WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1861. EXTRACT FROM THE LAST SPEECH OF STEPHEN A. DOLTGLAS.4 , The conspiracy to break no the union is a het now known to all. Armies are being raised, and war levied to accomplish it. There can be but two sides to the controversy.- Every man must be on the side of the United States or against it. There can be no neutrals in this war. There can so none but patriots and traitors." THE LATEST WAR NEWS. in regard to the reported removal of the rebel ca pital. and some of the journals deny that such a -change is to be made. Consternation evidently reigns throughout the whole Secession dominions. The bombardment at Pensacola inflicted considerable injury upon Fort Mcßae, and the people of the surrounding districts see not only that Fort Pickens is impregnable. but that sooner or later their defences will prove ut terly insufficient. It is generally feared in the south that Fort Pulaski is doomed to destruction by the works that our forces are about erecting on Tybee Island, and that Savannah or Charleston will shortly be captured. The planters near the seaboard are represented to be destroying their crops to prevent, them from falling into our bands—an experiment fur more fatal and expensive to them thou to us, and one which is is fearful proof of the humiliation to which King Cotton has been subjected. Besides, demonstra tions of Union men in the South are evidently be coming more frequent. A number of arrests have been made in New Orleans recently of men who have sense enough to see that the continuance ofthe rebellion must inevitably lead to the total destruc tion of the great interests of that city, and patri otism enough to retain their old love for the Ame rican Union. The new loyal State Government established in a portion of North Carolina has ap pointed Mr. Taylor its Governor, and in a procla mation he issued on the '2oth ultimo, he thus faith fully, no doubt, portrayed the sentlinente of a large portion of the people he represents " The temporary State Government which we have accordingly set on foot has the approval in ad vance of thousands of good and faithful North Caro linians. and should command the prompt and cor dial adhesion of all loyal citizens of the State. Of the desperate and ill-starred fortunes of the rebel lion, and of its ultimate and thorough suppression, no rational man can entertain a doubt. It has the recognition of no nation under heaven, and the world's sympubles .1124. d61ia.4155414.- don. It is everywhere regarded as not only a re volt against a most beneficent and paternal Go vernment, but as assailing, also, law, order, pro gress, and all the great interests of mankind throughout the globe. ft is an aggressive war upon popular liberty in the United States, and its claims can never be conceded short of an absolute su:ren der of the rights of man, and a craven recantation pf the holy creed of freedom." The report of the Secretary of the Navy is an extremely interesting document. It fully approves the conduct of Captain Wilkes in capturing Mason and Slidell, and pays a merited compliment to the commanders of the fleets who were so brilliantly successful at Fort Hatteras and Port Royal. It also devotes considerable space to a discussion of the rebel privateers. The rapid increase of the naval force is one of the most. marvellous events of the war. There is now a total of 264 vessels, 2,557 guns, and 218,916 tons; the aggregate number of seamen in service now is 22,000 ; last March there were but 7,601.1 men, 42 TCFSO6 I and 655 guns. it contains a num ber of important recommendations in regard to the policy to be pursued in reference to fugitive slaves and other subjec's. The following estimates are giTen of the upeesee of the Navy. Department for the year ending June 30, 1563, viz. For the Nary proper For the Marine Corps g cr navy .yards, haspitalsl The New York Election The telegraphic report of the election held in New York yesterday states that GEORGE. OPDYKE, the Republican candidate, was elected mayor. The vote was very close. GUNTHER, the Tammany Dail Democrat s stood second on the list, and the renowned FERNANDO WOOD was the lowe:st candidate. He obtained less than one-third of the votes polled. The Se- Cession sentiments expressed bg Wool) some months ago, and the radical views he recently proclaimed, were the chief cause of his defeat. He evidently anticipated that, with two op posing candidates of nearly equal strength in the field against him, the vast amount of patronage in his gift would enablo . hiTM Ae resuit is a signifi cant proof of the loyalty of the citizens of New Tort. The Report of the Secretary of War At a late hour last night we obtained the report of the Secretary of War, the appearance of which was postponed for a short period by the discovery of errors in Bureau estimates, to which it rcfm, /t i, Pile of the mod ably written documents that ever emanated from Washington, and will be read with intense interest. It contains many facts showing that the army is in a highly efficient eon , dition, and that the War Department, un der the direction of Secretary CAMERON, has discharged, with signal ability and fidelity, the vitally important duties that have devolved upon it, and makes some interesting new sug gestions, which will doubtless meet the cordial approval of the Amorican pco_plo, THE IRISH QUESTION bids fair to assume more than ordinary importance, and it may become a Nubjeet of legislation before Con= gress at its present session. Our advices funn Ireland are of an indefinite nature, and we can hardly form a correct opinion upon the real esaditian of the craps ; but still there is ger impending, and humanity will be called upon to avert it. What the English Cabinet may do we do not hnow, nor do we see ans - of action upon their part. It has generally been the custom of her Majesty's 31inisters to disparage her Irish possessions. Ireland was looked upon as a mere colonn and the rights which were assured to her br the act of union were made the pretest of op pression and wrong, Perhaps this is in some degree owing to the temper of the Irish pee pie themselves. A recent writer, in speaking of this trait of Irish character, makes a rather singulat altielSM when he says IL the Irish have a constitutional tendency to illegality, which is embarrassing, beyond measure, to any kind of government,and the more so from its bait accompanied by a - passlon for meddlesome law-making in favor of classes." The agita tion of Mr. O'CoNNEra. was persistent and never-ceasing, and only served to annoy the Government and embitter its feeling towards the Irish. But when the famine came upon that country in 1847, with all its appalling and inconceivable horror, the action of the Eng_ lish Government, coneiiliatory and considerate as it was, went far towards relieving the mi sery of tg linfOrtllll* illiiii4llaj and removed many of those unjust impressions which the Irish bad received. So that when the rebel lion broke out in 1848, it found a gratified people to oppose it, and it terminated in an : utter failure. But Ireland has improved wonderfully during the last fifty years,—and there is no longer the misery and want which were once seen among her people. Emigration has re lieved it of a large number of its most help less population, and the Irish element has given aalattbi. and 1114 to niunf countries of the world. Here in America we find them to be among the most useful of our citizens,— forming the most material and useful part of OUT community—brave in the held, and relia ble in all the relations of life. The Irish possess a peculiar claim upon our - vole. In this contest they have takm a 114- Lie stand. Under the lead of such men as MEAVHER they are united in the North,—their legions have won the greenest laurels of the 1410,—their gallant representative, Cone/mum, pines away ;-- - southern dungeon. In the Seceded States, where the force of circum stances has compelled many to he traitors against their conscience, the Irish have been a protesting, disaffected, and disloyal people. They have gi, ea us the strongest proofs of their devotion to the republic, sealing their testimony With their blood. Therefore, Ireland's misfortune is our op- Tortunity. We have now a chance of showing Thi s Great ',c-.: I I:- hew truly we appreciate i•lo,it cltracter, hen dearly we value their loy alty. It is our prayer that this sorrow may be' spared to Ifeland . ; but, if the 4our of herno. cessity comes, let Congress recognize and pro vide for it. Let the people exhibit their ap preciation of the Irish . people as they have dune before, and exhibit An open-haraled libe rality in relieving their sufferings. BARGAINS IN PIANOS AND MazonEeNs.—There baing n lots trmpornry reduetion in the neat of manufacture of the above, J. E. GOULD, Seventh and Chestnut streets, otlere the full benefit to his customers See advertisement. Two PotsTs commend themselves especially to us in the message of Mr. President LISCOLN. The first is, that the cause of the Union is ad vancing steadily and certainly Southward. The second, that cc the struggle of to-day is not altogether for to-day—it is for a vast future also." In presenting this view of the case, the President gives us an example which we trust will be followed by Congress. Without yielding a single point which the honor of the country would demand—without withdrawing from a single position this rebellion may have forced upon him, the President brings to the discussion of these embarrassing questions of national policy a spirit of statesmanship and good temper. There is a plainness and a brevity about his sentences which carry irre sistible force. lie takes his argument for granted—he knows that this question is he :. o, d alvak9l. to the last dread arbiter, he impresses upon the representatives of the people the single duty of executing the will of the people. That ditty demands action a,id not discussion. There is a singular beauty in Mr. President LiNctms's reference to the Border States. He conies before the country as their defender, and presents their case as it has never been presented before. Showing how steadily and certainly the cause of the Union has progress- . ed Southward, how armed insurrections bare been quelled, and communities brought back to their allegiance until there is now " no armed insurrectionist north of the Potomac or east of the Chesapeake," he explains with wbtaierfulpower the argument that if we would preserve the Union we must take care of' the Border States--we must be kind and forbear ing towards :them, defending and securing their peculiar rights, remembering how sorely they are tried, and not forgetting that upon them falls all the untold horror of a war which desolates their homes, wrecks their social hap piness, and arrays friend against friend, kins man against kinsman, brother against brother. There is a grandeur in this sentiment which the President justly presents, when he says " The Union must be preserved ; and hence all indispensable: means must be employed. We would not be in haste to determine that radical and extreme measures, which may reach the loyal as well as the disloyal, are in. dispensable." For surely we are not in a war of retribution, a war of glory; a war of ag grandizement—a war merely because it is a war—but simply endeavoring to maintain the Union and restore the supremacy of the Cone stitntion. There may be differences of opi nion, but we do not see how this task can bet ter be done than by following the policy of the Administration. If this argument needed anything to make it a conviction, we should adopt the second point of the President?