the Registers and Receivers of Public
Lards cannot retain the fees on military bounty-land
■variants beyond the compensation of $3,000 per annum,
to which they were limited by the act of Congress of
ISIB. The decision of this long-contested question saves
to the Government nesrly a million dollars. Tho argu
ment on tehalf of the Government was prepared by As
sistant Attorney General Coffey.
ginia, were released from the Old Capitol prison to-day
by order of the War Department, they having previ
ously taken the oath of allegiance.
The cominlwlon, General Dix and Judge
Fjkui'Oxt, have changed their places of meeting from
the State to the iVar Department. Among the prisoners
ordered tube released to-day is Mrs. Momus, of Baltimore,
whoee crime was corresponding in cipher with Slavoni, a
prisoner In i'ert Warren, known as personating a JPionoh
lady, and superintending (he seizure of the steamer St*
Nicholas* on the Potomac river. She, like the others
wassetatlifaerty on taking the oath of allegiance. W. H.
Mnbjivrv, of Alexandria, was also released. No per
sonal interviews can be had with tbe commission. AU
Statements, with regard to the prisoner?, most be re
duced to writing, and addressed either to the commission
or to their secretary, E. D. Wkustkr, Esq.
The Illinois Coffee Tree.
W. T. Dkxnis, of the Agricultural Bureau, informs us
that n considerable inuuiry has been made ia reference
to the “ Illinois Coffee Tree.” Mr. Dasxid says that
this is tbe plant imported by the Agricultural Division iu
1854, UDder the name of Garbanzo, (Cicer arietiuum,) er
chick-pea, from Alicante, in Spain. This is an auuual
plant, much cultivated in the*onth of Europe, as welt as
in Asia and Africa. Cooked whole, it is not easy of di?
gestion; but when eaten in the form of a soup or por
ridge, it is much esteemed. The famous Parisian dish
called puree awe croutons* and the olid podrida of
Spain, particularly the former, are composed of this pea.
In warm countries, it is sown in autumn, aud harvested
the following summer ; but in » more totnpmte climate,
it is sown in spring, and gathered in Autumn just before
its perfect maturity, in order that it may more really be
cooked. How far this article may be substituted for
coffee, the Bureau is unable to say.
Attempt to Obtain Government Aid to
Eentatives here, preparing applications to Congress for
pecuniary aisistauco to complete present lines aud open
new routes, to an amount exceeding, in tbe aggregate,
fifteen millions of dollars. A strenuous effort will be made
to induce Congress to aid tlieir plans, either by the .Go
vernment endorsing the bonds, or in the shape of a dona
tion, upon the ground of national necessity.
Cadets to West Point—Nominations by
The President has made the following appointments of
cadets, at large, at West Point, viz.:
Ed. W. Baker, of Illinois; Albert S. Baylesa, of Ken
tucky; Wm. H. Uphara, of Wisconsin ; Fred. A. Mahew,
of Few York; Henry B. Wallen, Jr., of Georgia; Arthur
Tracy too* of Maßaachaßrtta; Kdwarfl Everett §hw*Pi ?f
Missouri; Erasmus 0. Gaines, of Illinois; Travers Jones,
of Pennsylvania, and Charles Woodson Bates, of Mis
souri. Also, Richard Taylor Churchill, from the District
of Columbia. The last mentioned Is a son of tbe late
Churchill; U. S. A., wlo died In the service in
Mexico.
Difficulty among the Allies in Mexico—
ltupture between the Spanish and French
.Legations.
Diplomatic circles are sensibly disturbed by authentic
Bswa received hefce from Cuba, indicating theooonmnoe
of a serious misunderstanding between tbe Allied Powers
in Mexico—the probable departure of tbe British forces
ftom that country, the return of Beveral Spanish regi
ments from Vera Cruz to Havana, and the augmentation
of the French forces in Mexico. A rupture between tbe
Spanish and French legations in Mexico is Bijpp?3©d to
have occurred.'
IMajor General Barn side.
Brigadier General BcuxaiDE was, this afternoon, con
firmed by the Senate as a major general of volunteers;
Colored Persons and the Mails.
Mr. Sumxek introduced the following bill to-day, which
vas referred to the Portal Committee of tbe Senate :
Jff.it enacted, etc. f That from and after the passage
vi this net, no person, Ly rnaduu of shall lie dis
qualified from employment In carrying the mails, aud all
acts establishing such ci»ju.-»ttlkcati<m. including espe
cially the seventh section of the act of March 3,1825, are
hereby repealed.
Affairs xta New Granmla
Information itceiyfcd ut thv State Uepartmeni frvm
Kew Granada incicateß a vigorous reaction against
Geo. Moeqnera. Neither the Government of the United
btatea nor that of Great Britain has ever recognized his
Government.
Kdvard Harts recently died in Washington, aged 45
years, lie was a native of New York, educated to the
bar, and served an a lieutenant in the Mexican war.
For twenty years he was prominent as a journalist. He
liod resided for the last two years iu Califoi nta.
EfODi MAKTnr F. Oo*nrAY r of Kftu»fte, lift* Wfe absent
for a week past from the Bouse of Representatives, In
consequence of a severe attack of the gastric fever.
There remain but ten sections in the tax bill to be
CQ&ti4t£?4 before the list of nrtlrtes to be taxed is
reached.
Committee*
Gen. Burnside Hado a Major General.
DECISIONS or THE SUPREME c6uRT.
Political Prisoners Released.
Government Aid to Unfinished Railroads,
NOMINATIONS FOR WEST POINT.
THE MEXICAN DIFFICULTY*
Special Despatches to 44 The Press.**
The War Contract Commission
Medical Reform in the Army.
The Colonization Question.
Release of PoUtical Prisoners.
Sixteen prisoners, principally from Maryland and Vir-
VnfininlAil Railroads.
It is reported that there aro various railroad repre*
the President.
Obituary.
Personal.
Tax Bill.
Slavery in the District of Columbia.
Tho Senate to-day considered the bill for the “ release
AT ci-rtAiii persons held to service In the District of Co
lumbia*" An a great deal of interest is manifested In
this subject, 1 briofly recapitulate tbe points of the pend
ing bill. The first a Action provides that after the pass ago
of this act slavery shell not exist In this District, and the
second section that all slaveholders, within ninety days
from tho Turnings of this net, a mill prosent to three ewa
iirissiouer.*, to be appointed, their statements, verified by
oftlli, hutting forth the names, age*, and personal de
scription of all prisons held by them iu involuntary
servitude, declaring their aUeglnncu at the eaue
tlmo to this Government; The third section antho*
rl7en tho President to appoint the three commissioners
uarutd, who shall determine the validity and value of tho
claim of said slaveholders: Provided, that the entire
sum so appropriated shall not, in the aggregate, exceed
An amount emud to tbe for each person shown to
have a lawful claim. .Section fourth requires the com
missioners to make a final report of their proceedings in
nine months to tho Secretary of tho Treasury, holding
their sejsions in Washington. The Marshal of the Dis
trict of Columbia is required to attend the ses-ions of
the idmmtustaiiswj, who fihall aluo have power to summon
persons. These commissioners are to rcceivo si,ooo
eaoh, and a clerk $2OO per month. The second section
Appropriates a euro nat exceeding one million. Any
person who shall kidnap a person into slavery thus freed
tshrll lie deemed guilty of felony and be sent to tbe peni
tentiary for fire years,
Mr. Davis, of Kentucky, proposes an amendment:
That all persons liberated under this act shall be colo
nized out of the United .States. BU>O,(JUO is appropri
ated for the purpose.
