The press. (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1857-1880, December 13, 1861, Image 2

n't Vress.
FBIDAY, DECEMBER 13, 1861.
EXTRACT FROM THE LAST SPEECH OF
STEPHEN A, IDOUGLAS.— ,, The conspiracy
to break up the Union is a fact 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 Patted MAtes by against It. There
can be no neutrals in this war. There can be
none but patriots and traitors. +t
A PAPER FOR THE CAMP AND FIREgIDE
FORNEY'S WAR PRESS.
CONTENTS OF NO. 5, FOR SATURDAY, DE
anthEri 14.
ILLUSTRATIONS -1. Accurate Portrait of Colonel
Richard P. Rush, of Philadelphia, commander of the
Mounted Lancers--'. The proposed Boundaries of Diary
laud, - Virginia ! and Delaware, a very flue Map.
A annsummEn RECONNOISSANCE—A. Story of
the War.
WAR k OETPX—A Song for the War Meeting—The
Volunteer's Wife—Sinikspearo on the Times—The Sol
dier's Oa h—The Defenders.
EDITORIALS—The Latest War News—The Navy
Report—Our Foreign Relations Complications with
England, Ac.
TEE 6 , LETTERS FROM OCCASIONAL"—The Po•
sition of President Lincoln—The Defeat of Fernando
Wood—The Destny of the South—The Indians and the
Rebellion—The Treasury Notes of the Southern Confe
deracy—The Conservative Policy of Mr. Lincoln.
SPECIAL DESPATCHES FROM TELE CAPITAL
—The Removal of the Confederate Congress—The Ex
change of Prisoners—Movements in the Army,--The
Pension (Mee—Death,: of Penne:Jvania Soldiers—Sue
awful FOlllaing. Party—Charlet! Fanßunn , to be
changed for Mr. Ely—The Confiscation of Slave Pro
perty—Gen. Robert Pat letson—West Point and the Na;.
val Academy—Moderation in Congresa—A. Bill for the
Confiscation of the Property of lintels, anal giving Freon
dam to the Persons they hold in Slavery.
PUBLIC DOCUMENT—Report of the Secretary of
the Treasury.
NEWS FROM THE SOUTTE—Gen, Price Superse
ded in Missouri—The Rebels Strengthening Columbus,
Ky.—lmportant from North Carolina—Disaffection and
Demoralization among the Troops—The Pensacola Fight
—A Savannah Account of the Invasion-Important front
Oolumbus—The Black Flag, S:c Ac.
FROM KENTUCKY—The Aspect of the Camp
Retreat of Gen. Schoeff—Breckinridge Racked Down"
—Rebels ?reviling to take 'Winter Quarters in Ken
ttlekr—" Brother Asolit4 PrAet"—N9Tetticali§ of the
Rebel General Z Ihroffer, &c.,
FROM lIIISSOURI—Army Orders—Secessionists to
Take the Oath or Dig in the Trenches—The Rebel Move
ments, &c.,
THE NAVY—Letter from Port Royal—The Penusyl
vanians Connected m ith Gen_ Burnside's Expedition, &c.
111ISCELL1NFOrS—The Propomi .14w Itetuidario4
of Mar) land, Virginia, and Dehware--Important Onler
from the State Department—Our Army Correspondence,
&e., &c.,
WAR WIT AND BtiMOR—A Model Body Guard—
A Chapter on Cootrabanth.,
LOCAL INTELLIGENCE FINANCIALAND COMMERCIAL
NEWS—WEEKLY 12 EviEw or THE MARKETS—CATTLE
MARKET, &C.
Siogie Copies for axle at the Counter of The Press.
TIMMS :—One copy, one year, $2; Three cDpies, ono
year, $5 Five copies, one year, $B.
British neutrality
It appears that, after having run the block
ade at Charleston, the pirate-steamer Nash
ville tool; liermuda on her way to England.
There she was supplied with coal, though the
Confederate flag was displayed from her main,
not only when she steamed into the harbor of
St. George, but during the whole time of her
stay. Moreover—as happened at Trinidad
with the privateer Sampler, on at least kwo
occasions—the vessel was visited by civilians,
as well as by members of the local Govern
ment, and by British military and naval offi
cers, and Captain PEA - WM and his officers re
ceived considerable attention from all parties.
We leave lawyers to determine whether sup
plying coal to a c= belligerent " war-steamer is
or is not a breach of the neutrality so osten
tatiously proclaimed by Queen VICTORIA, on
several occasions—especially at the close of
the last Parliamentary Session—but it is a
fact that, but for this supply of coal, the Nash
ville could not have crossed the Atlantic, and,
of course, could not have behaved so pirati
cally to the clipper Harvey Birch as to plunder
her, take away her crew in irons, and then
burn her to the water's edge. This piracy
was the fruit of the breach of neutrality com
mitted by the British authorities at Bermuda.
The "aiding and comforting" of the Sumpter
at Trinidad, and the giving a passage to Su-
DILL and MasoN, in the imail-steamer Trent,"
after they bad been formally introduced to
General SEnsiso, Viceroy of Cuba, by the
British Consul General, arc other items in this
account:
That our readers may know who are the
responsible parties in this case of the Nash
ville, we beg to inform them that Bermuda—
"the still-vex t Bermoothes" of SHAKSPEARE'S
cc Tempest "—has for its Governor and Com
mander•in•chief one Colonel F. AIIJARLY,
whose salary is $18,780 a year; that there is'a
Legislative Cbuncil and House of Assembly ;
there is a Chief Justice, with two puisne
Judges; there are Comptrollers of Customs
and Navigation Laws, and, for fear that
Governor MritRAT should make a faitx pas
from ignorance of law, the Colony is further
isupplied with an Attorney General and a So
licitor General.
There must inevitably be an inquiry, one of
these days, into sundry broaches of neutrality
committed by various British officials, and
this reception and supplying of the Nashrille
at Bermuda will be among them. arl Bus-
SELL, as Foreign Minister, will have to deal
with his Consul's acting as Master of the
Ceremonies to SLIDELL and MASON, (JEFF
DAVIS' ". mbassadors,") at Cuba ; but the
investigation relating to Trinidad and Ber
muda will have to be made by the Duke of
NEWCASTLE, Colonial Secretary—a gentleman
who knows something of America, and is not
wedded to any ‘ 4 belligerent" principle, as
RUSSELL and PALMERSTON are.
General Patterson
In another column of to-day's PRESS we give
an abstract of the speech delivered by our
distinguished soldier-citizen, General PArrua-
SON, at the last anniversary celebration of the
formation of the First City Corps of Philadel
phia—an event which occurred eighty-seven
years ago, antecedent to the Declaration of
Independence. The speech was wholly ex
tempore; nothing like justice was done to it in
the reporting, nor has the abstract we pub
lish received the benefit of the gallant speak
er's revision or correction. We publish it,
partly at the request of several who desire to
see it on record in this journal, and partly be
cause we think it only fair that an officer of
rank, who has been subjected to considerable
anonymous criticism, if not slander, should be
allowed to mention the leading facts which jus.
tify his conduct and judgment in command,
and obtained him, when his term of service ex
pired, the distinction of an "honorable dis
charge. " It is said that the General bag ap_
plied for a Court Martial, no doubt as the
readiest and most public mode of vindication,
but we do not exactly see how his request can
be complied with, however forcibly his per
sonal honor may induce him to press it. There
is no instance Oli rt cord, we believe, where an
officer honorably discharged" has had his
conduct made the subject of personal investi
gation. And to be candid, we think that
General PArrErsos's self-vindication, in the
off-hand speech we now refer to, will justify
him not only to his friends and the public, bat
also to those who, in ignorance of the facts,
have thouglttle: l sly taken up an impression
kiejudleldl to
irndergrowl of the British Lion
The arrest of NA sox and Sranzw. was known
in Liverpool on the 27111, and an indignation
meeting was improvised, which appropriately
took place in the cotton salesroom. A rood
deal was said of asserting "the dignity of the
British flag by requiring prompt reparation for
this outrage," but one of the speakers shrewd
ly suggested, on the opinions of the law offi
cers of the Crown, that the arrest was legally
justifiable. On this, resolutions striking out
the demand for prompt reparation " were
adopted, and the British Lion lay down, in
. gentle repose, after his great effort
Southern Finance
Among other financial suggestions of the
Richmond Divatch, is one ct that each bank
in the Confederacy redeem the bills of every
other bank." The wisdom and justlee of this
are—clear as mud. The proposition amounts
to this, that A, besides paying his own notes,
shall also pay the notes of B 3 C, D, ete.,
down to Z, at the end of the alphabet.
T. Blum & SuN'S SALE To-DAY.—New and BC
COIId4Ind household furniture, at the auction store,
No. 1 1)14 Chestnut street, at 10 o'clock.
PAINTINGS ANT ENGRAVINGS.—At 12 o'clock
will be sold a collection of valuable oil paintings.
water colors. ra.ll engravings, comprising some
choice worP by American [MIMI,
The Papal Difficulty
The Papal question appears to be approach
jug a crisis. It is impossible, in the pre
sent temper of the Italian people, and in the
circumstances in which VICTOR Emm,tx FEL is
Placed, that the present uncertainty can long
continue. Our own decided impression, as
already expressed, is that NAPOLEON ex,
cept under the pressure Of contingencies which
we have not yet been able to foresee—will
not withdraw his troops from Rome during the
pontificate of Pars the Ninth. Every one
knows that Pope Plus is retained in Rome
only by French bayonets, and that, the mo
ment NAPOLEON withdraws these, the Sove
reign Pontiff may as well prepare also to leave,
OP dubtilit, at the dictation of' VICTOR. EMMA
NUEL, to a great change in his government
and power. A difficulty is to be found in the
impatience of the people to occupy Rome as
the capital of their newly-organized, inde
pendent, and united Italian Kingdom. It is
said that the Pope is in bad health, and that
he is aged_ People sometimes live a long
time with bad health, and the Pope, who will
not complete his three score years and ten"
until the middle of next May, cannot be looked
upon as extremely old. His Holiness may
live for many years.
The session of the. Italian Parliament was
commenced at Turin, on the 21st of Novem
ber, and Bsron RicAsom, Who became Prime
Minister on the death of Count CAvoun, ex
plained the present state of the Roman ques
tion-adding that thO Emperor NAPOLEON,
who had been requested to intervene, as
mediator, between VICTOR EMMANUEL and the
Pope; had his overtures so coldly received at
the Papal cottit, that his efforts had been dis
continued. , Notwithstanding, Baron RICASOLI
had drawn up a project of arranging the Ro
man ha 4 heel} transmitted to
Cardinal ANTONELLI, through the medium of
the French Government, with a request that
it might be placed in the hands of the Pope,
to whom it had been addressed. The Pope
had not accepted it. The articles proposed
for the acceptance of the Pope are as follows:
"ARTICLE 1. The Sovereign Pontiff preserves
the dignity, the inviolability, and all the other pre
rogatives of the sovereignty, and, in addition, the
precedence established by custom over the King
and other Sovereigns. The Cardinals of the Holy
Chinch shall retain the title of Prince, and the ho
nors which are attnehed to it.
ci AUT. 2. The Government of big Majesty the
King of Italy pledges itself not to interpose an ob
stacle on any occasion to the acts performed by the
Sovereign Pontiff in virtue of the Divine right as
Chief of the Church, and in virtue of the canoni
cal law as Patriarch of the West and Primate of
Italy.