* reaSQlling— c, that the struggle of to-day is not altogether for to-day —it is for a vast future, also." This, it must be confessed; is the controlling idea of the hour. What, after all,..are the interests of this generation, or the next,of what value are our industry; our commerce, and our wealth, when compared with the great future which this struggle is to shadow forth and shapen— with the institutions which we hold, in trust, for our children ? We propose to establish a Republic; upon the continent of Aincrica,--a Republic able to maintain itself; gradually growing in wealth, and strength, and hrtellt gence,—slowly: extending to the North and the South, embracing and consolidating the countries towards the tropics and the, pole-- and carrying with it, in the path of its pro ! gress, the blessings of liberty and law. We have continued this work for seventy years, and we are in arms to-day to &Usk Mit the first dangerous attempt to ruin our labors. It -is only when our public men arise to the contemplation- of this vast future and the mighty interests inVolved, that they exhibit the patriotism of statesmanship. Let us secure the Constitution; and every law it imposes, and all else will come after. Let us fiel that this war is for such a purpose 5 that to accomplish this war there must. be union and harmony ; that until the, cannon cease their thunders, agitation will be avoided ; and we do the great duty demanded by the country. - This is the lesson we draw from the message of President LINCOLN, and the ceuptry will applaud as heartily as We do now his courage and hiS candor. 541,02 1 3,530 23 1,105,636 77 2423,478 00 $11,625,665 02 To-night Mr, Forrest repeats his first evening's performance of iLrudei. °cub:S., added to taste, and both combined in the noblest drama of the language, may be here regarded. The masses, of course, will stand sack until the muscular drama is announced, and attend the not less original and powerful portraitures of Spariacus and llietalwra but the scholar, the man of taste, the student of Shakspeare, all to whom art is religion and sim plicity and study reverend, will not fail to witipm Ilirinkt as produced after the experience and ripe culture of a life, much of which has been passed in leisure, in contemplation and in association with kindred and gifted people. The Dane, moreover, has reidom been sustained so thoroughly, and the scenes never mounted so magnificently. The pa lace at Elsinore, with the turrets frosty and glit tering under a full moon, and the river and clouds hazy beyond, is a triumph in histrionic design. So, the palace apartments are very sumptuous and elegant, the dresses of the performers are rich, and even the inferior personages aro entrusted to good hands. Mrs. Farrell made, on the opening night, a de cided success as the Queen mother, and Mr. Mc- Cullough world have made a capable Lezertes had he not been given to on ugly otwop that redueed his stature considerably. Mrs. Gladstone, superbly dressed and handsome as of old, when she de lighted the patrons of the Walnut-street Theatre, wee welcomed iu every !scene, and Chapman'a Potonius—not his part by the way—was well played and made some laughter. But above all these, Forrest towered. He was, in fact, both the eherseler and the play. Riehly but appropriately dressed ; careful of all the surroundings to a finished performance, and yet presenting the broad, general outlines of his own character, the glory seemed to heve departed what he rasAe his exit. The interviews with Guildenstern, and Rosen crantz exemplified Mr. Forrest as the diplomatist, quick to sound and keen to reprehend. At first and' affable, polite and affable, directly suspecting and inquisi tive, and, having discovered their duplicity, wary and full of strategy, he confronts them in the third act, and by the assistance of the recorders unfolds at once leis intelligence of their ingratitude. in this exemplification, he was particularly happy with the straight, earnest appeal : oLet me conjure you, by the y rights of our fellowship, by the eanionaney of our youth, by the elsligatletiefour ever-piescrved lore, and by what more dear a better pro poser could charge you withal, be even and direct with me!" fore narktd Forrest, at once MI of simplicity, tenderness, and strength. It wen a yielding up for the instant of the graver purPose that had engrossed his thought, as if wilting to rely onto more on the affection of men. Ho had repelled the lady of his love, east his mother almost from his heart, and with Horatio alone—himself an auxiliary, rather than a friend—still held pEddßgliip. Bat Wearied of his suapletens, 110 bad made the last trial with these two schoolmates, and failing, relapsed again into the misanthrope. To indicate this bitterness, he strongly and satirically emPhahizedi "Leave me-friends!" The most obtuse auditor must have remarked the deep bitterness with which he invested the para graphs relative to woman. Thus, in the third act : Opnclia, 'Tis brief, my lord. liaislet. As wolllall's love. Again, in the first act : • Let Inc not think on't ;—Frailty, thy name is wo man I" So, again I.l6ratio. My lord, I came to Bee your father's fune ral. Hamlet. I pray thee, do not, mock me, fellow-atu sat I think it was to Sea ntrawilfcr's Imieml„ my lord, It followed hard upon. Hamlet. Thrif thrift, Horatio! It is thus in all yorrest's renditions. The indi viduality of the man gives color and interest to his pertsrdturar. that ES other smior cam impart. !le has a personality, a history, a crusade of his own, that—as in the cases of all men of genius—make his private life not less absorbing than his public career. Few man of thia century have Lean so FerernlTy food for speculation ; nn.l, ns in the books of Dickens or Thackeray, we are forever looking for glimpses of the author's life and mind, so in Forrect'a liirmlcG, or Lcar, or Curiolanus, we seem to trace sympathies between the dramatist and the actor—the teat and the man. We have omitted, in the mention of his roadings, to Mr, I^9.frest's manner ;In4 4142 M, /11 both the latter respects, he was natural and indi yidnal. Hamlet's death was thrillingly silent, end devoid of the usual ground and lofty tumbling Nil column to tragedians. For a moment he lay in the arms of his friend, with life calmly ebbing away, and, in the end, consonant.with the inter. tion of the dramatist, fell rigidly back, with the toot upon his lips half Coricarrr Heran—Larooque, the Indian song stress, will appear at Concert. Mail oil thurefilay evening, assisted by a number of capable perform ers. The object of the exhibition is to raise funds with which to circulate facts relative to the condi tire' of our frontier Indiana, who aro threetened with extermination, and to secure for them terri tory, with freedom, justice,"and protection. The exercises rig doubtlass_be of a ttigh order. • _ Lawn!, rorrest as Hamlet The rest is silence." THE PRESS.-PHILADELPHIA, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1861. WE GAVE a greater respect for General STERLING PRICE than for any of the rebel ge nerals. He has shown, in his Missouri cam paign, a degree of chilly, and, indeed, huma nity, strikingly in contrast with BEAUREGARD, on the Potomac, or LEE, on the Kanawha. Jn Timmy respects General PRICE is more than an ordinary man, and while we deplore his treason and detest him as a traitor, we aro bound to acknowledge and recognize his many excellent qualities. But the end of this accomplished traitor is at band. Ills career has been little more than that of guerilla—he has had many barren tri umphs, and a areat deal of cheap and barren fame. His assault on Lexington was a bold exploit—his retreat to Neosho a prudent one. Affairs have changed hands in Missouri, and now he begins to realize the utter hopelessness of his po,iti m. fifty thons,,,l men—with arms or without arms—for a week, or for a month ! Fifty thousand men he must have, and in despair he appeals to the "brave sons of Missouri." "Give me these men," says General Parer., (and here we have the braggart and certainly not the gentleman,) " and by the help of God, l will drive the hire ling band of thieves and marauders from the State." PRICE is preparing for a desperate blow. The clouds of despair close over him, and there is for UM and his calm a apaedy and fearful retribution. His proclamation is a confession of utter defeat, and we may soon expect to learn of treason being crushed in Missouri finally and forever; LETTER. FROM $, OCCASIONAL." WASHINGTON, Dec. 3 ; 1831 A single day's observation and intercourse among the memberS of Congress has led to the conclusion that with two or three insigni ficant exceptions, the Senators and Representa tives agree in utter detestation of the whole rebellion, and in the uncompromising spirit of putting it down at whatever cost. Among those most urgent and resolute in taking these pooh tons are Democrats. There is, indeed, a good deal of difference as to the means or manner of giving effect to this policy. Some are for a declaration of emancipation of the slaves of the insurgents ; others for the confis cation of slave property ; and another class for levying a tax upon the slaveholders, so that they may by such a process feel the heaviest burdens of _the Wok. But ea till side, as well on the part of Thaddeus Stevens in the House and Lyman Trumbull in the Senate, as well among the ultra Republicans as among the ultra Democrats, there is an open expres sion that the property of the loyal slave holders shall be protected or paid for. A good deal of unnecessary clamor has been created by mischievous men on this subject. The friends of the Administration and the war have only to keep their eye on the issue on which they really do agree as above stated, and they cannot divide. One great truth stands out prominently, that the property of the traitors is forfeited by the acts of the traitors, and that it would be unjust to except property in slaves from this rule. All our loyal people ask that the houses and lands, and gold and sil ver, and stocks and securities, and cotton and powder, and cannon and ships, of Jefferson Davis and his robber associates should be con fiscated, and, rather than it should be used to damage and destroy the Union, should be an nihilated_ Would it not be monstrous if we excepted from this rule the slaves of Davis and his followers ? How to dispose of the slaves whether thev shall be liberated or armed—whether the ownership in them shall be confiscated or taxed—are matters wisely left by the President and Secretary of. War to the military authorities. No doubt Congress will pass some law by which these authorities may be, guided in the disposition of this vexed question ; but their action will, in my opinion, be regulated by the suggestions of the Fresh. dent and the reasoning of his respective con stitutional advisers. OCCASIONAL. THE READING OF THE MESSAGE. [From our Bread Correspondent.] WASHINGTON, Dec. 3i 1861 We had a clearer sky to-day than at the opening of the session—sharp and cold, with a keen and eager incez. 