Jnqmrtr.
RKDFORD. PA,, FRIDAY, DEC. 11, 1866.
THE PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE.
On our first page will be found the mes
sage in full. Considering the excited con
dition of the President's mind for months
past, the most remarkable feature of the
message is its calm and moderate tone. As
an evidence of the improved mental condi
tion of his Excellency, we learn that what
was deemed a few months ago a 'body
hanging upon the verge of the government'
has been discovered to be the Congress of
the United States, which after a brief inter
val has resumed its labors. After the
expression of a few generalities the Presi
dent proceeds to discuss at length the ques
tion of reconstruction, Bourlou like be learns
nothing and forgets nothing, but reiterates
his former stale apologies for trea-on, all of
whieh.having been emphatically repudiated
by Congress and the people, are now being
abandoned by the copperheads and rebels.
Having appealed to the peopie and been
condemned, with characteristic stubbornness
and stupidity,he coolly ignores their verdict.
He glibly quotes some good advice from
Washington, Jefferson and Jackson whieh he
would have done well to have heeded a year
ago, as a little practice by himself in that
direction would have had much mors force
than all his preaching.
We are always glad to find something we
can commend and though but few recom
mendations on matters of legislation aie
made, we heartily approve of that suggest
ing the passage by the Senate of the bill
accepting League Island below Philadelphia
as a naval depot for our iron clad vessels, as
well as, that of the preservation of the Mis
sissippi levees. Altogether the message,
though ignoring the verdict of the people,
the progress of the times and the spirit of
Our institutions, shows signs of an improve
ment in the disposition of the President.
While there is much to condemn, it can
still do no harr;. The fact that it is dignified
and respectful, is much to be thankful for )
when we remember the national humiliation
caused by the 'umble individual's' undignifi
ed performances while "swingingaround the
circle." It is to be hoped that in the future
our chief magistrate will preserve a dignity
becoming the exalted office he fills ; consist
ency, except in perversity is not to be
expected. The message has received less
attention from the public than any similar
document in our political history. As far as
it affects the action of Congress it is a mere
brutum fidmen; it is not designed to aid,
and cannot for a moment obstruct, our
representatives in carrying out the wishes
of the people as expressed at the ballot box.
BEARING FRUIT.
A little less than a year ago, our Senator
from this district, Hon. G. W. Househol
der, introduced into the Legislature a prop
osition for a remodeling of our school laws.
We felt a great interest in the subject and
in our humble capacity, lent what aid was
in our power. The attempt was hooted at
as visionary and utterly impracticable, by
various members of the Legislature, and by
parties in our own midst. We did not ex
pect to see any revision made during the
then pending session, but deemed the course
pursued the best one for calling public at
tention to a subject vitally affecting the in
terests of the whole State. We believe
that this object was successfully accomplish
ed. As an evidence that the subject lias
received attention at the bands of our edu
cators, aud that the agitation then started,
is already bearing fruit, we quote the follow
ing resolutions passed by the recent conven
tion of County Superintendents, at llarris
burg :
"Resolved, That we recommend to the
School Department and the Legislature, an
increase of the State appropriations for school
purposes, sufficient to defray the expenses
of tuition throughout the State for the mini
mum school term.
Resolved, That we recommend to the
School Department.and_tha, LepifJaAUKkt Ulftl
equal taxation throughout the State."
That a convention of those, whose duties
necessarily make them acquainted with the
wants of the schools and the defects of the
laws, should recommend the very measures
then proposed, shows not only that public at
tention has been awakened but that iti mov
ing in the right direction to secure the best
results. The legislation required may not
be obtained at the coming session of the
legislature but a steady perseverance by the
friends of the cause in pressing it upon
public notice and showing how much we lose
for want of a reform, will soon obtain the
needed legislation. The work goes bravely
on and now promises to succeed much soon
er than its most sanguine friends expected
when it was first undertaken. We should not
despair because all cannot be accomplished at
once. The work is a herculean one and we
are satisfied to see it make steady programs.
An earnest discussion of the proposed
reforms, in the public prints, showing the
inequality and injustice arising from the
administration of our present defective
laws, will do much to advance the cause.
This, with perseverance on the part of its
friends, in urging upon our Legislature its
importance, will, we feel assured, in a few
years give to Pennsylvania a school system
and schools that will compare favorably with
those of any other country in the world and
confer upon our people increased intelli
gence, comfort and prosperity.
JWiTWe call attention to the prospectus
of the Pittsburgh Commercial, in another
column. Tha Commercial is an excellent
newspaper, in fact, we prefer it to any of
the Philadelphia dailies in this respect. The
truth is, wc don't think the Philadelphia
dailies have anything to "brag on." If we
were going to subscribe for a daily paper,
we would prefer the Pittsburgh papers, bo
cause they reach us earlier, and contain
more condensed news.
i#TSTAEEif —The Uarrrisburg Telegraph,
when it says: "The Bedford INQUIRER is out
spoken in favor of Gen. Cameron."
FOE THE PAULS EXHIBITION.— One of
the saw-mills at Utsalady, Washington ter
ritory, has prepared a spar twelve inches in
diameter at the large end, and one hundred
M*L|fty feet long, for the Exhibition at
THE FUTURE OF SOUTHAMPTON
I.ETTKR FROM PILGRIM.