APT. 1 The same Government reeegnises the
right of the Sovereign Pontiff to send nuncios
abroad, and undertakes to protect them so long as
they shall be in the territory of the State.
Awe. 4. The Sovereign Pontiff shall have full
liberty of communication with the Bishops and all
the faithful, and, reciprocally, 'without interference
on the part of the Government. He shell also be
able to convoke in the placei and in the forms that
he shall judge eXpedient , the councils and the eccle
siastical synods.
"Any. 5. The Bishops in their dioceses, and the
curates -in their parishes, shall be exempt from all
Governmental interference in the exercise of their
ministry.
" ART. 6. They shall live, notwithstanding, in
subjection to the common law in regard to offences
punished by the laws of the kingdom.
Anr_ 7. His Majesty renounces entirely the right
of patronage as respects ecclesiastical benefices.
" ART. 8. The Italian Government renounces all
interference in the nomination of the Bishops.
4 , Aim 9. The same Government undertakes to
furnik to the nob, See a Axed and irrevocable do
tation, the amount of which shall be regulated by
mutual consent.
"Any. 10. The Government of his Majesty the
Ring of Italy, in order that all the Powers and all
the Catholic peoples may contribute to the main
tenance of the Holy See, will open with those Pow
ers the proper negotiations for determining the
quota of each of them in the dotation spoken of in
the preceding article.
" ART. 11. The negotiations shall also be directed
to obtaining the guarantees of what is established in
the preceding articles.
" ART. 12. In accordance with these conditions
the Sovereign Pontiff and the Government of his
Majesty the - King of Italy shall come to an agree
ment by means of commissioners delegated for that
purpose "
The articles of this programme much resem
ble the suggestions contained in a pamphlet
recently published in Paris, (apparently semi
oilicially,) on the best mode of adjusting the
difficulty with the Pope. On one hand, as
the King of Italy does not reserve the right of
veto upon ecclesiastical appointments made
within his realm by the Pope, he concedes a
great deal more than could have reasonably
been expected,—more than France, which
maintains Pius IX., in Rome, has conceded
since the Concordat granted by NAPOLEON'
1., to Pius VII., in 1302. On the other hand,
the programme, while -it would continue the
Pope as Supreme Head of the Church of
Rome, all over the world, would have hint
merely a Spiritual Prince, deriving no revenue,
as his 258 predecessors have done, from tem
poral possessions, and supported on a pension.
This is the difficulty. The Pope will searc4
Iy submit, even - though the States of the
Church have passed ont : of his dominion, to
accept less than even the nominal territory
which former Pontiffs have ruled over, as Tem
poral princes. We shall be surprised if Pope
hus accept the terms proposed by Baron
Ricnom.
It may be urged, with truth, that RIOASOLI
very well knew, when he forwarded his propo
sitions to Rome, that the Pope would rojeet
them. But the mere publication of articles so
liberal and so moderate will familiarise the
Catholic mind to the pressing feet that, sooner
or later, if Italy is to continue under the scep
tre of VICTOR EIRRANUEL,Rome must be its ea
pitab-natnrul, historic, end lAtiOlud—and, that
the power of the Pope as a Temporal sovereign
cannot long continue. The Pope, we are sure;
will remain : firm to the end—whatever that
may be.
Financial Position of France
During the ten years which have elapsed
since, on December 2d, 1851,Loms NAPOLEON
made himself master of the position in France,
by the celebrated coup d'ital, the Government
of that great empire seems to have been carried
on, "regardless of expense," as advertisers
say. The result is, that, though money has
been repeatedly raised by loan, there remains a
terrible deficit this year—estimated in the gross
at a milliard of francs, which is equivalent to
two hundred million dollars or forty million
pounds sterling. Being cc hard up" (to use a
familiar but expressive phrase,) NAPOLEON hag
exhibited his usual good sense in acknowledg
ing that France cannot continue to have the
candle burning at both ends—in other words,
that a change of system must be made, and
that Retrenchment should be the order of the
day. He has given the office of Minister of
Finance to M. FOULD, who is expected to be
the COLBERT of the present regime.
Extensive reforms in the administration,
particularly that part connected with the
public revenue, are announced, and NA
POLEON pledges himself to surrender the
privilege, • heretofore freely exercised by or
for him, of raising money, for national expen
diture, without the sanction of the French Le
gislature. This, of itself, is a great concession
to constitutional principle. The English jour
nals declare that the Emperor's Civil List is
greatly in debt_ Perhaps so, for NAPOLEON
has shown himself one of the most liberal and
generous of rulers. But sneers at the results
of his princely magnificence come with the
worst possible gi , ttee fi , ohi England, Whore,
though GEORGE the Third had an annual al
lowance of $5,000,000, and was one of the
meanest (as well as the maddest) of men, his
debts were thrice paid, b) vote of an Obsequi
ous Parliament, to the tune of $25,000,000,
and his hopeful heir_ and successor owed $5,-
000,000 to his tradesmen before he had com
pleted his twenty-fifth •ear.
NAPOLEON, at least, has something to show
for lth3 espenditure. He has encouraged Art,
Literature, and Science, and has munificently
employed and rewarded their professors. He
has improved the architecture not of Paris
alone, but of almost every other city anti con
siderable town in his empire. He has encou
raged trade, manufactures, mid agriculture.
lie has ctended railway communication all
over France, and also made improvements in
the ordinary roads. Lastly, he has not only
elevated France in the scale of nations, but
has been the chief instrument, under God, of
obtaining independence for beautiful Italy.
His ten years of almost absolute sovereignty
have wonght wonders for France.
Retrenchment, if carried out on a great
scale in France, would seem to require a
pillion of the army, and a cessation in the in
crease of the war-navy of France. If these
reductions take place, other European nations
will be enabled to follow suit, for it cannot be
denied that the war-power of France ; albeit
restrained by the wisdom and forbearance of
NAPOLEON, has a tendency to keep Europe
in perpetual apprehension.
• Captain WILKES and family, and Lieutenant
FAIRFAx, arrived in our city yesterday even
ing, and will remain here until Saturday morn
! Mg..
LETTER FROM " OCCASIONAL."
WASHINCTON, Dee. 12, 1861._
A good deal of nervous anxiety exists as to
the apparent delay in the forward movements
of the Army of the Potomac. General Mc-
Clellan is criticised and censured in 601110
quarters, because he will not advance his
*tender& into the heart of the Old Dominion,
These demonstrations result, not from a dis
trust of him, but from an absorbing desire
that a bold blow should be struck at the
vitals of Treason, and that quickly. He
is extremely self-possessed, and self-poised.
Ile feels that he has had confided to
him much power and many responsibilities.
His quiet reticence silenees fair complaint and
satisfies honest inquiry. He is never seen
about the Halls of Congress, nor any of his
aids, and I think he is resolved to let his deeds
speak for him “unbonnetted" before the
world. He certainly selects the right policy
upon which to succeed, and it is because I be
lieve he intends to do a bold and thorough
thing soon, that I rest upon his sagacity, and
confide in his policy. His whole theory teems
to be unfaltering faith in the triumph of our
arms when he strikes, and a proud conviction
that he can afford to select his own time for
striking. A more patient and trustful people
and army no General ever had around him.
OCCASIONAL.
Edwin Forrest as Claude Melnotte
The incidents of the play of the " Lady of Lyons"
were taken, by Iluiwer, from a fugitive tale, called
the " Bellows Mender." It is somewhat curious
that one of the first character-writers of England
should have located his three great dramas in
Prance. Of these, the L= Lady of Lyons" is the
simplest and best of all ; for " Richelieu " is loosely
constructed. and "La Vellielre " signally failed
upon dramatic representation. The scenes of the
present play wore laid in the stirring era of the
Republic, as the most extreme changes of rank and
position were then of every day occurrence. Claude
11.Ieluotte was made, by the dramatist, the expo.
heat of this spirit ; the principles of youth were at
that time unsettled, and the passions of individuals,
taking the passionate development of the nation,
were easily enlisted either for good or for ill. Rank
was almost equalized, for all were citizens—not
subjects—and the ambition, the bravery, and the
high spirit of the gardener's boy were qualities
&ion appreciated.
The play is not one of diameter—for acne of the
personages have individualities—but of passion.
The language is, therefore, sensuous, the event
chiefly domestic, and the plot of the simplest de
scription. At the same time, there is enough of
spirit, of talent, and of virtue in Claude to invest
him with dignity. He is imaginative, impalslye,
and manly. flis experience has been that of all
gifted youth, and the play of feelings is given in
him a like passionate expression with all who have
loved, sinned, and repented. To play the part, there
fore, requires at first an accommodation to the sim
plicity, the ardor, and the wilfulness of youth. The
discovery of Claude's deception is the turning
point of his character. It changes him from buoy.
ant boyhood to stern, moody manhood, and the re
turned soldier has no longer the sensuous utter
ance, the playfulness, and the overreaching am
bition of the boy that wept in hie mother'd
Mr. Forrest dressed for Claude in the first act
with a blue smock or blouse, and, as the Prince, wore
a powdered wig. The latter gave him an elderly
appearance, that passed away soon after he began to
speak. Ile looked, as the widow's son, a hearty,
great-limbed boy, brown with exercise, who had no
affections that his mother should not know. His
anger was that of a boy, wild and vindictive, and he
accepted the opportunity to be avenged with the
same impetuous utterances. Some may have found
Emit with his appearance on the score of youth,
but youth is not to be gauged by size, and the
active peasant boy of Buiwer was no miniature.
He was described by the village landlord as
"stout," and good at wielding a cudgel.
So, as the Prince, Mr. Forrest looked to be well
conditioned, and a rare grace attended him. In
this connection, the description of the palace by
the lake of Como—itself most sensuous and beau
tiful—was recited by Mr. Forrest with rare soft
ness.
The concluding paragraph—
I' The perfumed light
Stab three 1i the mists ithiklaottr lamps,
And every air was heavy With tho sighs
Of orange groves and music from sweet lutes
And murmurs of low fountains that gush forth
1' the thitht of roses-."
w givca with a music of voice that nomad as
beautiful as the music of the text. The crowning
effects of the' delineation occurred in the third
not, where ilre/notte accounts fZrr his deception.
Here, Mr. Forrest seemed to lose his figure,
nay, his very personality. His apology was earnest,
contrite, and passionate. All seemed to feel that
44 heaven left some rernnant of the angel still
In that poor peasnve, um-km I,"
As the soldier, Mr. Forrest was sedate and mar
tial. He looked, indeed, the First Napoleon, and
in contrast to the stipple, flexible boy, was all of the
man, made strong by trial and clignified by sin,
Mr. McCullough as Beauscant—a very repul
sive character—was well received. lle has earned
a merited reputation since he appeared with Mr.
Forrest. Mrs: Ferret. played the widow Melnotte
with feeling, and Mrs. Gladstane was beautiful and
emphatic as Pauline.
_ WALNUT-STREET . TREATER —Ms. J. R. Roberts,
a Philadelphia tragedian, takes a benefit to-night.
