4 ! ) c press. WEDNESDAY, APRIL 2, 186&. Eemoval of “The Press” Office. As we bristly announced yesterday, the office of The Press has been removed from its old Ucation to No. 11l South Fourth street, below Chestnut. During the past year, notwith standing the general stagnation in almost ewiy branch of business, our circulation steadily increased, with a rapidity rarely equalled in newspaper history, and a demand tor a large number of copies of The Dress has ■sprung up in nearly eyery town and village of ■the country. Subscriptions to our daily, tri-weekly, and weekly editions have poured in with every mail. Our list of agents, and the extent of their sales hare greatly increased, and all the signs which mark an establishment of perma nent, growing, and substantial interest to the public have thickly clustered round us. A daily journal, to keep pace with the times, requires the outlay of au amount of money, and a combination of mental and me chanical labor, which few, not familiar with the business, can appreciate. Important in telligence must not only be collected, with marvellous rapidity, from all parts of the world where exciting events are transpiring, but it must be arranged, printed, and, distributed in newspaper form with great promptness. New facilities are constantly called into requisition, many of which we will materially increase in our new location. During the past year, we procured one of lloe’s lightning cylinder presses, and made nu merous other improvements; hut in our new establishment, we trust to he better able to satisfy the expectations and wants of the pub lic, and, with « Excelsior ” as our motto, we shall spire no pains to improve every depart ment of The Press so thoroughly that every reasonable expectation of its patrons will be gratified Ihe exciting events of the past year have created an unprecedented thirst for newspaper intelligence; and a habit of being daily posted up in the miniature daguerreotype of the world's history that is furnished by a first-class journal, has been formed in thousands of fami lies who will never relinquish it. No taste of equal value and importance can be so cheaply gratified, and this largeand growing dass of our citizens will ever find The Press worthy of the favorable consideration with which they now regard it. Though we shall not seek to enter the lists of sensation journalism, we shall promptly furnish all the reliable news that can be procured and published without detriment to the public interests. 'Without makiug a vain attempt to satisfy all parties, we shall endeavor to frankly and freely discuss all great public questions, and to sustain the true inte rests of the country in the midst of the great struggle in which it is involved. For the generous patronage that has here tofore been lavished upon us we are profoundly grateful. We shall strive more earnestly than ever to deserve the confidence and regard of an enlightened and appreciative community > to enlarge the circle of our usefulness; and to merit a continuance of the support that has rewarded and.'cheered our past labors. THE LATEST WAR NEWS. A Portress Monroe correspondent, speaking o£ the 6*w rebel battery at Sew&U's Point, says: « This battery covers the entire route of our steam ers to Newport News, and you can expeot to hear of an attaok on these boats with great effect, if not actual lots of a large number of lives. The erection of this battery, nnder the guns of the fort and gunboats, has been well known to every one here, but the officers of the navy profess to be able to shell the rebels out in half an hour at any time.” We learn from Cairo, that Colonel Buford, with several Union regiments, started from Island No. 10, oh Mondtiy. &bd ffi&d. A d.£..ht On Union city, Tennessee, dispersing the rebel force, consisting of infantry and cavalry, stationed there, taking seve ral prisoners and capturing a large amount of com missary and quartermaster’s stores, and also 150 horses. Preparations for the approaching battle in the Southwest continue to he noted; and, as a proof that the rebel 9 fear the worst, we may note, on the authority of a despatch from Rolls, Mo., that Beauregard has called upon Priae and Van Dorn for reinforennentg, and that all the rebel foroes in the West are ordered to oonoentrate in Western Tennessee for a desperate struggle. Prom Island No. 10, we have the intelligence that the rebels have erected an entrenched camp on the bend of the Mississippi, directly opposite our gun boats, an embankment having been thrown up along the shore for a distance of half a mile. Several of their batteries are visible, hut many others being masked, we have no means of ascertaining their ef fectiveness. The entrenchments extend from the centre of the bend to the upper extremity of the Island, and are constantly being fortified. Our mortars were fired at intervals of fifteen minutes yesterday and the day before, the shells all being thrown on the Island. What effect, if any, has been produced by them, is unknown. The rebels do not deign to answer, except by an occasional shot at the transports. We have no news from New Madrid, save that firing has been heard in that direction. About two thousand rebels made their appear ance in the vicinity of Strasburg cn Monday. Our regiments were at once drawn up in line-of-battle to await an attack, but the enemy discreetly re tired. Our forces on jthe Rappahanock river are con tinually having skirmishes with the enemy. Major Van SteinhouEen, and Captains Beltticher, Camp, and Newstadter, of the Union army, have been taken prisoners by the rebels. Dupont’s official report of the oceu. pation of Brunswiok, Georgia, by forces from his oommand, will be found in another oolumn. The expedition was under command of Capt. Gordon, of the Pocahontas, who carried ont, in every re speot, the orders of the flag officer. Congress Yesterday* Senate. —Mr. Sumner offered a resolution that the Committee on the Conduct of the War be in structed to collect evidence of the barbarous treat ment of onr troops by the enemy. The question of abolishing slavery in the District coming up, the amendment of Mr. Pomeroy, providing for an equitable settlement with master and slave, was rejeoted. An amendment of Mr. Trumbull, that no payment be made for any slaves to any person who has borne arms against the United States, or in any way given aid to the rebellion, was adopted. House. —Mr. Hutchins asked leave to introduce a resolution of inquiry eoneerning an alleged viola tion of the seventh article of war by Gen. Hooker, whieh was objected to by Mr. Wickliffe. An amend ment to the tax bill was adopted, exempting from tax foreign immigrants travelling over 100 miles inland at reduced fare; also, taxing the gross re ceipts of bridge corporations one and a half per cent.; also, including trust companies in the schedule of banking companies; also, taxing in surance policies; also, reducing the tax on adver tisements. Legislature Yesterday. Senate. — Mr. Connell introduced a supplement to the act for the more effectual preservation of life and property from explosions of gunpowder. The bill to promote the efficiency of the military of this city was referred to the Finance Committee, and finally passed. House.