Not feeling willing to spend the approach
ing dreary winter in the new State of South
ampton, and having already passed beyond
its Northern limit 3, permit Pilgrim
to make a few suggestions, with re
gard to the future of that now some
what .historic State. The chief desidera
tum at present, is the want of State officers,
and of government buildings. If the latter
were supplied, the former could be obtained,
without difficulty. Political tricksters and
Conservativeproscriptionists should be kept
in the back ground by all means. In the
judgment of Pilgrim, Bean's Cove, is the
garden-spot of Southampton, and should, by
all reasonable consideration, have the State
Capitol. This opinion is predicated upon
the following facts : Though a retired spot
nearly encircled by everlasting hills, there
are two avenues, leading to the outer world,
without crossing pine-clad alpiue summits.
The one is a zigzag wagon-road, passing
through Pole cat Valley, connecting with the
National pike, and thence with Cumberland,
Maryland. By thi3 route, the Government,
State officers and Legislature (when in ses
sion) could be supplied with mail matter,
once a week. The other is a kind of Indian
trail, leading along Fliutstone Creek, and
finding its terminus near famous Gilpintown.
Fliutstone Creek, the only stream of any
note, passing through the Cove, would furnish
water power during the rainy season, for
grinding and manufacturing purposes. More
over the Coveites, are said to be in advance
of the inhabitants in other parts of the State,
as regards literary and social advantages.
Some of the ladies, dear creatures, might
have charms, even for Pilgrim, had h
not already passed into the '"sere and yellow
leaf' and become partially invulnerable
to the darts of Cupid. Science and re
ligion there go hand in-hand, the same edi
fice, a log building, probably 16 by 20 feet,
two stories and a-half high, being used both
as Church and Seminary. Their school is
seldom without a teacher. The present in
cumbent, is a lady of fine literary taste, and
excellent social qualities, having been train
ed in the "old line Whig school" Pilgrim will
vouch for her loyalty. Should a gallant
Southamptocian be so fortunate as to win ber
heart and hand, he will unquestionably draw
a valuable prize in life's lottery, and secure
an acquisition to his native State: a governing
spirit that might do much to accelerate her
progress in the march of improvement.
Therefore let the State Capital be located in
Bean's Cove. —mansion —a substantial
brick building, recently erected, would an
swer the purpose very well for the present :
but how can it be purchased ? Well, that is a
"problem" Pilgrim will not attempt to solve.
Let the Conservative State Senator and
Member of the House, who did not get elect'
ed, form a financial scheme and shape the
coarse of the Legislature. To secure politic-
al righteousness, and sound patriotism, in
the judgement of Pilgrim, the Southampto
uians should dispense with all antiquated
mongrel nostrums, emanating from the Bed
ford literary drug shop, especially that po
litical bible issued in numbers, which has
been so frequently revised, corrected, and
interpolated, that It has lost every vestige of
the spirit and genius of JefFersonian Democ
racy. The desideratum could be advanta
geously Dupptfed O7 pruiltrcrtous-.iiOit
cordance with the spirit o<" the age, aud the
onward march of human progress. Much is
to be expected from the cherished shepherds
who guard the morals and watch over the
spiritual interests of this people. Although
attached to three denominations, Pilgrim is
pleased to learn that they are men of clean
hands and pure hearts, who not only fear God
and work righteousness, but also prize the
principles of free government. Our sympa
thy is with these noble self-sacrificing men.
Although they have a somewhat sterile soil to
cultivate, we wish them abundant success in
their labor of love. It would be well to es
tablish a topographical corps in the new
State. Should "Homespun - ' recover from
literary spasms, he might take charge of this
department; his spare time could be devoted
to the capture of "viper fangs" and "black
guard" scalps, a3 "trophies, - ' to aid in the
embellishment of his highly refined literary
Bpsjilrw. hf.j ould.nav sorue attention
to horticulture. Jhe cultivation of vegeta
bles, is profitable in some localities. Should
Southampton make rapid strides in the march
of progress, no one will rejoice more than
Pilgrim. Leaving on our pilgrimage, in
search of a better country, we passed up
Town-Creek, passing by the "dear relic of
another clime" (the dilapidated wagon bed,
on which was dimly traced the word Union.)
We thought of the bones of Joseph and sigh
ed for a cavern, but sighed in vain. Trans
ferring a miniature representation to our
sketchbook for the Harper's, we resumed
our journey. The school house by the way
side had been repaired, a teacher aud chil
dren were there. A move in the right direc
tion. The "great wheel," at the mill, cover
ed with the moss of ages, was rolling slowly
round. Buckwheat bulls were driven to and
fro, by the breeze, giving indications of bread
in the land. Passing the line of "Monroe,"
in our pilgrimage, we hastened on to the
'LiJuc eyed Juniata;" a Substantial Hriilgo
aided our transit, and we found repose, and
congenial spirits on the other side.
PILGRIM.
BLOODY BUS, (which is not in Southamp
ton,) Dec. 12th 1808.
P. S. Having learned through some sports
men, that Pilgrim's first letter gave pain to
certain Conservative ladies, because wc were
not captivated by the style of beauty exhibi
ted by women whom we passed on the "rug
ged highway," when we passed through that
land of Beulah : and also because reference
was made to children, wearing "nature's
moccasins. ' In explanation, it may be
proper to remark, that the ladies referred to
were not arranged in their "sunday-gear."
Had we have seen the assembled beanty of
the State, in thsir best costumes, with crino
line and waterfalls, wc would have written
differently ; but as a faithful chronicler, we
simply painted the scenes as they passed bo
fore usin the panorama. Should our refer
ence to the children, cause parents and guar
dians to furnish them with shoes and stock
ings, against the present inclement season,
instead of being censured, v||khould be hail
ed as a benefactor. to be at
peace with the Southaoiptonians and with
all the world. P .