Mr. Roberts has been known in this city for many
years as an exponent of legitimaoy. Many of his
portraitures have been remarkably powerful and
faithful, and in the two dramas in which he appears
to-night his excellence will be particularly mani
fest. These are the plays of "The Corsican Bro
thers" and "Faust and Marguerite."
ARCH-STREET THEATRE.—Frank Drew takes a
benefit to-night. He is a comedian of the gonial
school, whose conversation is a comedy, Known in
Philadelphia from the beginning, Mr. Drew has
many friends, and hundreds of citizens, to whom
he has commended himself by social urbanity and
public excell,ence. His programme combines dra
ma, comedy, and burlesque ' and two of the pieces
are new. /lam/et—the stu dy of a life—is one of
the features of the bill.
LATEST NEWS
BY TELEGRAPH.
FROM WASHINGTON.
Special Despatches to "The Press."
Wesaurarom, Deo. 12, 1861.
A Midnight Serenade—Speeches of Hon.
A. B. Olin and Mr. Townsend.
This evening, ABRAITADC B. OLIN, member of
Congress from troy, New York, and MLRTIN D.
TowNankin, Esq., Troy, were serenaded at Wil
lard's, by the band of the First Long Island Volun
teers.
After playing a number of popular airs, Mr.
OLIN was called for and appeared on the balcony.
He addressed the large audience in front of Wil
lard's in patriotic language, sustaining the Presi
dent in his conservative and constitutional course.
His remarks were cordially endorsed and loudly
cheered. He concluded by introducing Mr.
TOWNSEND, whose speech, though brief, was
replete with excellent points. He complimented
Mr. Oils for his faithfulness and devotion to the in
terests of his constituents and his country.
Mr. TOWNSEND visited Washington to see and
witness, with admiration and pleasure, the grand
army of the Potomac, but mesa eSpeeially those
brave men who were recruited from his immediate
neighborhood. He was among them to-day, and he
could but express himself highly gratified with the
condition of the men, end their fine soldierly bear
ing. They had volunteered to fight the battles of the
Union and American liberty, whose blessings they
had enjoyed and were prepared to transmit to pos
terity. Ile had seen the noble and wellAiscipliavd
English soldiery ; he had seen the active French
soldiery, who were so famous for their adaptation
to emergencies, and irresistible in dashing bravery,
but the persosind of the American soldiery was
.superior to that of both. Ito attributed this in a
great measure to free schools and popular suffrage.
They were educated, and from their ranks would
come forth generals litto command. Many of them
were from among the yeomanry and mechanics, and
today he found that, North and South, the honest
yeomanry wore in favor of the Union. In Western
Virginia, in Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee,
and other Southern States, good Union men could
be found in large numbers among the yeomanry and
working classes. It was only in that once . glorious
old Commonwealth, Virginia, from the lips of the
effete first families and degenerate sons of noble
sires, and those who used slavery as a means to per
petuate their power, that the blessings of liberty and
union, free schools, and popular suffrage were do•
cried, and the Union and the Constitution
denounced. Ile had beard restless miuds
express complaints that the army had
not moved forward, fie was himself a profes ,
sional man, and he professed to know how to con
duct his business. General MCCLELLAN was a pro
fessional man—his profession was war, and he un
derstood his duties ; he knew bow and when to
move. 'Enthusiastic cheering.] He would lead his
army to victory in good time. The General was
once a railroad superintendent. We all knew that
after the sleepers and the rails of a road were laid ;
there was a good deal of grading to be done. The
General has marshalled his troops, and he is now gra
ding up for a movement. He concluded by thank
ing hie friends for this demonstration.
From the Lower Potomac
The Stepping Stones came up tram the flotilla
Pat evening, TAO I ?remgbt Ile newt The reboil ap
pear to be strongly entrenched in Oscoquen creek.
Numerous encampments were visib!e from the
decks of the Stepping Stones. The rebels seem to
be again strengthening their most important batte
ries along the Potomac.
Death of a Pennsylvanian
A. D. litnwar.L, a private in company H, Fifty
ninth Pennsylvaniaßegiment, died at the Columbia
PQM yesterday afternmi
THE PRESS. - PHILADELPHIA, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13, 1861.
Com. Lot - roily, in his communication to the Navy
Department, dated the 4th inst., says that the ap
prehension of losing possession of the hay of St.
Helena, so exceedingly valuable for a harbor, from
its proximity to Charleston, and for the command
it scoured of largo rivers, supplying interior com
munications with South Carolina, induced him to
send a second expedition there under Commander
DRAYTON ' with orders to bold the Aland until
General SHERMAN' is prepared to assume military
occupation of it, when he will transfer the post to
his troops.
The reconnoissance by Commander RODGERN, of
Warsaw Inlet, was in order to ascertain the posi
tion and force of the enemy's battery there, in
formation of which the commanding general ex
pressed his desire to obtain, before landing 11 , 06i,s
on Tybee Island. In the necessary occupation of
St. Helena Sound and Tybee Roads, and in the ex
amination of Warsaw Inlet, a large number of the
youth 9f the squadron are engaged, which will be
released, and employed in blockading duty, as soon
as Otter and Tybee Islands are held by the army.
Warsaw Inlet and Sound constitute n second en
trance into the Savannah river, and as twenty-one
feet can be carried over the bar at high water, this
passage is but little inferior to Tybeo entrance.
It appears from a private letter that our arms
are but ten miles from Savannah, the ste,eples of
which are plainly visible from the decks of our
ships as they ride at anchor. It seems to be un
derstood that, in addition to our occupation of
Beaufort, General VIELE was at once to be sent
with a considerable force td occupy the most im
portant point in the near approaches to Savannah,
and that another force will go about the same time
on a similar errand in the direction of Charleston,
to hold certain Sttategic i)ointS
From the Other Side of the Potomac.
There was a movement along the outer lines this
morning, from the neighborhood of Alexandria, but
it appeared to be for reconnoitring purposes.
JOHN BILL, of Maryland, a member Of STEWART'S
rebel infantry, was captured by the Second Michi
gan, /10 ISM liligtllltdY 9 1 ,40100 Rid says that no
inducement could take him back to the rebel
ranks.
A man by the name of MonoAs has been cap:
tured by General HEINTZELMAN'S brigade. He
had a heavy amount of Georgia and South Carolina
money in his possession. Ile said he was a broker.
He has been sent to Washington. Gen. HEINTZEL- -
MAN also captured six more contrabands;who said
that their master was a major in the rebel army.
Captain GEORGE NELSON Sutra, quartermaster
of General 11fonnaLL's brigade, has reaeived the
new Zonave uniforms for Colonel SAM BLACK'S
Katy-second Pennsylvania Regiment. The men
will appear in their new uniforms on Saturday.
It is a remarkable fact that there is less sickness
in the Permaylyania regiments on the opposite side
of the Potomac than in the regiments from any
other State. This is attributed, in a great mea
sure, to the many necessaries and eomforts whieh
are sent to them by their friends at home:
Military Appointment.
Lieutenant Jona HANCOCK, of the Forty-ninth
Pennsylvania Regiment, has been appointed ne.
sistant adjutant general to General llAxcoca's
brigade.
Melancholy Affair.
Two privates belonging to the Vorty-ninth Penn-
Sylvania, who were performing picket duty from
General SMITH'S division yesterday, having strayed
beyond our lines, attempted to return this morning,
when, on being' ordered to halt by the guards,
turned and ran. One was shot by the guards in
two places, and has since dkd, and the other was
taken prisoner by them. As the guards had been
changed during the absence of these pickets, they
evidently supposed them to be enemies.
The Emancipation of Slaves,
There is no doubtbut that BINGHAM'S bill for the
emancipation cf slaves found in our military dis
trict.s will receive sonic important modification;
so as to MAO it acceptable to the legs ultra Repub
licans. A provision will be inserted to indemnify
the Union men who may lose their property through
the workings of this act. The new bill will ba
brought before Congress during the coming week.
YALLANDIOHAM will take the lead on the Demo
erotic side of the House in opposition to it.
Complaint against General Stone.
Formal complaint was made to-day to the War
Department by Governor ANDREW, of Massachu
setts, against General STONE, for, as is alleged,
compelling the troops from that State to assist in
the restoration of fugitive slaves.
Passes Not te be Transferred.
The provost marshal has determined to revoke
all passes which have been transferred, and to
punish #.1459 trgnPferring them. A number of ar•
rests have already been made.
The Nebel Force at Leesburg,
A rebel deserter from Leesburg, who loft there
about ten days ago, states that there is encamped at
that town a rebel force consisting of four regiments
of Mississippi infantry, armed with Mississippi and
Enfield rifles, and smooth-bore muskets, one regi
ment of cavalry, who are used as skirmishers, and
one battery of artillery, consisting of three small
field pieces, numbering altogether upward of 3,000
troops. Gen. EVANS is in command.
Rev. Dr. TISCHEL, of New York, had as inter
view with the President for the purpose of 'urging
the appointment of Jewish chaplains for every
military department, they being excluded by an
act of Congress from the volunteer regiments,
among whom are many thousands of Dratlites.
the meantime, tin' Doctor 'wishes to takelharge of
the spiritual welfare of the, Jewish soldier& in the
army of the Potomac.
The President assured him that the subject would
receive his earnest attention, and expressed the
opinion that this exclusion was altogether unin . -
tentional on the part of Congress.
Codification of the United States Laws
Senator SUMNER intends pressing to a consumma•
tion the measure which he introduced ten years
ago, for a classification and codification of the sta
tutes of the United States, which hee new been re
commended in the message of the President. Con
gress has, since the organization of the Government,
enacted some five thousand acts and joint resolu
tions, which All more than six thousand closely
printed pages; and are scattered through, many
volumes. A bill for the purpose mentioned has
been introduced in the House.
Last night the United States steamer Stepping
Stones, on the lower Potomac, ran into the Ocoo
quan river, the mouth of which is some twenty-five
miles below Washington. She discovered a large
increase of the rebel forces stationed in that neigh
borhood, and retired.
Army Sutlershvg.
The bill to abolish sutlers in the army, which was
before the Senate this afternoon, it is believed, will
pass in a modified form. The bill is very popular
among the volunteers in its present shape,
From the Upper Potomac.
Thore was some little skirmishing between the
advanced pickets yesterday, on the roads leading
to Winchester and Martinsburg. A careful room
notwance showed that there were about sixteen
hundred rebels in Martinsburg, last night. Thera
were ten companies of infantry, four of cavalry, and
four pieces of artillery, according to a rebel desert
er, in and around the place, at two o'clock, yester
day afternoon. It appeared to be a force sent for
ward to ascertain the position of Gen. BANKS' divi
sion.
Captain JAMES SUTTON, of the Fifth Connecti
cut; and Captain JAMES E. Wmnicw, of the
Twenty-ninth Pennsylvania, have been granted
leave of absence, and have gone home on a visit to
their friendgf, 4Ppilull W,ViRICK has been super
seded as Provost Marshal of General BANKS' divi.
sion by Colonel RIMER, of the Third 'Wisconsin.
The following Pennsylvania regiments are in
General BANKS' division : Twenty-ninth, Colonel
Joni K. MVItPHY j the Thirtieth, Lieutenant
Colonel JOHN PATRICK, and the Forty-sixth,
Colonel Kiiirz.
