f tns. FRIDAY, MARCH 7, 1862 THE LATEST WAR NEWS. We havo farther news from General B inks' co lomn this morning- All the commands ace in lino condition, and the men are eagor for a fight. Seve ral skirmishes have taken pi ace, in which our troops have been victorious. An unsuccessful attempt was made on the 3d instant by the rebels to outflank Col. Geary's Tegiment. The rebels are in strong force at Winchester, having no less than 60 guns, field artillery Included, and they have erected some formidable earthworks. A despatch from Cairo to the Chicago Tribune, last evening, states that our pickets at Columbus were driven in by the rebel cavalry on the previous day, Tbe woods in the vicinity of tho town haring been shelled, however, the enemy discreetly re tired. The dospatch further states that heavy firing was heard at Columbus at four o’clock yesterday morning, as though in tho direction of New Ma< drid. The rebel army at that place has been largely reinforced from Columbus and Memphis, and is stated to number forty thousand men. New Madrid is the capital of a similarly-named county of Missouri, on tho Mississippi, 230 mites S. E. of Jefferson City, and about 50 miles south of Cairo. It has hitherto done a large business in shipping corn, lumber, and cattle, to Southern markets, but the trade has, of course, been ent off by the rebellion. The houses here arc mostly built of wood, on aocountof tho frequency of earthquakes, one of which greatly injured the town in ISU. The next earthquake will probably come in the sa#pe of a bombardment from ear gun boats. The Havana correspondent of the New York Express, writing under date of Maroh 1, states that United States Consul General at that port, Mr. Shuleldt, has discovered that certain New York merchants are in the habit of shipping water proof musket caps, saltpetre, powder packed in com and white beans, and other cereals, to agents of the rebels in Havana, to be roshipped by them to some Southern port by vessels running tho block ade. Consul Shufeldt has all tho names of tho parties, and he has despatched them, wi»h the ne cessary documents, to Secretary Seward, so that proceedings can be bad against the traitors. The Annual Conference of tho East Baltimore Methodist Episcopal Church, now in session, has adopted the following resolution, by a vote of 132 yeas to 15 nays: “Resolved, That we hereby approve and en dorse the present wise and patriotic Administration Of the Federal Government in its efforts to defeat the plans and to overcome the armed resistance of the so-called Confederate States, with a viow to maintaining and perpetuating the unity of this Go vernment It is stated that the War Department will shortly be able to furnish the newspapers with all of the important war news which tho Government is will ing to have published. Mr. Sandford, the Govorn nffent censor, fis endeavoring to arrange matters in such a manner that a bulletin board shall be es tablished at his rooms, for the use of newspaper correspondents, so lhat all be treated alike. Congress Yesterday. Sekatf.. —A joint resolution was passed, tender, ing the thanks of Congress to Captain Goldsboreugh and bis command for tho Roanoke victory. HOVSE. —The bill providing for tho organization of the staffs attached to ditisions of tho army, whether volunteer or regular, was passed with amendment. A messsgc was received from the President, sug gesting the passage of a joint resolution co-operating with any State for the abolition of slavery by pe cuniary compensation. On motion of Mr. Stevens, of Pennsylvania, it was roferred to the Committee of the Whole on the state of the Union. In the Committee of the Whole on the state of the Union, Mr, Kelley presented a defonoc of Mr. Cummings, after which the House adjourned. The election of tho Hon. Revkudy John son, of Maryland, as a Senator from that State, is a most suggestive event. At any time we would welcome into our national councils a statesman so eminent, and at this time espe cially, when he comes the representative of a regenerated sentiment, and from a regenerated State. Mr, Johnson was among the first of the Southern pnblic men to identify himself with the Union feeling when the popular opinion seemed to he against the Union. Ho gave his great name and the weight of his great influence to the Administration in the hour of its extremest peril, and at all times unfalteringly he has been a true and tried friend of the cause. AVe congratulate the country upon the election of a man of such enlarged and liberal views to the Senate. Jefferson Davis finds tbe war a little nearer home than Tennessee. The Union feeling which has so long been hidden in Richmond is now bursting and budding forth under the ge nial influences of eur Tennessee victories. So strong is this feeling, that the rebel chief is compelled to cover his capital with martial law*; his soldiers are employed in tho work of disarming the citizens; John Minor Botts and other public men are thrown into prison, and there is a constant vigilance exercised to pre vent any uprising of the masses. To read the Richmond papers one would think that Mr. Davis was dealing with a conquered city. The people of his capital are beginning to realize the infamy of the great conspiracy. The feeling in Richmond is the feeling mani fested in all parts of the South. They see in the army of the Republic an army of deliver ance. It brings them hope for the future, re tribution for the past, and they arc preparing to welcome it by ottering up Davis and his minions as a sacrifice to the spirit of Liberty and loyalty. Compare Richmond and Nashville—one a city in the hands of the rebels, tho other a city in tho hands of tho Federal troops. *• Drunken men reel and tumble into the gutters, sprawl ever the sidewalks, brandish knives aud pistols, and oftentimes indulge in those deadly conflicts which fill onr prisons with candidates for the gallows.” This is Richmond from a rebel poiut of view. Nashville, on the other hand, is quiet, peace ful, and orderly. “ The rebels admit, 55 says an authority, Ci that the Hessians have not committed a single outrage, while the conduct of their own troops was outrageous. 55 Thus it will always be. "Wherever the flag of the Union floats, there will be law, order, and pro tection. "Wherever the rebels are in authority there must be disorder, anarchy, and rapine. Mr. Murdoch’s Repetition of T. Buchanan Beau’s New Foe«n. A very large aud intelligent audience greeted Mr. Murdoch at the Academy last evening. The announce ment of T. Buchanan Read’s new poem, with the telling title of the “ Wild Wagoner of the Alleghanies,” and the high repute of the elocutionist, drew together many leading citizens and scholars. The author himself occu pied a private box, and among thrive seated upon the stage we noticed Bishop Potter, President Mien. Henry C. Carey, and a number of clerg) men, actors, and editors. The curtain was down and two candela)ras lighted the etage. Mr. Murdock was introduced by Colonel James Page, and after a few introductory remarks proceeded in his clear, Tinging tones to describe Borkloy Hall, the mansion of Sir Hugh Berkley, situated upon the Schuyl kill river, nP&r Philadelphia. The baronial adornments | of this hall seemed a little incongruous in our sober colo- ; nial latitude, but the descriptions of old armor, ancestral i pai&tingß, galleries, niches, etc., were picturesque and . precise Sir Hugh appeared to be a frigid, haughty per- i son age, whose brother, too proud to accept un- ! willing hospitality at Berkley Hall, had wan dered away, and afterward became the “Wild Wagoner” of the poem. The knight had been married twice, his* teconJ wife having espoused him in preference to a colonial lover who tell in a duol with Sir Hugh, oho afterward became lunatic and forsook tho hall for the wilderness. 3he knight’s daughter, Eethor, departed for England, 1o he educated, and her place at home vtai supplied by bis Tfjgrftut Bon, Hugo, nether knowing of the consanguinity existing between them, lhe other characters were Edgar, a protege of Esther’s, a BritUh colonel, and other soldiers, loyalists, and patriots. The second canto, descriptive of the •wagoner and his mountain life, was full of beau tiful pastoral paemgi b. will ft aougi prophetic of the Revolutionary feeling, was kindly received. In the Biibsequont cantos the opening of hostilities, the battle of Brandywine, the winter at Valley forge, and the Meadm-nza in Philadelphia, were de lineated* In each canto there were glowing stanzas. The dramatic interest of the iic:i m *,ras not allowed to flag, and a few humorous paragraphs alternated with the prevailing seriousness of the poem. The denouement, intense, indeed, in the perusal, was made doubly effective by the wondrous elocution of Mr. Murdoch. The piece teiiniuated melodramatically, and amid profound and attentive silence. Mr. Gottscfaalk will give another concert at Musical Fund Hall on Monday evening next He will be assisted {is before, by lilnkly, Susiui, Sanderson, Briguoll, and Max Meretzek, etc. lhe two pianists will perform upon separate pianos the celebrated overture of the Chaso of King Henry. GottscLmlk wilt also perform the Miserere of Trovauyrci and will accompany Brignoli ia a serenade, compost d for him by the pianint. The “ Comedy of Errors,” the “ Serious Family,” And Mr. Brew’s rendition of Shamtts O'liritn, will be the staples of the hill at the Arch-street Theatre to-night, this being the occasion of Mr. Drew’s aixth benefit. Ban Bice has been u rawing tolerable houses at the Walnut. Hegim agood entertainment—the tiding of Monsimrs Znjara and Melville being unrivalled in the cLroi.icles of the ring. Few men understand the fitness of things better than Mr. President Lincoln. He does everything at the proper time and in the pro per way. His message of yesterday could not have been written at a more appropriate period. It comes to the country when it is almost satiated with victory. Wisely follow ing events, instead of rashly disregarding them, the President takes tho occasion of otir recent successes in the