THE I I ts.—The Santa TO Gazette of the
ITth gays that Superintendent Norton, the
previous week, distributed to the Utes at the
(J inn vie ron Agency, their annual presents.
Hp reports them peacefully inclined.
THE DEPARTMENT REPORTS.
The Report o! Secretary Stanton.
The annual report of Secretary Stanton,
although lengthy, is naturally a most im
portant and interesting document. It in
forms us that between November 15th, 1865,
and November Ist, 1866,222,058 volunteers,
white and colored, were mustered out of
service, leaving in service 11,043. This re
duetion was, of course, attended with a cor
responding reduction of material and re
trenchment of expenses; bat the discharge
of men and disposition of animals, wagons,
transports, stores, &c., we are informed,
will not interfere with the prompt organiza
tion and equipment of another immense ar
my, if it should be again necessary to issue
a call for our countrymen to rally around
the standard of freedom or as the Secretary
expresses it,' while the war expenses have
been reduced to the footing of a moderate
and economical peace establishment, the na
tional military strength remains unimpaired,
arid in a condition to be promptly put forth.
During the year recruiting for the regular
army has progressed favorably, and as soon
as the ranks are well filled it is designed to
raise the standard of qualifications, and
thus increase the efficiency of the force. In
regard to the care and attention bestowed
upon our defenders, when sick or wounded,
no better evidence can be adduced of the
consideration of the Government and the
skill of our surgeons, that the fact that of
the 64,438 patients in the general -hospitals
on June3o. 1865, and atmitted during the
year, there were on June 30th of the present
year, less than one hundred remaining under
treatment. The return of peace has given
the department the opportunity to purchase
subsistence stores at many of the points
where they are to be consumed, and while
most of those required for the troons sta
tioned along and near the Gulf ot Mexico
are purchased in New Orleans, a number of
contracts have been given out in different
sections of the South at satisfactory rates.
The importance of speedily providing the
array with breech loading small arms of the
best pattern is referred to, and the altera
tion of the Springfield musket into this kind
of arm, it 13 stated, makes it better, in all
respects, than the Prussian needle gun,
while its metallic ammunition is regarded as
suncrior.
The present organization of the nrilitaiy
departments, thirteen in number, with their
respective commanders, is given, and the
important and creditable announcement is
made that in the disbursement of many mil
lions of dollars during the year, the total
cost to the Government in expenses of every
description was but a fractional portion of
one per cent. The Secretary dwells at
length upon the active measures instituted
for successfully and speedily carryinginto ef
fect the various Congressional provisions for
the benefit of surviving patriots of the late
war, and for the proper preservation of the
remains of those who fell in defeneoof their
country. It is estimated that national cem
eteries will be required of sufficient area to
contain 249,397 graves. About one half of
the report is composed of - the documents
submitted by the chiefs of bureaus, each of
which contains much detailed information
relative to the operations of the department.
That of the Commissioner of refugees Freed
-111 en aud Abandoned Lands, gives some in
teresting items relative to the subsistence
aud education of those under charge of his
bureau. Among others tlie fact that 150,-
000 freedmen and their children arc now at
tending school in the South ; that in June
last the issue of rations to freedmen and
refugees was about equal; and that although
the officers were directed to hold each plan
tation, county, parish, and town responsible
for the care of its own poor, with tint few
exceptions the State authorities have failed
to contribute to the relief of the class of
persons supported by lhc Government.
General Grant's Report.
i.ne aciay in ICCCIIUH
of the generals c uuuanding tin: military
departments compelled General Grant, in
lieu of condensing these lengthly documents,
and thus making a full report to the Secre
tary of War, to give them as they were re
ceived. In the brief preface, however, the
commander of the army states that it has
been necessary to keep a military force in all
the lately rebellions States to insure the ex
ecution ol the law and to protect life and
property again.-t the acts oi those who as
yet will acknowledge no law but three; but
that the condition of those may be regarded
as such as to warrant the hope that in a
short time the bulk of the troops now occu
pying them can be ordered elsewhere. lie
suggests that the Indian liureau be transfer
red'from the Interior to the War Depart
ment, a change which will result in .meat
saving of money and diminish the conflicts
between the Indian and whites. The reports
| accompanying thin document are those of
Generals Sherman, llalleek, Meade, Sheri
dan, Thomas, Sickles, Pope, McDowell,
Steele, Wood and Davis, and contain cx
| 5 of* t.lio mnvf>-
i inents of our troops in the various depart
ments, and much important information
relative to the Indians, the freeduien and
the Southern refugees, while in the report
of General Meade is a coin pie history of his
action on the frontier during the Fenian in
vasion.
The Report of tlie Secretary of the Treas
ury.
This important document is dated Decem
ber 3, 1866, and informs us first tbat the ex
penditures of the three quarters of the fiscal
year ending June 30, 1866, fell short of the
sum estimated in his report of Dec., 1865,
$200,529,235 30, and the receipts exceeded
the estimates $89,905,905,44. The balance
in the treasury on the first of October last
was $142,418,789,19, and the amount of
public debt June 30. 1866, less cash in treas
ury, was $2,650,538,330,10 or a decrease in
twelve months of $31,196,387,28. On the
31st of October last the amount of public
debt, less cash in treasury, was $2,551,224,
121,20, or a net decrease since Aug, 31, 1865
of $206,379,565,71, a reduction which, he
saya hail created surprise here and abroad,
although it is not expected, not perhaps de
sirable, tbat the same rate of reduction
should bo continued. With a further
diminution of internal taxes and a modifica
tion of the tariff, which will lead to a reduc
tion of customs duties on many articles, lie
believes that the revenues will be sufficient
to pay the current expenses, the interest on
the public debt, and reduce the principal at
the rate of from four to five millions a month
and with proper economy, that the debt can
be paid by tno generation that created it.