The Select Committee on Starke Case,
After a long discussion in the Senate to da)', the case
of Senator Starke, of Oregon, charged with disloyalty
by some citizens of Oregon, was-referred to a select
committee, composed of Clark, Howauo,
WmiiiiT, Willey, and Umo, with power to avndfor
persons and papers.
Indemnity to a Danish Bark.
The President has recommended to Congress an appro
priation of nearly $2,000 as an imlemuity to the owner
and captain of tho Danish bark Jorgen LorciUhcn %
Which was intercepted by the ship Mvrniny Light while
on her way from Rio Janoiro to Havana, on suspicion
that she intended to rtm the blockade, and was sent to
the port of New York.
Bombardment on the Mississippi.
THE FIGHT AT ISLAND No. 10.
OFFICIAL DESPATCH.
Cairo, March 18.—To the Secretary of the Navy
News was received at 9 o'clock this morning, from the
flag-ship Benton , dated “ Near Island No. 10, March
17,” as follows:
»We had hard work this afternm with the upper
battery of all at this point- Four shots only struck US
out of the fire of the five forts of the enemy. One shot,
after striking the upper deck twice and tho lower deck
once, breaking some half-a-dozen beams, fiually lodged in
th@ (lag-officer’s desk, depositing itself in the drawer ns
quietly as passible.
“ We have battered the forts all to pieces, dismounting
one gun ; but night came upon us, anl we had to leave
without finishing the work. But to-morrow we will go at
him again.
U A rifled gun hurst on board the St, Louis and killed
two men outright, mortally woundod two, and slightly
wounded ten others. These are the only casualties.
“ The mortars are doing well.
“ A. M. PENNOOK,
Senior Officer.”
[NEWSPAPER DESPATCH.]
Chicago, March 18.—A messenger who has just ar
rived from the bombardment of Island Xo. 10 mahes the
following report:
Yesterday our boats kept up an incessant fir© during
the entire day*
Tho rebels have six distinct batteries on the Tennessee
shore.
Ono shot struck the steamer Benton , killing oie man
and wounding seven.
One of the rifH4 gnus w ths Louis burst, wouud
ifig Several.
Tbe St. Louis was struck several times.
The enemy are very strongly fortified. They have a
large number of troops on tho mainland. The shells from
the UWtftre fall in th? enemy’s entrenchments every
time.
All the mortars are to leave immediately.
The Latest.
Chicago, March 18. —The Times* special despatch
fiehi Cairo to-day says ■
In the engagement yesterday tbe gnuboat Cincinnati
received a shot which iB said to have damaged her ma
chinery.
Tbe bursting of the gun on the Sf. Louis killed two,
mortally woundod two, and severely wounded ten per-
sons.
Nobody was hurt on the ilag-ship, aud no damage was
done to any of theother vessels of the fleet.
Nothing lias yet been heard of the land forces at New
Madrid.
IMPORTANT FROM MISSOURI.
FIGHT -A. T SALEM.
ROUT OF THE REBELS.
ONE HUNDRED OF THEM KILLED.
Many Fruonen Taken, including Three Colonels,
Van Dorn and Price Going South.
801 l a, Mo., March 18.—A short time since, anticipa
ins rpbri jnpyementa in Texas county, Missouri, Gen.
Haileck ordered two companies of troops, aod two light
steel six-pounders, mounted on two wheels, aud drawn
by two horses, .tinder Col. Wood, to repair to that vicini
ty. Finding no enemy there, Col. Wood pushed on to Sa
lem, Fulton county, Arkansas, where he encountered a
largely superior fot'ee of rebels, and after ft sharp fight,
routed th3Di, killing about 100, and taking many prison
ers, among them three colonels. Our loss was about
fifty.
The prisoners taken by Gen. Curtis at Pea Ridge are
eu route for St. Loute under a proper guard.
The reports that General Curtis is in a dangerous posi*
tion are false. Forego for his cavalry is scarce, but in
other respects the situation of our troops is cheering.
The demoralized and crippled forces or Generals Price
and Van Dorn are moving South.
Official Account.
Hkadqcaktkius, St. Loo?) March 18,15G2.
To Hon. E. M. Sta>'TON, Secretary of War, Washington:
A scouting party under Lieutenant Colonel Wood and
Major Drake, cousiatir g of about 250 men of the Sixth
Missouri and Third lowa Cavalry, encountered, near
Salem, Arkansas, shout 1,000 of the enemy, nader Cols.
Coleman, Woodsides, and McFarland. After a severe
fight, the enemy were defeated, with the lose of Colonel
Woodsides, and about 100 killed and wounded, and a
considerable number of prisoners. Our loss was 25 killed
and wounded. li. Wi IiALJLHGK,
Major General.
FROM LOUISVILLE.
REBEL ATTACH Ol* A RAILROAD TRAIN*
RAILROAD ACCIDENT.
Loi'TßYin.E, March 18.—Yesterday morning the train
from Bowling Green to Nashville was interrupted at Gtl?
latin by a party of rebel cavalry under Captain John
Morgan, who ran the train off the track, and took pri
soners about thirty bridge-builders, en route to Nash*
ville to rebuild the bridge over the Cumberland.
The only remaining locomotive on the Memphis branch
of the Louisville and Nashville road, near Bussell villa,
exploded yesterday, killing the engineer, conductor, por
ter, and brakesman. This suspends rail communication
on the branch for the present.
Official Order—Army Corps,
IIVABQUARTEnS AkMT Of THI POTOMAO, )
Fairfax Court House, March 18,1862. )
GENERAL ORDERS, No. 101.
In compliance with the President's war order, No. 2,
of March 8,1862, the active portion of the army of the
Potomac is formed into army corps, as follows:
First Corps, Major General IrVlfe McDowell, to con
sist, for the prejant, of the divisions of Generals Frank
lin, McCall, and King.
Second Corp*, Brigadier General S. T. Sumner, con
sisting of the divisions of Bichardßon, Blanker, and
Sedgwick.
Third Corps, Brigadier General 8. P. Heiutzelman,
consisting of the divisions of F. J. Portor, Hooker, and
Hamilton.
Fourth Corps, Brigadier General E. I). Keys, consist
ing of the divisions of Conch, Smith, and Casey.
Fifth Corps, Major General N. I*. Banka, consisting of
the divisions of Williams and Shields,
The cavalry regiments attached to the divisions will
for the present rtmain so. Subsequent orders will pro
vide for these regiments, &b well as for the reserve artil
lery, rogular infantry, and regular cavalry.
AMongMiienta will bemadi to unite the divisions of
each army corps aa promptly as possible.
The commanders of divisions will at onco report in
person, or, where that is impossible, by letter to the com
mander of their army corps.
By Wlttßirod of Major General McClellan.
a: y. golbubn,
Assistant Adjutant General.
From Fortress Monroe.
Fortress Monroe, March 17, via Baltimore.—No
progress has yet been mode in repairing the telegraph
cable, tbo water being still too rough. All is quiet hero.
The steamer State of Georgia arrived from New York
this morning.
There lias been no- flag of truce, and we are without
news from Norfolk. There is much anxiety In regard
to Col* Corcoran and the Union prisoner*-
From Nassau, N. F
Nkw York, March 18.—A letter from Nassau, N.P.,
ou the 9th in at., states that the steamers Ella Warlty
with I,GCO bales of cotton, and Kate, from Keraandina,
had arrived there. The cargo of the first namca steamer
whs to be transfemd to the ship BonsaU.