—The act to reorganize the Board of School Controllers of this oity was negatived. The aot relative to the Board of Health passed, with the proviso that it shall not apply to the First ward. . . The Tax Bill. The House of Representatives is busily en gaged in considering the tax bill. A subject of considerable interest to newspaper proprie tors And to the business eommunity was under consideration yesterday. Mr. Colfax pro. posed te strike ont the tax on advertisements. After some discussion it was decided that all journals wliiob have a circulation of less than two thousand copies, or an advertising patron age of less than $l,OOO per annum, shall be exempt from taxation. Thus, nearly all coun try newspapers will escape the proposed duty. Three per cent, of the advertising receipts of all journals not thus exonerated is to be paid to the Government. We have not recovered from the shock of last Saturday. Death is never more terrible than when it conies at noonday along the high wavs. It takes away all sense of security. Wc cannot be prepared for it—we cannot meet it. Sudden, appalling, destructive, — like an unseen agency of nature, —an earth quake or a whirlwind, tearing down houses, twirling fences like feathers in the air, shat tering streets and roads, utterly obliterating all traces of life in its human victims, —a thigh upon the street, a head upon the rjol-top, an arm in the distant gutter, blood over the door way ! This is the horrible story, told in so ber English, by unfeeling newspaper-men. We have rend few narratives more terrible in their details. It is not simply death. We had death at Winchester and Newbern, and at the mouth of James River. More souls were dismissed—more hearts were saddened— there was more personal pain. It is death at home in broad daylight,—more sure than the deadly cannon. It is death in the parlor, dining-room, and kitchen—violent, horrible death. “ Mrs. Curtis was standing at the door, conversing with Mrs. Jacksok, and was blown across the street against the prison wall.” “ Mr. Bailey is known to have been in the building at ihe time of the explosion *’ —“ the head fsund on Passyunk road is sup posed to have been that of Mr. Bailey.” AU this in less time than we have occupied in writing this paragraph, in a great city, on a quiet day in spring. Then comes the sad story of the responsible man. Samuel Jackson is a familiar name, in newspaper chronicles. He seems to have been the victim of misfortune. This is not his first calamity—we are very sure it is neither the third nor fourth. He has been wound ed and ruined and bowed down with grief death has been in his laboratory before. Men have died at his side as suddenly as they died last Saturday. He is an honest, well-meaning citizen, anxious to earn a living—to raise his family, and be a respectable man. He has been known to spend thousands on a proposed pyrotechnic exhibition: the rain falls, and his Maltese crosses, and candles, and rockets became a saturated mass of powder and paper. Again he has spent thousands on a proposed pyrotechnic exhibition : a match—a spark— friction something sudden and inexplicable— his fireworks become a mass of smoke, and hissing powder, fragments of pasteboard, mo ney wasted, labor lost, and dead men lying around. These calamities do not spare him; if he has not been suddenly slain, he has en dured everything but death. He has been wounded—he has lost all he possessed in the world. From poverty he has slowly and en ergeticaUy toiled up again to competence only to sec it pass away amid death and disaster, and himself poor and sorrow-stricken once more. This last calamity is the most terrible of all. He was again upon his feet; had a large contract from the Government; was in a fair way of making a great deal of money; his business was becoming valuable. Again he has lost all. Among those who suddenly perished was his own son. Among those who were wounded and now linger in agony were two of his daughters. The cup of affliction is large, but no one drinks more deeply than Samuel Jackson. We have theories about how this disaster oc curred very ingenious and startling theories but they amount to nothing. In the pre. sence of so much death, and pain, and desola tion—of agonies hidden in the grave, and ago nies which may linger on through many years to welcome graves at last—we cannot theorize and speculate. It is not a question of che mistry nor of natural phenomena; it is one of safety and self-preservation. “A scientific chemist is of the opinion that the gaseous vapor from the collodion found its way to a distant fire.” “ The ignition was caused by friction in the moulding machine,'or in the evolving of latent heat.” The tendency of surrounding objects toward the centre of the explosion Is noted as a philosophical fact. Take facts and phenomena to men of the schools and acade mioffr-for to qs there is one overshadow ing and grief-laden disaster—for us there is misery and pain, and death, and a great waste of property—for us there is a want of security and danger. We do not upbraid the bereaved and ruined man whose son has gone to the grave, and whose business and wealth are in cinders and smoke along Passyunk road. We think of our unfortunate fellow-citizens, and demand that an accident like this shall never again occur. We must have no powder magazines in an inhabited street—no more masked batteries to open fire upon our homes, our children, our friends passing along the highway, our women talking at the deor. We must terminate this business of Mr. Jackson, and the business of every man who fashions powder into toys or weapons or elements of war. We do not in tend, to reason about the matter —we are not going to argue it—we want no debate, nor do we make any suggestions. It must be done. This accident is one of the most fearful ever recorded in the history of our city. Let it be a lesson and a warning, and let ns so follow it that such a calamity can never again come upon our people. The Southern conspirators, who propose to destroy all their cotton and tobacco crops, seem to imagine that the whole world will be terribly injured by their brutal incendiarism. Claude Melnotte, in his anger at the scorn heaped upon the hewers of wood and drawers of water, expressed a wish that they might bo swept away, so that the world might learn their worth by their loss. The destroying -fiends of the rebellion are animated by a somewhat similar motive, but in their blind desperation they forget that while labor is indispensable, and the staple products of the Southern States in great de piaqd, the active spirits of the rebellion are not in any way of the slightest value to civili zation. “ They toil not, neither do they spin.” They consume, hut they do not create. By burning cotton and tobacco they only prove their wickedness, not their necessity or usefulness. They demonstrate their temporary power to injure, but not their ability to serve mankind. The marts of commerce and the swarming hives of manufacturing industry, could flourish, even admitting that cotton is indispensable, without the existence of such men as are now applying the torch to the ware houses of Southern plantations. The moral of the lesson they are teaching is, not that they must in future be permitted to do in all things as they please, but that their capacity for mis chief should be diminished. Explosive and Non-explosive Oils. —la our article yesterday, upon dangerous explosives, we were inadvertently made to designate “ Kerosene” as an inflammable oil. yfo would here state that the term “ kerosene” is simply a trade mark, used by a few companies in the United States to desig nate coal oils that are purified under a certain patent, the peculiarity claimed for it being, that it is thoroughly free from benzine , which constitutes the dangerous ingredient in many of the coal and petroleum oils that are now flooding the market. It is due to the public, as well as manufacturers of the “kerosene” article, to say that we are not aware that a single accident has ever occurred from its use. Tbe Continental Hotel Saloons. —As we anticipated, the new enterprise of Mr. Stevens, in adding the new and chastely elegant ladies’ re freshment saloon, and splendid gentlemen’s cafe and restaurant to the attractions of the most com plete and perfect hotel in the world, has met with the brilliant success it justly merited. The de partment for ladies, either alone or attended by gentlemen, elicits, and justly so, their unqualified admiration, whilst the approval of the gentlemen, for their restaurant and cafe, is best manifested by the extensive patrohsgh they bestow Off it. 'Many persons are apt to conceive that where so much ele gance, refinement, and luxurious ease are displayed the prices must be correspondingly high. On the contrary, they will be found strictly economical; thus placing within the reach of all the advantages of the most renowned hotel and restaurant, in this or any other country. Another great and novel feature is the arrangement Mr. Stevens has made for supplying families, at moderate prices, with paeked, potted and preserved meats, poultry, game, fish, fruits, Ac.