The idea of a public debt being a public
blessing, he says, is ft fallacy which will never
be countenanced by the free and intelligent
people of the United States. Several pages
of the report are taken up with a revigw of
what the Secretary has done to cause an in
crease of efficiency in the collection of the
revenues, the conversion of interest bearing
notes into five twenty bonds, and the reduc
tion of the public debt, and explains why
he deems it necessary to hold a handsome
reserve of coiu in the treasury, giving as his
reason for so doing that observation and ex
perience had assured him thai to secure a
steady iharkct while business is conducted
ou a paper basis, there must be power in
the treasury to prevent successful combina
tions to bring about fluctuations for purely
i speculative purposes. He regards a reduu
dant legal tender currency as the prime
cause of our financial difficulties, and sug
gests to Congress five modes by which the
present condition of the country may be
remedied, the fifth and last of which is the
rehabilitation of the States recently in in
surrection —States in which he says it is idle
to expect that industry will be restored or
productions increased as long as they have
no participation in the Government to the
support or which they are compelled to con
tribute. If his suggestions are respected
be is confident that specie payments can be
resumed in less than two years.
The receipts for the fiscal year ending
June 30. 1866, are estimated at $436,000,
000. and the expenditures at $350,247,641
32- Appended to the report is a list of the
acts authorizing loans, with a synopsis of
each, and the Register's statement of annual
receipts and expenses.
itc-port ol'the Commissioner of Internal
Itevenue.
Mr. Rollins, the Commissioner of Inter
nal Revenue, reports that the amount re
ceived by him, in 1860, less amounts refund
ed for drawbacks, is $310,381,140.0* being,
ninety-nine millions and odd beyond the
receipts of 1865. This, in face of some
reduction in the rates of taxation since last
year, shows that the country has been very
active. In regard to the subjects of taxa
tion, and the returns made, there are some
interesting facts. The taxation on banks,
dividends, circulation, deposits, capital, Ac.,
produces $7,641,161 77. being $1,286,918
78 less than the receipts from the same
sources in 1865. Railroads bring in about
the same sum as in 1865. Insurance
Companies increase a hundred thou
and dollars or so. Salaries of persons
in the service of the United States,
increase the taxation from that source near
ly a million ot dollars. Revenue stamp
receipts have increased nearly four millions
of dollars. Licenses, or special tax, increase
five millions and a half. The income tax is
increased over forty millions of dollars.
Iron and steel, notwithstanding a reduction
this year yield considerably more than a
million ami a quarter beyond tbe total ro
eeipts from those articles last year. Petro
leum and coal oil increase two millions and
a quarter. The increase upon segars is not
quite four hundred thousnd dollars. Chew
ing and smoking tobacco increase three
millions and three quarters. Fermented
liquors increase a million and a half, and
distilled spirits thirteen millions, notwith
standing the wide spcad evasions of the
law.
In regard to the estimated receipts for
the fiscal year, it must be remembered that
much of the increase reported for 1*66 was
under the late law, and there will be mate
rial reductions. Taking a full yiew of the
subject, the Commissioner estimates that if
there is no change in the law as it at present
stands, the receipts for 1867 will be
two hundred and eighty-live millions dol
lars.
Mr. Rollins makes some suggestions as to
amendments of the law. One is that the
returns upon income and carriages, gold
watches, &c., mentioned in Schedule A,
shall be made earlier than the present time,
which is the first Monday in May in each
year. He recommends that butchers,
plumbers and gas fitters shall be assesicd on
their sales the same as dealers. He also
recommends that the exemption of income
liable to tax shall be increased from S6OO to
SIOOO, with a like exemption to officers of
the United States Government who pay a
tax on salaries. There is much interest in
the workings of the Internal Revenue de
partment, and the subject is clearly present
ed by Air. Rollins.
The Report of the Secretary of the Navy.
Tho annual report of Gideon wells, Sec
retary of the .Navy, occupies forty-two
pages, document size. lie states that the
large navy necessary during the war lias
been reduced and brought within the limits
of u proper peace establishment, and con
gratulates the country that since the surren
der of the armies and the termination of
the blockade, "tranquility has pervaded the
States which were in rebellion. ' He then
discourses at length upon the peaceful sub
mission of the South to the result of the
war ; observes that he is nut at all surprised
that its people should oppose the attempt
to impovo iipntt rhri*> '""A HIT* nJ
ti.o nature of ex poit facto laws,
and a constitutional amendment 'in the prep
aration and presentment of which they had
no voioeor representation." The New Or
leans massacre he asserts was in tho begin
ning "a domestic disturbance of'a local char
acter, having its origin in a controversy
concerning the .State Government," and
proclaims tho fact that the riot was speedily
suppressed without assistance from the
naval vessels which were in front of the
city "and ready to render aid it required."