All letters for soldiers in General BANKS' Uri
doh should be addressed to Frederick, Md.
Washington News and Gossip.
The roads on the other side are now in fine con
dition, but there is no indication of any forward
movement. Reconnoissances are now daily made
by brigades and regiments, but they do not appear
to accomplish anything further than to exercise
the troops and make them acquainted with the
comtry. The rebels have concentrated a large
force between Centreville and Bull Run, which
appears, from the reports of our scouts, to b 3 con
stantly in motion. It is very evident that they in-
Wad to dioputa any deumnatration which may be
made on Fairfax.
Rebel Flags to be Excluded from the
Ports of Egypt.
The following cl I. fr0m6441..c our Consul Getters!
in Egypt is of such public interest that the Boom.
tary of State has consented to its publication : p
UNITED SPATES CONSULATE,
ALEXANDRIA, Nov. 13, 1861. %,
SIR : I have the honor to announce that the
Viceroy of Egypt has again shown his good will to
the United States by directing the captain of the y
port of Alexandria to exclude all vessels bearing
l
an unrecognized flag from the harbors of Egypt.
Instructions to this effect, I am informed by the
Minister of Foreign Affairs, wore issued about two
weeks ago, in consequence of a suggestion ad
dressed to' his Highness by this Consulate Gene
ral. At an interview which I had with him on the
3d inst., at Cairo, his Highness also assured me that
no privateer in the service of the domestic ene
mies of the United &atm will be altowod to be
filled out, OF to being in rises LS Bert in liid
dominions.
The following passages, translated from a note
sent to me by his Excellency, Nebar Bey, in behalf
of the Viceroy, show that in the facilities for ob
taining Egypt - Inn cotton, otit',hienweacturers are
placed on an equal footing with those of Great Bri
tain. The note is dated October 18th, and is in re
ply to some interrogatories which had been verbal
ly made to the ilsoretary
MONSIEUR LE CONSUL GENERAL : have had
the honor to report to his Highness, conformably to
your desire, what you have said to me on the sub
ject of the words addressed by his Highness to the
deputation of the Manchester Association for the
extension of the culture of cotton. Ms Highness
has charged me to inform you, Monsieur, that what
he has said for any association which may be formed
in England for the above-mentioned purpose he
says equally to any which your eountrynien may
9rgantni
Despatches from Com. Dupont
Je-;i§h Chaplains.
A Reconnoissance in the Occoquan.
At the interview to which I have referred, the
Viceroy repeated this assurance to me in person,
saying that he had never intended to
exclude my
compatriots from an equal share in the privileges
accorded to the capitalists of Groat Britain. I
may add that, at the same interview, his Highness
manifested the liveliest interest in our national
affairs, the journals tut he said, bein g raw with
nothing else. Ile seemed to appreciate the differ
enceenem thee e s n o d u h re ad es n b o e d t o w u e t e t u tha t
t et e t c* - e o r y n o m mn en i tAzi suie ts ,
twined as it was by so large a majority of the people,
would successfully quell the insurrection, though, in
consequence of the extent of our Southern territory,
the contest might be protracted. Ills _Highness ap
proved the large Seale of our military prepara
tions, saying that the only policy was to push the
war once begun vigorously to the end, and that
ball-way measures were es bad in war as in every
thing else. The Viceroy, who is the son of the
celebrated Meliemed Ali, may speak with heredi
tary authority on einastiang of this kind. It VMS
very plain from the tone of his remarks that our
Government has lost none of its prestige in his es
timation.
Court-Martial in the Cnse of Col. James
E. Kerrigan, Tweitty-fifth Regiment
New York Volunteers.
The following additional testimony was elicited
today by the court-inertial convened for the pur
pose of Investigating certain charges against Colonel
JANES E. KERRIGAN, of the Twenty-fifth Regi
ment of New York Volunteers :
Sergeant Robert 111.'Moran, of Company I, was
called for the purpose of giving evidence on p e a,
cation third, second charge, alleging that Colonel
Kerrigan restored to duty a private who had de
serted, named Patriok Gaffney, without trial.
Iletestified as follows: I knew Patrick Gaff
ney; he deserted the service of the United States,
to the best of my knowledge about tile 21th of
July. Our camp, on the 4th of ? September, was in
the neighborhood of Ball's Cross Roads ; I saw
him there shortly after that time with some re
cruits, brought on from New York; to the best of
my knowledge he had been absent; he was re•
stored to duty; at the time Gaffney deserted, I
think we were at Alexandria; the commissioned
officers wore Captain William C. Geyer, First Lieu
tenant John Barry, Second Lieutenant John Kel
ley our eompony was doing picket duty at the
time ; do not know where Colonel Kerrigan was at
the time.
In the absence of Gen. Wenswonrn and other
important witnesses, the examination was suspended
until half past ten o'clock to-morrow morning.
XXXVIITII CONGRESS-FIRST SESSION.
WASHINGTON, December 12, 1861
SENATE.
Mr. TRUMBULL, of Illinois, presented a petition to
repeal the law which prevents Jewish divines from oili
-6164 as chaplains in the arm,
Also, a resolution that the Secretary of State inform
the t enete whether any persons hare been arrested and
imprisoned by his order, and if so, by what authority.
Laid over.
r. Doom TVA ef Wiaconejn, presented a memo,
rtal from the Board of Trade of Racine, Wiecousin, rela
tive to the establishment of a national armory.
Dir. HOWE, of Wiseman, presented a number of po
titiona of the same character. Referred to the Military
Committee.
Mr. ARMSTRONG, of Innate Island, offered a reso
lution that the Naval Committee be inttrncted to inquire
into the expedienyc of appointing pupils in the Naval
404011 Y rn the grvund of merit. Agrotd to.
Air. SUMNER, of Massachusetts, introduced a bill to
provide for the appointment of a solicitor of claims in the
State Department. Referred to the Committee on Foreign
Affairs.
Also, a resolution that the Committee on the Judiciary
be directed to inquire into the expediency of providing
by law for commissioners to revise the public statutes of
the United States, simplify the language, and reduce the
size so as to be accessible to all. Agreed to.
Mr. FOOT, of Vermont, introduced a bitt to authorize
the President to fill Of the corps of cadets at West Point
Referred to the Military Committee.
Mr. WILSON, of Massachusett9, offered a resolution
that the Inspocter General, Quartermaster General, and
Commissary General of Subsistence be directed to inform
the ',emit whet nrtichlonntit to be sold by the sutlers to
the rolunteere, and such as best promoted to secure their
efficiency. Be said it was necessary that the xolunteers
non - in the field should go back without being demoral
ized. Be had information from all sources that the cut
ler system, as it now exists, is a prolific source of demo
ralization and degradation to the volunteers. The evi
dence of medical DIE 11 shows that the system tends to
sicken the teen. The Sanitary Commission passed a re
solution against it In thirty-one regiments liquor was
gold 'with the consent of the Mears, in one hundred and
thirty-seven regiments it wee sold with or without their
consent, and in only twouty.tbree regiments is it entirely
excluded. There is a system existing to-day which is
robbing these men of their hard earnings, which ought
to go to theit families at home, Ho said that the sutlers
had determined to make a fight on the question, and read
a circular which was sent out by the antlers to collect
twenty-five dollars from each sutler to defeat the bill. Be
bad been told defiantly that no such measure could be
passed. The other day, when one company in a regiment
was paid F 2,300, over 431,100 went to the Antlers.
Mr. BABBIS, of New York, was glad that the subject
had been brought before the Senate. He was satisfied
that this was a most crying evil, and belieied that tho
whole system should be promptly abolished.
The resolution was agreed to.
A joint resolution was received from the Hotta., eN
preseing the feelings of Congresa in relation to the gal
lart conduct of the late General Lyon. Referred to the
Military Committee.
A joint resolution from the House, in regard to the
exchange of prisoners, was referred to the same
Clommitise.
•
oilAiilitEß, of Michigan, introduced a resolu
tion that the Military Committee be instructed to in
(mire into the expediency of appointing a commbtee of
both Houses to refites improper officers from the army.
Mr. CARLILE, of - Virginia, opposed the resolution,
fititi was afraid it WAS a tOlifiMil devise t #oi
control of the army, and he thought Congress should not
have control of the army.
Mr. DOOLITTLE, of Wisconsin, offered a substitute
that the Committee on Military Affairs be directed to in
(Mitt, into thr s expeffiency of providing a more efficient
mode for retiring any improper or incompetent officers
of the army.
The substitute was accepted and agreed to.
Mr. FOOT, of Vermont, called up the resolution to ex
pel Wanlo P. Johnson, Senator from Missouri, from the
Senate of the United States.
The Clerk read an extract from a Secession speech
which Mr. Johnson delivered in Missouri.
Mr. SAULSBURY, of Delaware, said he thought the
Senate could not expel a member unless it was shown
that he had done something unworthy of his character RS
a gehetoi.. There Geemed to be nothing against
Johnson but mere rumor. Ile moved that the resolution
be referro to the Oteromittoo an the Judiciary. with in
structions-So obtain further evidence on the subject.
. Mr. FOOT said he lied no evjection to such a reference
of the subject.
After a further discussion. the resolution was referred
to the Committee on the Judiciary.
The bill to promote the efficiency of the navy, as re
ported by Mr. Grimes; of lowa, from the Naval Commit ,
tee, was taken up.
Mr. GRIMES explained the bill and urged its passage
at some length. The bill provides ler retiring officers who
have been on the register for forty years. It authorizes
the President to select an officer from the grade of cap
tain of celeffitander, and tmaigli him the_ eoinmand of
squadron, with the rank of - flag officer. It also provides
for striking off two hundred medals of honor for petty
seamen, as rewards for gallantry and merit. It also con
tains some further regulations in regard to navy yards.
On motion of Air. DOOLITTLE, of Wisconsin, the
time of retiring naval officers was made forty-live instead
of forty years.
After further discursion tho bill was passed.
Ifr: WILSON reported back from tho Military Com
mittee, a bill relatire to courts martial in the arm!,
vi - bith was considered and passed.
Dlr. JOHNSON, of Temessee, moved that so much
of the President's message as relates to the expediency
of a railroad to Western Kentucky and Tennessee be re
ferred to a select committee. Agreed to.
The Senete then weut into executive 'suasion, and tub
aequently adjourned until Monday.
HOW, OF BErRESENTATIYEB.
Mr. BLAIR, of Missouri, rising to a question of privi
lege, caused to be read the following extract, as further
explanatory - of the remarks which be made yesterday,
on Mt. Lovejoy's resolution having in view the revoca
tion of a part of Cert. Halleek's general order relative to
thane slaves. The resolution, it lute already been
Stated, was laid on the table:
' , HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OP 'MISSOURI.
Hos. F. P. Brain, Washington: Db• Dear Colonel :
Yours of the 4th instant is just received. Order No.
3 was; in my mind, clearly a military necessity. Co
autheriged persons, Mach or white, free or slave, must
be kept.out of our camps, unless wo are willing to pub
lish to the enemy everything we do or intend to do. It
was a military, and not a political, order. lam ready
to carry out any lawful instructions in regard to fugitive
slaves which my superior may give me, and to enforce
any laws which Congress may pass, but I cannot make
law, and will not violate it.