170111 cue Virginia nuts. - Inc armlet- Wien of the President's message brought.a large erowd of visitora to the Capitol, and in the galle ries of the Senate and House there was a gay and brilliant gathering. There is a great deal in the galleries, and it is at times a question with me whether them above are not more really a representative body than the quiet company of gentlemen below, writing at their desks, lounging on the sofas, or clapping their hands for a page. There is no critic severer than the gallery; no tribunal more exacting. It has given greatness, and taken greatness away; it has ruined many a good speech, and immortalized many a bad one; it has a great deal more influence with the legislators than the Mr. r'resicient," whose favor and friendship they all seem anxioullo ob tain, and whose obstinacy and obtuseness, and utter disregard of all the tender feelings of our nature, in refusing to be convinced, and implored, and warned, is one of the most singular problems of legislative human nature. There is an air of anxiety about the gallery this morning, and it is oyidentiy out of temper with the Senate, and has no desire to be trifled with. The prayer has little attractions for them, as they are in anything but a supplicatory mood. A Sena tor rises and addresses the Chair, And the gallery listens with an endurance. The formal businesa moves on sluggishly, and Senators, catching the general feeling, gradually become indifferent, and demean themselves generally as if they had en es !mita engagement on hand an hour or two ahead and were at a loss how to dispose of the interven ing time. An occasional clerk bustles in and out end over the floor, followed closely by the eyes of thelgallery, which has a vague idea that he comes from the White House and has a message from the President. But in this idea it is sadly disap end fliiirdly subsides hilt. a AtAi43 of tleap.- rate calmness which we only attain after having lost all confidence in human nature. The newspaper men in the gallery look very unconcerned, as they sit railed sad barred away-, as If the &nate had ay termincd to make a national example of them, and wished to keep them, therefore, in safe possession. A few arc 'sharpening their pencils, one or two adorning sheets of paper With many fantastic con ceptions, and sketching the figures of various Se nators, while others are writing with fearful indus try, and looking nervously at their watches as the hand points to the hour when the mail is supposed to close. " The Private Secretary of the President," says a voice in a tone of remonstrance,—which the yoke intense as an intreductien dr the preen men tioned to the notice of the Senate. The menage is delivered—the President directs it to be read— the Senators hurriedly go to their seats—a buzz of anticipation Dams over the house, the galleries become reconciled and pleasant—the Secretary of the Senate, Col. Forney, takes the bulky docu ment from the hands of the President—very deli itsrattly turns dam , the leaf, peones a memett ar two in order to insure the silence of the multitude, and proceeds to read it in a clear, distinct, and stately manner. There is something peculiar in Mr. Lincoln's style of composition—a terse, unique, old-fashioned, and simple style—with all the sturdy graces of our glorious Anglo-Saxon—something which makes a deep impression upon , those listening. Few audi ences could be more attentive—ttte whole house seemed to follow the voice of Colonel Forney, and to drink in. sentence after sentence as they came frourhis lips. And when, in reading that part of the message which eilegied to the causes at issue in this rebellion, the voice of the, Secretary became earnest and emphatic as though he were:speaking his own sentiments and not those of another, a thrill of aispreval rah through gallery and 4.36 P, earl it M 055.621 as if they would break out into a round of applause I express the opinions I hear around me when I say that, in every respect, the message of President Linealtironlites ovary atmaatation whisk has been tin‘ tertained by the warmest friends of the Union and the Administration. Its plain statement of facts, its logical reasoning from causes and consequences, its kind and conaervativo bearing towards the loyal people of the South. its thorough eppreciatton of the gnat c responsibilities weighing upon the Exe cutive, and all of that tone of dignity, firmness, and holot patriglim which lee 01114thatly chp.sttgtgrim the President, called forth the admiration of all parties. Yew messages have been received with more favor by Congress, and few, indeed, will re- fleet more credit upon the minds composing them. J. it. T. SAUK OF FMB MARBLY; STATIZARY.—TiIe Sale of morlAc grgor, !hot?, WAY imported from Italy, %ill take place this (Wednes day) morning, at 11 o'clock precisely, at the store No. 1307 Cheamit stroet. The sale will be one worthy of attention, end we ragout eli loyal of the fine arta to attend it. From California. BAN FRANCON, NOT. 30. - -MM Otos= St, Loins sailed to-day for Panama, with 8884,000 i n treasure and forty passengers for Now York, in cluding Senator Stark, of Oregon, several army of ficers, and about two thousand soldiers, recently colleted. Manixa.—Arrived, bark Belle Byer[bark, from London. Sailed, recently, Avon, for Sydney • B. Palimer,.for.Sin g apare; .witaler John Howland LATEST NEWS BY TELECiRAPH. PROM WASHINGTON. THE REBELS SAID TO BE AT DRANESVILLE ENTRENCHING THEMSELVES. Gen. McGall's Division Gone to hccon. noitre and Dislodge Them. SERIOUS COMPLAINTS AGAINST ARMY SUTLERS, UNION MEN BURNED IN KENTUCKY INTERESTING, FROM MISSOURI. BRILLIANT SKIRMISH AT EIALNK THE ENEMY ROUTED. Special Despatches to " The Press." WASHINGTON, Doc. 3, 1891. Serious Complaints Against Army Sutlers. The enormous charges for goods sold by sutlers has been a source of complaint by soldiers for months past. Each regiment in the army has its sutler; appointed by the colonel, and taxed ten cents a month for each soldier in the regiment. 13y careful inquiry among the paymasters, I find that each soldier pays the sutler an average of five dollars per month. Allowing one ',thousand men to the regiment, the sutler's receipts during the month would be five thousand dollars. Ills profits are over lOU per cent, but, to make it an even figure, we will say that he nets a cent per cent. profit, which would allow him to pocket $2,500, out of which he pays ton cents per bead or $lOO for the support of the hospitals. His isams, board, Ste., will not Peened $4OO, and ho has then $2,000 loft as his net earnings in thirty days. This is a fair average of the sutlers' business, though many of them make nearer $3,000, while a few boast of pocketing $5,000. Now, what does the soldier receive in return for his money? One of the principal items is stale pies, made principally in New York, and sent to Washington, where they are purchased by sutlers at Sae to 12 cents a piece by the hundred, and retailed in the camps at 20 cents a piece. Another principal item of the sutlers' merchandise is tobacco, cigars, and pipes. Cigars that are bought for $5 per thousand, or two for a cent, are retailed at 3a4 cents each. Letter •paper is sold at 15 cents for a halfemire, which cost 5 cents. Whisky is smuggled out, and sold at $1.50 a bottle. Beyond these articles, the sutlers' stookis made up mostly of gingerbread,confectionery, figs, raisins, &e.., with a limited assortment of gloves, mittens, Socks, and undershirts. Throe-fourths of the articles supplied by sutlers are not only unne cessary, but injurious to the health of the soldiers. Whisky and stale pies are followed by disordered bowels and fevers ; and it is a reasonable estimate to say that fifty per cent. of the hospital cases re sult from the foolish expenditure of money at the sutlers' cribs or carts. The distant reader will ask why competition does not reduce the price of goods to a reasonable tariff; but it must be remembered that no competition is allowed. The payment of ten cents per head for each soldier in the regiment gives the sutler the exclusive privilege of supplying the regiment. With the exception of newspapers, no other article is allowed to be sold on the ground by any one but the sutler. Tito whole system is wrong, and to-day four-fifths of the soldiers would re jui ce to hav e ilia sutler driven out of the regi ment. The system demands the attention of Ova, gross. Rumness Reviving in Alexandria. In passing through Alexandria yesterday I was gratified to find quite a revival in business. New stores and new proprietors are opened in a score of shopg from - which the ehultore wore not removed during the summer months. Large supplies of goods have been imported, and the city has, I might say, suddenly assumed the indications not only 9f Vitality but of enterprise and thrift. Retrenchment. A bill will be introduced into Congress to reduce the salaries of clerks in the Departments twenty per cent., and the pay of ntember's of Congress ten pei neat. The bill will tam luolude other impor tant retrenchments. The bill will create somo lengthy and warm debates, when, in all probability, it will be dropped without commanding a vote, and be forgotten. CongresS Congress is to-day in good ; working oilier. There are evident indications that the slave question is to occupy a prominent place in the business of the session, though in a different aspect from that in which it is usually debated. The prevailing however. ownetiri4 to he in favor of letting the institution take cure of itself h the bottle for the Union, Soldiers for the " Un4tn." Of 116 marriage licenses issued here in Novem ber, a very large proportion of the brAegrooma were wafflers. The timber of lieensei for the month is larger than ever before in a single month. United States Supreme Court The United States Supreme Court met yesterday to open the rep,ular term for the reason. There are three vacancies on the Bench. The. Bench paid their respects to the President, as is customary at the commencement of the term. Treagury Redemption_ Secretary Othtsa gives notice that the depart ment is ready to redeem the Treasury notes au thorized by sot of Congress, approyed 17th Decem ber, 1880. The intereet on thede noted will close on the first of February next. Pennsylvania Contested Election Case. The contested election case in the Third Con gressional district of Perunulyanin was unexptnt edly brought before the House this afternoon by Mr. STRATTON, of New Jersey. Ile offered a reso lution, which was adopted by a party vote, that the sitting member (Mr. Jonll P. Vannum) be allowed twenty days from the date hereof to take such re butting testimony as he may desire, before the Re corder of the city of Philadelphia, and that he give the contestant (Mr. Jowl Kilian) ton days' notice of the time andplaee of taking said testimony, and that he forward the names of the witnesses to be examined. This proceeding is looked upon essomething unn.. sual, as the Committee on Contested Elections have not yet made their report, although it has been printed. This report gives Mr. KLINE a ChM' ma joriti of nine votes. The Mends of In tend to offer a resolution in the House to-morrow, asking that he may be allowed to take further re butting testimony. Mr, KLINE seems sanguine that be will be able to tuily estahliali Ma ri g ht to the seat now held by Mr. VERREE. The committee will not, probably, under the existing circumstances, make a report until after the let of January. It• is said that additional testimony, of