—luxuries of every clime, sauces, and rare condiments—in such quantities as may be required, thus enabling them to improvise an epi curean dinner, or supper, at the shortest notion* The ioe cream and Confectionery departments of the ladies’ saloons are of the most recherche de scription. Lever’s Military Novels.—Peterson A Bros, have issued “ Tom Burke of Ours,” by Charles Lever, the fourth volume of tbe series. It is a well construeted tale, with the inoidents partly in Ireland and partly in France. The French part embraces the Consulate and the first Empire. The cover of these volumes, each with a different vig nette, are fine specimens of printing in gold and colors, by Mr. T. Sinclair, the lithographer. PIANOS! Pianos ! ’—George Steok (New York) makes a Piano-forte whieh has no equal m fulness and richness of tone and beauty of touch. J. E. Gould, Seventh and Chestnut. LETTER FROM “OCCASIONAL ” Washington, April 1,1862. Congress is evidently in no mood to pass a .radical confiscation bill, or to adopt the pro ject of reducing each of the seceded States to a Territorial condition. Some of the most trusted of the Republican leaders entertain strong objections to both these measures, founded alike upon policy and the absence of constitutional power. Should Andrew John son succeed in establishing his Government in Tennessee, one, if not both, of these difficult questions will be satisfactorily solved. The rebels have an easier way of disposing of thoir troubles. They began the wav by defying the Federal Constitution, and followed this act of treason by establishing a Constitution or Government of their own, adapted to ail the exigencies and requirements of their situation. We, on the other hand, started to punish them; not alone because they had violated the Constitution, but because, obeying it ourselves, ■we resolved that they should be forced to ren der it the same obedience. Our care must be, that in seeking remedies to chastise them, we do not imitate their lawless and revolution ary example. As an evidence of the manner in which they had arranged the whole ma* chinery of Secession, and another proof of the charge that it had long been contemplated, I lay before you the following document, found in the Receiver’s Office of the so-called Con federate Government, at Nashville, Tennessee, and forwarded by one of my friends at that place: District Court of the Vovfidi'r&li Stalii of Amerii-l 1 for the Middle Division of the District of Tenn. ' To David Byrn, exeoutor of Robert Kirkpatrick, deceased. Sumner County, Greeting: You are hereby commanded to appear at the said District Court, at the court-room at Nashville, on the Ist Monday of January, 1862, then and there to answer, nnder oath, what property or effects of any alien enemy you had at the time of the service of this garnishment process, or since have had un der your possession or control belonging to or held for an alien enemy; or, in what sum, if any, you are and were at the time of the service of the gar nishment, or since, have been indebted to any alien enemy; and also to answer the interrogatories con tained in the schedule hereto annexed, and such otter questions as may bo pat to you touching the property and effects of alien enemies; and further to abide by and perform suoh orders and decrees as may be made in the premises. Herein fail not, under the penalties prescribed by law. In iestimd&y I, JACOB MoGAVOOK, GUfk of said Court, have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the Seal of said Court, at office, this 17th day of December, 1861. Jacob McGavock. INTERROGATORIES To he propounded to, and answered by garni* •1. Have you now, or have you had, in your pos session, or under your control, since the 2d day of July last, (1861,) and if yea, at what time, any land Or lands, tenement or tenements, hereditament or hereditaments, chattel or chattels, right or rights, credit or credits, within the Confederate States of America, held, owned, possessed, or enjoyed for or by an alien enemy ; or in, orfto which, any alien enemy had, and when, since that time, any right, title* or interest} either directly or indirectly ? 2. If you answer any part of the foregoing in terrogatory in the affirmative, then set forth speci fically and particularly a description of such pro perty, right, title, credit, or interest; and if you have disposed of it in whole or in part, or of the profit, or rent, or interest accruing therefrom} then state when you made such disposition, and to whom, and where such property now is, and by whom held. 3. Were you, since the 2d day of July, 1861, and if yea, at what time, indebted, either directly or in directly, to any alien enemy, or alien enemies ? If yea, state the amount of such indebtedness, if one, and of each indebtedness, if more than one; give the name or names of creditor or creditors, and the place or places of residence; and state whether, and to what extent, and also the time and manner of the 4 Do you know of any land or lands, tenement or tenements, hereditament or hereditaments, chat tel or chattels, right or rights, creditor or creditors, within the Confederate States of America; or any right or interest hold, owned, possessed, or enjoyed, directly or indirectly, by or for one or more alien enemies since the 2d day of July,lB6l, or in or by which any one or more alien enemies bad since that time any claim, tide, or interest, direct or indirect? If yea, set forth, specifically and particularly what aiid where iht prAptffc? & &fid the ftfid resi dence of the holder, debtor, trustee, or agent. 5. State all else that you know which may aid in carrying into full effect the Sequestration Act of the 30th of August, IS6I, and state the same as fully find particularly ss if thereunto specially Interro gated. S. R- Cockrill, Receiver C. S. A. Note, —The garnishee In the foregoing interrogatories is specially warned that the Sequestration Act makes it the duty of each and every citizen to give the information said interrogatories. [Act of 30th of August, section £ ] And if any attorney, agent, former partner, trus tee, or other person holding or controlling any pro perty or interest therein of or for any alien enemy, shall fail speedily to inform the Receiver of the game, and to render him an account of suoh proper ty or interest, he shall be guilty of a high misde meanor, and upon conviction, shall be fined in a sum not exceeding five thousand dollars, and im prisoned not longer than six months, and be liable to pay besides, to the Confederate States, double the value of the property or interest of the alien epemies so held subject to his control. [Sso. 3 j The Attorney General has also prescribed the fol lowing rule of practice for the courts, by virtue of the authority vested in him, nnder the 16th section of the law: R OLE— Garnishees, lo whom written or print ed interrogatories are addressed, may make ap pearance by filing written answers, sworn to be fore a justice of the peace, or other competent officer, unless specially ordered by the court to ap pear in persona Endorsed as follows: Confederate States vs Gar. D. P. Byrn. Issued 17th December, 1861, service acknowledged this day of December, 1861. From this it will be seen that the enemies of the Republic have had a perfect system of confiscation in its most odious forms. One of the great duties growing out of tbe war will be to support our loyal friends in the seceded States. Delay in this, or a failure to do it successfully, will neutralize the effect of many of our victories, and gradually compel the people to assume the garb of neutrality, to revert to the vassal condition from which wc sought to rescue them. Until this is done, all legislation, save that which is immediately necessary, will be postponed, from present indications, by the disagreements dinofig thd most earnest friends of the