West, and the large extent of reoccnpied territory obtained by those victories, to publish to the world what his policy shall he, and to ask of Congress an endorsement of that policy. And in making this request, the President pays a high compliment to his legislative colleagues in the administration of the affairs of Govern ment. They have clothed him with an abundant confidence, and placed in Ins hands imperial and unquestioned power. In the exercise of that power our Chief Magistrate has driven the steel of loyalty into the heart of the rebellion, ne has brought tho mightiest conSpiraoy his tory records to the verge of ail ignominious fall, and while pushing on the good work to a speedy consummation he pauses to indicate the policy his conscience calls upon him to pursue. That policy meets our heartiest approval. We can see nothing in the resolution the Pre sident suggests, or the arguments with which lie sustains that resolution, to conflict with onr own recorded opinions. It comes to us with almost the awe of inspiration. We see in its author the chief of a mighty people, the champion of a great principle, the leader in a glorious war; we see a ruler whose responsi bilities are greater than those of Cincinnatus when lie became dictator, greater than tlioso of Washington when he assumed command of his enthusiastic and undisciplined army. Con fiding in til? wisdom which thus far has done all things well, we should have felt it our duty, even had we differed from President Lincoln, to have surrendered our convictions to the good of the Republic. We take it that the feeling we thus express will be echoed by the country; for there is no true friend of tho country, no sincere lover of our flag, who would not sacrifice his opinions unhesitatingly to the general welfare. That sacrifice will be demanded. The President recommends the gradual abolition of slavery, with compensation to loyul owners. Ilia words are plain: “The gradual abolishment of slavery, giving to such State pecuniary aid, to be used by such State, in its discretion, to compensate for the inconveniences, pub lic and private, produced by such change of system.” There can be no objection to the terms in which this recommendation is couched. He docs not ask Congress to inaugurate any measure of emancipa tion—to pass a saying that the slaves ‘of South Carolina shall he eman cipated and their owners compensated without. South Carolina’s consent, but that tho Government “ought to co-operate with any State” seeking to free itself from slavery. There is nothing harsh, unjust, or arbitrary. There is nothing even positive. As a practical measure, Mr. Lincoln’s message means no thing. As a moral declaration of the intentions of the Government, it is of extraordinary im portance. It adopts no idea, and is based on no theory. We can see wherein it will displease our radical friends, who will he satisfied with nothing but immediate, universal, and unre compensed emancipation. Those gentlemen of Southern ideas who consider slavery as a blessing far above any other existing will also he indignant and denunciatory. The people, however, who have no sympathy with either the theorist or the traitor, will see in this de claration of the President the true expression of their wishes, and a policy kind and just to all. It will be seen that the President expresses no opinion upon the judicial questions aris ing out of tliis war. He says nothing of con fiscation —of employing slaves for military purposes—of freeing the slaves of disloyal owners. We regard his silence as an evidence of consummate wisdom. These questions must he determined by tho necessities of military events. The necessities of military events are peculiar to the States occupied. They can only be appreciated by the generals in command, and to his generals the President leaves them. He takes care not to violate the integrity of a State’s exist ence, by any interference with its local rights, but buses his action upon the broad principle, that, in tendering compensatory emancipation to the owners in the Border States, we dissolve the tie that makes them in sympathy with the Cotton States, and by depriving the traitor leaders of any hope arising of that sympathy, substantially end this rebellion. The President’s argument ou tliis point is ingenious and conclusive. Passing from all these considerations, how ever, and dismissing this question as a matter of statesmanship or argument, we recognise in tho message of President Lincoln a tri bute to that great Northern sentiment which is so universally felt, which dwells in the conscience of every reasoning man, and which we are glad to see at last officially recognized—the sentiment of regret at the existence of slavery. The men who have donlited our President will find in this expression of his opinion that they have done him wrong. They will see that amid the overwhelming interests and responsibilities of ins high station, he docs not fail to meet What, after all, is the great issue involved in this war. He makes no question of loyalty or dis loyalty. lie assumes the restoration of our authority over the Uuion as an inevitable and immediate fact. He considers these peo : pie of the South as the deluded citizens of the Union, which in their madness they at tempted to destroy. And in order to secure the Republic against any recurrence of the I frenzy whose bitter results we are now so sadly | experiencing, he asks Congress so to shape its i legislation that the institution existing in the ; South, controlling its statesmen and crushing j its people,which has fostered the social and j political aristocracy on which this rebellion | is based, shall pass away. Not violently, not cruelly, not to the injury of any individual or State rights, not by outraging our feelings of humanity at the inauguration of servile war and insurrection, not ignoring a single provision I of the Constitution, not even otl'ending the pre i judices of those who are so sensitive on this I institution; but by a calm, just, and considc ! rate act of legislation. He recognizes the obli gations of the Administration upon tho one part, and of every constituent of the Admi nistration upon the other, preserving sacredly the good faith that should exist between them. Therefore, we hail this message of Presi dent Lincoln as the openmg of a new era in onr history. We have had victories in the field—-let us unite and secure a victory in the Cabinet and council chamber.- No loyal man can hesitate or falter when the President leads. There can be, hereafter, but two parties in the political contest, as there are but two parties in the military contest —those who op pose the Administration, and in doing so op pose the Union, and those who give to the President that warm and ardent support which knows no solllsh and no personal consideration. Our courso ia clear Oti this question, and SO, we think, is the course of every true-minded and patriotic man. We see in the policy of the President the path to be followed; and it is the only path to national union, peace, and perpetuity. Judge Kelley, the representative from the Fourth Pennsylvania Congressional district, in the course of his speech in the House yes terday, presented a paper signed by Alexan der Cummings, Esq., of this city, in reply to the charges of the Van Wyck Committee, which we print as a part of the proceedings. When the manner in which Mr. Cummings has been criticised and investigated, alike by the newspapers and members of Congress, the op portunity of allowing him to appear in his own behalf caniiot be denied to him. And we are frank to add that ho certainly makes out a clear and powerful case—a fact that will go far to dispel many of the accusations against him, and greatly gratify his personal friends. Reception op Col. Corcoran.— Yesterday, in Select Council, Mr. Fox, of the Twelfth ward, presented a petition, signed byßundry citizens, asking that the hospitalities of the city might be extended to Col. Corcoran upon his arrival in Philadelphia. Aa ordinance, making an appropriation was suhsetiuently nnuKDii in both Chambers, in order to carry out the ob. ject of the petition. We understand that the friends of Col. Corcoran in this city intend to hear all the ex penses of his reception and entertainment themselves, hut merely demand that Councils may . extend to him those hospitalities which are duo to all such hravs and patiiolic men. LETTER FROM “OCCASIONAL.” Washington, March 0, 1862. How similar the situation and perplexities of the patriotic political leader and tho loyal military chief in these changeful and eventful times! Botli dedicated to the task of serving and paving the Republic, and of defeating its enemies, they aro often hampered by preeo dents and prejudices, and constantly subjected to the suspicious of friends and the criticisms of foes. One of the oldest and ablest of the Republican journals, the New York Commer cial Mvcrtiser, uttered the following fruitful thought, a few days ag», which is directly ap plicable to what I have just written : “ Nothing makes alive like war, if nothing kills like it. It sets all the wits, the energies of people in operation, and galvanizes into almost superhu man activity both civilian and soldier. Throwing routine in a great measure to one side, it presents novel situations and exigencies, demanding capaci ties that shall anticipate events, and be prepared to deal with them as they arise. It calls for states men—not more politicians—who have observed closely the characteristics of the people to be governed; who understand their strong and weak points, and who, covering up these, can turn those to the beat advantage ; who have aliko at their disposal an intimate knowledge of de tails, with a readiness of educing therefrom general principles, and who combine with these qualities eminent industry and 7.0al in the nation’s service. In a crisis like the present, when great public questions are sprung upon Congress in an hour; when unexpected events may compel the men at the wheel to veer to this or that point of the Compass, it, is evident that examples