The British schooner Robert reel had also arrived
from Charleston, and the steamer Cecelia from Dungeon
Creek, Ga The crew of the Elia Worley deserted, and
hive iitpjvrd hvTo (<tt. N**w Tori-) They state that that
bj ip van the blockade on the night of Fohruary 27, and
crossed ItattlOMiake Shoal, there wai but two and
a half fathoms of watej, the ship ura«lng chirreon foot.
. They saw some lights at a distance, which were supposed
to be from one of the blockading fleet.
The folk wing vessels wet 1 * at Hiarleston when they
The Xfiwan- for Liverpool, with 1,800 bales of
rollon; the brig Mary If Tight) (formerly the Hetty
>*lo, I,LW> bales- u.l»oAi*d ‘ RUd tllG brig Mil
Wei**, laden with cotton- All wore waiting for an op
portunity to get ont. A .
The Mary Wright was commanded by Captain Libby,
formerly of the privateer Sally. .
Provisions at Charleston were very high. Butter and
coffee sold at 91 per pound.
The Elia Worley wo* to bA übt to Havana take
sold, the owners intending to pi\rthft«e the 3p%telah
ifeamer Ocean Jfird, which is said to be a faster ■vessel
than ihe Ella.
The British steamer GJadtaiw* was at Nassau, sup
posed to be waiting for a cargo.
The Frigate Niagara at Key West.
Nhw Yowi, March 18.—Letters from Kay West slat©
that the V. B. Ligate iYinoaro.whs going in at
on the. \m inst.
Markets by Telegraph.
Cincinnati, March IS.— Flour'* quiet at- $4 25®4.30;
Whisky firm at 19 ; Providon* unchanged ; Mess Pork
ftiLTloll i RioUw dull M fiMmitiDL
HIM CONGRESS-FIRST SESSION.
conimAKD or troops m the field.
The Contracts for Stevens' Floating Battery.
Hpsoluilan of Inquiry upon tit** Subject.
Judicial Proceedings on Captured Pro
perty Legalized.
the law of fbizes hade effective.
Tin: LOYALTY OF 31H. STARKE
Reference of the Question to a Select Committed.
Further Amendments to the Tax-Bill,
'Washiuoto*, March 18,1862.
SENATE.
liwUutt Ajvpi'oi»i'intloii Bill*
Mr. FEfSENUEN (Rep.), of Maine, from the Com
mittee on Finat ce, reported back the Indian appropria
tion bill without amenoment.
Stevens* Floating Battery*
He also offered a resolution that the Secretary of the
Nffyy ffirsfdi 11 e Senate copies of nil contracts with E.
Tj. Stevens, for the floating battery. Also* a statement
of nil payments and advances on said contracts, and tne
reports of the commissioners to examine the said battery.
Adopted.
Mail Transportation!
Mr. SUMNER (Bop ),of Massachusetts, introduced a
bill to remove all dUquulificatloui of color iu carrying tlio
mails Referred.
Assigning Command.
Mr. WILSON (Rep), of Massachusetts, from the
Military Commuter* retorted back the joint resolution
authorizing the President to assign the command of
troops in liiu field without regard to seniority, with an
amendment striking out the provision giving the Presi
dent the power to dismiss from the service The amend
ment was adopted, aud the resolution was passed.
Captured Property*
On motion of Mr. TRUMBULL (Rep.), of Hlinota,
the blii to proride for judicial proceedings nti C&ptUPOd
property, ana tor the better administration of the law of
prize, was taken up and passed.
Case of Mr. Starke.
The resolution offered by Mr. STARKE (Deni ), of Ore
gon, that the papers, 4c., in reference to the loyalty of
Mr. Slftrk?i he referred to the Committee oil the Judiciary,
for fuither investigation, was taken up.
Mr. HALE (Hep.), of New Hampshire, thought the
Question already settled, and hoped that the Senate would
spend no more time upon it.
Mr. HOWARD (Bep.), of Michigan, wanted to kuow
if the Senator from Oregon Intended to go into an inves
tigation of the Question.
Mr. STARKE said that hfe offered tliereaolutiou in ar*
df r to show that ho had no indißpOßition to meet the
charge of disloyalty anywnere, but he had no intention of
being his own prosecutor.
Atter further discussion, participated in by Messrs.
Ihowtiluj!, Howard, Trumbull, and Howe,
Mr. AYILKINBON (Rep.), liU'Yttl to lay the vewhltiPß
on the table. Disagree d to. Yeas—Messrs. Halo* Sauls
bury, and Wilkinson. Nays So.
M r. TBUM BU LL (Rep.), moved to amend the resolution
so hs to make.it telerable to a select committee of five.
Adopted
The resolution was then adopted—yeas 37, nays 3
yiz; Messrs. Bayftisl, Hole, and Sftulsbury.
Crew of the Cumberland.
Mr. CLARK (Bep ), of New Hampshire, introduced a
bill to furnish clothing and supplies to the sailors and men
belonging to thesloop-of-war Passed.
Slavery iit the District*
50110 bill for tlio abolition of slarMT in the District of
Columbia was then taken up.
Mr. HALE (Rep.) said that he meroly wished to reply
to the statement of the Senator from Kentucky in re
gard to the effects of this bill if passod. The most dan
gerous and fatal form of skepticism is when it suggests
that it is unsafe to perform a pmin and Bimplo duty tor
i< ar of disastrous £6h&4 wuces. The question of eman
cipation has rarely been argued, in this country, on the
great fundamental principle of right and wrong. Tho
question was never asked in political circles wbat to do
to the individual, but what are to bo the consequences.
Men forget to look at the object to be effected in view of
the inherent right of manhood, and of the gr*'at question
of hutn&blty, ClitistUnity, and duty ' but they ask urliat
will be the consequences on the price of augur, tobacco,
and cotton.
The Senator from Kentucky (Mr Davis) looks upon
it in that view entirely. He says, the negroes to be
liberated by this bill will become a burden and a charge
On the H bite poputawon ] become criminals and paupers,
and he a pfefet to society; and the power whicn undertakes
to liberate them should relievo the white population of
such a burden. But there are other predictions aud facts
which show different consequences of emancipation. You
referred to the emancipation in the British West India
inlands. Jamaica was the oul) one that deteriorated in
exports since the emimtlp&iteft, aud tliifl began long before
emancipation. In Barbaeoes, the exports increased more
than double since emancipation; and in what was called
the Leeward Islands the exports increased since emanci
pation some three million pounds, and tho imports show a
Htill wore favorable result, being an increase uf £215,835.
An opponimity ia now presented to the nttti 9 n 10 try the
experiment iu this district of ten miles which other uatioua
try on a great scale. Bo did not ask that any provision
ot the Constitution be trampled under foot, for he believed
it was conceded that Congress bad tho right to legislate
for tbe District of Columbia. Tho Snpreme Court, he
believed, had not decided against that. The inaugura
tion of emancipation iu the West Indies did not lead to
any such reswlis &a the Senator feftrid ! but that tho re
sult of that emancipation fnliy proved the justice and
wisdom, atd also the expediency, of the measure.
He said ibat nothing was more unjust than to enslave
and keep iu degradation and ignorance the black race, an t
then abuse and deride them because they were not able
989? *9 to equality with their masters. There were
Other prophecies beside that of the Senator from Kentucky
in regard to emancipation, which foretold a different re*
enlt. He read from the fifty* t ighth chapter of Isaiah a
prophecy, and said that the country had tho opportunity
io test whether that prophet or the Senator from Ken
tucky wall <1 true foreteller of the consequences or this
biii.
On motion of Mr. WILSON (Bep.), of Massachusetts,
the subject was postponed till to-morrow, and tho Senate
went into executive session aid subsequently adjourned.
house df representatives.