war. So long as we recognize our primary duty of restoring the Union, and of securing to the people of all the States a republican form of govern ment, it may be essential to wait until the re stored loyal constituencies of the South shall be present, with their representatives, to par ticipate in the acts of Congress which directly concern themselves or their respective com munities. This would also be consistent with the President’s first war proclamations and with subsequent almost unanimous declarations of Congress as to the objects and purposes of the war. Less division will be apparent on the sub ject of the abolition of slavery in the District of Columbia and on the recommendation ef the President in favor of emancipation, with the consent of the people in the slave States. All the Republicans who heßitate as to the other measures referred to agree that there is abundant constitutional power to pass the bill abolishing slavery in the District, and the reso lution offering the aid of the Federal Govern ment to all States which may desire to free their slaves. The House has already passed this resolution, and the Senate will adopt it by a large vote. An effort will be made to amend the hill abolishing slavery here, but this will probably be defeated, and the hill sent to the House, where it will be easily concurred in. The heavy burdens of taxation that will now have to be borne by the loyal people will make them restive, unless some steps are taken to make the seceded States feel and carry their full share of these burdens. This expectation is not lost sight of by our statesmen. But, after all, tbe best economy and the surest road to a complete vindication of the Government, is a series of bold and prompt blows at the traitors—a series of victories over the com mon enemy, and hie complete and lasting prostration. Occasional. Public Amusements. Arch-street Theatre.—The Arch.street Theatre bM teen, since tbe inauguration of Mrs. Drew as ma nageress* one of the beet*conducted establishments in America. The return of Hr. John Drew to this country has beon additionally fortunate* as- he has improved his European opportunities to secure models and copies of novel scenes* stage effects* and dramas* some of which have been already successfully produced, and others are held over for future presentation. The incidents of u Crohoore-na-Bilhoge” (pronounced Croohoor-na'JJilla) are familiar to readers of the O’Hara tales. An outiawi provoked by jealousy and hate, murders an ancient couple and bears off their child. The deed is charged upon a half-witted foundling, who is persecuted by tbe girl's lover, and finally surprised, triod* and sentenced. A series of revelations made in the finale discover the real murderer and establish the strange rela tionships of the leading characters of the drama. These are the main staples of a play* located in a wild district* among a rude peasantry* and affording in its oddly contrasted scenes opportunities for ths grotesque, the humane, and the exciting. Crohoore (translated “ Cor neliMS”) i». ol COMK. Absorbing interest of the piece. HI. flight and it. attendant adventures, Ms terri bly intense agony, hi. ferocity and fear, are matters that need bat tolerable power. of portrayal to insure them success. Mr. Frank Drewis the Tenderer of Cro- Imrt in tbit and hit impersonation, or “ make-np,” is wonderfully and weirdly impressive. There are leaps across fearful cataracts and .perilous assents of steeps that require In Crohoore as much gymnastic asdramatlo power. He has been as markedly peculiar and satis factory In this melodramatic character as ho has pre viously proved himself individual in comedy and burlesque. Hr. John Drew plays the ever-incldental Irishman* ragged, rollicking, always between a sob and a shindy* provokingly shrewd and confoundedly stupid. He has not a part In hie reperWre better adapted to hie creative powers. The old men of this piece are numerous. Hr. Wallis plays a sheeof or wizard* and Frank Lawlor and Fisher acceptable old men* distinguished Cor THE PRESS—PHILADELPHIA, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 2. 1862. little but garrulity. Hn. Btonetfl renders a beldame, and Hr. Dubois the murderer, Doran. Mrs. John Draw played the heroine, a pretty Irish girl, whose beauty had nearly proved her bane, and Mrs. Henri, a peasant girl, that sang the I: all ad, and gava John Draw opportunity to pun while the machinery was being arranged. The scenery and the music of this piece are perfections. The dances are spirited, and all tbe supernumeraries are smart and snple. The cataract scene has not been equal led in this city—perhaps not on this continent, --Tlie Matinee of Music and Art, at the Assembly Buildings, to be given this afternoon, should not be forgotten. Some choice musical pieces will be pArfoimed. FROM WASHINGTON. The Rebel Steamer Merrimac. GEN. MANSFIELD’S REPOST CONCERNING HEB TO EE DEFERRED. Capture of four Federal Attttn Near NATAL OPERATIONS ON THE COAST OF RELIEF OF THE CUMBERLAND’S CREW. Delegations continue to arrive here, remonstrating against certain features of the tax-bill, and soliciting im portant changes. The Committee of Ways and Means give these delegations an audience each morniAc?, before the meeting of the House, anil in most: instances sugges* tions of an important and practical character are pre sented, beneficial alike to the Government and the tax-payers. Already many features of tbe tax-bill have been greatly reduced, and in other cases raised, so that an equilibrium in taxation is generally obtained. The j committee adhere very strictly to thoir original Geclar a- * tioii, to tax nothing but manufactures. The bill wiil pro bably be finished this week, and an effort made to have it printed and ready for the Senate by the commencement of next week. Hundreds of minor amendments have been made, and the printer will have a severe task to put it into shape, with the amendments included in the ori ginal bill. An interesting dtbate took place on the section of the bill taxing advertisements Jive per Centura. Tho Ways and Means first reduced this tax to three per centum (which was adhered to) on the gross receipts of all advertisements— the original requiring a tax on the gross receipts received and charged . The committee exempted all papers from the tax whose receipts fr am ad vertisements are less than one thousand dollars per an num, and whose circulation is less than, two thousand. This last amendment is for the benefit of tbe country papers. Mr. Colfax took the ground that the customers of no other business were taxed—the receipts of hotels, etc., were not—while the material of other manufactures, such as tobacco, were not. He contended that the papers were taxed four times already, and that the ad valorem tax of three per cent, on paper, instead of three mills per pound, was greater in the West, where printing paper was eleven cents per pound. Mr Kellogg (of Michigan) was op posed to the tax, for he thought that the papers of the country would be needed to explain this bill to the people so that It could be put in force. Mr. Colfax’s pro position to omit all taxes on advertisements was lost, aa also bis amendment to reduce it from 3 to 1)4 per cent, go tlie tax on advertisements in papers over a circula tion of 2,000 remains at three per centum. Prevision is made for adding to the price of legal advertisements the tax paid from their reoeipts. Harbor Defences —Gen. Halleck’s Work. A large portion of Gen. Halleck's work on « Military Art and Science,” (written in 1845,) is devoted to the discussion of the relative capacities of forts and eh*pa for s harbor defence. The gTeat idea suggested and substan tiated, proved by facts as existing up to that period , was, that guns afloat could not contend with guas ashore. Operations at Island Ho. 10 are to the same effect, for, though the guns of the rebels may not be case mated, they evidently have bomb-proof, which afford some shel ter to gunneas from the bombs of our vessels. Nor would things probably bo much different if our vessels were