Iu the next paragraph a general exhibit of
the navy is given, from which we leain that
the total number of vessels at this time is
two hundred and seventy eight, armed with
two thousand three hundred and fifty-one
guns, one hundred and fifteen of the num
ber, armed with one thousand and twenty
nine guns, being in commission and on active
duty. The total number of seamen Is about
13,600. A iist of the vessels composing
the different squuilions, and the movements
of each during tie year, is given ; that the
policy of the department is not to allow the
country to beeoae complicated in the con
troversies of other powers with Japau is
announced ; and the course pursued by
Commodore Rodgers in maintaining a strict
neutrality during the bombardment ot Val
paraiso is approved. In regard to the
building of vessels, he believes that the
Government should have its own shops and
machinery and coustruct its own iron and
armored naval vessels, and, that in the event
of a foreign war, one of the navy yards
north of the Chesapeake could be better
dispensed with, than the one at I'en
sacola or at Norfolk, and lie therefore rec
ommends that the two named should be
placed in an efficient condition, particularly,
as the peaee aud unity, which constitute the
North and South one country and one peo
ple, have been re established. The Secre
tary recommends the establishment of a
bureau which shall have in charge all sub
jects relating to inen-of-wars-men and the
shipped seamen of the merchant service :
urges the Senate to speedily pass the bill
accepting League island for naval purposes,
so that the necessary appropriations may
be made for deepening the channel, prepa
ring docks rod making other arrangements
for the care and protection of tho iron
now there, ancl earnestly advocates .the
establishment of a navy yard on the Dela
ware which should have ten times the water
front and twenty times the area of the one
in Philadelphia.
Report of the Secretary of the Inte
rior.
The exhibit of the operations of the De
partment of the luterior during the past year
made by Secretary Browning, gives a com
plete account of the various interests commit
ted to its charge. From it we learn that dur
ing the fiscal year ending June 30, 1860,
4,620,312.87 acres of public land were dispos
ed of, the uuinber of homestead entries ex
ceeding that of any previous year by more
than sixty per cent. The entire amount of
public domain is 1,405,108,800 acres of which
471,160,551 acres have been surveyed; and
the coal land of the United States is estimated
at two hundred thousand square miles. The
invalid pensions of wars prior to the rebellion
are said to be only three thousand, and the
widows and children who receive a pension
by reason of the services and death of those
who served in such wars, one thousand two
hundred and twenty-seven. Of nkw army
pensioners added to the rolls during the year
ending June 30, 1860, there were 40,721, re
quiring for their payment $4,500,528 87 per
annum; aud on the same day there were in all
124,500 army pensioners, at an annual aggre
gate of $11,413,122 26, and 2,218 naval pen
sioners, lequiring for their annual payment
$261,352 05. The navy pension fund accru
ing from the sale of prizes amounts to sll,-
750,000, the interest on which is more than
double the amount necessary to pay the navy
pensions. In alluding to the Indian troubles,
the Secretary states that collisions have been
less frequent than is generally believed, and
that pepce has been the rule ; and not the ex
ception. between the Mississippi river and the
llocky Mountains. In tho Patent Office, a
large amount of business has been attended
to, over fourteen thousand applicants having
been received, and nearly nine thousand pat
ents issued. The receipts during the year
euding September 30 being $460,416 80, or
$116,719 07 more than the expenditures.
Mention is made in the report of the progress
of the Union Pacific and other railroads in
process of building in the far West; a state
ment showing the sums advanced to United
States marshals during the year, amounting
in the aggregate to $989,550 2 ), is given: and
numerous other interests confided to the su
pervision of the Department of the Interior,
are referred to as their importance may re
quire.
The I'ostmnster General's Hcport.
Postmaster General Randall announces that
tbe revenues of his department, for the year
ending June 30, 1866, were $14,380,986 21,
and the expenditures $14,352,079 30, or a
deficiency of $965,093 08. Postage stamps,
stamped envelopes and stamped wrappers,
representing in all $11,688,668 25 were issued.
On the 30th of June there were 6,930 mail
routes of an aggregate length of 180,921
miles in operation, over which tbe mails were
transported at an unnual eost of nearly four
millions of dollars. A table is given, showing
the mail service in operation in the Southern
States last September as compared with its
condition in November of last year; another
shows the number, termini and length of
Southern routes not in operation last Septem
ber; and a third shows the number, descrip
tion and cost of mail-bags, locks and keys
purchased. The increased correspondence
with foreign countries, particularly with Eu
rope, during the year has been unprecedent
ed, but even a still greater improvement is
predicted for the future. The deliberations of
the proposed powtal convention with Great Bri
tain will result in reduced rates of postage and
more frequent communication. During the
year ending June 30, 1866, there were 23,828
post offices in operation, 2,778 of which were
in the rebel States, and 10,074 appointments
of postmasters were made. During the same
period about four and a half millions of dead
letters were received and examined, and the
nominal value of the money, drafts, Ac., en
closed, amounted to $7,826,881 68. An in
teresting chapter is devoted to the postal
money-order system, and under the caption
of "miscellaneous'' several interesting sub
jects connected with the operations of the
department are referred to.
Washington Topics ami Gossips.
PROSPECTS THIS WEEK.
Both Houses will get fairly at work this
week. It is expected the Senate will pass a
suffrage bill for the District iu the course of
the week ; also the House bill stopping all
Presidential pardons of rebels who have
not been tried. An intimate friend of the
President states that he is not agitated Wy
the House investigations. He relies on the
Senate to give him fair play. The House,
in spite of a few violent caucus speeches,
has no intention of making personal war
upon him, but it does mean to save the
country from the effects of his blunders.
REPUBLICANS IN EARNEST.
It is very evident that the Republicans
are in earnest, and that they will not only
pass such laws as are necessary to carry out
their avowed principles, but that they will
effectually hamper the President so that he
cannot again exercise his power rcgaidless
of the popular will. Some talk of impeach
ment. but I see no reason for believing that
anything will be doue in that direction—at
any rate, this session.
THE PRESIDENT AND MRS. COBB.