Medical Department ii tllA Al’Hiy..
The Bouse proceeced to the consideration of the Se
nate bill to increase the t flictancy of tne medical depart
ment of the army.
During the discussion, Mr. BLAKE (Rep*), of Ohio,
said he liud no doubt that the army of the Potomac hod
meivtd EO Jii medical altvuiioifi but it was pot so with
the Western boys, who had been murdered by neglect.
He bad received letters from fathers and mothers be-
Beaching him to have something done to Bave the lives of
their children.
Mr. BLAIR ( Bep.), of Missouri, replying, said that, with
a view to tho efficiency of the corps, the first stupa to be
taken, were to place at the head of tho Medical Depart
ment a Director General, who, comhiumgexperience with
great surgical skill, would be aWe to give efficiency and
vigor to all business pertaining to the bureau, which was
for the benefit of the volunteers as well as the regulars.
Mr. BLAKE caused to be read an article iu the
CincinnHi Times, showing the gross inefficiency iu the
medical department of the West, which
Mr. KELLOGG (Bep.)* of Illinois, prsnounoed a
scurrilous and a vile slander, as was apparent upon its
very lace. It was in bad taste to hnve it read here.
Mr. BLAKE regretted extremely that the gentleman
thought it necessary to administer to him such a rebuke.
His want of good taste might be owing to his early train
ing. The article contained facts which came under the
eclfer e dwii ohssf vnlion, and was not scurrilous.:
The subject was then passed over.
The House then went into Committee of the Wlwleon
the tax bill.
The proceedings were confined to discussing and
amending the general provisions of the bill.
The Home then adjourned.
PENNSYLVANIA LEGISLATURE.
Hxßßisaaao, March IS, 1863.
SENATIt
The Senate was called to order at XI o*ctock by the
Speaker-
Prayer by Rev. Mr. Robinson, of Harrisburg.
Mr. CONNKLL piosented a remonstrance against the
supplement to the North Philadelphia Plank-road Com
pany ; also, two petitions in lover of the passage of said
supplement.
Mr. SMITH, of Montgomery, several petitions lelative
to sealer of weights and measures in Montgomery county;
also, a pciitiou from members of the bar oi 3fontgomsry
county, for the passage of an act requiring the court to
appoint such person auditors, Ac., as the counsel inte
rested may agree upon
Bills liitrodHCfd,
Mr. BEN£ON, a supplement to the Jersey Shore,
Btate Lino, and Pine Creek Railroad Company.
Mr. KINbKY, a snpploment to tho Hilltown Turnpike
Boad Company, in Bucks county. Taken up and passed.
Bills Considered, kc>
The bill to incorporate the tittle Beaver Valley Rail.
i-sftd Company come up in order* and passed;
Mr. McCLURR, from tho committte of conference on
the subject, reported an agreement on the bill providing
for the a*.judication and payment of military claims,
which was agreed to, and the bill passed.
On motion of Mr. STEIN, the bill to restore % separate
representation to the counties of Bedford, Somerset,
Perry, and Uumbarland was taken up. An amendment
was* otiered disconnecting the counties of WeetsibrelAikd
and Armstrong, and the bill postponed.
On motion ot Mr. CONNELL, the supplement to tho
Wyoming-avenue Plank-road Company was taken up
and passed.
Sir CONNELL a’so called up the supplement to the
Grets and Coates street Passenger Railway, which pass
ed finally. '
On motion of Mr. BOUND, the supplement to the New
York and Middle Coal Field Railroad and Coal Company,
was considered and parsed. , .
On motbn of Mr. BKNSON, the bill relative to the Ti
oga county Bank was considered and passed.
Adji-uriivd.
HOUSE.
The House met at 10 o’clock, Hou. John Rowe,
Speaker, in the chair.
Prayer by tho Bev. Mr. Ganx
On motion of Mr. 1H till AM, of Allegheny, a com
mittee of thiee wai appointed by the -jhair, to Join with
a life? committee from the tonute, to accompany tho
remains of Goi. Ciuueron tv the pUc© of burUl.
The committee on thd pait of the House consists of
Messrs. Barron, McClellan, Cochran.
Private Caleiwlar*
The following bills passed their first reading to-day:
An A9s to authorize the councils of the city of Pitts
burg to compiomise with the holicra of bonds of said
city, issued in payment of subscriptions to tlio capital
Ftork of certain railroad companies.
An act to extend and renew tho charter of the Co
lumbia Bank. , .
An oct to extend the charter of the Loocasteir County
Bunk. auuimlwJi ■ ,== } , ,
Au act to incorporate -tho Fanners’ mid Mtehamca
Bank of Shippeusburg. ' . . .. _
An act to extend Fifteenth street, m the sity of Phila-
incorporate tlio Mahoning. Valley Railroad
°A« act ? elating to tlie Philadelphia and Iteadiug Rail
road Company. Object'd to by Mr-B©u»Lyh«aiuu.a it
inlcrfcml with vestou rights. . - ,
An. act lo incorporate the Jamestown- and* l roakiiu
Railroad Company.
A further supplement to an act incorporating the Arte
and Pittsburg, itallioad Company.
A further sunpleroent to an act entitled. “ An act to in
wrjorstsMw
way Company of riiiladdpbis, approved April LU,
A supplement to an acteulitled “All act to. iucorpi
rate the Pennsylvania Training School for FoebltMttmdeu
•and ldictic Children,” approved April T, I«SS.
A supplement to an act relating to certain records of
the city of- Philadelphifv, approved March
An !,ct to authorize tho Harmony Fire Cmapany of
iMulatUlpliiato cclbciand receivo-moheyk thSA and has
coming due. -
An net to incorporate the Sutomological SocnAy of
Pbil»*tel|ih»H.
Joint
At 12 o'clock Sf the Senate* escorted by 4ho House
ccnanilicfe, / Uouars. Dennis and Windnyi)i uußt Slur Mouse
of Bepreaematives in joint convoutiou- foe the turiNM* of
awariitog the contract for the public puittiwg, Speaker
Bail-in the ulour.
The following proposals wore received.:
•l | iPO . r. na. ajiievd to do il for three jvais at 4» per
centum ta-tew - tt!<\*Tß>» ia 'S®'mV? A|,nl 9 ’
)HnB t and The supplnment of Fenmary -5, iw—
lifcrge Bcrgtiec at liKpcr cont*. bclo.iK.
A. Boyd Hamilton a* 56 1-16 per cent, briow.
Y Hummel and T. H. SclmlTer at 33>i percent, below.
11. tfiug.rtj mid tV. 11. My«’S,of iSUsbnrg, at 69*
Bt*r ('«•!<!. tifclow.
.1. IV Kennedy. e f l’ittabufg, at SZ% per cent, below,
Tbo 81'JCAJiKK ilfCWod tnati as Mesne. B. Singwly
and W. H. Myerß, nt Piusbarg, YnA agreed to de the
public printing at the lon wit rate, they wore allotted too
public printing for three years.
At 12.13 V. M. the convention adjourned.
llause &o salon.
The House resumed the consideration of the private
e *Anaotto ipftflliM the actswid proceedings of lhel?\>*rd
of Auditors of the roiUtlA fund of the Third Brigade,
Kighlh Pi vision Vtnr.sjlvania Militia, was considered.
Lest,
Bills Passed,
On motion of Mr. THOMPSON, ftn a:t to iaovrjr>i»le
tie Jackson Hall Association of the Twenty-fourth wart,
j Philadelphia, m u Pi m<?t &'•>? P MSoa >
On motion of Mr. EMITS, of Philadelphia, the House
took up an net to prevent the fraudulent me of casting*.