"You know my private opinion on the policy of con
fiscating the slave property of rebels in arms. If Con
gress shall pass it, you may be certain that I shall en
force it. Perhaps my polio as to the treatment of rebels
and Their property io as well set out in order No.
issued the day your letter was written, as I could now
describe it.
"Yours truly, 11. W. HALLEM"
Mr. LOVEJOY, of Illinois, in explanation, said that,
in introducing! his resolution, he, of course, did not desire
to revoke an order that an. Melte& did not mean to
male. He would say. is regard to himself, and others,
that an attempt has been made to convey the impression
that ht and others design to support the war not as
against the rebellion, but as against slavery. He be
lieved in taking aaay all the property of the rebels, and
emancipating their slaves, as the most efficient meagg of
suppressing the rebellion. Others might differ from him
as to this policy ; but while be was not in favor of carry
ing on the of nr for the specific end ultimate purpose of
liberating the slaves, he was against carrying it on for
the protection of slavery. He was opposed to the army
being employed as slave-citteliers and to giving orders to
throw hock eu the masters those who desire to escape,
ttwhether free, or slave, black or white." Consequent- .
ly, he thought that if any order had been given to drive
elefes back into the hands of the Secessionists, or into the
hands of slaveholders, whether loyal or not, it was con
trary to a sound policy in carrying on the war and sup
pressing the rebellion. In conclusion, he said, If any of
our soldiers want to fight simply for the purpose of re
turning fugitive slaves, he had only to remark that the
army would be stronger nitle.ut them.
Dir. BLAIR, of Missouri, from the Committee on KlS
tary Affairs, reported a bill authorizing the raising of a
-volunteer force for the better defence of Kentucky. It
proposes to raise a volunteer force of twenty thousand
tram, for twelve months, to be employed within the limits
of that State, to repel invasion, and guard and protect
the public property ; but, whenever necessary, it may lie
employed temporarily outside of Kentucky. The rogi
'mental and company Akers are to be apystiated under
such regulations ad the Kentucky Military Board may
prescribe.
Mr. WICKLIFFE, of Kentucky, who, several days
ago, introdne,cl the bill, proceeded to show the importance
of passing it, Mutual) he said, WAS to be the groat
battle-ground of this war. The people of that State
hoped soon to see the day when the invader'', foot will be
expelled from that territory, which is now invaded. Pro
perty has been ruthlessly destroyed or carried oil', home
steads made desolate, bridges burned, Ste, and it is to
Newt the State while the army is matched elsewhere,
that Ms volunteer force is required.
Mr. LOVEJOY inquired, why cannot the regularly
mustered threes accomplish these objects.
Mr. WICKLIFFE replied that they wanted the vo
lunteer force to protect the State from inroads on the
border, no well as at any thins to render aid to the-main
army.
Mr. LOVEJOY wished to know whether it was im
portant to aot on the bill to-day-
WICKLIFFS replied that he had received front
the Military Board of Kentucky an urgent application
to call On the War Department, and ask for just such a
corps as the bill provides. He -lead brought the subject
to the attention of the President and Secretary of War,
and it bad met not only with their approval, but that of
all the Cabinet.
Mr. MAYNARD, of Tennessee, spoke of a recent so
journ in the part of Kentucky so much ravaged and laid
waste by the rebel troops, and said he would at some
future time allude to the distressing condition of affairs
in Eastern Tennessee, which lie had alone the honor Yo
represent. His people, ho said, had been left tintwo
tested by the Government, notwithstanding their firm
devotion to the Union. He held it to be a duty not only
to protect the loyal people in Tennessee and Kentucky,
but in South Carolina—everywhere in this Union—as
much so as in Pennsylvania and the iulioining States.
The present war is against the Government on the part
of the South, anti should be promptly suppressed. We
have expended millions on the borders to protect the
whites against savages, and certainly we should bo
prompt to protect all loyal men against the rebels.
tlos further consideration of the bill was postponed lilt
Monday.
The House then proceeded to the consideration of the
special order—namely, the various propositions involving
the question of the emancipation of the persons held as
slaves by rebels.
Mr. ELIOT, of Massachusetts, proceeded to explain
and enforce his resolution, declaring that the war has for
its object the suppression of the rebellion, and the re
establishment of the rightful authority of the National
Gonstitution and laws over the entire extent of our com
inon country, and advising that military orders far the
emancipation of slaves be issued whenever the same shall
avail to weaken the power of the rebels in arms, or in
suetaining the military power of the loyal forces.
Slavery, be argued, was •at the root of the rebel
lion, and, therefore, is an outlaw. There was no
4q it that loyal men should be proteoted, because it
•
should be understood that the men who stand up far the
right ehould be held close to our hearts. This war had
been called an antislavery war. It was no such thing.
Though slavery caused it, and though by it slavery may
be overthrown or removed, nevertheless the object of the
war is to recover the Haifa' authority of the Govern
ment and to put down treason. Ile spoke of the dn.
sertion of the country around Port Royal, and, in reply
to Ids own goestion, What ought to dt, clone t said Lot
our military commanders organize a bureau of agricul
ture; let black hands gather the white staple. The shackles
will fall off the limbs of the slaves thus employed. his
resolutions do not determine what is to be done in
the future. Let us, 11, , said, IL, the work put upon
UP, and after that the way will be opened to us. As our
army advances, the re-establishment of the former order
or things would be apparent. Already a post office has
been put into operation at Port Royal. Soon the school ,
house and church would follow, and oven in the Palmetto
State the banner of our common country will "wave over
the laud of the free." Treason will be. uppressed, the re
bellion overcome, and the rightful authority of the laws
and Constitution maintained. In the course of his re
marks he 1111n11 Canwron had 6110 MTN in throe
months, to raise his name higher among men and the
lovers of freedom, ns en opposer of rebellion and treason,
than during all his previous long career in public life.
Towards tue conclusion of his argument ho said it was
time there was a definite policy dermoined upon On this
eubject of confiscation, and nuttier contended that, as
slavery Wlls at the root of this treason, it should lie eradi
cated. Be quoted front authorities to show that, by the
law of nations, it was competent and right for the Govern
ment to pursue the course which his resolut one indicate.
Mr. STEELE, of New York, said he would endgaiyar
not to exhibit had lake by following in the Minor discus
sion pursued by the gentleman from at I
nssac.inse..s, a
wo
hnd asserted in broad firms that slavery is the cause of
this war. This proposition he (Mr. Steele) denied. Ile
asserted that it was caused by the unnecessary iwitation
of the slavery question. Proposing to test the gentle
then't: argetneid Ly the message or tine President, which
boil been quoted, he insisted that no sentence therein
Could he construed to mean that the. President desires
any legislation on this subject. Ile had supposed that
the test of loyalty was, mho will stand by the Govern
ment in this its time of need, and had hoped flint gentle
men here would rise chore nil passion awl prejudice, stud
stand up for the country. He was ready to go as far as
any gentleman on the other side in support of this sen
timent. In further response to Mr. Eliot, ho said, let it
be proclaimed that this war is for the extinction of sla
very, and, whether you believe nie or not, the pcnycr of
our army is paralyzed.
Mr. CONWAY, of Kamn:, contended that the conflict
which has been preparing for nine months has changed
its original character. From the attempt to put down
insurrection it has settled into n deliberate war. We
have not eflrolinterfd lie enemy in any battle in which
we have won an unquetflionable victory. With the ex
ception of the advantages gained by two expeditions on
the Southern coast, our arms have everywhere been
overborne, notwithstanding our volunteers have dis
played a gallantry rarely equality" The general pur-
MOS 14 the thyiernment have been defeated, and the
rebels have secured, in the eyes of other nations, a bstli
gerent character, in derogation of their responsibility to
the Federal Union. How, then, cmdd they have rights
under the Constitution which the Government is bound
to respect, while they exercise the rights of belligerente,
arising teem incompatible relational We cannot treat
them at sister States while they are warring upon us as
a foreign enemy. In condemning the slavehobling
power, he said its lust for domain would cover the whole
continent with its black pall. It was Kansas that first
interposed a barrier to its despotic rule, and stayed the
despotic tide of slavery. History has no brighter page In
all her annals than that of Kansas. Absolute security is
what slavery wants, hence unlimited power alone will
suffice.
The principle on which the war is conducted by the
Administration would restore slavery to its former re
lations to the Union again; disasters similar to the pre
sent would result, and GM causes which now operate
would, in the future, involve us in the horrors of a civil
war. The old issue would revive with all its political
earnestness, The emancipation of the slaves should be
declared a military necessity.
}dr. BARBING, of Kentucky, obtained the floor.
Mr. FOUTilf, of Illinois, ineffectually asked him to give
way, as he wanted to bristly reply to the 114.01 , 4ileataitiii6
from Kansas, (Mr. Conway,) who had said that the bat
tle of Belmont was a defeat•. In justice to the brave
soldiers who participated in that action, lie wanted to
nail the falsehood.
Mr. WADSWORTH, of Kentucky, commenced a
:: , 1.1,1.3 for a motto:. to o.4ljouro.
Mr. CONWAY wished to know whether Mr. Fouke in
tended his remark to him as personal.
Mr. ROBINSON, of Illinois, said that Mr. Fouke had
left the ball.
Mr. RICITARDSON, of Illliiole, would say +but what
eTer his colleague (Mr. Fonke) had oak) on the floor, of
a personal character, ought to be settled elsewhere.
Mr. CONWAY remarked thnt he did nut whilt to be
autijeet to the imputation of having told a falsehood. lie
thimpAit he uuterstood the proprieties of this flange to
well ae any other member.
On motion, the Douse then adjourned tilllllonday.
The War in Missouri---Secessionists to
Support the Refugees
LOINS, December 12.—The following general
order will be issued to-morrow morning :
HEADQUARTERS, DEFARTMENT OF Missorni,
Sr. LOUIS, Dec. 12. Jt
The suffering families, driven by the rebels from
Southwest Missouri, who have already arrived
here, have been supplied by voluntary contributions
made by Union men. Others arc on their way, to
arrive in a few days, and these must be supplied by
charity from the men known to be hostile to the
Union.
A list will be prepared of all persons of this class
who do not voluntarily furnish their quota, and a
contribution will be levied of $lO,OOO in clothing '
provisions, and quarters, or money in lieu thereof.
This levy will be made upon the following classes
of persons, in proportion to the guilt and property
of each individual
First—Those in arms with the enemy who have
property in this city.
Second—Those who have furnished pecuniary or
other aid to the enemy, or to persons in the enemy's
service.
, Third—Those who have, in writing or by publica
tion, given encouragement to the rebels or in
surgents.
Brigadier General Curtis, B. G. Farrar, provost
marshal general, and Charles Barg, assessor of St
Louis county, will constitute a board for levying
the aforementioned contribution. Aq soon as any
part of this contribution shall have been assessed,
the provost marshal general will notify the parties
assessed, or their agents or representatives, stating
the amount of provisions, clothing, and quarters,
or the money-value thereof, required of each;
and if these supplies are not furnished within the
time specified in such notice, he will is-me an exe
cution, and sufficient property will he taken, and
sold at -public auction, to satisfy the assessment,
with costs, and, as a penalty, 25 per cent. addi
tional. If any person upon whom such assessment
shall be made shall file with the provost marshal
general an affidavit that he is a loyal citizen, and
has been true to his allegiance to the United States,
ha win be allowed one week to furnish evidence to
the board to_vindioate hie-character; nua f. - an.
end of that time, be shall nut be able to SAI tisfy the
board of his loyalty, the assessment shall be in
creased ten per cent., and the levy immediately
made.