an important character, will be adduced by both parties. Deaths of Pennsylvania Soldiers. The following soldiers have died since our last report Private J. E. Mcßride, Company D, Fifty-second Pennsylvania Regiment, at Columbian Hospital. Private William Jeffreys, Company D, Fifty. third halmlyania /Wilmot, at Wham litqpital, Private, John Shifoloy, Company H, Fifth Penn aylvania Reserve Corps, at Division Hospital. Private Daniel Obenor, Company C, Fifty-third rennfiyilrallitl l at Indiana Iloapital, Private William Harvey, Fifty-third Pennsylva nia Reserve, at Indista. Hospital. Private Adam Marts, Company t, Third Penn sylvania Reserve eapya, at Omit Piativat. Private Franklin Wilson, Company I, First Penn sylvania Reserve, at Camp Pierpont. Private William Roesley, Company K, Ninth. Pennsylvania REINITO3 Corps, at oamp. Private David Neeley, Company N, Fourth Pennsylvania volunteers, at camp. Private Cephelas Ryan, Company K, Eighth Pinnsylvania volunteers at Si. Elizabeth Hospital. Messrs. °win, Benham, and Brent. Efforts are being made to effect the release of, Messrs. GWIN, BENHAM', and BRENT, of California, but I do not think they will be successful. The single fact, which is not denied, that they throw overboard, before their arrest, all their papers and letters, is an evidence that they were trying to get to the south, or into New York, for mischievouS purposes. Heavy Claims for Damages Immense claims for damages., resulting from the occupation of thc soil of Virginia, by the Federal troor, wilt soon bo forthcoming., null to be e. elates agent hereafter will be a profitable business. It is to be hoped, however, that a law will be passed discriminating against all who do not earnestly as sist ilia Glavernment in putting dewn the rebellion. Work for the Provost MarshaL It is stated that, in anticipation of the COIASOR tion bill that will pass Congress in a few days, standeetlae efforts aro zerdrlng by *Le rebel owners of property, real and personal estate, in this city so to dispose of this property as to rescue it from the clutches of the Federal troops An ratilliccclV l lll ReeOIIIIOISSAUCes - For some time past a force of Secession cavalry, numbering about 1,500 men, have made their ap pearirnce in what is eallvd thy Fr,ying Poe, In the neighborhood of Hunter's Mills. To-day a recon noissance, consisting of troops from Generals Pon- TZIt, Serve, and McCALL'S division—in all, about 0,000 man—was made jutted direction with n view of capturing the rebels. The advanee was princi pally made at an early hour this morning and the force returned this evening without having even caught a glimpse of the enemy. A Reconnoissance. Lieutenant Colonel Osta., of the Fourth Penn sylvania Reaerves, with two companies, made a woeful reconnoissance &lend Lewinsvillo pester. day. He discovered an encampment of rebels, and after obtaining some valtudge information returned safely to camp.. A Movement by Gen. McCall's Division. General McCALL's division, 10,000 strong, left their encampment, at Langley, at 8 o'clock this Morning, under orders to promed to Dranesville, nine miles distant, on a reconnoissance. It is known that the enemy have reappeared at Drammine, where, it is believed, they are entrenching them selves. The object of General MeCkt.t.'s movement is to ascertain the force of the enemy, and to drive them from that position. When I left Langley, at 0 o'clock this evening, they had not returned, and at 10 o'clock to-night no report hail been sent in to General IticOLLLLAN's headquarters. At 8 o'clock this morning, a cannon shot from the enemy's guns, in the direction of Flint Hill, struck in a field within three miles of Langley. The pre nit% leenlity whence it came in not known, and it is believed it was thrown at least four miles. Post Office Order. PONT OFFICE DEPARTMENT, APPOINTMENT OFFICE, December 3, 18131. A branch Ana bovintr been eigtablkheti at the Capitol, in the city of Washington, the various dis tributing offices are hereby directed, during the session of Congress, to place all letters and news papers directed to members of the United States Senate and of the Rouse of Representatives' in separate pouches from all the other mail matter, and label such pouches " Congress, Washington, D. C." Dy order or the Postmasterit erwral. • JOHN A. CASSON, First Assistant Postmaster General. A Regiment of Heavy Artillery. Colonel CHARLES A. DORAN and his Quarter• master JOHN BOSLER, Jr., both of Philadelphia, are now here proposing to furnish the Government with a full regiment of heavy artillery, which they have recruited et their own expense. These gen tlemen have both soon service, Colonel DOILIN es an officer at tho Battle of Bull Run, and Mr. Bog- LER as commissary of General FREMONT'S division, on the overland route to California. The Post Office Laws The House Post Office Committee met this morn ing and resolved to codify all the postal laws and regulations which arc now scattered through the United States statutes from 1825 to the present time, end the aisle] decisions of the Postmaster General during the same period. Jesse D. Bright. The Senator from Indiana, -Hon. JESSE D. BRIGIIT 7 is loud in his protestations of devotion to the Union. He declares that he has been the vic tim of newspaper malice—that ho has been calum niated and misrepresented, that his loyalty has been questioned, and efforts made to ruin bim. He says that he will have a resolution introduced to inquire into the charges which have been made against him, and pledges himself to prove that they are false. The President's Message. The message of President tie - cola( is the subject of much comment to-night in the hotels and on the Avenue. There is a universal feeling of approval among all conservative men, and the vigorous mea sures recommended for the suppression of the rebel lion will be sustained by both branches. The Late Senator Baker The death of the late lamented BAKER will be announced in the Senate on Thursday, by his col league, Mr. NESMITH. Among others, an address will be delivered by Senator LATHAM . , of California. Senator Wilmot The Hon. fl lvin WILVOT was in his goat to-day_ Ho arrived last evening. The Senator has, in a great measure, recovered from his recent illness. From the Lower Potomac. The Reliance came up from Indian Head this morning, bringing Com. CRAVEN, flag officer of the flotilla. Vessels continue to arrive. Some of them the rebel batteries do not pay any attention to whatever. The Mount lira_chington went down this menthe. It is underateeel that the Geverft- Lunt has ordered a large amount of forage to be delivered at Alexandria bit: ford the Ist of January. Gen. Montgomery 111 Gen. MONTGOMERY is 0011Mied to his apartments at Alexandria by illness. Colonel MCLEAN, of the Eighty-eighth Pennsylvania, is acting in his place. Soldier's Fund to Purchase a Homestead. Several of the' volunteer companies have adopted a system of saving a portion of their pay for the purpose of purchasing a homestead after their term of enlistment ha, expired, The trust provides that each member of the company shall deposit ten dol lars every sixty days during their enlistment, for the purpose of forming a fund for the purchase of homestead farms on the public lands ; the amount to be deposited in some well-established bank In the State from which the soldiers have conic, and not to be withdrawn until the expiration of the term of enlistment. In case of death, the deposit so made to be - paid into the hands of the widow p o ta f in th o e f d t the ;m a o i r rpo o n hil m d a r k en, wg o t t he r d ep epo rea s e it e , representatives of paty, ps trustee, is to give a certificate of deposit to the sol4 4liiot The men are to de signate the bank of depoalt. Tile ifilstea to furnish - a list of deposits made out by the bank at Stahl times. At the end of the service the proceeds of the deposits to be invested in homesteads, and for no other purpose, either in the WEEP of the delta sitot or such person as he may name. A copy of the trust to be filed with the bank as notioe of the purpose of the trust. Every guard is placed over the trustee, The arrangement is very popular among several of the companies, and will, no doubt, bo generally adopted. Goneltnto Winter Quarters. GASIMI diVi§i6ll hs.4 boas 61 . dePed. winter quarters at Frederick, Md. The troops are delighted with their removal froin their old camp ing-ground. More Piohots Shat Three pickets are reported to have been shot by the rebels on the other side of the Potomac last night. FROM MISSOURI. BRILLIANT SKIRMISH AT . SALEM. THE ENEMY ROUTED Lae, Mo., Dec. 3. Major Bowen, who left here on Saturday last with a hundred cavalry from General Wyman's brigade, in search of the ii9t9Hl2llo me nudiBg rebel, Freeman, arrived at Salem last night. At about three o'eloek this morning ho was attacked at that place by the rebels under Cols. Freeman and Turner, and after a sharp fight, the enemy holding one past of the town, and our-forces another, the rebels were driven from the place and completely routed, with a loss of some 10 killed and 30 wounded, besides a great many prises.- aaktitied. Aimafig tha latter was k ssplsin. Otif loss was about fifteen killed and wounded. Major Bowen holds the town. Reinforcements have been sent him, as it is feared the enemy will rally in !arse nuratscrs and overwhelm Ids command. It is reported that from two to three thousand of the enemy are in that vicinity. The Election in New York City. FERSANDO WOOD DEFEATED, OPDYKE. ELECTED NEW Yox u Dec. 3.—The election in this city, to-day, resulted in the success of George Opdyke, the Republican candidate. The Tote Ira, as -lows For George Optlyke (Rep.) 25,259 cc C. Godfrey Gunther (Tam. Dem.)-24,588 Fernando Wood (Montt) 94,155 Burning Union Men an Kentucky LorisviLLE, Dee. 3.—The Bowling Green Cou rier; of the Uth ult., says that a party of rebels went yesterday to Franklin, to arrest some dozen Unionists. The latter retired within ahouse, and tired upon the rebels, killing one, when the remain der set fire to the house ? burning to death all the Unionists therein, except two. The Atlanta (Ga.) Confederacy says that the mayor of Augusta, and the Governors of Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana, join in rooom imiadlOi- the Lzglilaiiir-6g to .kiki.ieas — the ...just sncl unpatriotic speculation in the prime necessaries of life. The Knoxville Register says that the Lick Creek bridge, on the Tennemee and Virginia Railroad, has been repaired, reopening the communication between Knoxville and Bristol. Additional Southern News The Richmond Examiner of Friday, Nov. 29, contains the following telegrams : CtIARLESTON, Nov. 28.--The Courier of this morning says that a skirmish took place near Buck ingham, vu Oaturday last ) between the Confederates and the Union invaders. The Unionists attempted to land, but were driven off. One of our men was slightly wounded by a shell. It is reported that the enemy leaded on yesterday, at BenneWA Point, at the mouth of Ashepo river. Four Union steamers Shelled Otto Island, near St. Helena, on Monday, and then landed. They now hold entire possession of St , Helena Sound. A number of lights passed our bar on Monday night, and it is presumed that the Union fleet were en route South. Perhaps they were the " twenty old whalers" referred to in the Union papers. • SAvistuAu. Nov. 28.