The bill compels persons to procure patterns made of
wood, instead of making a metallc casting Btrve as a pat
tern. The bill prhmxl
MlHtftry Clnliiii
The committee of conference of the two houses, to
whom was referred the bill relative to tho adjudication
of certain military claims, reported through their chair
man, Mr. SHANNON, that they Amended the bill on
pawed by the Bourn «o that, instead of the Secretary of
(he Commonwealth bains on tho beard, the commissary
general is inserted in his place. lustaad ot referring the
dunitges claimed for csnips and quarters of volunteer* to
the central board, it refers those claims to the judges of
tho Courts of Common Pleas of the counties iu which the
lands lie, they to appoint three disinterested appraisers
to assess damngog.
The bill, a# (bus amended, &W&IU the signature of the
Governor to bcconio a law.
At one o’clock the House took a recess till three P. 31,
AFTERNOON SESSION.
The House reassembles at threo o'clock.
Bills maxed*
The following bills were pahshl :
An act repealing certain acts Incorporating railroads.
A further supplement to the act incorporating the Se
cond and Third-streets Passenger Railway Company.
A supplement to tho act iacorporating tbo Pennsyl
vania Training School fur Feebleminded Children.
A supplement to the act relating to certain records In
Philadelphia.
An act to incorporate the Entomological Society of
I’hftarielphia. >
At five o’clock, tho proclamation issued by Andrew
Jackt-on, President of the Unite! States to the people of
SomliOaroliua, in 19!)2i roladToto nnllificatioa. was read
by the clerk.
The House then adjourned.
The Remains of Colonel Cameron*
ILuthianuito, March 18.—The remains of Col. Jamas
Cameron, who was killed at the battle of Bull Hun, ar
rived boro from Washington last evening, on route for
Smtbnry. The escort irom this point constated of Hon.
Eli blffer, Adjutant General A. L. Russell, aud General
It. C. Hale; also, committees of both branches of the Le
gesture, consist lug of Messrs. Serrill, Reilly, and Irish,
of the Scnntp, and Moesrs. Cochran, McClellan, and
Barron, of tho House.
From Key West—Porter’s Mortar Fleet.
Nrw York, March 18.— Advices from Key West of
the 10th hurt., report tho sailing of Porter’s mortar fleet.
LETTER FROJI NEW YORK.
The Chamber of Commerce • mid Iron-clad
Mar Vessels: Its Action in the Premises:
Interesting Opinions from Leading Men—
The Arrival of the Kvanokc—The Com
merce of Xow Yorki
[Correspondence of The Press.]
New Youk, March 18,1882.
The Chamber of Commerce met to-day to hear the
report of the Committee oq Harbor Rofoncos, which had
just returned from Washington. Mr. A. A. Low made
the first etalehieiit for lli6 <s&nifiillt£6. U&t&llli
“The committee appointed at the last meeting of the
Chamber of Commerce to visit Washington, upon the in- ;
Vitation of the head of the War Department, left this city
on Thursday, and had, agreeably to appointment, an in
terview on Friday evening.
[T it DtJtgntions from tho Boards of Trade of Boston and
Pbiladelpliiu were algo present. The recent appearance
in Hampton Hoads of tho iron*clad steamer Aferrijjiac,
on her destructive mission, her probable, reappearance,
the means to be adopted for repelling this or similar in
vaders of our ports, and topics of a kindred character,
GGVllpitd fhe.wlwle evening. Without attempting to re
late what was said on either side, the committee may
state, as the result of their interview, that the following
conclusions werereacbcd :
c< That ston* forts, with tho usual armament, do not
present any sufficient obstacles to the ingress of iron-clad
vessels into our harbors
♦♦That vessels oi the iVonffor’* description may enter
and assail any fcoutberh port wiihvnt rM4 of harm to
themselves.
“ That vessels of this or similar construction are as
good for tho defence of our ports, as they are for the as
sault of others.
“ That, in view of the magnitude of the interests in
ypjyed, it ia the duty of the cities of Bouton, Philadel
phia. and lYeiu Turk to enter at once upon the creation
of iron-clad vetsels of the requisite strength and power
to cope with the Merrimac or otaerformidable batteries,
ebou'.d Mich appear on the scene of our present conflict.
“That, to this eno, it is right and proper that the
wealth, the activity, and tho energy and skill of this me
tropolis, and of the other cities named, should, forthwith,
be placed at liie command oi tho Government,
“ That our insurance companies, banks, and moneyed
institutions, in common with our wealthy men, should
be appealed to for contributions, in the name of the com
mon safety, and of tho common good, in behalf of a noble
country, and in the spirit. of an enlightened patriot Um.
“It i? quo to tho Secretary of War to atrito that such
was the burden of hie appeal to the Now York commltt-e ;
that whatever may have been the errors of the past, it
was the duty of all, whether iu or out of office, to look
only to the future; by promptitude of action, by energy
of movement, and by generous emalatiou iu well-doing,
$9 prepare, by present vigor, what has been lost by
neglect.
“ Tho soveral delegations left Washington actuated by
one spirit and animated by one resolve, laithfully to re
present, with all the earnestness in their power, the
urgency of immediate and de-.isive action on the part of
the several cities reprew-ntert by them.
i* What course the appeal will take in Massachusetts
or Penns) lvania, your committee are not prepared to
say ; but they were all of cue mind, that in Now York
it may safely rest npnn the well established generosity
of this community; that they may confidently look to the
insurance companies, and banking institutions, and the
merchants, tor £500,000, to be lodg»d in the hands of a
suitable committee Whenever jetiuired for the purposes
iu view, so that ali delays of State or city legislation
may be avoided.
“ It was stated to your committee that two iron-clad
vessels are building at Mobile and one in Now Orleans,
and all are supposed to be far advanced; and moreover,
that without the pe» eonal contributions of Southern men
aid itoutliern women, (lie rsMliva would lava failed to
present to our vision ft menace so formidable as that of
the Virginia and other vessels of a like character that
have appeared at Hampton Roads and New Orleans, and
that now threaten our safety from tho harbor of Mobile.”
Mayor Opdyke said that ha had titllo to add to Mr.
Low’s Btftttmf uti liv enirt time no tin)? was (9 V? ;
that immediate action was necessary; that in ninety
days a floating fortification could be got ready. A few
days since, on receipt of the news of the Merrimac
having attacked our fleet in Hampton Beads, not a
man nor a pound of powder was in any of our harbor
fortifications.
<japt. IMcssch said that Mddtls of tka Monitor had
been suggested. He was of opinion that iu forty days a
fleet of bdihH gmi boats could be constructed, shielded
wi-h iron at the bow, with guns of immense calibre run
ning fere and art, which could guard the channel against
the entrance o f any such vessel as tho Warrior,
Capt Morgan said: Wo were not expecting vessels
of-wnr from Europe immediately, and tho safeguard
needed was not one against European vessels, but
against just such vessels as tho Mcrrimac and Monitor.
He snid that in 4$ hours a fleet or tugboats could ba
fitted up as steam rams, with such power as to sink any
iron-clad vessel which might attempt to come into the
bitrVw, , .. .. ..
Peter Cooper said he hAd written to Mr. Hall, sug
gesting to him that the §lOOO,OOO proposed for the con
struction of one large vessel for defensive purposes,
should be divided into sums of §lO,OOO each, for the
building of steam tarns. He was certain that the steam
ran: was the institution which should be established.
Win, h, Podge was in favor of keeping the proceedings
of the chamber And suggested that the reporters’
copy be examined by the chairman before they be al
lowed to leave ihe room.