fully iron-clad, instead of partially so, because it is Btfttcd that olißtnicliflmf har« been placed ia tie channel, True, each filings have not hitherto amounted to much, but they may hereafter, and, in fact, the only apparent way of stopding iron ships from coming into harbors, is by some expedient (yet to be devised), whereby the na vigation may be temporarily impeded, but restored at will. Pending the consideration of the section of tbe tax bill taxing apirits, in tho House today,the following was finally adopted as a substitute for the section reported by tbe Committee of Ways and Means: On spirits mixed with other liquors or materials, or prepared in any way, to be sold as whißky, brandy, gin, wine, or by any other name pot otherwise provided for, 50 cents per gallon on the basis of the first proof, and so in proportion for any greater strength than the strength of first proof. Mr. Edwards moved, as an amendment, the follow ing: That this tax shall be assessed on all such spirits held by any person or persons for sale at the time this act Bhall take effect. This amendment was lost, esta blishing, it was thought, the final sense of the House, as to taxing any article not manufactured at the time the act shall take effect. The memorial of tbe Illinois Constitutional Conven tion, concerning an enlargement ot the present canal between Lake Michigan and the Mississippi river* has more than local importance. The present war teaches many and, not the least of them, the necessity of suitable channels for military and n aval operations. Legislation on this score should not look alone to present wants, but far into the future. Hereafter, the forts on tlie rivers of tbe West that have been erected by the rebels must be kept np» ancU perhaps* others constructed at commanding points. Gunboats will be long needed on those waters, but whether tbey are or are not, the Mis sissippi should be the channel* in conjunction with a ship canal across Illinois, through which our gunboats may pass f«&dily between the lakes and the gulf, as the pub. lie may demand. On the same principles, Congress should take stepß to create other interior routes to the capital than now exist. The Alleged Rebel Atrocities. the Rappahannock. MODIFICATIONS OF THE TAX BILL. THE TAX ON LIQUORS. GEORGIA. COMMODORE DUPONT’S OFEICIAL REPORT. Special Despatches to “The Press.” Washington April 1,1862, Delegations on the Tax.bill. The Tax on Advertisements. The Tax on Liquors. The Enlargement of the Illinois Canal* The resolution of Mr. SOM-VEn concerning alleged rebel atrocities upon the bodies of dead Federal soldiers will settle whether the reports on that head are all true. That they are measurably so, there is not now any doubt* nor is there a doubt that they have employed Indians, who have indulged In these forms of ferocity to the living whom tbey have enconnterel on tbe field of battle, or who have become their prisoners. It is due* however, to the savage to say, that history does not re cord that they have dug up the bodies of enemies from their graves, az.d turned their hones to purposes of vul gar debauchery. It is but the few In the South that have turned ghouls and hyenas, yet there is not the shadow of a doubt, that the habit of domineering from early life over blacks—of beating them with impunity, or otherwise subjecting them to degrftdation=fiives to character tppei of ferocity that are not generally seen in higher conditions of civili zation. Hence, duelling, and street-fights with deadly weapons, &c, Ac. Federal Officers Captured. A gentleman just returned from the Rappahannock, reports that Major Van Steinhousbs, Capt. Beltticher, and Capt. Camp, while out on service, were surprised and taken prisoners by the Louisiana Tigers. - Lieut. Col. Clatfisb and Capt. Lessing, encountering ft rebel scouting force, killed two of the rebel officers, whose horses were brought into our camp. Capt New stadter was taken prisoner by the rtbels. Shots are frequently exchanged between the pickets or scouting parties. A reconnolssance was made yesterday* and thirty wagon loads of forage were secured. Tbe Merrimac. In reply to the Senate resolution catling for General Mansfield’s report concerning the rebel steamer Mer rimac, that body has been respectfully informed that it is deemed inexpedient with the public interest at present to furnish a copy of the documents. The tfaval Bill. Tbe House Naval Committee bad before them to-day tho Senate naval appropriation bill, containing tbe thir teen millions for iron-clad war-vessels* and the comple tion of the Stevens battery. The committee took no action, though it is evident that the bill will be reported with the Senate amendments* after the House has dis posed of tbe tax bill. Until that is disposed of no other business will be transacted. Edwin Forrest. Mr. Forrest, the unrivalled tragedian, will appear to- night as Jack Cade, He is the embodiment, in this cha racter, of the late Judge Conrad’s splendid genius, and, judging from his success as on Monday eve ning, our people will beßtow upon him the highest admi ration. .Relief of-the Cumberland's Crew. Mr. Grimes introduced a bill in the Senate ta*day to give the heirs ot those lost on the Cumberland and Con gress, in the late engagement, one year’s pay. A bill has already been passed compensating those who save! their lives* but lost all of their property. Tbe Tax Bill To-Day—Railroads, &c. Tbe section of the tax bill relating to railroads, steam boats, etc., occupied the greater portion of the House to* day. It wasdecided that railroad and steamboat compa? Hies, (except ferry-boats and omnibuses,) should pay one mill per mile for each passenger, and all railroads In addition are to pay 1 % percent, on the grois,receipts de rived from carrying passengers. Nomination ot General Cadwalader. General Capw,\ladir )m been nominated aa Briga. dier General of Volunteers. Miscellaneous. It appears from an official correspondence that, toward the close of last year, a letter written by a Dr. Hopkins came into the possession ef the State Department. It was therein staled that an organisation had beSii formed by which the members of the “ Knights of the Golden 1 Circle” weTe to rush into the army and to aval service oi the Federal Government, and thus gain influence and position for carrying out tlioir treasonable schemes* and further, that ex-Fresident Fierce was among the pro* minent members. When this letter was received* a not* was sent to ex-Fresident Pierce, enclosing an extract from it, saying* 11 Your name is connected with a secret league, the object of which is to overthrow the Govern ment. Any information on the subject will be accepta ble.” Ex-Fresident Pierce, in reply, expressed his surprise that even a seeming credence should be given to the charge. He appealed to his general course as a complete refutation of the slander, and remarks that he never belonged to any secret league, society* or association* and farther objects to the form of the note. Secretary Seward, in reply, explains that the note was written by William Hunter, chief clerk of the Department, and explains the circumstances under which he signed it. He regrets that U gave offence. and offers an apology* The sickness of Representative Conway is much more serious than was at first supposed. His disease has assumed the form of pleurisy. THE WAR ON THE MISSISSIPPI. AN IMPORTANT MOVEMENT OF THE LAND FORCEfI. The Rebels Driven from Union City, Tennessee. CAPTURE OF HORSES AND STORES. CmCAGO, April I.—A special despatch to the Journal from Cairo earn Col, Buford, yesterday, accompanied by the Twenty-seventh and Forty-second Illinois, part of the Fifteenth Wisconsin, from near Island Ho. 10, with a detachment of cavalry and artillery from Hick man, under Col. Hege, made a descent upon Union City, and, after a forced march of thirty miles* fell upon a re* be! encampment at seven o'clock in the morning. They dispersed the entire force, stationed there under Clay King, both cavalry and infantry. They fled in every direction, several being killed and a number taken pri soners. A large amount of spoils was captured, includ ing 140 harsti, eoMmlss&ry and quartermaster ylores, etc. Our loss was one killed from an explosion in a burn ing tent. The rebel force numbered 700 infantry and be tween 700 and 800 cavalry. FROM ISLAND NO, 10. NEW REBEL BATTERIES ERECTED ABOVE THE ISLAND. ■CANNONADING AT NEW MADRID, CnrcAGo, April I.