---The papers of this morning state that Fort Pulaski, on yesterday. throw a fait Fbot and AO et the United. States cutup oATybeo Island, which caused u , liulldtuu atatutteda to Alfas quarteits on that island. There are . new sla Union vessels inside the bat and five outside. Lvseiniune, Nov. 28.—Floyd'e command ex pecte to go into Cvintcr Tani-hrs . at Potorskown 7 Monroe county. The roads aro almost impassable, and it is thought that neither the Yankees nor our selves can accomplish anything until next spring. Tlie !aiming prisoners have dbiA M Ri6tifiltaa Nov. 24, James Connie, company B, Brenty-ni.Mb New York ; Nov. 5, Charles Lamb, company —, Fifteenth Milienehosette. The following prisoners, taken at Newport News, arrived at Richmond on Thursday : Geo. Willard, private, eompanT A, Seventh New York ; Tothen grifehelre, same regiment. XXXVIITH CONGRESS-FIRST SESSION, WASHINGTON, MC( MbCr 3, lfiln SENATE. The President's measure wan communicated noon after the opening of the Senate through hie private seuretarV. Mr. Nickolay. It was imtu ediately read. TIIPUNIMI Mid/VI of Inenragen and accompanying deem- Pulite were ordered to he printed. Mr. Glil MES, of lowa, introduced the following bill: Rise/red, etc., That the thanks of Congress be, mid they are hereby, tendered to Captain Saffinel F. Dupont, and throagh bin, to the offirors, potty officers, man meriting !Mailed to the noundron of Lin for the decisive tad splendid victory achieved at Port Royal, (111 the NI day of November lief. Mr. GRIMES said he had nu doubt every Senator wan prepared to Vote for the resolution now, lint the best course to pursue was, perhaps, to act in accordance with precedent, and refer the resolution to the Committee on Naval A ffairn. The reeoliition vrne thil.lllßid aside until the formation of the standing committees. Mr. FOSIER, of Connecticut, gave notice of hl4 in tention to introduce a bill supplementary to th in ac t t o authorize protection to be given to citizens of ttio linifed Sinll.l4 who IWO" disrover depoiini of givino, Angto.t, On motion of Mr. FOOT, of Vermont, it wax lerndred, That the Vice President appoint two noon hers to fill the vacancies in the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institute, occasioned by the death of Sena_ for Douglas, and the withdrawal a n d expulsion o f j amkoi Into Sonata,. DOM Virginia. The Senate then adjourned. HOUSE, OF REPRESENTATIVES Mr. MAYNARD presented the credential.; of Mr. elemeno, Represtentittive elect front the Fourth oktriet or Tennenteo. Ito brit* rciakil the ctf - cfmml ,,, cf , f under 't which the election was held, Haying that three metitherd were elected in Eakt Tennesaen—men who declare kir the National Constitution and for the deg tinder which they had lived and under which they had hoped to die. lbe ivoke of the difficulty- attending travel, .which proveutedi Mont front relteilillg Wlolllillooll to attend the extra eeseion. on motion, tho credentials were referred to tho Com mittoe on Elections. The Prebident's message was received at a few minntei after noon, and was road. On motion of Mr. WASLIB CANE, of Illinois, the Ines sago of tho President was raorred to Ago Committoo oP the Whole on the state of the Union. Mr. Washburne's motion fur printing fifty thousand extra conies was referred to the Committee on Printing. Mr. DUNN offered the following : Whereas, henry C. Burnett, a member of this Homo from Kcntucky, ie in open rebellion inteink the Govern. moot of the 'United Statet t therefore, Resolved, That the said Burnett be, and he it hereby, expelled from this House, and the Governor of Kentucky be notified of hit expulsion. Resolved, That the Sergermt-at-Arms be directed not to pay Burnett's salary which has accrued since the elaee of the tAttrit 144111611. Mr. WICKLIFFE, of Kentucky, said he had in tended to prepare and submit a proposition something like an obituary notice of his late colleague, [laughter.] The latter was not, as the resolution asserted, in armed rebellion, but heads a provisional Government in Ken lucky, a revolutionary Convention. Not satisfied with the treatment of this Government to maintain the Union, nor satisfied with the course of his own State, he has as sumed the important duty of organizing knottier Govern ment, for the better protection of the lives, property, and liberty of the people of Kentucky, and in this undertaking i.e has employed Simon Buckner, who. is not only some what assimilated in name, but in the deeds of Simon Gartner, who once headed the Indians in Kentucky. Three times has the gallant State of Kentucky declared, by overwhelming majorities, that she would not leave the United States to nun after strange gods or for the so-called Southern Republic.. Notwithstanding the re pented declarittiNe for the Uuicn, 4lri in vieiMi9n 9f the well-known sentiments of the people of Kentucky, they had been told the objects of the Convention and of the so-called Southern Confederacy are to relieve them from despotism and to protect their rights. Alt lwe were deceived. We were told by the Execu tive of this smelted Southern Confederacy that it was intended to respect the coadition of Kentucky, which it was pretended wonli not be Bono by the Govern ment of the United States. The Union men of Ken tucky never did deity the right of the United States Government to occupy Its soil fur the exorcise of the purposes impanel by the Constitution. Kentucky had ac knowledged her obligations, and expressed her determi nation to fulfil them. The proclamation of the Governor of Kentucky deceived the people, but the Legislature de nounced it. Tue messengers of peace were sent to the Executive of the 'United States, and one to the Pre:A dmit of the Southern Government to know what was intended to be dune with Kentucky. The former said it was intended to maintain the laws and Constitu tion of the United States, and that this was believed to be the will of the people of Kentucky. The latter de clared that he intended to respect the neutrality of Ken tucky as understood by the Secession party in that State; but the Southern press did not tell them that he lied ma tured a plan to assail them at three different points, nor did he tell them there was on the statute book of the Southern Government a law providing money and means not to sustain Kentucky against op pression, but to carry her into the Southern Confede racy- a-tkinsk. Use. iiialoPHS of twe-thietht of the entire State. r. The Provisional Governor of Kentueky was sent to see the Government at Richmond. Mc awhile, Mr. Burnett is at the head of the new order of affairs in the discharge of his duty, and an armed force has been ga thicicd, eimpoaci of yew, ' desperate ? and reckless men ? commanded by BuCkner. In conclusion, Mr. viteittors said, with the blessing of God, I predict that by the 35th of December no hostile footwill be found on the soil of Kentucky. [Applause.] The resolution for the expulsion of Mr. Burnett was adopted . Ou motion of Mr. STRATTON, of New Jersey, a reso lution was adopted allowing Mr. 'Ferree, the member front the Third district of Pennsylvania, twenty days to take testimony before the Recorder in Philadelphia, Deady the whole time allowed by law having been simi larly consumed by Mr. Kline, who coutesta Lis seat. Adjourned. Arrival of the Steamer Patapsco. NEW Yam, Dee. 3.—The steamer Patapsco, from Port Boni, h ivived, but brings no news. She spoke rho Penguin off cheirleeton 9/1 the ley inYc, Wreck of the Ship Fannin NEW Yonic, Dec. 3.—Bermuda advice of the 14th ult,, report Chat tho ship d, Wr EPPfiN 7 140.419 for Rotterdam, sprung a leak, had to bear up for Bermuda. Oa the 12th, she struck on the Reefs, tea =llan aa.nthvrcot. of YrlkOro 0110 17 ...hi prove a total wreck. Exertions were making to save the cargo. The ship was owned by J. H. Brewer At Co., New York. Excitement in the Now York Dry-600di Market NEW YORK, December 3.—The dry-goods mar ket is very excited in prints and printing cloths, with heavy sales. Sonic holders have withdrawn their stocks-for higher prices. Prints have ad vanced Vic. Merrimacs are quoted at Mal2c, Spragues' Pacifies and Coehoeos at lie. Other Dalton gouda are unchanged, Departure of the Anderson ',Troop for Kentucky. Ir-Hannisnrue, Dec. 3.—The Anderson Troop will leave Pittsburg for Kentucky to. day_ This company was raised as a body-guard for General Anderson and will act in the same capacity for his successor, Gen. Buell. It consists of one hundred picked, well-educated young men from Pennsylvania, and has a representative from nearly every county in the State. Gen. Anderson visited them at Carlisle on Saturday, and, after reviewing them, made a short but stirring address in which he commended their soldierly appearance and admirable personnel. Capt. W. J. Palmer, of Philadelphia, commands the Troop. U. S. Steamer Jas. Adger at Baltimore. BALTIMORE, Des. 3.—The U. S. steamer J - 6912LS Actgrr, from Southampton, via Papal, Azores has arrived here. It is understood than one of " her officers passed through this evening, destined to Washington. The Mushead Legteletue BALTIMORE, Dec 3.—The Maryland Legislature met at Annapolis to-day. A caucus is being hold to-night, and an organization will be had to morrow, when the Governor's message will be de- The Western Virginia Convention WHEELING, Dee. 3.—The Convention to-day changed the same of the new State ftees. Kanawha to 'Western Virginia. A stirring debate is expected on the slavery question. THE CITY. [FOR ADDITIONAL LOCAL NEWS SEE FOURTII PAGE. j ASIIISESIVNTS THIS EVENING AMERICAN ACADEMY OF Music—Broad and Locust etreet.-- ,, Hamlet, Prince of Denmark." wilme,_gymig, Innu,"_Ninth and Walunt Au_ "Our American Cousin "—. 46 Smashington'a Coat "- 64 Bob Nettles." AlLon-firesat. Taskrait—Arch street, above Sixth.— Shiverer, or Love vs. Policy"—" Aunt Charlotte's Maid." WHEATLEY'S CONTINENTAL THE/TEE—Walnut street, above Eighth.—" The Cataract of the Ganges." TEMPLE OF WONDERS—N. E. corner Tenth and Chest nut streets.—Signor Blitz's Entertainment FLAG PRESENTATIONS BY GOY. ODIUM.