drawn from our own past history or that of other countries can famish little guidance; much less oan political plat forms present any safe rule of action. These may do well enough when the public servants have little to do save travelling on their annual rounds in true horse-mill fashion. Rut they aro as inapplicable at present ss would be the baltering'rains of antiquity for the capture of Fort Donclson. New times de mand new measures as well as new men." This paragraph is not merely a text, hut a sermon. No reflecting man, who is not sub jected to the narrow bounds of his own little sphere, or tied to the past by the red tape of what is called « a record”—no representative American, in civil or military life, will fail to see and to accept this practical counsel. There is not an hour of these times, so crowded with novelty, that I do not meet and converse with those upon whom the for tunes of parties and armies depond; and in every caao 1 can read wiiat indeed no one at tempts to conceal—that he can serve his coun try best who is most prompt in giving up his own personal ideas and interests—and that the boldest benefactor, and the truest friend of the common cause, is the statesman or soldier who seizes the most effective weapon, no matter by whom supplied, to put down the rebellion, to cripple tho traitors, and to keep them in eter nal banishment or obscurity. There are several classes who will of course reject this theory, and content themselves by isolation from the vexations and labors that must be the lot of all men who prefer to help their country first and their party afterwards. An incident that took place yesterday will il lustrate this expression. A prominent politi cian, who really desires to support the Admi nistration, but is so restrained by his party feel ings as to be often found voting with men he despises, said to me, ■' unless this is done [al luding to one of his plans for compromise] wo will create a party' that, without having had any of the responsibilities of ihis war, will sweep tho country.” Take another class, even those who profess to be friends of tho Administration. They will yield nothing, and believe nothing, save what squares with their dogmas; and finally settle down into a course of chronic complaint, and angry criticism of their own as sociates. The debate in the Senate of the United States on the confiscation bill, and the coming discussions in the House on this and cotempo rancous measures, are significant. Because they disclose differences among men who should agree on a common plan and platform, is, in itself, nothing. Such differences are not only natural at all times, hut now, in this world’s crisis, they must frequently appear, and are marked with much feeling. What is to he apprehended is that these discussions may create such a chasm between friends as may never he closed, and that the opponents of the Administration, by uniting with one of the divisions, may achieve all they desire. I am in favor of the most decided measures to crush out the rebellion. Nothing can be too severe or radical in my eyes. But rather than trust the destinies of my country to the men who have been prominent in pushing her into this strife, I would agree to give up much in order to insure hearty union among those who are by principle and interest the best supporters Of the war policy Of the Ad ministration. Observe, that nearly every measure necessary to the vigorous policy of the war is criticised and opposed by a certain class of partisans, in Congress and throughout, the country. These men are not statesmen in any sense. They are simply struggling to obtain possession of the Govern ment, and to this end will strive to emasculate any law which contemplates the rigid punish ment of treason and such a restoration of the Union as will prevent other designs upon its integrity. What is needed to counteract those schemes is wise and comprehensive legisla tion, and an irresistible combination in sup port of such legislation as will make the Ad ministration respected and powerful. FROM WASHINGTON. THE PROCEEDINGS OF CONGRESS. IMPORTANT MESSAGE OF THE PRESIDENT. A SOLUTION OF THE SLAVERY QUESTION PROPOSED. Confirmations by the Senate. ARREST OF NOTED SECESSIONISTS. A DEFENCE OF ALEXANDER CUMMINGS, Special Despatches to “The Press.” WisniHCTAH, Fob. 7,1882. The President’s Message. The President’s message excited a deep interest in the House to-day. It was evident that a docu ment of such au important character was not gene rally anticipated. The reading was called for by Mr. Stevens, of Pennsylvania, and, on his motion, referred to the Committee of the Whole on the state of the Union, in which it will be discussed. Some of the members, not fully understanding it aa pronounced from tho desk, perused the manuscript at their seats. The subject therein discussed forms to-night a theme of earnest conversation. The message, of a similar character, transmitted to the Sonate, was not read. The Tax Bill. The demand for the tax bill is very great. The printers found it utterly impossible to complete it to-day. Important Bill for the Organization oi the Staffs of the Army. The House passed Senate bill, to-day, without important amendment, providing for the organiza tion of the staffs attached to divisions of the army, regulars and volunteers. The bill provides that, during the present rebellion, eaoh division of the forces of the United States, consisting of two or more brigades, shall have the following offioers at tached thereto, who shall constitute the staff of the permanent commanding officer, as follows: One assistant adjutant general) one quartermas ter, one commissary of subsistence, and ono as sistant inspector general, who shall hear respec tively the rank of major, and who shall be assigned from similar ranks and -corps of tho army, if consistent with the interests of the servioo; if not, to be appointed by the President. Also, three aids-de-camp, one with the rank of major and two with the rank of captain, to bo appointed by tho President. Tho bill also provides for one medical director with the rank of major, and to be assigned from the surgeons or assist ant Burgeons of the regular army, or from the brigade surgeons of the volunteers. The division commander may detail an officer of his command, with rank of to aot as judge advocate of the division, or a lieutenant of said command may be assigned by the President to act as such division judge advocate, with the rank of captain while so assigned. The bill goes back to the Senate for concurrence in an unimportant amendment, and will, doubtless, be a law in a very brief time. Funeral of Brig. Gen. Hander—A Solemu and Imposing Ceremony. Tbe body of the gallant and lamented Lander reached this city about two o'clock yesterday after noon, for interment. It was at once embalmed by Drs. Brown and Alexander, and was this morn ing removed to the residence of Secretary Chase, at tbe corner of Sixth and E streets, where the funeral ceremonies (which were most imposing, and witnessed by a dense throng of sorrowing citizens), took place. Two of the deceased General's body guard, who accompanied tbe remains to this oity, wore placed THE PRESS. -PHILADELPHIA, FRIDAY, MARCH 7, 1862. on duty at (he door. During the morning hun dreds of citizens and strangers called to take a lost look at the deceased, but were informed that Mrs. Lander was with the body of her hu3- band, and that no one except the intimate pergonal friends of the deceased would be admitted. Shortly before 12 o’clock the doors of the man sion were opened, and a great many persons were admitted to view the body. Among those pre sent were the President and members of his Cabinet, General McClellan, General McDowell, Senators, and Representatives, and a host of other distinguished persons, military and civil. The form of the deceased was clothed in fall uni form) with sash and sword, and lay iu a coffin vfhich was covered with black cloth, and mounted with silver. On the lid of the coffin was a silver plate bearing the Inscription— “ Fnan W. IjANdek, Brno. Gen. Died March 2. 1862. at Camp Chaa<», Va., A«wl SO yea* b. A few minutes after 12 o’clock the ooffin was closed, and was then brought out and placed upon a caisson. It was covered with a largo American flag, on winoh were laid the sword and cap of the deceased; also, a beautiful wreath of white flowers. The funeral procession was formed as follows—the military escort being in column : 104th Begitnont Pennsylvania volunteer infantry, with reversed arms, preceded by ft flue baud. ■ Ooinpany A, lid Artillery, (O&pt. TldbftlPs bailor}-,) six pieces. A s-juadroD of cavalry—two companies of (Col. Rush's Pennsylvania) Lancers. Brigadier General Silas Casoy and staff 1 . Officiating clergy ami clergy of the District. PaU-keapevs, in earringes—Hoti. F. P. Blafr, Hon Henry Wilson, Major General G. B. McClellan, Briga dier General U. Williams. CftiBBOO, with the body. Pall-bearers, in cariiages—Hon. John F. Potter, Hon. Charleb Sunnier, Brigadier General B. B. Marcy, Colo nel T. M. Key, A. T>. C. The relatives and friends or tho deceased. The Kleveinh Maine Regiment Volunteer Infantry, with bide arms, in undress uniform. Staff Officers. Officers of the Army. Officers of the Navy and MnTino Corps. Survivors of the War of 131 k. The President of tho United States aDd Members of tho Cabinet. The Chief Justice and Associate Justices of the Su preme Coart, and District Judges of tho United States. The President and Secretary of the Seuate, Senators and officers or the Senate. Foreign Ministers and suites. Governors of States and Territories. Speaker and Clerk of the House of Representatives. Members and officers of the House of Ropreficntatircib Justices and officers of-the Court of Claims. Members of the Sanitary Commission. Citizens and Strangers. The members of the deceased General’s body guard, who accompanied his remains to this city, about thirty in number, were formed on each side of the body, which was blbo guarded by the artil* lerymen attached to the caisson on which it was drawn. The procession being