A Rucce§t=ful Scolitahg, Expedition.
BEDALIA, No., Dec 12.—The scouting expedi
tion, composed of a part of Merrill's horse, and two
companies of regular cavalry, returned here this
afternoon ? bringing in as prisoners, four captains,
two lieutenants, and about torty rebels. They also
captured one mortar, and a large number of horses
and wagons.
The expedition went as far as Waverly. They
report that a force of 2,000 rebels remains at Lex
ington. Shelby's men were seen and pursued
several times. The report of a fight near Waverly
proves to be false.
The man who hauled down the American flag at
Lexington after Colonel Mulligan's surrender has
has been arrested here as a spy.
The supplies so collected will be expended for the
object designated, under the direction of the provost
marshal general, and by the State military com.
mission. Where money is received instead of sup
plies, it will be expended for them as required, and
any money not so expended will be turned over to
the sunlit.* commlstioh, foe the benefit of the sick
Feld tem
Any one who shall resist, or attempt to resist, the
execution of these orders, will be immediately ar
rested and imprisoned, and will be tried by a mili
tary commission.
Major General Haunch:.
From Gen. Banks• Column.
FREDERICK, Dec. 11.—The Nineteenth Massa
chusetts Regiment, of Gen. Stone's division, has
been sent to Muddy Branch, to picket the Potomac,
in lieu of Gen. Banks' division. Their post office
is Darnestown. Gen. Stone's command will thus
keep river-guard from near the Great Falls to No
lan's Ferry, above the mouth of the Momacy,
Assistant Adjutant General Copeland is on a visit
to the North. His duties are now performed by
Captain Scribe, of whom meritorious mention has
frequently been made by your correspondent.
Colonel Ruger, the Provost Marshal, has re
moved his quarters and the army prison into the
city. He occupies a large unfinished building on
Church street, locally known as the "haunted
house." His assistants are Captain Bertram, Com
pany A ; First Lieutenant Van Brunt, adjutant;
and second Lieutenant Howard, Company A, in
charge of the quartermaster and commissary
stores, all of the Third Wisconsin Regiment.
It is understood that it was by desire of a large
portion of the citizens here, without regard to poli
ties, that Colonel Ruger and his excellent regiment
were appointed for provost duty, they having had
charge of the city for about two months last fall.
Some of the commanders of regiments are insti
tuting vigorous measures to prevent the clandestine
introduction of poisonous beverages into their
camps. Colonel - Knipe, of the Forty-sixth Penn
sylvania, caught a colored man in the act yfister
dby, and administered to him a severe castigation,
threatening at the same time to inflict the same
penalty on all others of that like, black or white.
General Banks and staff yesterday sr,t , ktt. same
time with Colonel Maulkhy, at the encampment of
the Home Guard, about throe miles northeast of
the city, during which time the regiment , went
through a drill and dress parade, which was highly
spoken of by the officers of the staff They return.
ed about dusk. •
- .
The humanity of the ladies of Frederick towards
the sick of our army is worthy of lasting record.
Last summer, while our division wasat Sandy Hook,
and the general hospital was located here, SaYeral
ladies formed an association for the relief cud at
tendance of the invalids. Their efforts were re
warded by liberal donations of necessaries, comforts,
and delicacies, as well as personal attendance and
nursing, from a majority of all the ladies of the city,
without regard to political opinions. When the
Federal troops were withdrawn and the headquar
ters of the Home Guardislablisbed here, this hu
mane course was continiitd, and now, on re-esta
blh'hing 4130 general illgpital hero, their labors are
unabated. Ladies surrounded with the clegancies
and luxuries of life vie with those in a more humble
sphere in unremitting attentions to the sick soldier
—n beautiful illustration of the angelic attributes
of woman.
Sergeant Ames, of Company D, Ninth New
York, died in the general hospital to-day. lie
was universally esteemed for his qualities as a g,on-
Henan and a soldier, and his loss is deeply re
gretted by all.
On Monday night the solitudes of midnight wore
agreeably disturbed by a visit from the band of the
Twenty-eighth Pennsylvania (Colonel Geary), who
serenaded General Books, General Velem (vf the
Maryland Brigade), Mayor Cole, Colotiel Maulsby,
Dr. Win. B. Tyler, Chas. E. Traill, 11ev. Mr. Sey
mour, Mrs. Diehl, Miss Patto, and other staunch
Unionists, not omitting, in their compliments, the
Examiner and tiniest newspaper offices. They
were escorted to the various localities by Lieu
tenant George Heimach and a guard of his Zou
eves d'Afrique."
Yesterday afternoon heavy and rapid cannonad
ing was heard in the direction of Conrad's Ferry,
but nothing has yet been ascertained as to the cause.
The weather continues mild and spring-like.
g FREDERICK, Ilth, noon.—Up to 10 o'clock no in
telligence bad been received at headquarters as to
the Mtn of the firing in the direction of Edwards'
Ferry yesterday. Gentlemen who came from that
direction, Bay the firing continued irregularky all
day-
YosterdaT morning , the enemy gent several shots
across the river, at Dam No. 5, and the skirmish
ers on both sides kept up a scattering fire on the
shores for some time. No person was injured on
our side, nor is it known that any were killed or
wounded on the side of the enemy.
Major Copeland, Assistant Adjutant General, and
Capt. Collis, of the Body Guard, have returned to
their respective posts.
Everything is quiet in the city and enoampmsnts.
The New Yen Nineteenth reaohed here, from
Mudd? , Branch last night,
LATER FROM EUROPE.
ARRIVAL OF THE HANSA
THE NEWS OF THE CAPTURE OP MASON
AND SLIDELL.
LIVERPOOL INDIGNANT.
A Public Meeting Culled to Sustain the
Honor of the British Flag.
THE ENGLISH AND THE REBEL STEAMER NASHVILLE,
European Political Affairs.
LATER FROM CHINA AND JAPAN
New YORK, Dec. 12.—The steamship Hansa, from
Bremen, via Southampton, with dates to the 28th ult.,
has arrived.
The steamship North Briton vras insured with tier
cargo for 1120,000.
An arrival from Australia hail brought $227,000 in
gold.
The American ship Corinthian had been burned at
Lisbon, 011 the 20th ultimo.
The Webt India hteamhbip La Plata, from St. Tho
mae, arrived at Southampton en the 16th, with the re
port that the rebel commissioners, Mason and Slidell,
were forcibly taken from the steamer Trent, on her way
to St. Thomas from Havana.
•
November 27,--Consols closed at 94'u for
TUO/WY and %IN for account. toited States fives and
New York Central shares bad advanced. The bullion in
the Bunk of Franca had increased £lOO,OOO.
GREAT BRITAIN
Captain 'Nelson, of the ship Harvey Birch, had entered
hie protest against the capture of the c hi p by tile rebel
steamer Nathville. The Southampton notgistito re
fused him a warrant for the search of tho Nashville, and
referred him to the Secretary of State.
Captain Pegram and Mr. Yancey had returned front
London together, and the latter states that it hat beep
ilitiniatt4l to Linn, through a thiril party, that Om
tulle is recognized by the British Government as a na
tional vessel, and will ho allowed to refit and repair at
Strithempton, as was the ease of the James Adger, so as
to exercise perfect neutrality between the two Con tending
MHO,
The London Times, of the 28th Mt., contains an ac
count of a meeting held in Liverpool, with reference to
the Mason. Slidell affair.
Thu following placard was posted on 'Change Out
rage o the British Ebro—Southern Commissioners
forcibly removed from a Brilah semmee. A pid,
lie meeting will be had in the cotton sales ram, at 3
&deck.,
In pursuance of this call the room was crowded to ex
cess.
The chair was occupied by James Spence, who read
the following rosolution
. .
“Ites'otrth, That this meeting, having heard with in
dignation that an American Federal ship-of-war has
forcibly 'Wien from a British mail steamer certain pas
sengers who were proceeding peaceably under the shelter
of our lbw, from one neutral port to another, 4q ornebtly
cell utwa (10, aoyernment to assert the dignity of no
British tiag by requiring prompt reparation for this out
rage."
This resolution was advocated by the chairman, who
considered that he was expressing the feeling of the pep.
pie when be Raid that it was the duty of the people to im
press on the Government the imperative necessity of
vindicating the honor and dignity of the British name
and flag.
Mr. John Campbell considered that there was reason to
doubt whether the facts related and acted on by this
meeting were in reality a breach of international law,
and referred to the opinions of the law officers of the
Crown as being in some measure inclined to show that
such a step as Wien with respect to tho Southern Com.
missioners was justifiable under the existing state of in
ternational law. Ile urged the prOpriety of postponing
the consideration of the subject till to.morrow.
Mr. Torr sustained Mr. Campbell's views.
The chairman suggested, in order to meet the objection
of - Mr. Campbell, to strike out the words "by requiring
prompt reparation for the outrage." And thus amended
the resolution was passed by nearly a unanimous vote.
Several merchants expressed their views after the ad
journment that the meeting and its action was rents.
tore.
The London Times is more moderate in its comments
on the Mason and Slidell capture than the JVewo. While
denying that. the Federal Government, on its own position
that the existing war it a mere rebellion, has a right to
overhaul neutral ships, it peyerthelesS admits that Eng.
land - herself has established precedents which now tell
against her in this matter of the Trent; but those prece
dents were made under circumstances very different, it
asSertN from tlim which now mum. England was then
fighting for existence, and did in those days what she
would not do now, or allow others to do. In discussing
the question wether Mason and Slidell were liable to cap
ture, as belligerents or contrabands, on board the Trent,
the Times states it as the opiliioll of Very eminent judge
that fins was Lot the 11.11CStiOR to be adjudicated by the
boat's crew. The; legal course would have been to lake
the ship itself into port for adjudication. It concludes
with the expression that Englishmen will discuss the
question with calmness, and appeals to the Federal States
not to provoke a war by such acts.
In ieply ko the application of Captain 'Ralson for a
warrant to search the rebel steamer Nashville and re
cover certain property belonging to him and the owners
of the Harvey Birch, Earl Russell directed his secretary
to reply that he cannot authorize the magistrates to
issue such a warrant, and declined to interfere in the
matter. The nlitaleation had been made on the MOM
mutilation of Mr. Adams, the American minister.
A letter detailing an account of the seizure of the
traitor commissioners states that a shell was fired at her,
exploding within one hundred yards. It also states that
the indignation on board the Trent was inteuse, and all
the mammon were ready foe a fight, If the eat.tela
wished it. Also, that the captain of the Treat supplied
stores to the San Jacinto for the use of Slidell ani
- Mason. 'The despatches of the traitor corn nissioners
escaped the vigilance of the officers of the Son Jacinto,
and Fairly arrired in the La rlata, in charge of it gen.
ileum of the party. On arriving at Southampton, the
remainder of Messrs. Slidell and 'Mason's families and
suites went on board the steamer Nashrille, and the
next day the despatches were taken to London.