— Yesterday afternoon, Governor Curtin and suite visited the encampments of Colonels Rush and J. Richter Jones, and presented those regiments with the flags furnished fve l„- wore crowded, and the ceremonies passed off In au inter esting and quiet manner, a large police force being pre sent to preserve order. Upon the arrival of the Governor at Ificrtown, he was tact by Cal. Ilushis regiment. drama up in lino to reedy° him, and, after an interchange of formalities, was es• corted to the camp, - Ills Excellency made some extem pore remarks in reply to Col. Rush, which, though brief, were decidedly to the point. The remarks of Governor Curtin were tinhetantially as &Howe; AND SOMMERS: I am here to-day for - the performance of an official duty. The Legislature of our State. at its late session, provided that regimental flags should be procured and presented to the brave turn who g 9 vitt !rpm the State for the defence of the National Government. This ie one Wino.) , Like occa sions in which I have appeared before the soldiers of Pennsylvania, and I can truly say that no other has had associations more inspiring tes the patriotic breast, or more calculated to stir within me emotions of pride for MY 11111110 15lillft With iiff ginitift birdcall/1h its clndinun{ progress for so many years, anti its present devotion to the principles of truth and justice in which its founda tions were laid. You are here to-day, prepared to go forth and battle for the maintenance of those. constitutional rights which were transmitted by your anceatora, and for time prostra , lion of which more than two hundred and Fifty thousand rebels stand arrayed. ion have voluntarily left your. homes and your firesides, the companions and scenes of your youthful days, with a fail knowledge of the pro bable trials and vicissitudes of a Soldier's life, that you way aid, to the asitoat of yaw ability, in maturing to its original condition that a.tvcrimiont wldcli watt fought for by the most couragenue band of warriors, and at length triumphantly established by the wisest and most prudent statesmen the world. has ever known. . . Take, then, this flag t. upon its blue field is placed. the 14111,xyLinii.i. giii+PoititiltAlliV the ihidy fon r eters, enibbolie tic of tit', States of the whole Union. It is the. flag of your fathers mid of your country. It will be yours to bear it in the thickest of the Il iht, and to defend it to, the Net- Upon its return, it will have in scribed upon it the record of those battles through which you have eerrieit anct will become a pars ar chives of ltennsylvaniat 91141 there It will remain through all coming tine, a witness to your children :old your children': children of the valor of their tethers With full sound... , that in your hands . this banner will never bo dialnkyrtl, / anituat ty rya cam The reply of COL Ruth wan eloquent and Ming to the occasion.. On behalf of the gallant mon of his con:mate, lie felt proud to say that it would be their endeavor t ) pre.:erve and ratty ATPIMI! this standard with n devotion. worthy of 14 ue.;we.l )ey al freemen. "rlo-orrelmoteks abi Lul. J. Stickier ...I.olerit coup 'W•iFi alike interesting. The flags are of the finest quality of ank, and aPP4*-- priatety inscribed. TIM rilNditrUriT'd Itlvenese - R3 was ii - -z-gza, rather 13111111uarily by the telegraph and newepapera Ycetenbsy, It was transmitted over the wires. - of the American Telegraph CompuaY in Must) . - nine Williams, furnished entire to the priweed by the Asaoctoost Pre.a halms. the Meek of the Ilium ht Viiithington had fitriehtel He reading. and in a few WUHAN' More WOO tii the. lutlsM of the public. It is but doe to the efficiency of Manilla* Itiercihow and Aseietent Manager WaNtesft; Ike Welt ise to. the ahlll - of the corps of eperators attached tothe Atne,lic,.., tpdeuegek Company. to slate that in tile, entire nweivuol, cm/mitring some eight thousand wonie, there wet no t a tingle material 01111AM011 or mistake in the telographic copy, notwithstanding the rapidity with Willett it Wed iillreied over the_wiree. . REPORT TILE SECRET/1n OF %%4 WAR DRPARTMIANT, DReir.ml,ol . 1, 1861. Sin: I have the honor to submit the annual report of this Department. The accompanying reports of the chiefs of thin soverml Bureaus frrement the estimates of the appropriations re. 'mired for the service of this Departniont living ti eliteal year ending June 30, 1863, and ulso appropriations ne cessary to cover deficiencies in the Estimated for 1861-'62: The following gtateinont prenentri the ontire et/firm/tea Air/math (if thr army. bnth yelantnera and rag:Marx : 3 month a. , For the war., Aggregate Catiforn i a.. ..... . Connecticist I ielaware.. ...... Illinois Indiana. 101V1. Kent ticky 11110111 , lams BI tt'H,LeltliKetl H.. . ?if it:lllga n . N intierkda ielintiti New II anipslire.. . Now ./enney New York Ohio Ithode IVI:l1111... • Vrrllllllli . 1:11 . 0111DI WiHeollBll - 1. await; Colorado Nelaaaka. Nevada. New Mexieo. Dist. Gultintbia.. 4,6,5 m; ;31AG, 12,40.1 71"5 2,000 4,141: tio,ouu 4,686, 57,332 1118 19,800 16,000, 11, ..... 1,000 3,435 1.16,7601 791 29,5501 4,160! 9,356 22,11 9 779 ,600 9,0118] 0,9.94 10,189; 100,200 1 111),3,6I 81,205 19,199 91,760 1,285 . 5,898 781:1 F 5,0001 770 1 12,0001 792 14,1531 5,000 , 1,000 LOOO 1,000 2,623! I,oooi 77,5i5; - 649,637 Estimated Sin n'tli of the regular ar my, kith:ding the ! now rinligtmentql under net of gre. of July 29, 11361 1 1110 several /Mild of the #stllitikti9i 04 LA ii)WS Volunteere. Regular.. Aggregate. ...557,208 11,175 568,83 ... 54,654 4,744 59,398 20,380 4,308 24,088 nines and Sharpshooters. 8 1 395 Enginoars 640,637 20,334 Tlio appropriations asked for the service of the next fiscal year are computed for a force of 5004600 men. They have been reduced to the lowest possible amount consist ent' with the public intermits, arse} arm- bawd upon a strictly economical administration of the various brandies of this Department. The appropriations to cover deficiencies are rendered necessary by the excess of the force in flu, field over that upon which the eFtimates were founded, and by extraor dinary expenditures connected with the employment and discharge of the Three Aunt]. dontingout. An item of very heavy expense is the large mounted force which has been organized, equipped, and made available since the called session of Congress, and which was not computed for in the estimate. While an in crease of cavalry was undoubtedly necessary, it has ieeehed flan the wants of the service. As It can only he maintained at a great cost, measures will be taken for its gradual reduc tion. In organizing our great army, I was effectively aided DY 010 loyal 0 9)T111.914 of t.)1 1 , liffcrPtlt tst!!.*., mi. I cheortnily acknowledge the prompt patriotism with which. they responded to the call of this Department. Congress, during its extra session, authorized the army to be increased by the acceptance of a volunteer force of 500,000 men, and made an appropriation of live hundred minions of dollars for its tumport. A call for the troops was immediately made; but so numerous were the oilers that it was found difficult to discriminate in the choice, where the patriotism of the people demanded that there should be no restriction upon enlistments. very por:. tion of the loyal States desired to swell the army, and every community was anxious that it should he repro. seated in a cause that appealed to the noblest impulaus of our people. So thoroughly aroused was the national heart, that I have no doubt this force would have been swollen to a million, hind not the Department felt compelled to restrict it, in the absence of authority- from the lteprewittatives of the people to increase the limited number It will 130 for Congress , to decide whether the army shall be Luther augmented, with a view to a more speedy teronuationot the war, or whether it shall be confined to the strength already fixed by law. In the latter case, with the object of reducing the volunteer force to 500,038, I PrOPOW WWI tlic S9ll§9ilt of gOliClM 4 fh to c.fisoii4l.o such of the regiments as may from time to time fall below the regulation standard. The adoption of th's =ammo will decrease the number of officers, and proportionably diminish the e xpenses of the army. It is said of Napoleon by AM:Ulla that, in the campaign of 18104 that great general on the Ist of April had a regular army of 200,000 men. On the let of June Its had increased this force to 414,000. The like proportion, adds Jomini, 2, hail he thought proper to inaugurate a vast system of defence, would have raised it to 700,000 men by the Ist of 3eptember." At the commencement of this rebellion, inaugurated by the attack on Fort Sumpter, the entire military force at the disposal of this government was 16,006 regulars, principally employed in the West to hold in check marauding Indians. In April, 75,000 volunteers were called upon to enlist for three menthe' Ecryiee, and responded with ouch alacrity that 77,875 were immediately obtained. Under the authority of the act of Congress of July 32, 1801, the States were asked to furnish 500,000 volunteers to serve for three years. or duties the war i and by the act ap. moved the 'Zilth at the same month, the addition of 2S 009 melt to the regular army of the United States was authorized. The result i ell atilt Avu 12000 nvw army of upwards of 600,000 Men. if we add to this the number of discharged three-months volunteers, the ag gregate force furnished to the Government slues April last exceeds 700,000 men. WC Lave litre an tIitIVDCO a the w9ll49rNi § , ,rnratli gr our institutions. Without conscriptions, levies, (hafts, or other extraordinary expedients, we have raised IL greater force than that which. athered by Napoleon with the aid of all tbese appliances, was cvusidered an evidence of his wonderful genius and energy, and or +h' :altar). spirit of the Freneh ustlon. Here every man has nn interest in file Oovernmuni, and de fence when dangers beset it. By rf•fere nee to the records of the Revolution it will he even that . I tfassachusetts, with a population of 350,000, had at one time 000 troops in OW or oytr ont;- Fixtit of her entire people—'a force greatly exceeding tile whole number oi troopa Inrnichd, j . M the g.n l-6 ern States during that war. Should the present 10yil Slaw. furnish troops in like proportion, which would undoubted ly be the case should any emergency demand it. the Government could promptly put into the field an army of oror Map DliiiitiMh Ir gives me great satisfaction to refer to the creditable degree of discipline of our troops, most of whom were, but a short time since, engaged in the pursuits of peace. They are rapidly attaining an efficiency which cannot fail to bring success to our arms: Officers and men silks evince ten cannel desire to accomplish theinetlict ill every duty of the camp end field, and the various corps are aniniated by an emulation to excel each other in sol dierly qualities. Tile conspiracy against the Government extended over an area of 733,144 ;mare miles, possessing a coast line of 3;623 miles, and a shore lino of 25.4.14 miles, with Si! interior boundary line of 7.031 miles in length. This conspiracy stripped us of arms and munitions ' and scat tered our navy to the most distant quarters of the globe. The elThrt to restore the Union, 'which the Government entered en in April last, was the most gigantic endeavor in the history of chit war. Thointorval of seven months has been spent in preparation. The history of this rebellion, in common with all others, for obvious causes, records the first successes in favor of the it surgents. The disaster of Bull Rim was but the natural consomme of the preiuntilre 1111911110 our brave but undisciplined troops, which the impa tience of the country demanded. The betrayal also of our movements by traitors in our mast enabled the re bels to choose and entrench their position, and by a re inforcement in great strength, at the moment of vie- Ugh to match it from our armor This mewl how ever, gave no discouragement to our gallant people they have crowded into our ranks, and although large numbers have been necessarily rejected, a - mighty army in invincible array stands eager to precipitate itself npon the foe. The check that we have received upon the Poto mac has, thcreforei lint postponed the campaign for a Tew months. The ether successes or the rebels, - Waugh dearly won, were mere albsirs, with no inntortztnt or permanent - advantages. The possession of 'Western Virginia, and the occupation of Hatteras and. Beaufort have nobly redeemed our transient reverses. At the date of my teat report the States of Delaware, Iffarvlandy Kentucky, and Missouri ware threatened with rebellion. In Delaware, the good souse and patriotismof the people have triumphed over the unholy schemes of traitors. The people