formed, moved from the residence of Secretary Chase, corner of Sixth and E streets; through E street to Thirteenth, through Thirteenth to G, and was formed in front of the Church of the Epiphany. The sacred edifice was crowded to its utmost ca pacity. The coffin was borne up the central aisle, preceded by the pall-bearers, one of whom was Gen. McClellan. Following came Mrs. Landes, leaning on tho arm of Secretary Chase, and Miss Chase accompanied by Secretary Stanton. The other members of the Cabinet having entered, the form of President Lincoln was seen, and after him dime Gen. McDowell, and other army offi cers. At the conclusion of the services the procession re formed and marched through G street to Four teenth, through Fourteenth to Pennsylvania ave nue, through Pennsylvania avenue to New Jersey avenue, through New Jersey avenue to the railroad depot. In the meantime tho organ and choir of the church joined in a solemn dirge. The audience having been seated, the Rev. Bishop Park, of Rhode Island, proceeded with the impressive fune ral service of the Episcopal denomination, being assisted by the Rev. Dr. llall, pastor of tho church. The flags all over the city were displayed at half-mast throughout the morning, and our citi zens manifested every token of respect for the hero who so gallantly sacrificed his life in tho service of his country. Arrest of Noted Secessionists. This morning ihe authorities brought to this city, from Baltimore, and confined in prison, Mrs. Wm. H. Norris and Mrs Rogers, two ladies belong ing to the {: first families” of Baltimore, on the charge of giving aid and information to the enemy. These ladies belonged to an association for the manufacture of clothing, which was surreptitiously forwarded South for the rebel soldiers. Both, ladies have sons in the rebel army, while their husbands departed South during the arrests made in Baltimore last summer. Senator Johnson. Senator Johnson did not leave to-day for Nash ville, as widely rumored and generally believed' lie docs not know on what day bo will be able to take his departure. It is stated that he will not exercise (he position of brigadier general unless the exigencies of the State in ay imperatively demand it. It is supposed that Senator Johnson will be accompanied by Representative Maynard. Ex-Lieutenant Woolsey. Tbe papers in the case of this officer, praying for restoration to the navy, were reported on adversely yesterday, but to-day were again referred to the Senate Committee on Naval Affairs. Provision for the Purchase of Coin. Tbe bill reported from tbe Committee of Ways and Means to-day authorizing tbe purchase of coin, and for other purposes, provides that the Secretary of tbe Treasury may dispose of any bonds or notes bearing interest, authorized by lav, for coin, at such rates, and upon snch terms, as he may deem most advantageous to the public interest, and may issue, under such rules and regulations as he may pre scribe, certificates of indebtedness, such as are au thorized by tbe aet to authorize Ihe Secretary of the Treasury to issue certificates of indebtedness to public creditors, approved March 1, IBG2, to such creditors as may desire to receive the same in dis charge of checks drawn by the disbursing officers upon sums placed to their credit on the bocks ef the treasurer, upon requisitions of the proper de partment, as well as in discharge of audited and set tled accounts as provided by said aet. It is further provided that the demand notes, authorized by the aet of July 17,1861, and by the act of February ]2, 1862, shall be receivable, and shall be lawful money and a legal tender, in like manner and to the same purposes and to the same extent as the notes authorized by the aot to authorize the issue of United States notes, and for the redemption and funding thereof, and for funding the floating debt ot the United States, approved the 26th of last month. Occasional. The Post Office Department. Festal communication is entirely reopened to Ac comae and Northampton counties, Va. The Post Office Department is ready to establish, as soon aa Congress shall give authority, offices for free delivery in cities, with uniform rates of post age for local and general letters. Promotions for Services in the Field. The President, in addition to the other officers promoted for gallant conduot, has nominated Briga dier General Thomas to a major general, as a re cognition of his late eminent services in Kentucky. Also, Col. Harvey Frown, to be brigadier general by brevet; Major Arnold, to be lieutenant colonel by brevet; Captain Hildt, major by brevet; Major Tower, lieutenant colonel by brevet; Captains Al len, Chalfin, Clebson, Robertson, Blunt, Duryea, and Langdon, majors by brevet; and First Lieutenants McFarland, Shipley, Jackson, Pennington, Seely, Frank E. Taylor, and Todd, to be captains by brevet, for good conduct at Santa Rosas Island- Retrenchment in the House. Tbe Committee cn Accounts of the House this morning agreed unanimously to report a bill trans ferring the snperintendcnoy.of.the folding room for ihe doorkeeper of the Hous'eW an independent su perintendent, who is to be eleoted in the same man ner as the clerk and postmaster et the House. The bill, which contemplates other changes, is expected to Teduce tbe expenditures of the folding some ten thousand dollars. The Senate Committee on Post Offices, this morn ing, reported adversely to the House bill authorizing the Postmaster General to articles not now included in the schedule of mailable matter to be sent through the United States mails at the rates bow established for book postage. It was believed that if this hill became a law, the mails would be burdened with packages that should go by express, while the increased expense would not be exceeded much by the revenue anticipated. Skirmish Near Pohick. We learn that a skirmish took plaoe yesterday morning, on the Telegraph road, near Pohick, be tween a party of Texan Rangers and a company of Beintzlehan’s division, resulting in three killed and oh* wounded on our side. What loss befel the enemy is not known. The killed on our side were oneoaptain, one lieutenant, and a private, and one private wounded. A proposition to plaoe a suitable tax on cotton, in Ihe new tax bill, is to be introduced in the House. A caucus of Republican members of Congress was held to day At whieh the subject of emancipa tion wee considered. No result was roaohed. The funeral of Brigadier General F. W. Lander, at noon to day, was a grand and solemn speetaole. It formed at E and Sixth streets. The pall-bearers were as follows: Hon. F. P. Blair, Hon. Henry Wilson, Major General G. B. McClellan, Brigadier General S. Williams. Hod. John F. Potter, Hon. Charles Sumner, Brigadier General R. B. Marcy, Colonel T. M. King. A. D. C. General McClellan’s Btaff, who attended the One Hundred and Fourth Pennsylvania and the Eleventh Maine, were in the funeral cortege, with (napy military celebrities. The body will go by railroad to Salem, Massachusetts, with a proper escort. Bhavkst of the Brave. Additional Mailable Matter. Miscellaneous. Coiiiirmations by ths Senate Charles Howard Edwards, of Nc'W Jersey, to be consul at Alicante. Abfuham Hanson, of WiWMBIS, Wb? consul at Bifsao. Elias Wampole, of Pennsylvania, to be ocnsul at Laguayra. Thomas 9penoer, of Hilo, to be consul at Hilo. Alexander Henderson, of Pennsylvania, to- be consul at Londonderry. Thomas Hogg, of New York, to bo marshal ef tbe Consular Court of the United States at Kantr gatra; Erasmus D. Shnttuek, of Oregon, to bo at torney of the United States for the district em bracing the State of Oregon. Calvin H. Hole, of Washington Territory, to bo superintended of Indian affairs for Washington Territory;. Thomas S. Nelson, of Missouri, to be recorder of land titles for tbe State ef Missouri. J. Remington Fuirlauib, of Pennsylvania, to be consul at Zuriob. Hugh Young, of Pennsylvania, to- be consul at Santa Cruz. William W. Mills to be collector of the customs for the district ef Paso del Norte, in the Territory of New Mexico. Luther Haven to he collector of tbe customs for tho district of Chicago, in tho State of Illinois. John E Slather to be collector of tho oustoms for the district of Annapolis, Maryland. William L. Aabmoro to be collector of the cus toms at Burlington, Now Jersey. Charles A. Perkins to be collector at Oswego, New York. Charles I’. Swift to be collector at Barnstable, JVlarsachu.eotts. N. K- Sargent to he collector at Konnebunk, Maine. Warren Thornberry to be surveyor of the ous toms at Paducah, Kentucky. Joseph Spencer to bo surveyor of tbe customs at East Greenwich, Rhode Island. Wo. W. Gorton to be surveyor of the customs at Pawtuzct, R. I. George llowland to bo surveyor of the customs at Tiverton, R. I. James Jones to be surveyor of tho port of Town Creek, Maryland. J. J. Wilzig, of St. Louis, Mo., to bo supervising inspector of steamboats- E M. Shield, of Cincinnati, Ohio, to bo super vising inspector of steamboats. ' Thomas B. Stillman, of New York, to be super vising inspector of steamboats. Bose a Stout, of U tab, to bo attorney of tho United States for that Territory. Isaac L. Gibbs, t>( Nebraska, to be marshal of the United States for that Territory. Sowell R. Jameson, of Nebraska, to be receiver of pnblic moneys for the district of lands subject to sale at Brownsville, Nebraska. William H Evans to bo consul at Cyprus. Charles W. Cbatterton, of Illinois, to ho agent for the Indians of the Cherokee agenoy. R. D. McDougal, of Ohio, to be register of tho land office at Chillieothe, Ohio. Wm. F. Elkin, of Illinois, to he register of the land office at Springfield, Illinois. Warren Wesson, of Nevada, to be marshal of tbe United States for that Territory. ASSISTANT PAYMASTERS IN THE UNITED STATES NAVV. Edward May, of Massachusetts; Henry M. Dan niston, of New York; Richard Washington, of Vir ginia; Wm. H. H. Williams, of Connecticut; Chas. W. Ilasler, of Virginia; Thomas C. Master, of New York ; Rufus Parks, of New York ; Frank C. Cosby, of Kentucky; Edwin Stewart, of New York; Wm. T. Meredith, of Pennsylvania; Wm. H. Thompson, of