No repairs had yet been commenced on the Nashville,
.The Shay- of Tuesday says: A numerous party or loyal
Unionists met on Monday, in St. James' street, Loudon,
to celebrate, by a dinner, the victory of Port Itval.
The company heartily approved that General Scott
should he entertained at a banquet in London.
DREADFUL CATASTROPHE AT EDINBURGH...OR Snada
morning last, a building of seven stories, in High street,
Edinburgh, suddenly fell, burying nearly the whole of the
imputes in the ruins. The house was several centuries
old ; the whole gave way at once, collapsing inwards; 22
bodies have been token out dead, aui about 12 injured.
The Millions block of buildings was densely popillated,
and it is estimated that not lees than 100 people must
have dwelt in it.
FRANCE
Tbe. Federal Council of Switzerland had demanded
Coto fat a freak - violation or Swiss
territory by French Bens tr,traits neat- ct,:,npva.
The rebel steamer Bermuda arrived at Havre on the
24th, from SaTumult, with two thousand hales of cotton,
and Woe difiCliflllifig on the 25th.
Garibaldi is reported to have replied to the Neapolitan
address, that he regrets being unable to go to them, but
that ha will bo with them when necessary. lie expects
:/1 41 4 , 1fis to have MOT nor4ti ready.
Nov. 10.—The bank has reduced its rate of dis
count from 133 cc to 5,,Ai per cent.
TURKEY
Dowisch Pasha, with eight battalions, had encountered
six thousand insurgents in Boznia, slaying eight luta
drol, and routing the remainder.
The European consuls propose an armistice
CHINA.
The allies were leaving Tien-tsin. The trade in
Nin g po and B ankow was obstructed by the rebels. Tito
French were in want of men and guns to protect Poo-
Chow.
JAPAN.
Affairs in Japan had talon a mom favorable !nrir.
SPAIN.
The Sardinian minister has demanded passports, and
leaves DIM' id—tho two Governments disagreeing in re
lation to the Nenpolittoi
Commercial Intelligence.
LIVERPOOL, Nov. 26.—The Cotton market is doll,
Mid quotations generally unchanged. Sales for two days
0,000 bales, including 4,000 to speculators and exporters.
The advicos from Manchester are unfavorable, tho mar
ket for goods and yarns Laing fiat.
Breadstuff's are generally heavy and dull.
Flour is dull at 280325. Wheat is easier t'i•eil West
ern, 12s 4d ; red Southern, 12e 6 , 10120 9d • white West
ern, 128 9cl; white 'Southern, 1350:13g 9d. Corn dull;
Sts 6dee2.25 ?di yellow, PciaNa; white, Si
CaSs.
PROVISIONB.--The market. Is generally steady. Beef
steady. Pork quiet, but steady. Bacon has an upward
tendency. Lard nominal at 4Seasls. Tallow quiet and
steady at 50.2r525.
PRODl7 , o)s.—Rosin has a downward tendency ;
12s 8.14/Els &I. fiplrita Turpentine flst at 10‘&725.
Sugar steady. Thee steady. Coffee inactive. Ashes firm
at ass for Pots. Linseed Oil steady.
LoNoos, Nov. 28.—Consols clo;;ed at 91% for money
The Esc}►pe of the rtrate Sumpter,
Nsµ• - YORK, Dee. 12.—The brig T. TV. Row
land, from Rio Janeiro, via St. Thomason the 27th
of November, confirms the escape . 01 the pirate
Simper from Murtinique.
The U. B. stenmer oquois, which was in pnr.
suit of her, returned to St. Thomas on the .25th.
The gunboat Dacotalt arrived at St. Thomas
about the 23d, and was despatched with coal and
provisions for the Iroquois, but missed her.
J. C. Johnson, one of the crew of the brig D.
Trowbridge, captured by the Simptcr, arrived
here in the brig T. IV Rowland.
The War in Kentucky
Louisvitr.m, Dee. 13.—Tho roport circulated
yesterday that three Federal brigades had armed
to the south side of Green river is authoritatively
denied.
No information Las been received at headquar
ters here that Captain E. F. Prime, of Gen Buell's
staff, and Major Helvelll 7 of Gen. Sehoeff's statflhad
been captured by the rebels near Somerset but
well-informed outsiders say it is true.
Johnso , n, the Provisional Governor of Kentucky,
in a
.message to the rebel Legislature, says he will
gladly resign his position when Al:virtu shall es
cape prom his virtual imprisonment at Frankfort.
From Harrisburg
REYIS/ON OP THE REVENUE LAW-SANITARY CON-
13=1
llinnisniqw, Dec. Itt.—Hon. 11. M. Smrser, of Mont
gomery county, Win. McClelland, of Franklin county,
and James I'. Sterrett, of Allegheny county, commis
sioners appointed by Cormier Curtin, under the act of
Assembly of Nay last, to revise the revenue laws of the
State, are now here, organiv , d and. engaged in the task
absigned•them. Alt letters should he adarm,oed to them
here. It is expected that valuable improvements and
modifications will be mule in Ont• revelino lawsounch
nteded at this time, and the high character of the-gen
tlemen selected Justifies the expectations that. the. duty
will be fully and well performed.
. The Pituitary rouditiOn of comp Curtin it Moilt cm:cl
ient: A record, kept on the ground, shows that but 39
deaths have occurred there since the war cCantaftleed.
This fact is more remarkable when the number of troops
that have occupied the camp, 09,000, is taken into Con
aideration. The nninhee of into Ilk the heeidtel tat tide
time is not 5 per cent. of the whole, while the average
of sick in camp, at all seasons, is generally admitted to be
from six to ten. These are gratifying (VitiAlleet. of the
witiclt the sanitary department of the came
is managed.
The' Fifty-seventh Regiment,. Col. Maxwellt was fully
prepared to go forward to-day, and transportation pro
vided, but, because of some unaccountable obstruction on
like part of the United States officer here, with regard to
11111001 1 iti3 the wen, the reglarmt 19 contarlkil to hold
over till this duty can he nertOrmed.
rroferFor AIIINFa 'McCoy is to deliver Ida, celebrated
oration on the London rimgs and the Amesican Rebel
lieu,-in the Representative Chamber of the Capitol in this
city, before the Governor, heeds of departments., and
citizen=, ust eatnribly °Wang. The Prefeeeor deli Feted
this oration before the President and Cabinet, at wool
ington, out the National Fast Day,
Pardon of Mrs. 'Hartung
Ai. 11 D6o_ 11—Mary Ilartung- 7 who hoz been,
imprisoned three years, and a half on the charge et
poisoning her husband, was unconditionally releasaa,
by Judge Wright.to• day.
From rdist.ottri.
Sr. TosEmi, Dec. 12.—General Prentiss' COSl
wind was to move from Platte City to Richfield on
the nth.
A reLet camp, Deiebeilfig 4111456 thouaend mea n Is
reported near Albany.
The report that General Prentiss had bagged five
hundred rebels is not true.
The raanufaotory of Buell Sr, Cc, was destroyed
by fro last night, Loss unknown,
Gen. Burnside's Er.peditioin
NEW YORK, Dec. 12.—Three hundnrd fiats, each
2 feet long, are being shipped t aoeome►uy Gen.
Burnside's expedition,
THE THUNDERER ON THE TRENT
•
[From the London Times.]
It requires n strong effort of self-restraint to discuss.
with coolness, the intelligence we publish to-day. An
chellsh men steamer, under the nritleh Hag, and
carrying letters and passengers from a 6panisli port to
England, has been stopped on the high HMS and over
hauled. Four of the passengers have been taken out
(Lull tarried off as prisoners, elaimitr, and vainly claim
ing, as they were being forced away, the protection of tin.
flag of Great Britain. These are the naked facts. We
pnt out of sight the accident that the four gentlemen
thus kidnapped were accredited with a diplomatic mis
sion from the ConfOletate dtiites of America to the Ciffirta
of Europe, and else the peremptory manner in which the
Federal frigate acted in making her seizure. The in
tention of the Federal Govt rnment evidently was to act
upon their strict right, and to do Is, in as little ceremo
nious a manner as might be. If they are instilled by
their righbl its helligerente in whet they have done, the
memo, of doing it is a mere question of good or bad
ta=re. If a rude fellow claims his rights coarsely, we
must yet give hint his rights; and if we would not find
ourselves in the wrong, we omit not quarrel with him on
account of lie itt manners.
Is it then trite that every Officer of the Ames:kis navy
Can stop and overhaul our Ships wherever they may be
found, and can take out of them any persons whom he
may claim to be citizens of the United States or OffiretA
of the Confederate Government! If we ware to admit
the Federal view of their own position It would be plain
that no aucb right exists. They tell us that they are not
at war, but are only pitting down a rebellion. They say,
or said, that they are not blockading their own ports, but
are simply enforcing a law which has closed the Southern
ports its ports of entry. They insist upon putting their
;Our° uPall the wore gralllVl fit if the Queen of Eng.
land were putting down a rebellion in the Isle of Wight.
Now, if this were so, it is clear that the Federal States
of America have, in stopping our mail cleanser, been
guilty of an nr t of aggression which could only be pro
perly punished by laying an embargo en every Anterican
Pll// , In Dritbili Porte, nod interning their little neer from
the seine. They would, according to their point of view,
not be at war, and would have none of the rights uf bal.
ligerents over neutrals. They would no more be belli
gerents than England was after the celebrated Smith
O'Brien bottle in the cabbage garden, and they would
!MC DO more right to atop our Ships and entry off our
passengers then we should have hail to stop in French
ship and take Nr.Sinith O'Brien out of her.
But this assumption of the Federal Government has
been disallowed, The:world generally has refused to see
in this disruption and reconstitution of the North Ame
rican Republic ft naive rebtilloti. We hove vseogniseil
Loth Republics as belligerent States. We declare idl
trality between them as between two warring Powers,
We mete out a precise degree of equal consideration for
the ships of scar of each. In everything hut cur dial°.
"eV np beer ouraelre6 MIMI between them.
whenever the Southern States shall have given proof of
such stability as may make it sure that they can sustain
their independence, we elicit doubtless recognize them
diplomatically, as we already do de iturte. TWA is the
most applied by all writ,re on International Law. To
tuipport a claim to outer into Ike comity of nation the
only proof required or any people is that they are able to
make their independence respected. Kings and Emperors,
and even Dukes and Electors, have sometimes refused to
recognize the Government for the time being of England,
or France, or Italy, but only to their own ultimate ridicule.
We have already recognized these Confederate States as
bellittereht Power, had MT shell, when the time comes,
recognize their Government. Therefore we have im.
posed upon ourselves all the duties and inconveniences of
a power neutral between two belligerents.