On motion of Captain Nye, the following resolutions
were adopted:
Resolved, That the report of the select committee be
accepted, and their action approved.
Hmnlval, In view of tlig importantinteresta iOYS>!7?<! !b
the statements made by the committee, and the practical
suegertions connected therewith, that a select committee
of 'seven members be appointed by Ibe president, with
power to carry the same into elTect. That iu appointing
the committee the three gentlemen who have just re
limivd fn>m Washington be three of the members, and
that the committee have power to add to tbelr number,
net necessarily to be selected from members of the Cham
: bt-r.
1 The president appointed the following committee:
■ Messrs. Low, Marshall, and Opdyke, R. A. Williams, A
T. Stewart, Wm. E. Dodge, E. B. Morgan.
I The merchants aftd wen generally will bs
called upon forthwith by this committee for the $400,-
000.
The United States steam frigate Roanoke t Capt. Mars
ton, from Hampton Bonds five days, arrived this (Tues
day) morning lor repairs. She has had a very rough
passage. She brought to this port 149 men of the frigate
Cutqress* and 119 of tho Cumberland> The firiog in
the harbor this mozuing was the Roanoke saluting as
the came up the bay.
The superintendent of the New York Central Railroad
shipped, from ihis city on Saturday, four Ucomotives to
Alexandria, to be used on the Alexandria and Orange
! Railroad.
1 The custom house returns of the commerce of Now
Toik, for February, were completed last evening. The
imports tor the momh were §13,872,140, against
§.6,342,707 last February. The exports, Including
eptcie, were §14.112,843, agaiust §11,907,233 last
February. The duties received in February wero
§3,fc6b,000, agaiust 52.528.736 in the same mouth last
.ye nr. This larpo increase grows out of tho increase in
the tariff, and tho present month promises an eriuiilly
nattering result. .
The following were the sales at the Stock Exchange,
: Second Board:
| 65000 U S6a ’Bl reg.. • 93ft
25000 TJfiOa’Bl coup. 93#
JCDOO U S 5s ’74 coup. 68
SOUU Miawuri St« B.. 63. X
60C0 Louisa St 6b. ... 70
iOVU 111 War Loan... 90
6000 Ji YSt 6b ’#2ex d 100
10000 Hud Biv 3dni ba 81 %
20 Continental Bk. 85
15 Bank of Com ... 00
20 MAP dll Ch 1 pro 80
20000 Am C01d....b301012$
40000 do 101 J,
MPacMSSCo... 85J,'
60 do 95£
BOON Y Ccnß 83*
500 do blO BSj;
370 Erieltuilway.... 37;).
5 d 0.,.., 07#
50 do 37 Jg
100 do 810 37#
50 do bls 37#
THE MARKETS.
Ashes.—The market is without change; sales of 7b
bids at £5.50 for Pearls, and 85 75 fnr rots.
Fluttk and M kai»> —The demand for WeStoPfi kttd State
Flour 1r more active, chiefly for the low and medium
grades, but trade brands «ro Irregnlar and in fair re
quest at the close; the inquiry Is mainly for the East and
Lome trade. ,
TLe «?*!*-» ore 16,000 bbls at 5j.20a>530 for superfine
State ami Wrrtttrn; 8610 if 066 for tb? low-gr-les of
Western extra; $5.40a5.55 for extra State; 55.Q00i0.70
for fancy do.; 36.7505 SO for shipping brands of rouud
hoop extra Ohio, and £6a6.76 for trade brands do.
Canadian Flour is lower and closes dull and heavy;
sales of 490 bbls at 35 40«6 50 for extrus.
Si mliero Floor is easier bnt more active ; the supply
lAfoiP! Httlee of *lOO bbls at fAJQoa for mixod toigood
superfine Baltimore, Ac . and £6.10dh7 for extras.
Rye Flour is in fair request and is firm ; sales of 300
bushels- at £304.25.
Corn Meal is firm and in fair demand; sales of'2oo
bids nt £2.90 for Jersey; £3.25 for Brandywine.
Jtuekweat Fhur is in fair request; sales at £2.95
IC>O lbs.
■W hisky—The market is steady, but quiet; sales of
€OO bbls at 25c for State, and 25)4 for Western.
Gkaix—The market is unsettled, and lower for wheat
there is some inquiry for export, but dealers are apart iu
the Views; nrifien are buying sparingly ; the sales are
-9,0C0 bmhcls at 31.24aX.35 for red State; Sl-36for rod
Jersey on the deck; SI.SB for red> Westem delivered;.
$1.42)4 for fair white Western* . .
Iletiey is in Hndti d domain!, biitda buoyant; aalos of;
3,f>ou busb Slate at 88«91c, tho latter dolivorod.
Barley MaR Is scarce; smallbalcs at£l.o»®l 0S»
Oats are -anile dull and heavy sales of Western and*
Canadian at 37a08c, ami State at, 38©39c.
Rye is steady and iu demand j oales of 3,300 bxen-river
al 63c*drlivrnd. ..... .
Flour la heavy, hut salable; ttao demand Is ohiorty for
export; sales of tio out) bush a*sB«.--8)< cts lorr West
ern mix* d. in store: Ml', for d<n. dnlivored; f? 8. cts, for
bout lan:.
Pnovtsn^s—The Fork market is dull and hea*-y.;.
rales of 470 bbls at £l3 t)2<Sr«-?.70 for im-an-j- £12.25. f-cr
KoHWu prime urn; umLSIO.7S for miiiuL lbwf is
moio active and is steady ; sales of 750, bWa at £V2iAISk
for prime mess; and £14<a24.25 for extra.
l>Mf Hams are ijuiet a1£17A17.50. Rocon iaftltivaad
in fair demand; s-ale* si «,6tKi hnxoa at7.c ioj ah *rt
rikiifd, 7Uc for uoaho&sclear, ah': longrioiiri
Lant|iß neATy; nal»9t' t,b ! s a»d,tcaat
aud » i xtra at
Prof. Isaac I*. Quixnr, of Rochester ITaiveioity,
■wns, on Monday, confirmed by the Senate a bri
gadier general. Col. Quinby ted one of the New
York KgilUWtto St Ball Rap, »pd fought there
among the bravest of the brave. Ho was graduated
from West Point in 1843, and won distinction in the
Mexican war. 0 wing to some trouble in his regi
ment, he resigned shortly after the battle at Ball
Bun. He is one of the best artillerists and engi
neers that have ever been in the servioe.
A sew Military Department has been wanted,
oomposed of tie States of South Carolina, Georgia,
and Florida, and Major General Hunter lias bean
assigned to ita command. The headquarters are
at Beaufort General Hunter will rank General
Shermajt, but this is not considered In a military
sense h a eupereedure of General Sherman.
[tor ADDrrroxAL ciTr news, seb fourth PAoa.j
MkKTING FOtt THE PI.'RPOSE OF COW
SMKIHMG THE COAf-T AND BAUBOR DEFENCES.
—The conftrence between Governor Curltn, of Pennsyl
vania ] Governor Olden, of New Jersey} and Governor
Burton, of Delaware, in connscllon with fMH
the Legislatures of this State and New Jersey, relative
to a permanent system of defences upon the* Delaware!
took place at the Continental Hotel yesterday.
The meeting was railed in pursuance of a resolution
passed by the Legislature of Pennsylvania' on the 2?th of
February last. The hour for the conference had been set
at 10 o'clock in the morning, but, owing to the nou-arrlval
of Governor Rurfon. no business of importance was trans
acted, and toe meeting was adjourned until 4 o’clock P.