New Hampshire; Jos. A. Smith, of Maine; Richard H. Douglas, of Pa.; R. Julius Richardson, of Vt.; Lawson C. Morrill, of Wis.; Jas. S. Turnbull, of Connecticut; Clifton Hellen, of Kansas; A J. Clark, of New York: Charles E. Hammond, of Pennsylvania | Gee. Cochrane, of Pennsylvania; L. S. Stockwell, of California; Tho mas T. Caswell, of Rhode Island; Geo. A. Saw yer, of District of Columbia; Casper Schenk, of Il linois; Wm. W. Williams, of Ohio; F. C. Upton, of New York ; Judson S. Post, of Missouri ; Wm. H. Welden, of Ohio; Charles Hoy, Jr., of New York; A. J. Pritchard, of Maryland; and B. F. Camp. Jr., of New York, to be assistant paymas ters in the United States navy. ARMY OFFICERS CONFIRMED. TLnmas E. Noell, of Missouri, to be captain. Edwin R. Ames, of Indiana, to be second lieu tenait. Claries L. Truman, of New York, to be first lieu tenant in the Eighteenth infantry. POSTMASTER OF NEW YORK CITY. Abram Waheman to bo deputy postmaster at New York. BRIGADE SURGEONS. R.K. Smith, of Pennsylvania. Eugene F. Sangor, of Maine. Me:edith Clymer, of Pennsylvania* ADDIIIUNAL PAYMASTERS IX THE VOLUNTEER FORCE CONFIRMED. Join M. Pomeroy, of Pennsylvania. Yaiontine C Hanna, of Pennsylvania. Morgan S. Martin, of Wisconsin. Clirles J. Sprague, of CaHfornia. flao officers confirmed Captain Charles H Bell, United States Navy, to he flag officer in command of the Pacific squadron. Captain William W. McKean, United States Navy, v> be flag officer in command of tho Gulf Blockading Squadron. Captain Louis M. Goldsborough, United States Navy, to be flag officer in command of the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron. CapUi* Samuel F. Dupont, to be flag officer in command of the South Atlantic Blockading Squad- ton. Lieutenant Stephen B. Luce, to be a lieutenant in the navy. Wm. H. Mills, of Missouri, to be first lieutenant in the Fourteenth Regiment of infantry. ADJUTANT GENERAL’S DEPARTMENT. Jopcpli H. Liebenan, of New York, Sergeant Jo seph McCoy, of the Fifth Regiment of cavalry, and gimoi F. Saratov, of Massachusetts, to be assist ant adjutants general, with the rank of captain. SIXTEENTH REGIMENT OP INFANTRY, gj) Fiist Lieutenant Wm. J. Slidell to be captain. Second LieutenantWm.il. Bartholomew to be first lieutenant. Jos. T Hoyer, of Pennsylvania volunteers, to be secord lieutenant First Regiment Cavalry. Wm. K. Pollock, of Pennsylvania, to be second lieutenant First Regiment Artillery. Jis. T. Dickson, of Pennsylvania, to be second lieutenant Third Regiment Artillery. ORDNANCE DEPARTMENT. Major George D. Ramsay to be lieutenant colonel. Captain Peter V. Hagner to bo major. First Lieut. Stephen V. Bevel to bo captain. Sicond Lieut. D. W. Flagler to be first lieutenant. Ira F. Gensel, of Pennsylvania, to be second lieu tenant of the Fourth infantry. Wm. F. Clark to be assistant adjutant general, with the rank of captain. H. L. McPherson, of lowa, to be commissary of subsistence, with the rank of captain, in the volun teers; D. H. Strother, of Virginia, to be assistant adjutant general, with the rank of captain; Jesse Thornton, oi Ohio, to be commissary of subsistence, with the rank of captain, George B. Hoisted and Piisen John to be as sistant adjutants general, with the rank of captain. Assistant Adjutant Generals. The following is the number of assistant adjutant generals of volunteers nominated to the Senate: From Ohio, 8; Pennsylvania, 8; Illinois, 7; Mew Jersey, 2; Maryland, 1; Kentucky, 2; Maine, 1; Washington Territory, 1; Missouri, 1; New York, If j Indiana, 3; District of Columbia, 2; Michigan, 4; Massachusetts, 6; lowa, 1; at large,!; army, 1; not known, 15 ; Kansas, 3; Vermont, 1; Dela ware, 1; Wisconsin, 1; Rhode Island, 1; Califor nia, 1; Dacotah Territory, 1; Oregon, 1 ;’total, 93. ASSISTANT QUARTERMASTERS OP VOLUNTEERS NOMINATED TO THE SENATE. From Indiana, 8; Illinois, 15; Massachusetts, 6; Vermont, 2; Michigan, 4; Kansas, 1; Kentucky, 1; Washington Territory, 1; lowa, 2; Pennsyl vania, 16; New Hampshire, 2; Wisconsin, 3; Maine, 2; New Jersey, 1; Missouri. 3; Colorado Territory, 1; Ohio, 12; Virginia, 2; New York, If; Connecticut, 1; California, 2; Oregon, 1; Dis trict of Columbia, 1; Maryland, 1; Not known, 1J; Total, 117. Charles Henry Foster. Charles Henry Fisher has returned to Wash ington, and again presented his petition for a seat as a member of CoDgress from the Second Con gressional district of North Carolina. The oase i 8 before tbe Committee on Flections. Postal Money Order System. -J The Senate Committee on Post Offioes, this morn ing, reported adversely to the bill introdueed in the House, by Mr. Hutchins, of Ohio, establishing a uniform money order system at »H post ofS???i which may be deemed suitable. The bill provided that the deputy postmaster might issue a check to any ono depositing with him the sum dosired to be sent by mail, which check was to be paid to the ad dress at the other end of tba route; the deputy postmaster sending such address and his order for the payment of the oheok or money order. A suita ble commission was provided for tho revenue arising from it. Confirmed. IVe are pleased to announce that Capt. Samuel Ringwalt, of Pennsylvania, has been oonfirmed by CoDgress for the position of quartermaster. The appointment oannot fail to give satisfaction, as the post is OB* of no small responsibility, and, to be capably filled, must be filled by a person ofinteg rity, energy, and experience. Tbe appointments of M. Hoofer, W. M. Riley, and John M. Pomeroy, to pay masterships in the army, were to-day confirmed. The Kansas Legislature. Arrival of the Northern .Light. $1,000,000 is srscis. New Yous, March 6.—She steamer JVorU*r» Light, from Aspinwall, has arrived with the. Cal ifornia passengers and about. one million in gold. The Panama papers, of tho 25th ult. contain the following : Washington’s birthday was celebrated — — I at Panama with miuzh spirit. The United States Tlpltriiction Of the Beverly Kuhher steamer Wyoming arrived on the 18th. BuslniM Factory. 1 in Chili was reviving, and the harvest was abun- M-T,h e —Tha Beverly Rubber Fas- i dant. Peace has been re-established in Bolivia. Er„,r“ e of 70,000 rubb6r “■**** 1 to e /of;Zx:rnioV P vr ta ™ op;mon 1,1 LEAYENWOnTH, March 6. —The Kansas Legisla ture has adopted a resolution, nearly unanimously, instructing the Kansas Senators and requesting tho Representatives in Congress to aid tho passage of the Rollins’ Pacific Railroad bill, and a ratification of the treaty with the Pottowatomie Indians. MESSAGE FtOH THE PffIDENT. HE INDICATES A POLICY ON TWE SLAVERY QUESTION. GRADUAL EMANCIPATION RECOMMENDED. ‘•THE UNION MUST BE PRESERVED." Maroh 5, (802. Tbe PraMwt to-day transaiittod- to Congress tho following message; I'cllow-Citi'zejis of iHa Senate and Itonscof Representatives; I reoomraend tho adoption of a joint resolution by your honorable bodies which* shall be substantially as followeT Hesotveiit That she United* States onght to CD* operate with any State which may adopt gradual* abolishment of slavary, giving to such Stater pecu niary aid, to be used by such State in-fa discre tion, to compensate 3>r : the public Private, produced by mh ritens* of system. If the proportion contained in the resolution does not meet the approval of Congress'and'the coantry, there is the end, but ii* it' does command auchap provalj I deem it of importance that the Scates-and people immediately interred gllOßld be At ttJCO’ distinctly notiGed of the fact, so that they may begin to consider whether to accept or reject it; Tho Fede ral Government would find its highest interest in such a measure, as one of the most efficient-means of:’ self-preservation. The leadersof : the existing .insur rection entertain the hopo that this Government will ultimately be forced to acknowledge the independ ence of some part of the disaffected region, and that all tho slave States north of such parts will* then say—The Union for which we have struggled! be ing already gone, wo now choose to -go with the: Southern section. To deprive them of this hope substantially ends the rebellion, and the initiation of emancipation completely deprives them: of it as to all the States initiating it. The point is not that all the States tolerating slavery would very soon, if at all, initiate emancipation; but that while the offer is equally made to all, the more Northern shall, by such initiation, make it certain to tho more Southern, that, in no event, will the former ever join the latter in their proposed confederacy. I say Initiation, because, in my judgment, gradual and not sudden emancipation is better for all. In the mere financial or pecuaiary view, any member of Congress, with the census' tables and Treasury reports before him, can readily see for himself how very soon the current expendi tures of this war would purchase, at a fair valua tion, all the slaves in anynamed State. position, on the part of the General Government, sets up no claim of a right, by Federal authority, to interfere with slavery within State limita, referring, as it does, the absolute control of the subject, in each case, to the State and its people immediately in terested* It is proposed, as a matter of perfectly free choice with them. In tho annual message last December I thought fit to say : Tho Union must be preserved, and honco all indispensable means must be employed. 55 I said this not hastily, but deliberately. War has been made, and con tinues to be an indispensable means to this end. A practical reacknowledgment of the national au thority would render the war unnecessary, and it would at once cease. If, however, resistance con tinues, the war must also continue, and it is impos sible to foresee all.the incidents which may attend, and all the ruin which may follow it. Such a 3 may seem indispensable, or may obviously promise great efficiency towards ending the struggle, must and will come. The proposition now made is an offer only. I hope it may be esteemod no offence to ask whether the pecuniary consideration ten dered would notbeof more value to the States and private persons concerned than are the institution and property in it, in the present aspect of affairs. While it is true that the adoption of the proposed resolution would bo merely initiatory, and not within itself a practical measure, it is recom mended, in the hopo that it would soon load to important practical results. In full view of my great responsibility to my God and to my country, I earnestly beg the attention of Congress and the people to the subject. Abraham Lincoln. FROM GEN. BANKS’ COMMAND. THE ENEMY ENTRENCHED NEAR WINCHES TER, WITH 60 PIECES OF ARTILLERY. Unsuccessful Attempt to Flank Colonel Geari’s Command. A REBEL PICKET CAPTURED. Chablestown, Va., March 6.