Unwelcome as the truth may be, it is nevertheless a
truth, that we have 1111PAelYed established a ashen, of
international law, which now tells against us. In high
handed, and almost despotic ma '
man we have, in former
days, claimed privileges over neutrals, which have, at
different times, banded all the maritime Powers of the
world
against tie. We lutee in-lsted eVelt %tom stopping
the ships of war of neutral nations, and taking British
subjects out of them; and an instance is given by Jeffer
son in his "Memoirs," in which two nephews of Wash
ington were impressed by our cruisag at they were re
turning from Europe, and placed as common seamen
"matt the discipline of ships of war. We have al
ways been the strenuous asserters of the rights of bellige
rents over neutrals, and the decisions of our courts of
law, as they mulct now be cited by our law officers, have
beets hi tesdishusilois of these nnreaeonahle clai ms , which
have called into being confederations and armed neutrali
ties against cue, and which have always been modified in
practice when we were not supreme in our dominion at
sea. Owing to these facts, the authorities which may be
cited on this itostion are too hinnerane and too midterm
as to the right of search by belligerent Philp of war
over neutral merchant vessels, to be disputed,
"The only security that nothing is to be found incon
sistent with amity and the law of nations, known to the
law of nations," said Lord Stowell, in the. celebrated cans
Of Maria, "is the right of personal visitation and
search to be exercised by those who have an interest in
making it." Again, Lord Stowell, in the same judg
ment, which is the storehouse of all the English law on
this subject, says: "Be the ships, the cargoes, and the
destituttlob %Odd th '
eY inay, the rightl of visit and search
are the incontestable right of the croisers of is belligerent
nation. 'Till they are visited and searched it does not ap
pear what the ships or the destination are • and it is for
the isiiiiese of atteertaining then. -points that the
necessity of this right of visitation and search ex
We. This right is so clear in principle that ne
men can deny it who admits the right of mari
time capture i because, if you arc not at liberty to asters
laic by eufficient inottiey tebt,fe there Is property that
can be legally captured, it is impossible to capture. The
nuuty European treaties which refer to this right refer
to it as pre-existing, and merely regulate the exercise of
it. All writers upon the law of nations unanimously
acknowledge it. The great American authority, Kent,
treating upon the same subject in hie Commentarier,
say's: " Tire ditty of self-preservation gives to belligerent
nations this right. The doctrine of the English Admi
ralty courts on the right of visitation and search, and on
the limitation of the right, has been recognized in its
fullest extent by the enurta of justice in this country."
So far as the authorities go, the tostim my of interims
tional law writers is nit one way, that a belligerent war
: cruiser has the right to atop and visit and search any
merchant ship upon the Lich !lOW.
We quote these authorities because it is essential that,
upon a matter so important as that now before us, the
public mind stlfallti Jye Belt infilliwth Dot it mud be
nmemberea that those decisions were given tinder cir
cumstances very different from those which now occur.
Steamers in those days del not exist, and mail vessels,
carrying letters wherein ell the nations of the world
have immediate interest, were unknown. We were
lighting existence, and we AM in those clays what sec
should neither do, nor allow others to do, nor expect
omselv. to be allowed to do, in these days. Moreover,
if we gave full scope to all this antiquated law, it remains
stilt to be asked whether the men who have been taken
frOlti beneath the protection of oar flag were liable
to seizure. They were not officers of the army or of
the navy of the Confederate States. They were diplo
matic envoys, wanting only in sonic formalities to be
ambassadors to England and France. We do not say that
there is . RAY' provision in the law of nations which will
entitle vs to maintain that their persons were sacred by
reason of their mission; but, on the other hand, we are
not aware of any authority which will show that these
envoys were contraband of war. If we had recognized
tine Ginfederate State's, we apprehend that we *Monti
have been perfectly justified in taking these ambassadors
on board our own vessels of war and bringing them to
England, ulthout in any way forfeiting our character as
nintrals, lint, even if it were accessary' M Admit that
these gentlemen were in a belligerent or contraband
character on hoard the English vessel, it is, we believe,
the Atsthlt,e Of ewes , etWitialt fitrist that SAE( wes net
a question to be adjudicated on by a naval officer and
four boats' crews. The legal course would have beets
to take the ship itself into port, and to ask for her con
denmalinty for the eishilembatkh of the passengers,
in a Court of Admiralty. The result might, no doubt,
have been the same, but if the proceeding was irregular,
we have surely a right to demand that these prisoners
shall be restored.
When such tremendous interests are at stake, we feel
deeply the responeibility of discussing a question like
this. Our first duty is to calm—certainly not to in
flame—the general indignation which will be felt In thee
islands as the news is told. We cannet yet believe,
although the evil, nee is strore, that it is the fixed deta
ruination of the Government of the Northern States to
force it quarrel upon tho Powers of Europe, Wo hope,
therefore, that our people will not meet this provocation
wbh an outburst of passion, or rush to resentment without
frill consideration of all the bearings of the case. On
the °thee Baud, we genial to the feeteottahle ,assn
of the Federal States—and they leave some reasonable
men among them—not to provoke war by such acts as
these. It is, and it always has been, vain to appeal to
old folios mat bygone authorities in justification of ache
Which every Englishman and every Frenchman cannot
but tee] to be injurious and insulting. Even Mr. Seward
himself tenet know that the voices of these Southern
COlUntiFsiottor,, sounding from their captivity, are a then-
Mei tinge more elnuttlent in fienden and Paris, than they
would have been if they had been heard at St. James and
the Tuileries. Questions of this kind in countries where .
the people exercise power, puss but too quickly out of
the hands of lawyers and statesmen, aunt give irreeietiliste
power to neither the wisest nor the most peace-loving
limb( rs of a community;
ee 'Dint this meeting, having heard with indignation
that alt American Federal shipeef-war hos forcibly taken
from a British mail steamer certain paesengers, who were
proceeding peaceably under the shelter of our flag from
one neutral port to another, do earnestly call upon the
Government to assert the dignity of the Brinell flag by
rcnniring prompt reparation tor this outrage."
On hearing this resolution read, the meeting expressed,
in a most unmistakable manner, the feeling by which it
was pervaded in favor of the view, included in it. When
silence had been, in some measure, restored,
The Chairman remarked, that when the news et the
outrage readied this town, thin feeling crested was ono of
surprise, mingled with indignation. Ile remarked that
e had all heard of the wired dignity of the AilleriCitft
flag. That dignity, lie protmeiled to say, was a meanaby
which the persons engaged in the nefarious slays
trade could at once protect themselves. by hoist
lisp the AttialOfill flag, which fully enabled them to
resist any attempt to search such vesselss. He trusted
it would not be allowed that men prosecntingumnefarious
a trade shined be protected, and that men peacefully pro
reeding on their own alleles., under the protection of our
flag, might be forcibly taken nut of our ships. [Cheers.]
On the contrary, be believed that the people of thiaconis
try would not, by any means, la snit such an outrage.
[Cheetr.] lie bald, in having agreed to take the chair on
this occasion, he did el/ without reluctance or regret e sta
he felt deeply that he only expressed the feeling, nut
merely of the meeting, but of the community in general',
when herald it inns. the ditty of the people to wet en the
Government the imperative necessity of vindicating the
honor amid dignity of the British name and neg. [Loud,
and continued cheering.]
Mr. IT. C. Chapman, as a mere matter of form e mered
that the reedutlon be adopted.
Mr. A Forwood Paid he felt much pleasure indiecondiag
the adoption of a resolution which must fled an echo iu
every Bugled! h01:0111.
Mr. Jelin Campbell. while fully concurring in the pro
priety of preventing any outrage front being offered to
the I - Mittel, flat—a sentiment whirl truss univereallr
eetipewledged threitgliqut the liitigdon—tad he felt os- •
slued that there Was no Englistinien, Irishman, or
Scotelenan w 100 would not sit once, end promptly, resent
any ieselt attired to our ,lag. [Cheers.] While feeling
tins in the strongest manner and to the fullest extent, he
cmmidered that there still remained soon- reason todltobt
WllOlllOl , the fade related, and acted on nil - cailiu¢ this
meeting, were inn reality ii breach of international law.
[Cries of " So, no 1"] Ile referred, at some length,
to the opinions of the law ellieers of the' Crown,
as being in some measure inclined to sheen that
such a. step as that taken with respect to the South- -
ern CaillilliADUCTll tinder the eating
state of international law. In conclusion, he propene
direct negative to the resonate». As, however, he wan
not desirous of doing anything which woulifereate a spi
rit of illiosenSloll, he was willing to adopt a middle course
which could be suggested; and urged the propriety of
1,001),(1113112 enneiderahen of the subject till tee morrow
ktlits day.)
The Chairman suggested that, to meet the objection
thrown out by Mr. Campbell, it would be- sufficient to
strike out of the reeeletion the words, a=hy requiring
prompt reparation for ads outrage."
Mr. Painld , oll Aid! ire &Mid tint enneur tut the sugges
tion of the chairman, and must decline to. do en.
tin. Tarr expresrecb his concurrence• in the views put
ferwaird by Mr. Campbell, and in doing, en met with fee.
&mem interraption. He argued that the present fleeting'
Wfiti Osil4 ))44 IN ito proseNing4 fl--..
reedy prejudged the case, with the merits of which the.
meeting Wag unacquainted. He itmieted that there wan
ma reason to believe that the Teepee:Vele ministers of the
Crown evoidd ekbe - e- any insult to ....offered to the ltritlaht
flag. [Loud Witness] Ho urged trite advinititgo of ma
ceeiling calmly ins considering a exp. such as the nresea.
which, if prematurely urged to I , • ttretnity, might reseWnt
involving this et:auto , in it wee.. Demi t intern' ption..l, Ida
contended that, to urge on al* Government a pattlf:u.
ler line et remitter in reamed , of the proceetlings.now
melee eeeeldesedien lass imps:Jibe:ma nuj ask,
hot, and :so EngliStilnan wonith, advocate putting otewith
ineett ; but in the present. ease, let him attest
the Autoricesne dome'! ElVlre.eleumnati. They tired' a shot
acre-c' tine bee sof the ulna steamer to 111111 e hse to, and
es ales aid led stop for hut they fired a shott at her,
*Melt. hated i 1,,, tleretesdidotte Awe" Me.
Tore nroceieleil to say that there WItA ems; reason to
avoill coming to a I,,eety resolution, an,h, in thank.
ins the meeting for the Patience with which they
had heard him, [lote3 and ll.lllllCai ctior.r,] he steals ;
IiSSA on thins preee4t, to eeneldei. the isellee snfhihly walk
and. not to lie carried heat by the bar
pulee of feeling in, it (lose which reunited mature jteig
'strut and calm delberation. A least , bad been see,ests
is, him by a gemz.sitern oentlemmh which it was visaed
alit unman e hits annul Itlp Itiw 9lYbelit of the Crertoihdi t
in ithhchint i el , expressed n derided opinion in to- of of
the legality of a prtweiding ttleilisr tin that wheels had
just taken ?Mee im reatird Gm Trent by the San
Jacinto.
111 rs Jr T urner ntxt attelgatkil to aildrees the mooting
to the game eduet as had been lane by Mr. To and Mr.
Campbell, but the feeling, of those present wKS to decl.,
derity oppo.cd to that v lew that he WAS furc4d to assist,
The resolution, as preio,orql to be aorended by tlya.
chairman, was then o 5 to the meotino,„ and curried b.x a
MiOOTIFYI iintt maid the degenina and
enthusiastic cheers. For the negatlw, only a low Amnia
wore held up.
At the conclusion of the tortilla, which bsOs at four
o'clock, n uuniber of the eltiopmeinhants ou Tbanas
pressed, privately, their conviction that tItO, rilett4gArrit
Pracrrillirgis had been ifoiostoro,