The President denies that the allegations
of Senator Chaudler in reference to his con
duct in the pardon bu-incss are true. Sena
tor Chandler got his information from judge
Carter, before whom the notorious Mr-.
Cobb, the icnialc pardon broker, came
last Spring, in the prosecution against De
tective Baker. The evidence then adduw d
seemed to establish an intimate connection
tho that the moment he
asceitained Mrs. Cobb's character, he for
bade her to enter the White House.
DISSATISFACTION WITH THE TREASURY
POLICY.
Very general conversation with members
of Congress develops the fact that it is very
doubtful whether Mr. McCullough will be
able to rally any considerable minority to
his support in the measures looking to a
marked contraction of the currency. His
stepping out of the way in his report to
recommennd the admission of the rebel
States is creating considerable dissatisfac
tion. The operations of Revenue Comtuis
sioner Wells are giving rise to various com
plaints, and the doings of the Chief of the
Bureau of Statistics are severely criticised.
IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS SECURED.
The War Department has to-day secured
all the originals of the forged documents
purporting to be part of the Conover testi
mony in the conspiracy case, with which it
has been attempted to break down Judge
Advocate Holt and Secretary Stanton. This
is a vciy important capture.
THE PRESIDENT S POSITION.
Mr. Lee Blond has unquestionably ex
pressed the views of the Democratic party
in saying to General Scheuek "The Presi
dent is not the man of our choice. We nei
ther took him up nor did he take us up.
We claim no benefits from him —certainly
we received none from him in the recent
election." A few dispensers of "bread and
butter," hover around the White House,
but the President is really destitute of any
political supporters in Congress beyond the
corporal's guard of policy men. It is un
derstood that he takes matters philosophi
cally, asserting that the people have been
misled, and that in due time they will in
dorse his action on reconstruction.
MEXICO.
Protest Against American Intervention.
Gen. Sedgwick's Arrest Ordered.
NEW ORLEANS, December S. —Both th§
Ortega and Juarez parties in Mexico con
demn General Sedgwick's occupation of
Matamoras. Several officers belonging to
the Uuited States were insulted in Matamo
ras on the 2d. and one belonging to the 114 th
colored .infantry, was beaten to death by
some of Ccrtinas's men.
Fifteen men belonging to the raiders so
much spoken of last mouth, were tried by
the District Court at Brownsville, and sen
tenced to seven years' confinement in the
penitentiary.
Menas and his army arc expected to at
tack Matamoras about New Years Day.
The news from the Itio Grande is thought
to indicate implacable hostility to American
intervention in the affairs of Mexico, and
that any effort of the kind would cause a
more united opposition than is now made
against French intervention or the Empire.
WASHINGTON, December 8. —ft is hinted
that the recent aetion of our Government
relative to Mexico is regarded as nullifying
the compact with France, and is so viewed
by Napoleon.
GALVESTON 7. —The Itio Grande Courier
of December 2d, says: At 12 o,clock last
night, Oanales surrendered Matamoras to
Escobcdo. lie had previously received a
communication that he might surrender
himself forces and the city to the United
States authorities. lie preferred to surren
der to Escobedo
WASHINGTON, December s,—No official
information has been received by the Gov
ernment in reference to the occupation of
Matamoras by Sedgwick. The last official
information in reference to the affair is the
letter of General Sheridan, announcing his
intention to proceed to Brownsville to relieve
Sedgwick from command, if he had exceeded J
authority in taking possession of Matamo
ras. Orders were issued from Headqu irtcrs
here for the arrest of Sedgwick. Ah that
has been done is approved. What has been
done is reported to have been done by
Sheridan, who at latcs accounts was at
Brownsville,
BY THE CABLE.
Trouble in English Cabinet—The return
of .Uaximillian—Fenian agitation in
c reusing.
TROUBLE IN TIIE CABINET.
LONDON, Dec, 8.
It is reiterated in various circles, that dis
sensions have occurred in the Derby Cabi
net on the reform question.
EDINBURG, Saturday, December B.—The
Scotsman insists that trouble exists in the
Derby Cabinet, and that Disraeli has threat
ened to resign the Chancellorship of the
Exchequer unless the Government accept
of a reform bill liberal in its character. It
then adds that Earl Derby yielded to Dis
raeli's demand, and that a Ministerial crisis
was thus avoided.
GLASGOW, December B.— Evening—A
London paper asserts that Disraeli having
intimated that his resignation was conting
ent upon the present Cabinet accepting a
liberal reform bill. Derby has conce
ded to Disraeli's views, and a bill in accord
ance therewith will soon be placed before
Parliament.
TROOPS SENT TO llt ELAND.
LIVERPOOL, December 8. —Evening—
Two cavalry regiments have been sent to
Ireland to suppress insurrectionary move
ments there.
RETURN OF MAXIMILIAN.
PARIS, December 8. —La franco says
that the Emperor Maximillian has sent dis
patches to the physicians who are attending
his wife, to meet him at Gibralter within a
short period.
FRANCE AND THE UNITED STATES.
I 'A RLS, December 8. —It is understood the
French Government has sent a reassuring,
dispatch to the United States Government
in regard to the Mexican question.
THE FENIAN AGITATION.
LONDON, Saturday, December 8. —The
Fenian agitation in Ireland is increasing and
another body of troops has been ordered
to leave here immediately, including two
regiments of cavalry.
New Plan of lleconstruction.