—A special despatch to the Times. dated at Island Ho. 10, yesterday, gays that the river 19 falling at tbe rate of several inches daily. The rebels have orected a large entrenched camp in the bend of the river, directly opposite onr gunboats. An embankment, half a mile long, has boon thrown up 9S ffie jilipre, behind wi.icL gun, nwlluM. large numbers aro masked, but as yet we have no means of ascertaining what artillery they have had posted at this point. Several batteries, however, are plainly visible. The entrenchments extend from the centre of the bend to the upper point of the island. They are constantly busy, both with steamboats and men. . The mortars were fired yesterday and to-day every fifteen minutes, with what effect we are unable to decide. The shetls are all thrown on the island. The rebeU 1 make no answer except an occasional shot at the trans ports. Occasional firing is heard in the direction of New Mad rid, caused by engagements between the batteries, which ais placed on opposite sides of the river below that place. We get no news from there. Appearance of Two Thousand Rebels near Strasburg, Virginia. Strasbitrg. Va., March 31.—About two thousand rebels made their appearance two miles beyond onr pickets to-day, Tho nearest regiments drew up in line of battle, and awaited an attack, declining to go beyond onr lines. The rebels did not make an attack. Yesterday, tlie rebels threw several shells into the camp of the Twenty-second Massachusetts, hut were subsequently driven off by the appearance pf au ftd ...vance. Captain Savage, and a companion of the Twenty* second Massachusetts, yesterday,in riding out, passed beyond our lines, by accident, and came upon a party of rebels, who fired upon them. Captain Savage was thrown from bis horse, aud took to the woods. They finally found their way back to the camp during the night. From Fortress Monroe. Fortress Monroe, March 31 —All remains quiet here. Captain Beaver, of the Aeronautic Department, makes a balloon recounoissance this afternoon, the first of tbs kind made since last summer. A boat, containing five well-known Secessionists, was captured on the James river* above Newport News, yes terday. transporting produce aud other Btores for the rebel army. Concentration of Rebels to Defend Mem phis. Eoi.la, Mo,, April I. —Letters from onr arm/ in the Southwest say that the rebels under Price and Yan Dorn are moving toward Memphis in response to a call from Beauregard for help, and all the rebel forces in tbe West are ordered to concentrate in Western Tennessee for a great and desperate struggle. Naval Operations on the Coast of Georgia. OFFICIAL REPORT OF COM. DUPONT, Washington, April I.—The following despatches have been received at the Navy Department; Flag -ship Wabash, 1 Off St, Johns, Florida, March 19, 1862. ) Em: I had the honor to inform tho Department, iu my communication of the 13th instant, that I had despatched a division of my forces to Brunswick, under Commander & w* Gordon, consisting of the Pocahontas and the Potoniska. 'ihe vessels crossed St. Simon’s bar on the Bth instant, and anchored at sundown 'within two miles of the forts, commanding tbe channel On the following morning, Commander Gordon with his division moved past the batteries, which he soon discovered had bean nbnndonedi and immediately sent Lieutenant Command ing Balsh, with tho armed boats, to tako possession of the batteries on St. Simon’s Island, and Lieutenant Henry Miller, of the Mohican , with a suitable force, to take possession of the works on Jekyl Island. On St. Simon's Island were two batteriei, consisting of strong earthworks, and so arranged as to command the ap proach to St. Simon’s Sound. There were twelve em brasures and numerous well, constructed magazines. No gone were mounted, but a ten-inch solid Bhot gun found pear indicated the calibre of some of them. On Jekyl Island were two batteries of much greater strength, however. The one furthest seaward, and com manding the main channel) was a bomb-proof work, con structed of palmetto logs, sandbags, and railroad iron, well supported and braced from tbe interior with masßive timbers. It had mounted three casemate guns—though these, with their carziages and alt the ammunition, had been removed. Tbe other battery, five hundred yards landward, consisted of two casemates and an earthwork, eapable of mounting four guns on barbette; and a maga zine and a hot-shot furnace were attached. Both 3t. Simon’s and Jekyl Islands had been deserted. After examining the batteries, the Teasels passed up the sound to Brunswick, and anchored off the town. A fire was observed near the whuff, which proved to be tlie railioad depot and wharf# the work of the retiring sol* diers. Lieut. Com* Baleh, with a large force, coverod by the guns of tlie Potoniska , lauded atjßnmswick with out any show of opposition, and hoisted the American flag on the Oglethorp House. The town was ontirely deserted, and nearly all the property which could hi removed hod bMn taken away. The leases belonging to the light-house at St. Andrews, and the light house at St 81mon’s(the latter building haring been destroyed by the rebels), could not, after a careful search, bo discovered. The channel buoys which were formerly in the river are still there, but out of place. Proclamations were posted on several public buildings urging the inhabitants to return to their homes, and pro mising protection to the property of all good citizens, and the landing party then retired to tbeir vessels. Nothing was removed from any of the houses, the men under Lieutenant Saleh's commaud carefully abstaining from injuring or taking away the private effects of the inha bitants. I enclose a copy of Com. Gordon's interesting report. Very respectfully, etc. S- F. DUPONT, Flag Officer. To the Hon. Gideon* Wellp.s. FI.AO-SHIP WAUASK, OFF ST. JOHN'S, ) Florida, March 21, 1862. J Sir: Since my last despatch of the 19lh iust. I have received another interesting report from Commander Gordon, giving the details of a reconnoiasance by the Inland passage from Brunswick to Darien, a copy of which I enclose. Commander Gordon, with the Poca hontas, Lieut. Com. Baleb, »od the Poloniska, acting Lieut. Com. W'atmough, with the launch and howitzer of the Mohican, in chargo of Lieut. Miller, proceeded to open the interior communication between St. Simon's Bound and the Allamaha river. He soon encountered an obstruction, consisting of a double row of heavy piles, with their tops just above the water atlow tide. In afew hours a sufficient number were removed, and the Poca hontas and Potoniska passed through, but had advanced only five miles further when another obstructiou of the same kind was met with. After an unavoidable delay, owing to tho rising of the tide, this also was removed and both vesselaentered the Allamaha, and as they turned into the river two rebel steamers were neon moving off from the wharf at Darien, with a full head of steam, rendering pursuit useless, particularly as brasses of the Potoniska shaft bearing had broken, in a mea sure disabling the vessel. Commander Gordon learned from some contrabands who came off from shore that Darien, like Brunswick, was ddstfted, a e&up&by of o&ly remaining in the town with tho intention of bring the place should the steimers approach it. Owing to the crippled condition of the Potoniska, Commander Gordon did not deem it advisable to push his reconnoiasance further, and ac cordingly retnrred through the passage he had cleared to the anchorage at Brunswick. He visited a number of ylantattonß on 3t. Simon’s Island, but with one excep tion all were deserted, though some time previously 1,500 troops were quartered there. . Commander Godon speaks in warm terms of Lieute