of Kentucky early pronounced thsaiselvee, lip an tilladairoell dealltation at the. ballet.: box, in favor of the Union ; . and Maryland, netWithetaild log the efforts of bad men in power in the city of Balti more, when the opportunity of a general election was af forded, tinder the lead of her brave and patriotic Geyer !lST, rebuked) 9Yer!vkiTinl3 Pl9i9r4r7 the trollops wino wows have lea her to destruction. In iniesouri a• loyal State Government has been established by the people, thousands of whom have rallied to the support of the Federal authority, and, in conjunction with troops from other portions of the country, have forced the rebels to retire into the adjoining State. The Government Pete - . bashed in Virginia , by the loyal portion of her population is in successful operation, and I have no doubt will be• unstained by the people of the entire State whenever tho' thraldom of the rebellorces shall have been removed. Thus has it been made clearly apparent that in what over direction the tome of the Union hare extended their protection, the repressed loyalty of the people, it-- resistibly manifesting itself, has aided to restore and maintain the authority of the Government; and I doubt not that the army now assembled on the banks of the Po tomac, will, under its able leader, soon make such a de monstration Ss will rothetaiiiielt its authority throughout all the rebelling Storm The loyal Governor of Virginia is proceeding to organ ize courts under the constitution and laws of the State in• all her eastern counties in the occupation of our troops. I respeetfnili Inmost that authority Should ha give. to the rreeident to sent cerurnii;siolsers with tire..., wit la power to exercise all the functions of local governmept wherever the civil authority has ceased to exist, and es- - nodally to enforce the obligations of contracts, and the collection of debts dice to loyal creditors. As Rtr.tpd iii nit` last tt.baid., at th 4 ZUlitilltliSelliMit. df this rebellion the Government found itself deficient in arms and munitions of war, through the bad faith or those entrusted with their control during the preceding administration. The armory at Harper's Ferry having been destroyed to preventitspossesaion and use by the • rebels, the Government was compelled to rely upon the single armory at Springfield, and upon private establish ments, for a supply of arms. Every effort has been made • to increase the capacity of that armory, the greatest , product of which, prior to these troubles, had never ex- • ceeded 800 muskets per mouth. In charge of an gale pad Ads .deer, tht Rent buiui datthlal,. and operations vigoromly prosecuted day and night, there were made nett& establislunent, during the past , month of October, a total of 6,900 muskets; and it is con-. Silently expected that 10,000 will be mantitectured during the present month. On a recent visit, With It view to en•. large Ihecapaclty of 11. armory, / directed the par-have of a large quantity of machinery already finished, which,. when put in operaticm,.will enable this establishment to produce, during the next year, 200,000 stand of the justly. celebrated Springfield !libel. I respectfully suggest the • recommendation of:a-liberal appropriation by Congress. for the pu pace of yeuinrther increasing the capac,ry a tlas armory, believing that it can be made suflieientite supply all the nuts:tele and rifles which the Government may hereafter need. in ally contingency. Located in a - healthful country,iis.the uudet of an industrious 11.111 i iii, j gelatins people, when sempvient workmen can ,strays ho obtained wawa eitaculty, and euniciently near to alttba - tuaterials needed in-she manufacture of arms, it is at tho. same time accessibie to every part of the conutry by. water andxailway communication. After having :sale contracts for arms with the private. eanbligtnluvthe iii this country, It 9e , llllile by the VI Is speed) islet maple •supply;,,, to sett a special rigout to Europe with funds to tlif, amount of. two :isillionsof dollars to purchase mere. I; ant mitified to state that he hes made arrangements WM' is large nimilev, of acme, part of which have ifirp*li bnani deliVered. Thu reinaindrr will be shinned by seeemigiu, steamers until all shall have been roreivcd, f`ntritiiiiitr!Pro; among ii anufactinern,. inzporteco tart a3entii fcr, the :nth. of limns hie, in ninny. canna, Anni:eit nnthie ilinen , l • in prices. TiA prerentad 1it,t11.1.,,i4e4 titkcn of the net:codifies of tlio.lictrerntuout, colll..oh ord diValtd to dalivoYts tkinltoinkt of lb.. UtliSoil Watt,. Itll arh.3l tunt.rounitionsitiot nUlt.r Imported into this country., The lillolllttli for arms h.„*.e.A inlnsexj4tenee. toumeir nun e,tumiFtwo 14- for tlidtir.llo,llllfeetllrg.tilluNlß:l4. tit 1 - te loyul portion of the cotutrY: twit it but bum tho polity of Ulla Veynrtinent to encourage ihe. deKelennumt , of the CRAIN, rnterprise, akifi : of. our ht, taxi* direc tion. The Goveninitait. eliouk) never louto. leekttlotn mitain of mueketa hnito areenatls, with a oorrewponding aunt? fitul SU' ?Milian- and puiniry, ttibrrvaril h it-May. 4 Mc' th ovolictitdcol roomont, tart Rota deficient In guna while having on abundance 'Amen. I recommend that opplication.he taiulata Cortgreat for authority to e24tatblish a national foundry fur the manu facture of hem) , crtillr.qr at EWA Doing ai maY afford the greatest fealties for the ptuvese.. While a sufficient number of cannon, lerhope,could be procured from pri late mn n wolactories, the poeseeelon of a national establish ment would lead to mcDeritneate whioh would be mond to the ceentry, and prevent imposition in prices by the ac curate knowledge that would In aceuirtui of the real valve of work of tbin character. In my last report I called attention to the fact that le- Rielation wee necessary fur the mrganiaation, upon a uniform hada, of the militia of the country: yO.lO general LE= c50i.971 , The injifirs t 9 rtiir9iiii-iittlitirMiliP7 }lye rebel Itioo -11 l order to cot ntreas coptiouptviatioff with the North and West vim Hairrisharg, mitt witty the Rest via Ittlailelphia, hsve bees repaired by the• diffe rent companies that own thetas 'That portion of the Bal timore and Enhio Railroad west fit Harper's Ferri...which ileetreend hp the retell-, has-net vet been restorld. The great hitereets of trade require. that this road should be reopened fll3 speedily as possible by thb compaay,. for the tratisportution of the Immense• sur- Ana of the apiculture' prod:tenons of the West. Vo• aid this iditeet, the Ilepartment lies tendered to the COMOKIJ a eurticiant farce for its protection during the progress or the wor::,.and will render quell.. Ateilities as it may be.able to provide,- in connexion with its other important public duties. For. 'ilia purpose of facilitating the transportation or suisidka-taillexitudria; !militia points hoyoudi it hra boon found nerrssary to rebuild. portions of the Orango• and Alexandnia and the Loialoun and ITainpshire railroads, arid to lay a track from the. railroad depot to a Taint olb thaa'ollOnt a' river, in this eiSy. l; miss an appropriation goanted for that purpose. at the tart session of Cottoromok Tel@grauhic esialitialied, and has heon•ftuind of the greatest service ire our lailitary operations.. EWA hundred and fifty-seven milee.of tslagraphic line lia - so:heen already Lilian:nit put in oreration, with nn ethaient corp 3 of operittoce,nlat & largo mtencion id DOW in paaceas of coo.truetion. tioegt..-so, at Ito loto all apaPanrittionlor the-ratioattrnation of tiro Lnaig Itridge, AC1*0.44 tit! Pbtl6. mac, which, in its thenZialeititited condition, .was.tuninfe for pnrpnees. The; work, which has• brott car ried-on without interrundint tolraile or travel...is:rapidly app_roie ink c omph.tiou. and, when finitheiti.will bo a. Qa. tit" tiret of the uremeat month, Lieutenant , General 4 iattel.l Scott voluntimitz velinquishett hia lii&h.commanit at, gear:al-in-chief °litho- American army. gallantly soave:kill:l country for oro.r.r.lu.of Ikalf ceifivryi ilha the *boll or lin act& rernenta , hlrt dun adilitionel lustre to. ilt brightest ptmed or Our national Allreakt. Thu atrodilatiol of a grateful people frolkaavd "gins Into his retirmuesa. The Presitleat.inormilately 'Jim:ferret' the canimand of the army. upou, the iefli.rer next in uamit. Fortunately hire the Wen-. 1e%.11111111 , Gollo9'lll lieriPlinit !Mil MUM). NUMMI 0.111111 I* every situation...St whielt his Ltro.A t had Wen culled into exezeisis. His brilliant rwhievetwenta in Western Virghtii., the untiring energy mad coommunata ability be has troplayed in the organization. and disci pline of an enPaely new army, have nwits woo for him &..aftauti.4. l / 4 1 or thig a..e sett of the. na tion. Extraordiatavy labor, energy, 111111 tulmtt have Ewen re quirril of th.r various bnreans of tlai..Dethwintent to pro vide for tit... wants of our Inunense,tmity. While errors WAY haTir)ten ouvanininilly runiininVi b , *orAilMtlih anti nhili extravagant prices hats tusbrubtaily In soma cases. Csalsolled by haste and Sias preeoure of rapid events, 3xin paid tot supplive, 12 is. wins areal aratiiina ri..., that I ',ler to t h o ecotittiraiiad :ultselatiAnttlnet of af fairs tlisplared In the rariuut brunolww of the service. Our ft;rces low not oniy io ila.arnaect. ctoib d , and tea, but bad to be suddenly orwridad with means of tram portatlen to an extent heretofore unparalleled. White I believe that there is no army in tie. world bettor provi ded for in every respect tlamkour regulars and volunteers. I Zißdidlir think that ne. Fara& as lima glut sa walk e. 14414.41 wag ever nut Itt.the Buii in go short Agnate of, time at so small an expanse. While it is my inteption to preserve the strictest eceso, my and accountability, .1 think tho teat dollar !Monti:kb% vannsitsl mil the trot mon thonli bn armed to brinktiii unholy rebellion too epee%U• end immanent close. The geographical position of the metropolis of the no tion, menaced by the rebels, and required to be *fended by thousands of our troops, Induces me to isagnost for consideration the propriety and expediency of a reeon. atruetion of the bounderies of the grates of Delawares Maryland, and Virginia. Wisdom and true statesmsa• Ship would dictate, that the seat of the National Govern. meet, for all time to Come, should be plead boYood mt. oonabio danger of seizure by ottemloitlNdit4 Id Wait ea Plan should be provided by Conarefet In aid of the Staten, by which our militia can be organized, armed, and dis ciplined, and made effective at any moment for imme diate service. If thoroughly trained in time of peace, wane omasion domande, it may be converted into a vast omilltient in HA diucipline, and uncotemerable in its patriotism. In the absence of any general system of organization, upwards of 700,000 men have already been brought into the hell and, in view of the alacrity and enthusiasm that have been displayed, I do not hesitate to express the belief that WI combination of events can arise in which this c ~,,,, try wilt not be able not only to pro tect itself, but contrary to its p.dloy, which Is peace with all the world, to enter noon aggressive operationo against any power that may intermeddle with our domestic of- Mira. A committee should hi, appointed by Congrosa, with authority' to Nit during the rows, to devise and re port is plan for the general organization uf the militia of the United States. It is of gnat importance that imnersliate attention should be 141 - 111 to the condition of our fortifications nixm the seaboard and the lakes, and upon our exposed fron tiers. They Anyulti itt once be placed in perfect condi tion for suceessful defence. Aggressions are whim made upon .ter ready to defend its honor and to repel insults; and we should show to the world, that while engaged In quelling disturbances at home wo are able to protect ourselves against attache from abroad. I earnestly recommend that immediate provision be rArt. nt rtti• t.