—Reliable intel ligence states that the enemy is in full foree at Winchester, and have completed formidable earth works on this side, mounted with sixty guns, in cluding the field batteries. Nothing of special importance transpired yester day. The work on the railroad progresses rapidly, and every point is strongly protected from Cum berland to Harper’s Ferry, and every facility is being afforded to the company. A large force is employed on the bridge and iron trestle-work at the ferry. The work has been found in better eon. dition than was at first supposed by the engineer, and ton days is fixed as tho time when a through conncotion will be made. All the commands of this division are in the best and anxious for an attack on the enemy; Hunker Hill' was occupied by our forces yes terday, as the extreme post on the west. There is some movement of troops to-day. A scouting party of cavalry reports that Ash ley’s rebel cavalry last night attempted to oat them off near Eerryville, but were foiled in the at tempt. Four regiments of rebels, with a four-gun bat tery, attempted, on the 3d instant, to Hank Colonel Geary near Lovettsville, but were driven off without a battle. Yesterday several deserters were brought into town by the oavalry. Among them was Lieute nant Arthur Markell, of the Fifth Virginia vo lunteers Charlestown, March 6—P. M.—A squad of the Van Allen Cavalry, to-day, captured a rebel pioket, five in number, near Bunker Hill. They belonged to the Second Virginia Infantry, and were oarriod before the division provost marshal, Lieut, Colonel Andrews, of the Second Massachusetts regiment, for examination. LATEST FROM CHARLESTOWN, VA. SMITHFIELD OCCUPIED. CnARLESTovr tf, Va., March 6—B o’clock P. M.— gmithfield, seven miles northwest of this place, was oooupied to-day by a strong force. General Banks has issued a general order for bidding all kinds of depredations or marauding upon the property of citizens. He says: No oflioer or soldier shall disturb in any manner the ordinary business of the country. He has appointed Major S. H. D. Crane, of the Wisconsin Third, as the oflioer in charge of all seizures of property for the use of the army. The country supplies, which, on our arrival, Were cut off, are new coming in more freely. Public sentiment in regard to our presence is gradually undergoing a favorable change, and faces which scowled upon the Union soldiers now smile in plea sant intercourse with the officers and men. The army storehouses here are fast filling up with confiscated articles of produce and manu factures, and such as are required are being issued to the army. The seizures inolude five hundred ahd seventy barrels of flour and two hundred bushels of wheat, the latter being in bags marked “ Confederate States.” FROM CAIRO. The United States Pickets at Co lumbus Driven In. THE REBELS SHELLED BE THE GTJNBOATS. Heavy Firing Heard in the Direction of Mew Madrid, Chicago, March 6.— A speoinl despatch to the Tribune, from Cairo, says: The Federal pickets at Columbus were driven in yesterday by th? rebel cavalry. The woods in the vioinity of the town were shelled by the gunboats, when the rebels fled. It is reported that heavy cannonading was heard at Colnmbus at four o’clock this morning, in the dirootion of New Madrid. The rebol army at that point numbers 40,000, having been largely reinforced from Columbus and Memphis. They have also eight wooden gun boats. From the rebel papers, we glean the following: The steamer Cantftnrige was sunk, on the 23d, near Grand Glaze, Arkansas. Forty-two lives were lost. The machinery from the various workshops at Nashville was removed, previous to the evacua tion of that place, to Chattanooga. The people of the South are warmly urging and demanding that Jeff Davis should take the field. A bitter contest was going on at Memphis, as to whether that town should be bunt on the approach of the United Statos gunboats. FENNSYLVANIA LEGISLATURE. Harbisbu&o, 0,1M2» SKfIAXJKr The 3»»to «fls calkd to order at 11 o’cloeSf, by the Speaker. PETITIONS. Mr. CON’Tfjititv a remonstrance against the North Philadelphia Plonk JPmi Company,! Mr hWITHV of Montgomery, a petition from citizen* Of Ptfaware Montgomery cotmffra to favor of a latf imKingthn hridgo at fffsnayiinX a fora 1 bridge. Sir. REILLI, 91 patftkm from ‘2Su cltfotenn of Scbuyl kill county for the of a law better securing the payment of the wager of fabnr. A 1 i?o> fight petitioner of like import. REPORTS' OF CO M M ITTEStf. Mr, IKSBIE (Finsr/fW ft? <wnmiHcl, We bifl srorW. ing for lira payment of CDrtiitn officers of vcltititt* rs. Also, the*bill to reliuqaitfh'tfte purchti«o nrency due the the Commettwealth on a e.ertaltt' piece of land cfttto Car man Reformed Church in county. Mr. PENNEY { Judiciary))-w&b ameudmct!t'>tUer bill relative tongiJftnntß against ihoCowmonwealtb: Also, tte authorize Bio* courts of ComrSGn-Ploas tfl eernpid the nf Latgaini of sals, dhofii; arul otherinstrument*of writing. Mr. KETCH,YW (same), as eommirted, the supplement to the act providing for tho Incorporation of insurance enropanifs. Mr. CON in place relative to record? of titles of real estate in PhlfodeTphte: Mr, NicliviiS, on leave yivoDf praaentorl tho rezznn atrance of the Hchnct»Board of the fsbeond district aga:ist r tile bill to reorganize tho Board of'Controllers. BILLS* considered;- ftv. Tlio bill relative to copartners and soir."t debtors canc3“ t»> in nrdpr on third r* and finfthy, On motion of Mr» SftilWlli nf PliiltvibhriliA, the supple • ment to the act of Juno-13,1836, relatl-re to the attach ment of vessels, was considered and passed;' On motion of Mr. IRISH the joint rcf.'chrtionu in favor of the abolition of slavery in the District of Columbia were taken up and passed, in Cominittao-of the Whole: and, being on second reading, Mr. CuTMER moved to postpone for thtrpreaent. Mr. ISlfill mover! to sdipdil by postponing iudc flnitely, which brought the merits of tho before the Senate. Mr. IRISH addressed the Senate at favor of the adoption of the resolutions. Mr. DA'NDON spoke on the same side uni# after one o’clock, when the Senate adjourned. HOUSE. The House mot at 30 A. M , Speaker Rdwe in the chair. Prayer by Chaplain Felty, of tho One-hundred and-sovenlh'Regiment. SPECIAL ORDER. An act to provide for the adjudication and payment of certain military claims was considered in sf tho Whole. / iter being reported to ihe Housrrj tft« hill was taken up, amended, amt, on motion of Mf. ARM STRONG, was referred, together with bill No. 170, upon the Biuno subject, to a joint committee, competed of the Coimuittoes of Ways and Means and Militia. Mr. COWAN moved that the committee be instructed to report tmmnrjowmoniiDg. Mr CES&N.'f moved that the bill be taken up imme diately after receiving tho report of tho committee. Agreed to. PETITIONS AND REMONSTRANCES^ Mr. THOMDBON, of Philadelphia, a remonstrance of numerous owners and occupiers of real estate on Arch street, between second and Front streets, and on Front s»tre*t, between Arch and Dock street?, in the city of Philadelphia, against tho extension of the Fairmount Passenger Railv/ay. Mr. MoMAKIN, of Philadelphia, a remonstrance from the propel ty owners and citizens against the passage of a bill authorizing the extension af the Arch-street Pas feongcr Railway down Front street from Arch to Dock street. Mr, GASKTLL. of Philadelphia, a remonstrance of the Board of Public School Directors of tho Second ward, Philadelphia, against the bill now before the Legislature changing Uio mode ot' selecting Controllers of Public Schools iu the city of Philadelphia. Mr. BATES, of Crawford, a petition of citizens of Crftwfprd eowity prftyingfornn act to orenfc a new county oul of parts or Crawford, Warrnn, and Venango. Mr. THOMPSON, of Philadelphia, a remonstrance, accompanied by resolutions, from the Board of Directors oi tho Fifth schoel district, against any interference in the present mode of choosing school controllers in Phila delphia. Mr. JOSEPHS, of Philadelphia, a petition from seventy - fivv pilots fin the Priawftru river, asking for the repeal of certain parts of an act pasm'dl 836-37; also, for the re peal of a portion of an act of 1851, relating to pilots and pilotage. Mr. DENNIS, of Philadelphia, a petition from Lieut. A, W. Miller, praying for the passage of an act to refund him noonov expanded in recruiting. Mr. WIGT.EY, of Fliil.t(iPl|jliif», ft resolntion of till Board of School Directors of the Twelfth school district of Philadelphia, remonstrating against the passageof a bill reorganizing the Board of Control. Mr. WILDEY, of Philadelphia, petition of citizens of Philadelphia remonstrating against the passage of an act entNed an Act supplementary to an act 'incorporating the Fttirrocunt and Arch-streets Passenger Railway Company. Mr. McMANDS, of Philadelphia, petition of citizens of the Twenty-fifth wan], Philadelphia, praving for tho opening of Clearfield street, between Amber street and Frankfort) road. Mr. ABBOTT, of Philadelphia, petition and remon strance nf the School Hoard of the Twenty-fourth district of Philadelphia, in opposition to the proposed change in the mode of appointing controllers. Mr. BLANCHARD, of Lawrence, petition of citizens of lawrence county, praying a change in the relief law. It merely asked changes in the payment from the county to tho Slate Treasury, of moneys to the families of sol diers. Mr. DONNELLY, of Philadelphia, petition of citi zens of Schuylkill county praying the passage of an act to protect