nant-commanding Balch and Acting Lteutenant-com msnding Watmough, as well as the officers and crews of all the vessels under Mb command, in which I heartily concur, desiring, however, to add my commendation of the zeal and ability of Commander Gordon himself, in carry ing out my views in reference to our occupation of this important section of Ihe coast of Georgia. Tory respectfully, Ac., S. F. DUPONT, Flflff-pfifcf? commanding S. Atlanti c Blockad’g Squadron. To the Hon* Gideoh Welles, Secretary of the Navy. United States Steamed Mohican, > Off Brunswick, Ge., March 10,1862. $ StR : I have the honor to report that, in obedience to sour order of March 5,1 left Fernandina on the morn* jug of the Bth, accompanied by the Pocahontas, Lieu tenant (Commanding Balch, and Ihe Poiomska, Lieu tenant Commanding Watmough, and crossed Fernandina berwith just water enough to comfortably float this ship, made the bert of my way to St. Simon's bar, and reached it at dead low water, passing it and getting into St< Simon's channel, through which I carried aVout seventeen feet, to within two miles of the forts, which coull be plainly seen, commanding Bt. Simon's entrance. Hers, at sundown, I anchored for the night. After dark I shifted the anchorage of the ship to alter the range of any guns that might be aft in the batteries. At daylight made preparations to pau the batteries, and at sunrise, waighed anchor and stood in* Soon disco vered that the batterieß were evidently abandoned, and anchored my littlo force Inside and beyond range of the guns, and made signals to land from the vessels. Lieu tenant Commanding Balch, of the Pocahontas, with three boats, took possession of the fort on St, Simon's Island, consisting or strong earthworks of considerable extent, and having had eleven guns mounted. Some so lid 10-inch shot, found in the fort, would indicate the calibre of some of the guns used there. lon close a detailed report of that battery by Lieutenant Commanding Balch. Lieutenant Miller, of this ship, at the same time occupied the fort on Jekyi Island, which was, it seems, a much stronger position. It was a sand work, with five casemates finished, covered with railroad iron, and very well built, and two unfinished casemates, the iron rails ready to he put up. These two forts commanded the channel for a long dis tance, and their fire creased the entrance, which Is about a mile or a little more wide. Once the batteries were passed, they could offer but little difficulty, as in five minutes the guns of alt the vessels could have enfiladed them, and could even fire tiirictly In the rear, but they would have 1 given a number of vessels severe trouble in getting be : yond them. I enclose the report of Lieutenant Milter, i of the fort on Jekyl Island* As soon as the boats re* | turned, I went on the Potoniska, and proceeded in her | up the river to Brunswick. So soon as we opened the town to view, a heavy fire commenced at the wharf, and, at the same moment perceived the raUroad cars moving at full speed in the woods. lat once determined to bring I up the ships, and place myself off the town, in hopes of preventing. l>y nj presence, the plfwe from being burned, and I at once returned in the Potomska. As I had' the pilot with me, both the Mohican and Pocahontas were under way before I reached them, and we proceeded to Brunswick, off which place I anchored as the sun went down. The cars bad returned, but again started at our approach. The Pocahontas anchored opposite ihe town, but outside of BttZzird Boost Island, the Potomska still higher, and her guoa commanded the railroad beyond the town. The fot lowing morning I sent the Potomska into tho branch opposite the town} neither this ship nor the Pocahontas can well gel in, as at high water only twelve feet wa# found is thd bttlkhASd, End bStVBOSB the wharf and Buzzard Boost Island the river is but about four hundred feetwldo. With the Po tornado Lieut. Balch took charge of a landing party, consisting of twen ty-five marines from this ship, and the Pocahontas and the two 12-ponmder guns, with foity riflemen from toe different vessels, landed and hoisted the flag* The place was deserted, and most of the furniture of the houses removed. Still, there was much private pro perty about, some In soows on the wharf, ready to be xe moved* After a careful examination of auoh Dtuld- tags at might he supposed to contain public pro perty, and a careful butts? was had, I visited the town, and then directed the command to return to the ship, having posted a notice, urging the inhabitants to return, and promising protection to all property far all good citi zens. I enclose Lieutenant Batch's report of hts land ing, Ac. Nothing in the place was touched by the land ing party, and such houses as were not open wero not even entered. I Blncerely hope that at least some good citizens may be found willing to resume their homes un • der my public notice, and I shall not allow the place to be visited, except on duty. The fire we noticed was tbe work of retiring sol diers, and proved to be the railroad depot and wharf. The lenses belonging to the lighthouse were not found. The channel buoys for the river are in the river, but out of place, and the lighthouses destroyed. The town is closely surrounded by woods, is gene rally well built, and extends over a considerable space. Several contrabands have come on board. Soldiers are said to be in the woods not very distant, and most of the inhabitants are said to be abont fourteen or sixteen miles back, encamped. I have sent the Po iamsl'a. and Pocahontas up the river as far as they could go, to reconnoitre. There is a schooner of con siderable size on the stocks, unfinished. Fires have been burning about us, but I believe it is the brush being consumed; nor have I noticed, as far as the poo* pie are concerned, that they are willing to follow the ad vice of Messrs. Toombs and Cobb, by placing the torch In tlia bauds of the children to consume their property. All that is done in that way seems to bo done by the order of military commanders, who, having no local in terest in the neighborhood of the command, have ths heroism to consume the property in which they have no immediate interest. I am very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. W. GORDON. Commander and Senior Officer. Flag Officers. F. Dctont, commanding South Atlantic Blockading Squadron. U. S. Stsamkr Mohioak, > St Simon Islahii, March 16* 180 M Sij:: I have the honor to report that on the 13th inst., I started in the I’otoniska, accompanied by the Pocahon tas, with the launch and ho vltzer of this ship, In charge of Lieut. Miller, in tow, and proceeded through the in land passage toward the Altamaha river. I had beard that there were one or two rebel steamers at Darien, and 1 hoped that I might get possession of them, about live miles from the anchorage at this place, and when I had left the Mohican between the batteries, we found, as I had heard from contrabands, that the river was staked entirely,across We reached tbe spot at low water, and found ft double iow of heavy piles with their beads just above water. I at once got to work with both vessels, and in a few hours hauled enough out of each row to allow* a passage for both vessels, say forty feet; and here, for the first time, I learned that about five mileß beyond another obstruction of the same kind bad been placed. We reached the second difficulty at midnight, placed oar hawser as the tide was rising, but unfortunately, the hawser disengaged itself from the pile, and in tbe night, with the rising tide, we could not find them to go on with the work, and my hope of passiag through during the night was lost. My object was to get into the river, so as to make a dash up to Darien by early daylight, We, Jieweyer, worked hard that day, and by twelve o'clock got tbrongh tins last obstruc tion. Between the two obstructions midway, a bat eery bad been built of mud, with the seeming object of firing at the vessels employed in removing the piles, but which could not be observed from those vessels. As we passed the