M, At that Govawup Burton having arrivedi the
follow ing-immid gentlemen took their places in the con
ference :
From Pennsylvania, Governor A. 0, Curtin : Senators
Ketcham, Smith, aud Clymer ; Assembly-Abbot, Scott,
Arn»*trong, and Willlanaa. Flunk New Jersey, (*ororeor
OWrn \ Strnaioni ReciliM, Buckley, »ud Brown; As*
Homtiiy —Vnncuta, McMiuhtud, Tutile, Hayhew, and
Hallman. From Delaware, Governor Burton and At
torney General Wootten
The meeting was organized by Governor Curtin taking
the chair, and Mr. Tuttle, of New Jersey, being ap
tointed wcielaiy. Speeches were made by different
gentlemen as to the actual necessity of erecting ftc. f
at different points along the river anti bay, "at the ex'
pense of States represented. This was objected to by Mr.
Vanutta, on the ground that the Government should take
care of the seaports of thediffcront States, and saM that if
the work was done by the States tho Government should
remunerate the exptnee Incurred. The Government was
brttfr J>]yl > §rt‘d to do such things, as Bhe gad able eng[.
neera and better facilities tliau could be commanded' by
the State Governments.
After some debate, the matter was laid aside, and opi
nions were exchanged in regard to different matters,
which the reporters were requeued not to publish, as
I heir publication would interfere materially with the
pinna of the General Government,
The foliowii g resolutions were offered by Mr. Vanatta,
of New Jersey:
lieaolved, That the Legislatures of Pennsylvania and
New Jersey, am! the Kxecu-ive of Delaware, should se
verally, urgently rn.-inorln.lizo Congress and the Rxocu
tiYo of the United States to immediately provide suitable
and sufficient defences for Delaware Hay and the harbor
of Philadelphia.
lietoloed, If necessary to induco and enable the Go
vernment of the United States to ootor into the work im
rmriiatrly, that Congress be requested to authorize a spe
cial loan for llita purpose, and that the State of Peuusyt
viwlft shsll tnli» tit par ft rort of tmM Ivan, the KW, ?!'
Nm» Jirsoy part, nnd tpo State or Delaware tire residue.
The resolutions were seconded by Hon Geo. R. Smith,
who moved tlmt they be referred to a commute* of eight,
consisting of the threo Governors, the Attorney General
of Delaware, and others of the meeting, which was agreed
to, mid the meeting adjourned, to allow the committee
time to report,
100 Erie Railway. .b3O 37 %
50 Mich Ceu 8....530
50 d0.........b30 57 )(
200 111 Con R BPmi.i fitijft
50 do »40 66
50MSAN1B 24#
50 do b3O 24#
50 do 24„V
300Cl©v & ToIR. ...s3O 46#
100 do slO 463^
IQ9 do tt , ? ,
300 d0....*,..*.839 465;
50 Chi A R I R 56&
20 d 0....... 57
200 do b3O 57
100 do b8'56%
150 do »30 56^
50 M APrDnCiiH.. 26
100
11M ft P DuC2d F.. C>7%
10 do 57^
THE CITY.
At fem-h b’etai-k the eobfapeuea re-assembled, and &
quorum not being present, a collection of models, plans,
Ac , for gunboats from different citizonßnf Philadelphia,
were shown to the gentiemon present, but no action was
taken upon them.
The committee returned tho resolutions of Mr. Va
natin, slightly msdirtec, which wore adopted.
The following reeolutions were offered by Mr. Smith,
of PeninyHunis:
Jie.*o7r<d, That tho Governors of Pennsylvania and
New Jersey respectively be requested, by special mes
sage. to recommend to their respective legislatures au
nppiopiiation sufficient to construct one iron-clad gun
host, at a co-t hot to five iMtelrtid tb&USUftd
dollars; the money to be advanced by tho States in tbs
proportion of representation of the snia States in the
House of Representatives of tho United States. The
said boat to be built with the content and under the di
rection or the authorities of tho General Government,
and upon wnlisfuclory :i-,rjuraucer* that the said Gorera
immt will Mimburttt la tno States the amount of mnnoy
thus expended,
The resolutions caused considerable discussion, and
were finally withdrawn.
The meeting then adjourned sine die.
Pifhcuty Aim'T A Will —Tester
day, in the Supreme Court, Chi-f Julies LAwri*, and
Justices Woodward, Thompson, Strong, and Head, Ane
wnttfs Appeal— an appeal trom decree of Grphans’Court
of Northampton county—waa heard.
The question in this case urnso nut of the following
clftueeof the will of Charles Deck, who died Id December,
1853, Iffniiig inn viving him a widow and seven children ;
“ I do order and direct that when my son, Owen Re
tort, becomes of legal age, that then he and my oldest
daughter, Sarah Elizabeth, ana tbeguardiau of my other
children, shall mutually agree and choose throe disinte
rested men, who shall value and appraise my plantation,
situate in Lower Nazareth township, ( vheionn I now
live,) pvhtbihtbg 1”4 acres, be the lame more <?r Ms, M
a fair cash value; mid that ir my son, Owen Robert, shall
Bee proper to take the said plantation at such valuation,
that then zoy hereinafter named executors shall make
and execute a deed for the,same to him; but if my said
son should refuse to accept the tutld plantation at each
yulufUion, then I order and direct thrtmy said eittutor*
or the survivor of them, shall sell my plantation atpubUo
vendue, for tho best price that may begotten for the
same, having first given due, public, and timely no
tice,” Ac.
Sarah Elizabeth intermarried with Qeorge Anewalt,
the appellant, on the 24th of May, 1305, and died in-
testate April 25,185 G, leaving suyvivltig her one child
(who died Intestate September 0,1650) and her husband.
Lettt rs of administration to her estate were granted to
her husband August 22, 1856.
On the 18th of October, 1355, the plantation was ap
praised, in pursuance of an appointment by the children
of the tertAtnr At $10,070 90—88,179.16 of which w»i
not payable until the death of the widow of tho testator,
at which Owen Robert accepted it, and a deed war exe
cuted Lo hint by the executors on tho 7th of December,
1858. On the 25th of November, 1850, the executors
filed their account, showing a balance for distribution of
83,030 55, of which 82,797.74 was the stun remaining
for present distribution out of tto appraisement of real
(•BtatS.
The admit istrstor of Sarah Elizabeth, before the
au< itor to whom the account was referred, claimed one
si venth of this sum of $2,797.74, on tho ground Mist tto
clause in the will worked a conversion of the plantation,
and that, on the death of torch, her oue-seveutU part
pawed, as personal property, to tho ftilmmistratoFi
The Budltcr decided, however, that the will worked ho
such conversion, and that the snm claimed was realty,
at the time of her death, and not personalty ; that,
therefore, it did cot pass to her administrator but to her
heirs* and that her hnsband, George Ane-walt* was only
entitled to the interest thereof during his life. The
Orphans'Court confirmed this report, and to thiadwrw
the present appeal is taken. Argued by Max Goepp and
K. O. Brow for aipeliaut, and by 0. H. Meyers for ap
pellees.
The Great Sai.t Question —lt is
th&t m tha regular moating of City Councils
to-morrow the ordinance to prevent the saltiog of rail
way tracks will bo finally deposed of, much to the relief
of tho different railway companies, who are anxious that
tho matter should be settled, either oue way or tho other.
This ordinance originated in Common Council, and waa
passed by that body Immediately* When the matter
came into the other clibhibeP it W&3 tA A Sp&ftifU
committee, consisting of Messrs. Lynd, Davis, WesherSll*
Fox, and Oassiu. The committee held a nnmber of
meetings* at which numerous passenger railway officers,
scientific men and others were examined. Their evi
dence, after a long delay, was careful'y collected, printed,
at.d bound in pamphlet form.