The special to the Baltimore American
says: The Committee appointed to prepare
a programme of action for the Republican
caucus on Wednesday evening next, have
I 'ir proposition all arranged. The bill
i buy will offer for the approval of the caucus
is very similar to the one offered in Congress
by Hon. Thad. Stevens, last session. It
contemplates an abolition of the present
State governments in all the Southern States
on the ground of their unconstitutionality,
and provides for the appointment of Com
ii!is.-.toners for each State, who shall have
power to appoint all civil and military offi
cers necessary to the preservation of peace
and good order. The Commissioners are to
call Conventions for the purpose ot adopting
Constitutions, with a view to admission into
the Union. There is a difference of opinion
as to the right ot franchise. Some are in
favor of only loyalists voting some in favor
of Congress designating who shall and who
shall not vote while others advocate allowing
all those to vote who are now qualified un
der State laws. The Constitutions adopted
by these Conventions are to be respected,
but only those to be allowed to vote who are
enfranchised by the Constitutions voted on
;LS was the case in Maryland. If Constitu
tions be adopted by these voters, then the
States to be readmitted. If rejected, the
rejection to be followed by Territorial gov
ernments. The Commissioners are to be
authorized to organize the militia, including
the colored population, to aid in carrying
out the provisions of the bill and if called
into service are to be quartered on those ren
d ring the call necessary.
Sucli are the leading points in the pro
gramme, which will be presented for the
, , -.1 _/• .1. VSiUtUP, <IU tUc
.Southern loyalists cxpre>s strong hope of
success. The names of the committee are
Messrs.Stevens, Washburne,Schenck,Hart,
Garfield, Mcltuer, Pike, Orth, and two
others not known.
itcmovnls and Appointments.
The following is the bill which Mr.
Stevens intends to push to a vote in the
House in the next ten days:
SECTION 1. —That in all instances of ap
pointments to office by the president, by
and with the advice and consent of the
S nate, the power of removal shall he exer
ci-. 'i only in concurrence with the Senate, j
Sko 2. In ease of disability or misconduct
i oi office occurring duriug the recess of the
Senate where the interests of the public may
j make it necessary to displace the incumbent
| until the advice and consent of the Seriate
I can be duly had and obtained thereon, it
■ shall be lawful for the President to suspend
'the di-abled or defaulting officer, and to
1 designate some other person to perform the
i duties of the office until the Senate shall
I have an opportunity of acting thereon; and
i it shall be the duty of the President, within
ten days after the next meeting of the
Senate, to report to it the fact of such sus
pension, with the reasons therefor, and to
nominate a person for the place; and in ease
of the refusal of the Senate to concur in
such suspension, either by a direct vote
thereon, or by not advising and consenting
to the appointment of the person so nomi
tiated, the officer who has been thus suspen
ded shall thereupon resume the exercise of
the business functions, as though the same
had not been interrupted.
SKC. 3. That every person who has been
| or shall hereafter be nominated to the Sen
ate for office, and who shall fail to receive
I the advice and consent of the Senate thereto
| -lull be incapable of holding any office under
the United States for the term of three years
ailer such rejection, unless lwo thirds of the
Senate shall relieve him of such disability.
The predecessor of any nominee rejected by
the Senate shall still continue to hold his
said office. Whenever any person, has as
sumed office, and is discharging its duties
on the nomiuation of the President, before
he has been confirmed by the Senate, on his
rejection, all the subordinate or deputies
who have been appointed by him, or on his
recommendation, shall vacate their places
and cease to aet.
SEC. 3. That all nominations to office
made by the President shall be communica
ted to the Senate within twenty days after
they are made, after the next succeeding
session of the Senate.
itlexicau AUairs.
NEW I'OKK, November 30. —A Cable
dispatch from the Minister of State, Mous
teric, to Count Montholn stated that four
teen vessels would sail immediately from
Brest to Vera Cruz, where French troops
in Mexico were required to rendezvous for
embarkation to France. Ten additional ves
scls will leave by the middle of December.
By the fifteenth of January, Mexico will be
clear of all the Freneh troops.
The Freneh Minister communicated this
dispatch to President Johnson and Secretary
Seward last evening. From one who has
read it, I learn that the principal reason
given by Napoleon for delay in withdrawing
the French troops is that the latter are being
hard pressed by Mexican forces, and thought
it dangerous to attei..,/ an evacuation until
the military situation becomes easier, and
also learned from the most authoritative
source that General Sherman's mission to
Mexmo is whoily in character as advisory
aant to Minister Oampbel.l
military status of affairs, the
withdrawal of French forees is regarded as
a: most wholly superseding Gen. Sherman's
mission.
11 is stated that a despatch has been sent
to admiral Croldsborough instructing him to
oring Surratt to this conntry at once in one
of the vessels of his fleet.
AGUA DE MAGNOLIA.
A toilet delight. Superior to any cologne, need
to bathe the the face and person, to render the
akin soft and fresh, to allay inflammation, to per
tume clothing, lor headache, Ac. It is manufac
tured irons the rich Southern Magnolia, and is ob
taining a patronage quite unprecadented. It is a
favorite with actresses and opera singers. It is
sold by all dealers, at in large bottles, and
by DKMAK BABHEH A Co., New York, Wholesale
: Agcnta.
Saratoga Spring Water, sold by all Druggie
S. T.—lßßo—X.
Persons of sedentary habits troubled with weak
ness, lassitude, palpitation of the heart, lack f
appetite, distress after eating, torpid lirer, con
stipation, Ac., deserve to suffer if they will not
try the celebrated PLANTATION BITTERS,
which are now recommended by the highest med
-1 ieal authorities, and warranted to produce an im
! mediate beneficial effect. They are exceedingly
j agreeable, perfectly pure, and must supersede all
other tonics where a healthy, gentle stimulent is
■ required.