tho wages of labor. Mr. REX, of Montgomery, petition of citizens of Montgomery county, asking for n free bridge at M&na yunk. Mr. LEHMAN, of Lancaster, petition of citizens of East Cocalico townßlrp, Lancaster county, opposed to any change in the present school laws of the State. It regards the present school system efficient, and Bays that time will nhow its great superiority over any oilier. The House then proceeded to the consideration of a bill to annul the marriage contract of Stanley S Uiu inan, of Bradford county, Fa., and Wealthy, his wife. After a lengthy discussion, in which Messrs- Dennis, Smith, of Chester, and Wakefield opposed the hill, it was lost—yeas 29, nays 4G. TLe hour of one having arrived, the Hd»iiae took & re cess Till 3 o'clock. AFTERNOON SES3ION. The House reassembled at three o’clock and was called to order by the Speaker. The bill repealing the act for tho commutation of the tonnage tax was then taken up. Mr. SCOTT, of Huntingdon, offered an amendment to the preamble. The amendment declares that the act of last session is not only prejudicial to the public interests, but is unconstitutional. Also, that the alleged contract is unconscionable to such an extent tlmt any court of equity would relieve the contracting parties from the ful fillment of its term 3. The Amendment further declares that, rumors are Afloat that the act wai pronured by cor ruption and bribery on the part of the company. In or der that these allegations may be made the subject of judicial inquiry, the amendment declares it to bo the duty of the Attorney General to institute proceedings in the proper court for investigating purposes, and also to ted the iiDconetitutionaUty or unconscionablllty of the act of the Inst BPHsion. If the act is found subject to those ob jections it is to be declared void. A diecuseien ensued, and the bill was finally made the Fprclal order for to- morrow afternoon at 3 o’clock. The House then adjourned. Democratic State Convention o! Michigaiir Detroit, March 6. —The Democratic State Con veDtion met in this city yesterday, and organized by electing H. H. Riley, of St. Joseph county, per manent president. The attendance was very large, fully five hundred delegates being in attendance, and the proceedings were harmonious throughout. It was deemed inexpedient to nominate candidates for State offices at this time. Resolutions were passed expressive of the position of the Democracy of Michigan in the present crisis, promising the. support of the Government in all constitutional means to suppress the rebellion, and opposing the ter-' inmatiou of the war until all resistance to the Govern ment under the Constitution shall cease everywhere. Abolitionism is strongly denounced as equally guilty with Secessionism, and the speedy extinguishment of both hoped for. They approve of the Presi dent’s modification of Fremont’s proclamation and Cameron's report, and the appointment of the present Secretary of War, as an indication of the de termination of the President to adhere to the Con stitution. The resolutions also denounce corrup tion and extravagance, and demaud honesty and economy in the administration of the Government. Our Fortress Monroe Correspondence Fortress Monroe, March 5,1862. AX AUDACIOUS REBEL. About half 1 past eleven o’clock this morning tho quietudo of tho day w as broken by the reports of tome heavy guns. Be sure your correspondent was quickly upon the dock to learn the cause. Just in front of Sewell’s Point, and running as hard as she could to get within the protection of the battery, there wee a little rebel tug, but dignified by them with the name of gunboat. An enormous Socesh flag flaunted from her stern. The reason for this audacity is unknown. I snpposo that it was only a part of their game of brag. TIIH TRANSPORT CONSTITUTION IN DANGER, Tho steam transport Constitution , which has been at Newport News since Sunday, is expected to come down to-day. She was to have oome last sight; but on account of her great draught of water (22 feet) it was throught advisable to bring her down in broad daylight, and defy the rebel bat teries. The rebs are boasting that they will fire at her on her way down, and, as she will be compelled to pass the Pig-Point battery at a distance of less than two miles, they will doubtless put their throat in execution. A number of the rebels’ armed tug boats are hanging around her, watching her move ments, but they wisely keepoutof the range of her rifled camion. In anticipation of her being fired into, the steam gunboat Myotic, the steamers Run cocas and Express, and an armed tugboat, thi name of which I could not learn, have gone up to render any assistance that may be necessary. The frigate Minnesota, too, is all ready for a forward movement. Nothing daunted by the rebel beas*B, she was got under weigh about noon, and steamed majesti cally down the river. As she passed the batteries at Sewell’s Point and at Pig’s Point the rebels fired at her with shot and shell, but, as is usually the case, missed. All the shots fell short. She is, by the time you receive this, far on her way to her destination. WEATHER, Yesterday and to-day have been bright ovor head, but high winds hare prevailed, and the bay is quite rough. Still it is quite preferable to the fog which has enveloped the whole peninsula for some days past, and the almost constant rain. Last night was as beautiful as aould be desired. .Every star was out, and the crescent moon shoue in all her splendor. The quiet of the night was enly broken by the occasional challenge of a senti nel as some straggler came within his vision. At night, without tho countersign, a person would be in a most UMBYiftble situation. P. S.—lt is beginning to rain-: A equally night is expected. General Older—'Trad* o* the Cumber ranil and Tennessee. St. Louis, March 6.—A general ordor issued ibis evening states that surveyors aud other cus tom-house uffieers-and agents in this department, as well as en the Cumberland and Tennessee rivers, are expected to respect the permits issued by the surveyors o 2 either of the ports of the OWd fiVM, and bearing his official signature and seal. Milita ry offioers in command of posts, wher> there are. no eußtsm-house offioers, or acting in concert with rush offioers, will in like manner reboot these permits. Scaled baggage, while seals remain unbroken, will also bo respected by the officers. Goods, wares, or merchandise in tranßit, thus sealed, will be allowed to go forward to thoir places of destination, unless there is good «*“d suf ficient reason for their detention °n information oh- Uined from reliable souroes. Until further orders, the transportation of this department!J? not open to munitions of war, except under r egulations with the military authorities. Whisky, for the timo boing, is prohibited in tho-resumod commoroe of tho Cum i bwtart Bnd TenA ' Set 'M^S An Important Homestead Bill. The following not, to seonra hommtesdfl to M* tflal settlers on the jmblio domain, and to prorid. a bonntj for soldiers in lien of grants of the pablio lands, passed by the House of Represontatirea on February 23th, has been read twice in the Senate, and referred to the Committee on Publfc Lands : Be it enacted try the Senate and llot&e of Be* vreeentatzve.%' (Yr , That any person wfc*>‘ ia tho head of a family, or who has xrrired at the age of twenty-ohO years, abd Is a citizen of the Shited States, or who' shall bare filed fits declaration of intention to become such, as required by the natu ralization laws efthe United Stater,- shall, from and after the first January, eighteen hundred and sixiy three, be entitled' to eater, free of cost, one hull* dred and sixty acres' of unappropriated publiV lands, upon whioi 1 said person may Here filed a pre-emption claim, or wlllub may, at Ifte tirno the application is miuls, So sabject to pre-emption at one dollar and twonsy-fiye cents, or less, per acre; or eighty acres of such' unappropriated Ihnis, at tw° (jQi’.tejsad fifty cstftt' per aero; to bo'located in a body, in conformity to' «»legal subdivisions of the public lands, and' after l&o same shall l have been sunreyed. Sec. 2. Andie it further ewtnffsd, That thepor- Eon Applying- for the benefit of tfcla l act shall, tfpon application'to the register' nf tinr land officer in which he ttpthe IS about tom ft kernels entry, rniiko | affidavit befbro the said registcr ormonivor that ho s or she is tto head of a fimity, ccis twenty-ocw ; years or moco-of age, and that such'application in ■ made for his sr hor exelusivcruSe atidlbsnofit, ani ! U>m is tins act, tsad not either ( directly or iudireeily for tho uue or of any' ; other person or perßons whensoever;: aad upon Sling the affidavit with the register or Yeawver, he or she shall tbersupen be permitted •tc 'sister the ntiantity of load- specified : ' Vi6vided\ towwsr, That no certificoiA shall be gives ur patbcti Issued thurefor until tho expiration of fire yoarS’ftrom the date of such entry ; nnd if, at the such time, or at any time within two aftCT, the person ranking such be dead, his widow; orin ease of her death; 1 or devisee; or in can- of a wido:r-making-anoh entry, her heirs or ddvbeo, in oase of-'her <leatih-~ shall by two witnesses that he; jhe* or thteyhave resided or cnlti-TAtodthetAtoe for term of five years immediately succeed ing tbe time of filing the affidavit aforesaid, then, and in such cose, he, she, or they} if' at that time a citizen of the United States, shall, ob payment of ten dollars, be entitled to a patent, aa in other cases provided forty law i Awl pijovi/lfidi* further , That in caae of th* death of both father andl mother, leaving an infant or children*-under twenty»oae years of age, the right -and fee shall! enure to the benefit of said infant child or children; and tbe-eiecut-or, administrator, or guardian may, At 6fiy tiffin Withifi tW6 yiars after the death of the* surviving parent, and in accordance with tho laws l of the State in which such children for the time being have their domioile, sell said land for the benefit of said infants, but for no other purpose; and.' the