Pome of Hi? vvidtweo govs to prove timt th© »f
stipets is beneficial rather than otherwise, while ooms ia
directly adverse to this.
The Sanitary Committee <f tho Board of Health state
that, while they regard the practice ot salting railway
tracks in the streets o[ populous districts or the city open
to objection, they do not couuiilur it so conclusively es
tablished prejudicial to public health as to require pro
hibitory legislation, but beiiuve rigid enforcamnoi of ex
isting oidinances, requiring passenger railway companies
to kteplhe crossings of the atree s occupied by them in
proper order, a nec. ssary sanitary measure.
TJie College of Physicians also recommended tho same
thing, and gave as their opinion that tho salting of the
raijwaj tracks did liCtfektlt 1U1? iiljufitjiifl mflUPnco OQ
the health c.f the citizens.
IVe understand that a majority of tho committee are
opposetl to the imtuage uf the ordinance, and its rejection
by the Chauiher is almost cei tain.
Mohe Aip PQU the Soi.mEßg.—The
following additional articles hare been received at
Swainrs Laboiatory, South Seventh street* below Übsßt
nut, and a fourth shipment was made on last Monday to
K. .T. Howard, Esq., custom house, St. Louts, Missouri,
to be distributed among the sufiering, sick, and wounded
soldiers in the Missouri hospitals;
One box* eouttvSulus2 p».aveks, H.Baypp; Ida,
H B. Fearsou; 7 do, S pra, dippers* half doz. palm
soap, S. Pearson ; 1 pr. slippers* Mrs. Smith; 17 prs.
drawers* 12 tbirte* 10 prs. slippers, Mrs. Howard; 2
feeding cups, F. E.; 4 lbs. chocolate, 3 lbs. cnalUe soap*
4 papers farina* odo coru starch* C. 8. E.; 12 do cora
etarcli, J. 11 Parker; 4 uuilts, box preserves, 11 pm.
iltppeiii B. F. Butfamutl; 2 pr»» htfMr Mw,w. P. Naw
lta; coat, pacta. 2 vuata, mittoi'B, Lartomaiv 2ptb. hose*
knit by a lady 89 years of age, Mrs, F. Flint; 82* 0. M.;
815, Joseph Patterson; 86, \V. W, Fonche* for pur
chases aeff expenses; SO yds muslin, 84 yds Canton
flannel, 3 blAnkets, 1 comfortable purchased ; 4 draught
boards and men, J. M.; 1 blanket and clothes* G, 8. aud
A. K.; 8 papers farina, boohs, ft »ht-te, oil Ilnwt, 4 pr*
slipper*, ItoHlo cherry Vlfc^gW 1 , 2 d* bay rum, jar currant
jelly, pot salve, tracts* peoß* holders* pencils* pr. mitts,
1 pr gIOTQS, from an iuvalid ; old liuen shirts* W. 8. 8.;
8 muslin do. 4 sheets, 2 pr slippers, 6 hdkfa, pamphlets,-
Mrs. —; 3 pra aorkfi* shirt, 20 woollen pads, Mrs. o.l*. f
9 pbgs bandages* 29 pads, from ft lady ; 0 bottles black
berry wfoe, Mrs. Bell; 30 cup* jellies,-If. S. Sanitary
Cotwnittff. a .....
All articles sent To Swaim’s Laboratory for distribu
tion for the sick and wounded soldiers- in Missouri win
he judiciously applied to the purpose intended-. R. J.
Bowatd, Esu-t ot United States custom honso, St. Louis,
who is well known for his energy in the cause* will re
ceive and forward tlwm immediately to any place where*
from the remit, of » battle, they may he- found most
wonted* the wtaTiie II&»hli>M and Its vicinity having
been fully supplied by lorroer shipments.
The Second Cavalry Rehment.—
The above* named regiment, commanded by Col R. But
h-r Trice* is still encamped at the I‘oitit Breeze Park.
This rivtiment ii lull and under marching orders And
will move in a few days, in common with a number or
others. We witnessed* yesterday aftornoon, tho dress
parade, and were surprised to Bud the- men so well
schoultd.
To-day *-at three o’clock, tbo regiment will be presented
with a set ef colors by Governor Curtin* who will l>»
escorted to tho ground by a regiment of the Gray Re
et-rves. Hu will rlbu he uecompanioil by.GovernoFaOldan
and Burton* of New Jersey and lidaware. The pre—
aentiuion will take place inside of the Park enclosure, to
which access may he had without tickets. Our thanks
ai e due to Qunitei master Ktison and Capt, Middleton for
civilities shown us on the camp ground.
An Impostor.—A young man, of re
ppecttfble appearance* has been imposing upon the peo
ple of Germantown aud vicinity, fora year or two past*
by collecting money under false pretences. He com*
inenced by collecting money for the poor, and, at they
yulbreak of tho rebellion* stt out'With a book to raise
money to assist tbo "Jackson Guards- 1 io purchase «*tr3L
equipments necessary to tho com tort’ of the soldier. This,
hook was duly authenticated, but the signatures of the
captain and committee* ns well os* the names of many,
who appeared as cotitr bit tors* were SwgeitM. The next
dodge of the « philanthropist” was- to make collection*,
for the Belief Society of the Twenty-second ward, Th&
sigimriiree of the eeirUury and cuuimlttes to the bosU.
were hlso forgeries. The rascal la still about* notwlth
ttHudiux the dibits to arrest htns, aud may make soma
now attempt to swindle the people.
The Continental. Eotel Saloons
AXl> CAFE -were, in taccurdaaee with the advertise-.
mi'Bi, upmied to tho publio m sturdily morning, Vf*
need scarcely say that both, the saloon for
or without the escort of gentlemen, and the caf6 for. goo
tlGpien only, were crowAati. throughout the da^v—uk
one opinion being expressed;. aual that a unanimous, ox
pmuifoii of delight at tho good taßto of all the (uvr&utfe
;Ur„ts, AHd coiignu«l*tJ©:». at the accompt Ulmwit of a
Uinflireuuirsd dPstdcraliiDi, ElPSftftPfi ft 34
economy, appear to bn tbo inottouf the nuw tiuatgiflb*
au-nt.
Flag Baisini.;,. —Yesterday uftewnoon,
A beautiful 24-foot flajfwa* thrown to the breeae-from
lit. Seventeenth-wail etitliuurliouße. TbvUpg WWIUI,
pentled from a 50-ft>ot t 4,11.
No Fear os run “ Merrimac.’’^—lt»» prepa
rations wliiofi have beeu ramie in Oiuapten Roads,
for the rebel: steamer Merrimac f aa» l»v so oom
plete Ibat b» Iber U fA) I ** to th* it
another eontest, should she leave. Norfolk harbor.
The Mwiitor alone, it is believed, would be abla
to sink her j but oven if that little vessel should
tail, othor measures have been taken which it U
believed vrlll insure us a viotoxy. It Is rumored
that tho Mcrrimt will be win down by RtU
steamers In case shot reenld have bo effect upon
her. Being a slow sailer, ahe would be unable te
attaok any of tho wooden steamers in Hampton
Roads, and would be almost certain to eaMon end
go down, if run upeu by the Monitor on either of
our fleet war steamers.
Gotebhor IfAciofrnr stioi. Saocsuoir.—Gov.
Magoffin hsa vetoed a bill, whleh passed the Legis
lature of Ksntueky, requiring Ml ministers, banes
they were qualified to perform the marriage eere
many, to take an oath to support the OeuUtattva
of the Dulted States.