• ,zeeae•-•t tab:laity of tile M m ilitary Aolems. There now mill lid violets at that important hvtitntion. I sin, itssnresl I.y the superintendent that 400 can at present be accom modated, and that, with very trilling tel expense, ti le number may be increased to 500. It Is not nocesst ry, at this, tale day, to spealt of the valise of educated mobliere, While, in Hum of war lir rebellion, we :nut ever depend mainly upon oar militia mad volittiteerS, too shall always need thoroughly trained. officers. Two classes having beet' graduated during the present year, in order that the imrvice might lin t , the. lions-fit of their military education, I had hoped that Congress, at Ito rxtriy reFOrn, lilltilOTlZO en increarm of the number. Having tailed to do , I trust that al the ap proaching, cession on increase will be /unionized, and that the selection of cadets will Pnnili'liVidy to 111,10.1 States which, co-operating cordially with the Govern ment, have brought their forces into the field to aid in the maintenance of Ito anthoriti. IF. this cooF.ectim, i.e.5111F1,4 thid I elm.Fld 4,11 attention to the CllOlll9 of a veteran ollicer, to whom, morn titan to any other, the Military Academy k indebt ed fur fie premeat prosperous and efficient condition. I allude to Colonel Sylvanite Thayer, of the engineer 0)1'94 who now, by reason of advanced years and faithful putt lie eervices, lei limp/wanted for linty in the field, Uhler tile recent law of Congress' he may jingly claim to be retired from ;wavy FOrViee ; but, believing that his dis tinguirlitil serviette should receive some mark of acknow ledgment from the Government, I recommend that au thority be asked to retire hint upon his full pay and e,,,,aumentn, The health of an army Li a 0000lor.otioa of the high est eonseoueuer. coed men and woman in different States, impelled by the highest motives of benevolence and patriotism, have come in aid of the constituted sani tary arrangements of the Government, and been greatly instrumental in diminishing disease in the campo, giving increased comfort end happiness to the life of the soldier, end importing to our hospital service is more humane and generous character. Salubrity of eituation end pleasantness of surroundings have dictated the choice of the linspital sites, and establishments for our sick and wounded, of which we have every reason to be proud, have Lien opened in St- Louis, Washington, George town, Baltimore, and Annapolis, and will he attached to every divielon of the briny hi the field. To the close of the war vigilant care shall he given to the health of the well soldier, and to the comfort and recovery of the sick. I rerun nand that the system of promotions which, prevails in the regular service by applied to the volun teer forces in the reepsetive Staten', restricting, however, the promotione to men actually In the llahl. At present, each Governor selects and appoints the officers for the troops furnished by his State, and coMplaint Ls not unfre quently made, that when vacancies occur in the field, nieu of inferior qualificatione are placed iu command over those in the ranks who are their superiors in mili tary experience and capacity, The advancement of merit should be the leading principle in all promotien4 and the volunteer soldier should be given to understand that preferment will he the sure reward of intelligence. fidelity, and distinguished service. The course stove recommended has been pursued by and It It my 41,61114.1 i, at fat , ag Utah'," power, to continue a system which cannot fail to have a most beneficial effect noon the entire service. By existing laws awl regulations, an officer of the reel"- lar array ranks an officer of volunteers of the same get*, notwithstanding the conintissiou of the latter nuir be of antecedent dare In my jthigdoeuti this practice has a tendency to repress the ardor and to limit the op portunity for distinction of volunteer officers, and a change should he made by which seniority of commission should confer the right of Commun . :l. I submit for reflection the question, whether the distinetion between regulars and volunteers, which now exists, should be permitted to continue I The efficiency of the army it appears to me, might be greatly increased by a consolidation of the two during the continuance of the war; which combining both forces, would constitute them one grand army of the Voion. Recruiting for the regular army has not been attended with that succe s s which Was anticipated, ttlmugb large number of men have entered this branch of the service. While it is admitted that soldiers in the regu lar army, melee the control of officers of military edu cation and experience, are generally better cared for than those in 11w volunteer service, it is certain that the tottatlits at.bfetLenell is idea* , seises to tits HUMP. Young men evidently prefer to enter a corps officered by their friends and acquaintances, nut, braides the bounty granted to volunteers iu most of the States, inducements are lften directly offered to them hy those whose coin. missions depend nowt their success in obtaining recruits,. In oat-II:19n; thevoitlute,r 1.1 alloy ed ill draw t,ia Mt pay of $l3 per month, while by tow $1 per month are de ducted from the pay of the regular, to be returned to hilts at the end of his term of service /u my judgment, this law should be repealed, mid the regular soldier he allowed to receive MS full pay when due. He sh.ithl also receive either a reasonably bounty upon enlisting, or an advance of $2O of the $lOO which a law of the last session of Congress grants to regulars and volunteers on the expiration of their periods of service. This would doubtless stimulate enlistments, as it would enable the soldier to make some provision for those dependent upon Item for support until Ile receives his pay. By the art approved August 5, 1861, the President is authorized to appoint as many aids to major generals of the regular army, acting in the field, ns he may deem proper. The number of aids, in my opinion, should be limited; and no more Should be allowed to each Maim , general than can be advantageously employed upon MI own proper staff. Much- expense would thus be saved, and the Executive and this Department would be relieved . of applications very embarrassing front their nature and extent. Thn fifth cnetturt of the not mmtrnvnit finotnnthar 1860, makes the discharge of minors obligatory upon this Department, upon proof that their enlistment was with out the consent of the parents or guardian. I ,vie a w of the initalous ir Itlld a the M n adm. which it opens to frauds, I respectfully urge it: early re peak Applicationg fur iliecliarKgri of Minora gan then ba determined either by this Department, in accordance with sueb regulations as experience may have shown to be necessary, or by the civil tribunals of ties country. The t;mulolnierit ilfr.:^ 4, itental bands should be limited' the pi {ion of indelans now allotted by law bdioe too great, and their ugefaineos not at all eumMenstirista lin their heavy expense, Corporations, like individuals, are kinlr to be governed by selfish motives in the absence of competition. An Instance of this kind occurred in the management of the railroads between Baltimore and New York. The Bum of fgd even sharked min that route for the :emulation of each soldier from New York to Baltimore. As this rate seemed extravagant to the Department, when con sidtred in connection with the great increase of trade upon these roads, mode necessary by the wants of the Government, inquiry woe made concerning the exptdi ei,ec of a ltio the foteit , ftliert Mew York to ltaltintore tad Harrisburg. The result was an arrangement by which troops were brought by the last.mamed route at :St each ; sod, as a consequence, this rate was at once necessarily adopted by all ti e railroads in the loyal States, making a saving to the Government of 33,6 per cent. in all its trwmportation <2l' sohlierp, and Si the cc ne time giving ha the railroads, through increased business, a liberal com pensation. The railroad connection between Washington and Baltimore has been lately much improved by additional sidmlige and by extensicns in this city. In °Merl how. ever, that abundant supplies may always he at the coin. mend of the Department, arrangements should be made for laying a double track between this city and Ammo. lie Junction, with improved sideings and facilities at An napolis and along the branch road. Should the haelotiett of tilt P6lOtillta rives ht Int4N minted by blockade, or the severities of winter, it would become absolutely necessary for,the proper supply of the troops in the District of Columbia and vicinity, and of the inhabitants of this city, to provide additlimal rail. road connection between Washington and Battmore. A reepobAhle eempany, with a thetas fP,Sill Hit Stale Or Maryland, have proposed to do this upon condition that the Government will endorse their bends; they binding themselves to set aside annually a sufficient sum for their redemption at maturity, and thus eventually release the Government from any liability whatever, and to charge, ~flint .o. satis in ho states t 3 ettessil tone emits a ion per tulle for freight, and three Mita tfee Mlle for bad sengers. During the continuance of the war, however, their charge for passengers is not to exceed two cents per mile. The charge for the transportation of passen. Mt between the two Pities is at reagent 3X cents par mile, and for freight the rates per ton will average from five to eight cents per mile. The large easing to tho Government in cost of transportation would amply coin pen .ate for all liability, and Rive to the citizens of all the tflyni §tittvg facilities for re4oAlti the national capita], and at much less rates than they are now compelled to pay. To the citizens of the District it wonlil cheapen the cost of supplies, and prove of im mente value in every respect. I rrroniniend that a railway be canon - acted through thin thy from the navy park be the Capital, to tiaorgat town, forming connections with the existing railroad depots, and using the Aqueduct bridge for the purpose of crossing the river at Georgetown. By aynaction of this proposed railway with the Orange and Alexandria Railroad not only would the communication with our troupe hr Virginia' be gre=ily improTeit t lint ow irasy vis cera be obtained to the Baltimore awl Ohio Railroad. near harper's Ferry, by means of the Latulesta and Hampshire Railroad. To its importance 11.4 affording &Mine] for moving troops and supplies in hereof war mar lie added the fumes benefits it would confer um the %At id or eoimAl.. Wald Isa saved in a few months by enabling the Government to iiiimenite with the expensive ferry at Georgetown, and by grimily decreasing. the costly wagon transportation of the army through this city.
Significant historical Pennsylvania newspapers