purchaser shall acquire the absolute title by the* purchase, and be entitled io a patent from the United States, on payment of the office fees andsaia> of money b&rein specified Sec. 3. And be it further enacted { That the' register of the land office Bhall note all such appli cations on the tract books and plats of his offiee, and keep A register of all such ontrioB t and • make return thereof to the General Land Offiee, together with the proof upon whioh they have been founded. Sbc. 4; Avd be it further enacted , That no* lands acquired under the provisions of this aet shall 1 in any event become liable to the Batisfactioa of any debt o? debts contracted prior to the Issuing of the patent therefor. Sec. 5; And be it further enacted , That if, at any time after the filing of the affidavit, as required ip the Becond section of this act, and before the ex? piration of the five years aforesaid, it shall be proven, after due notice to the settler, to the satis faction of the register of the land office, that the 1 person having filed such affidavitshall have actually' changed bis or ber residence, or abandoned the said entry for more than six months at any time, then and in that event the land so entered-shall revert to the Government. Sec. 6'. And be it f urther enacted*, That no in dividual shall be permitted to make more than> one entry under the provisions of this act; and that the Commissioner of the General Land Office is hereby required to prepare and issue such rules and* regu lations, consistent with this act, as shall be neces sary and proper to carry its provisions Into effect; and that the registers and receivers of the several land offices thall be entitled to receive the sane compensation for any lands entered under the pro visions of this act that they are now entitled to re ceive when the same quality of land is entered with money, onc-half to be paid by the person making the application at the time of so doing, and the other naif on the isiue of the certificate by the per* son to whom it may be issuedi Provided , Tftat nothing contained in this act shall be so construed as to impair or interfere in any. manner whatever with existing pre-emption rights: And provided , further ) That ail persons who may have filed their applications for a pre-emption right prior to the passage of this act shall bo entitled fo gJI privileges of tbiß act. Sec. 7. Ami be it further That all com* missioned and non-commisitonod officers, musicians, or privates, who have performed, or shall hereafter perform military service under the proclamation of the President, of the fifteenth- of April, eighteen hundred and sixty*one, or any of the acts of the first fcgsjoij of tho tblrty-fcoVehth CobgroWi of tihdei?- any acts which may hereafter be passed by Con gress during the present war with States in rebellion against the Federal Government, or war with any foreign nation during the same; and all militia, volunteers, or Stats troops of any description, of any Slate or who have performed* or who shall hereafter perform any military service in aid of the Federal Government, or in defence of their own State or Territory, against armed foroes in rebellion against the Federal Government; and, also, every officer, commissioned and non-commis sioned, seamanf brdinary seaman, flotilla man, ma rine) olerk) and landsman) who have performed) or shall hereafter perform, servico in the navy of the United States, in the present war, or In any foreign war during the same, shall be entitled to the right of homestead secured by this act, any limitation hereinbefore contained to the contrary notwith standing ; Protidedi hoxucv&r ) That os to all team* sters and wagontnasters, who have been, or shall hereafter be employed under direction of competent authority in the present war, or any foreign war, during the same, snail be entitled also to the right of homestead secured by this aot. Sec. 8. And be it further That in lieu of bounty land grunts* each of the three-months volunteers, officers, non-commisatoned officers, mu- Hioians, and privates, called into military service under the proclamation of tho President, of tho fifteenth of April, eighteen hundred and sixty one, and who have performed service during tho period of three months, Or been honorably discharged within that period; and tho widow, if there be one, and if not, then the legal heirs, of all of such three months volunteers as shall have died, or been killed, in service during said term, shall, in addition to the right of homestead secured by this act, be entitled tv receive from the treasury of the United StfttMi the sum of thirty dollars. And all commissioned and non-commissioned officers, musicians, and pri vates of volunteers, enlisted in pursuance of the act of July twenty-second, eighteen hundred and sixty-one, who shall have served for a period of not less than six months, or have boon honorably dis» charged within that period; and the widow, if there be one, and if not, then the legal heirs of such as die, or may be killed in service, shall be enti tled to receive the one hundred dollars provided for by said act of July twenty-second, eighteen hundred and aixty-one, in addition also to the right of bomesteud secured by this act: Provided) That in case of the death of any person entitled to the said bounties of thirty dollars or one hundred dol lars, as the case may be, after tho accruing of his right thereto by his honorable discharge or by the expiration of his term of service, as hereinbefore limited and expressed, the widow, if there be one* and if not, then the legal heirs, shall have the right to receive the snmo : And provided, further) That in no case shall the said bounties be liable to be ta ken for the debts of either the person originally entitled to the same, or his widow or legal heirs in case of his death; and also that the pay of the pri vats soldier, seaman, or marine shall in no oa«e be liable to be taken for his debts, or the debts of his widow or legal heirs in case of his death. Sec. 9. And be it further enacted, That the proof of service to entitle any one to the right of homo stead secured by this act, by reason of having per formed servioe m hereinbefore limited and express cd, shall be the same as now provided for by the several existing laws granting bounty lauds to soldiers. Sec. 10. And be it further enacted, That the pe riod during wbiob Bey 98? performing service within the meaning of this act may have been held as a prisoner of war shall he reckoned a part of his ac tual service in ascertaining whether such person is entitled to tho b enefits of this act. Sec. 11. And be it further enacted, That no claim for the bounties aforesaid shall be assignable or transferable in any manner whatever until the same shall have been ascertained and allowed by the proper department; and all sales, mortgages, contracts, or agreements, of any nature whatevor, made prior thereto, for the purpose or with intent of alienating, pledging, or mortgaging any suoh claim, are hereby declared, and shall ba held, null and void. General Lander. —General Lander’s last public act was to promote Private Cannon for his bravery at Bloomery Gap; and his last public speooh was tho following, on the presentation of colors to tt4 BisUy-sixth Ohio Volunteers, Col. Candy, on tho 22d of February: , ... You have asked me to present to you this regi mental flag—this emblem ef the hopes, prayers, and devotion of those at home. Db not soil such memories, do not betray such a trust. Let no mean, dastardly aot disgrace the fervor whioh it represents—tho high faith whioh, in the donation of ♦hf. banner, follows you to battle. You may think that it is only required of yen to fight; that some bright morning, with this gallant flag flung out, hands play log our national airs, drums beating to the chivalrous onset, you- are to be led to victory. Soldiers, much more is demanded of you. Remem ber that your adversaries are your fellow-oitizens. Burn no dwellings, frighten no-women and children. Go to battle with noble-thoughts, high motives, and. the consciousness that the eyos of your general are upon you. Bear, the march steadfastly, obey order® cheerfully, have ns small bickering among youfi. selves. Let-the holy phrase. ‘ Comrades In battle, cause you to live, to respect, and to bear with each other. Within the last twenty-four hours one rad iant private bos been promoted for bravery before the enemy, Therefore, have faith in yourselves, and I will find you Appdrtusutiss and see thahyou are rewarded. Follow-soldiers of the Sixtjvstxtu Kegimeut, I transfer to you, in behalf of the-donors, their gift—this flag. Never desert it. Rally around it while you are alive; it shall wane- over you when deadand if each ono of yon, were to lire a tlmumud yens?! b®*“ Te ‘bat y°“ ff"V nobler opportunity toftie than beneath iw«Eoldfl for liberty and the rights of free government, mod the cause it represents.” General Maausck and the StiLouisians.— The citiions of St, Louis hftYigg. ItuHtarsd n s?ffir plimentary dinner to Major General- Hallock, tbs* officer in his latter declining the- pro Sored honar, EBid : I regrot that the uncertainty of my cwn movements, and the fact that 1 may leave thiaoity ntapy moment, compel me to. decline your polite Invitation. Termlcme to say, La oonolusioa.tkefc the trade of the Cumberland and Tennessee rivers is now open to the merehanta of- this city, and _I hope is due time to odd, that of the Mississippi, The restraints whioh were neqessarily imposed on commerce, in order to erush the robela ha this State, in their mad attempt to destroy the Constitution and the Union, will very soon be removed, and Bt. Louis will assume her sway as the commerolo! Queen of the West. ' John Bell, in his large iron milt, destroyed by onr troops, worked two thousand negroes, turn ing ont balls and shaft for the South. The hardeet blow that the South, has received is in catting them off from this and other iron-works that line the Cumberland river, for it was from these that they deijvrt ft? W thi?f Supply <
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