They purify, strengthen and invigorate.
They create a healthy appetite.
They arc an antidotetochange of water and diet.
They strengthen the system and enliven the
mind.
They prevent miasmatic and intermittent fevers.
They purify the breath and acidity of the
stomach.
They cure Dyspepsia and Constipation.
They cure Liver Complaint and Nervous Head
ache.
They make the weak strong, the languid bril
liant, and are exhausted nature's great restorer.
They are composed of the celebrated Calisaya
bark, wintcrgreen, sassafras, roots and herbs, all
preserved in perfectly pure St. Croix rum. For
particulars, see circulars ami testimonials around
each bottle.
Bewure of impostors. Kxamine every bottle
See that it has our private U. S. stamp unmutila
ted over the cork, with plantation scene, and our
signature on a fine steel piate side label. See that
our bottle is not refilled with spurious and dele
terious stuff. Any person pretending to sell
Plantation Bitters by the gallon or bulk, is an
impostor. Any person imitating this bottle, or
selling any other material therein, whether called
Plantation Hitters or not, is a criminal under the
C. a. I-aw, and will be so prosecuted by us. The
demand for Drake's Plantation Bitters, from la
dies, clergymen, merchants, Ac., is incredible.
The simple trial ola bottle is tite evidence we
present of their worth and superiority. They are
sojd by all respectable druggists, grocers, physi
cians, hotels, saloons, steamboats and country
stores.
?. H. DRAKE & CO.
Saratoga Spring W ater, sold by all Druggists
Have you a hurt child or a lame horse? Use the
Mexican Mustang Liniment.
For cuts, sprains, turns, swellings, and caked
breasts, the Mexican Mustang Liniment is a sure
cure.
I For rheumatism, neuralgia, stiff joints, stings
j and bites, there is nothing like the Mexican Mus
tang Liniment.
For spavined horses, the poll-evil, ringbone
j and sweeny, the Mexican Liniment never fails..
For wind-galls, scratches, big-head and splint,
j the Mexican 1 ■to
j wctgot in gout.
i Cuts, bruises, sprains and swellings, are so com
| mon and certain to occur in every family, that a
; bottle of this Liniment is the best inves'ment that
can be made.
It is more certain than the doctor—it saves
time in sending for the doctor—it is cheaper than
the doctor, and should never be dispensed with.
"In lifting the kettie from the fire, it tipped
over and scalded my hands terribly. * *
| The Mustang Liniment extracted the pain, caus
ed the sole to heal rapidly, and left very little
j scar. CIIAS. FOSTER, 420 Broad St., Phil.
Mr. S. Litch, of Hyde Park. Yt. writes: "My
! horse was considered worthless, (spavin.) but
i since the use of the Mustang Liniment, I have sold
him for $l5O. Your Liniment is doing wonders
up here."
All genuine is wrapped in steel plate engravings,
signed G. IV. Westbroofe, Chemist, and also has
the private V. f 5 . stamp of DENAS BARNES A Co.
over the top.
Look closely, and be not deceived by Counter
cits.
Sold by all Druggists, at 25, 50 cts., and SI.OO.
Saratoga Spring Water, sold by all Druggists.
It is a most delightful Hair Dressing.
It eradicates scurf and dandruff.
It keeps the head cool and clean.
It makes the liair rich, soft and glossy.
It prevents hair turning gray and falling off.
It restores hair upon prematurely bald heads.
This is just what Lyon's Kathairon will do. It
is pretty—it is cheap—durable. It is literally
sold by the car-l rad, and yet its almost incredible
demand is daily increasing, until there is hardly a
country store that does not keeji it, or a family
that does not use it.
E. THOMAS LYON, Chemist, N.Y.
Saratoga Spring Water, gold by all Druggists.
Who would not be beautiful? Who would not
add to their beauty! What gives that marble
purity and disiiuyue appearance we observe upon
the stage ar.d in the city belle! It is no longer a
secret. They use Ilagan's Magnolia Balm. Its
continued use removes tan, freckles, pimples, and
roughness, from the face and hands, and leaves
the complex im smooth, transparent, blooming
and ravishing. Unlike many cosmetics, it con
tains no material injurious to tho skin. Any
Druggist will order it for you, if not on hand, at
50 cents per h.ittle.
Sv. I!. II AG AN, Trov. X. Y., Chemist.
DE VI A.N BAU.NES A CO.
\V hole-rule Agents X. Y.
Saratoga Spring Water, sold by all Druggists
Heimstrcct s inimitable Hair Coloring is not a
dye. All instantaneous dies arc composed of
lunar caustic. „nd more or less destroy the vitali
n . bc . aut - v hair. This is the original
tlair Coloring, and lias been growing in favor
over twenty years. It restores gray hair to its
originaloolor oy gradual absorption, in a most re
markablo manner. It is also a beautiful hair
dressing. Soil in two sixes—so cents and sl—by
all dealers. C. HKIMSTRKET, Chemist.
Saratoga Spring Water, sold by ill Druggists
LYON'S EXTRACT OF I'IIHK JVRVICA GINGER
for Indigestion, Nausea. Heartburn, Sick Head
ache. Cholera Morbus, Flatulency, Ac., where a
warming stimulent is required. Us careful pre
paration and entire purity make it a cheap and
reliable article for culinary purposes. Sold every
where, at 51) cts. per bottle. Ask for "LYON'S"
Pure Extract. Take no other.
Saratoga Spring Water, sold bv all Druggists.
July lXth, 1566-cowly