second obstruction, and turned the river, saw the steam6?B moving off ftaaths whatf at Da rien, with full head of steam, going up the Altamaha river. At sundown I anshored both vessels at Doboy Island, passing to reach that spot, which is on the Alta maha river, through Mud river, at high water, with just twelve feet. We remained that day at Doboy, the wind blowing quite a gale from St W. to W» As I had lost all hope of the capture of steamers, and observing several largv fires in the neighborhood of Darien, I determined to proceed no further at this time, more particularly as we found that the brasses of tbe Potomas7:a's shaft bearing bad broken, and I feared she might become dis abled. I had, indeed, accomplished my object, which was to open the inland passage to Darien, and if tho Potoniska had not been in what I feared a crippled con dition, 1 should have placed her at Doboy, which com* mends the river outlet, or at S&pelow Isl&ud, which commands the entire entrance to tho Altamaha and the inland passage tPSavannah Darien has bee a deserted, *8 wsB Brunswick—this we learned from some contra bands who came off to us—a company of horsemon only remaining in town, with the intention of firing the place should we approach it. I have been from one end of St. Simon's Island to the other; but one white man is left on it. Isawh m; he is with his aged mother and child. He had never been in the army, refused to leave his bouse, and was in mortal dread of our coming, as the military had informed him that we came for the purpose of destroying even the women and children. We procured beef for the vessel at his plantaticn, for which we paid the price he asked, and furnished tbe family with some articles, anch as coffee, salt, &c , which articles they had not even eeen for months, Wo a topped at one or two otber plantations on our way back, all deserted, but had been tenanted by the military at various times, for as late as November some 15,000 troops were quartered there. We found some of the places to contain large quantities of cattle, and at King's plantation, not three miles from the anchorage, we counted some fity ho ad near the place where we landed. All the blacks have been removtd from St. Simon's, and at Doboy we met onlyja negro, wfao was old and ajonc on the place. He had been tbe father of thirteen children, but he informed me that every one bad been sold as they reachod about eighteen years of age, and as he graphically expressed ie, “ for pocket money for his master.' 7 Your orders did not embrace the reconnolssance I have just made, and which has caused a de;ay several days in commu nicating to you my progress to Brunswick. I hope, however, you will approve of my conduct in the matter. I have cow cleared the passage to Darien from the inside, which can be performed rapidly by gun boat! of ten feet draft* Tho draft of the Pot cah&ntas and Potomaka is rather great, as they might be caught and delayed for higher tides. 1 now beg leave, sir, to express myself in warm terms of com mendation for the energy and skill of Lieutenant Com. Balch, and Acting Lieutenant Com. Walmough, and for tbe aid they bnve rendered me in ibe active wrH vre have been engage© in for tbe last eight days, and l take equal pleasure in mentioning the cheerfulness iu this work of the officers and crew of the three vessels en gaged. I have the honor to bo, Ac., B*W GODON* Commander. Flag-Officer S. F. DurosT, Commanding S. A. Block* ading Squadron. Flag* Ship Wabash, > Ofk St. Jabisie, Fla., March 20, 1862. > Sin: I have to inform tlio Department that 1 have heard from Commander Gordon of a dastardly and con cealed attack mode upon a boat’s crew of the Pocahon tas. As I have informed tho Department, Lieute nant Commanding Balch visited the town of Bruns wick without any where discovering an enemy. A reconnoiwancc bad also beet) made for some miles up Turtle creek with the same results; the rebels appa rently fled into the interior. On the afternoon of the 11th inst., Assistant Surgeon A.C. Bhoads, of the Po cahontas, by permission of his commanding officer, landed with a boat’s crew, near the town, for tbe pur pose of procuring some fresh beef for the ships. Having tag accomplished hit object* the boat waa returning to tb© Pocahontas but had sdarcely gone twenty yards from the beach when they were suddenly fired upon by a body ofrebels concealed in a thicket, and I regret to report, that two men, John Wilson, 0. 8., and John Shuter, O. S., were instantly killed, and seven wounded, one, William Delaney, mortally, and two seriously, viz; Wm. Smith, second first-class fireman, and Edward Boh s&ll, (coxswain.) After the rebels had fired their first volley, they called out in most offensive language to surrender, but this demand was refused by Dr. Bhoads, whe, with the assistance of Acting Paymaster Kitchen and H. Kitchen and his wounded boat's crew, pulled as rapidly as they could towards tho Pocahontas, tho enemy continuing their fire. Iu a few minutes a shell from one of the 11-iich guns of the Mohican dropped among them, and quite near to another company of about sixty men, who were advancing rapidly. The rebels scattered and fled in all directions. Several shells were also fired at a locomotive and train observed in the distance it is supposed with effect. Throughout this cowardly assault, Dr. Bhoads displayed great coolness and courage, and in his report of the occurrence, whilst commending the crew generally, he especially meutlons the bravery exhibited by Daniel Harrington, landsman, into which X Bhall make further inquiries. Enclosed are the reportß of Commander Gordon, Lieut. Command ing Balch- and Assistant Surgeon Rhoads. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 8. F. DUPONT, Flag Officer, commanding Sjutli Atlantic Blockading Sqvwdfm Hon. Gideon Welles, Secretary of the Navy. Himo MU-FUST SESSION, REBEL BARBARITIES TO L'.YIO.Y TROOPS. A BECOBD TO BE HADE EOB HISTOBY, ALLEGED VIOLATION OF THE NEW ARTICLE OFWAI Bridge Corporations, Trust Companies, and Insurance Policies to Pay a Tax. THE TAXON ADVERTISEMENTS AMENDED, THE ABOLITION OF SLAVERY IN THE DISTRICT. NO COMPENSATION TO BE GIVEN TO DISLOYALISTS, SPEECH OP SENATOB WEIGHT, OP INDIANA. WashixgtOK, April 1,1862. SENATE. Indians of North Mississippi- Mr. DOOLITTLE (Bep ), of Wisconsin, presented a communication from the Secretory of the Interior, rela tive to the Indians of the Northern Mississippi. Or dered to be printed. Rebel Barbarities* Ur. SUMNER (Rep.), of Massachusetts, offered a re solution that the Committee on the Conduct of the War be instructed to collect evidence in regard to the bar barous treatment by the rebels at Manassas, of the offi cers and soldiers of the United States killed in the battle there. We have been disgusted and shocked at the re ported treatment of the remains of soldiers by the rebels. The skull of a brave Massachusetts officer was made into a drinking cup for the Georgia Tebels. It is evident that we are in conflict with a people lower in the scale of civilization than ourselves. Ho wanted a record to be made for lifetory. Mr. HOWARD (Bep.), of Michigan, moved to enlarge the resolution so as to include an inquiry whether the rebels enlisted Indians, who had committed unheard-of atrocities, and how the savage warfare vrae conducted. If he was commanding general he would make no prison ers ol the men who were eerving side by side with the Indians. The re otutioe, thus amended, was adopted. Military of the District* Mr. WILSON (Bep.), of Massachusetts, introduced a bill for.the better organization of the militia of the Dis trict of Columbia. Urgency of tlie Smithsonian Institute. Mr. DIXON (Rep.), of Connecticut, saiiT that a reso lution was passed yeßterday appointing Mr. Woolsey re gent of the Smitbsoniau Institute. He (Mi*. Dixon) had before offered a resolution to appoint H. Barnard, but had received a letter from Mr. Barnard repeating him to withdraw bis name in favor of Mr, Woolsey. The letter whs read. The Fortress Monroe Department* Mr. HALE (Rep.), of New Hampshire, offered a reso- Intion that the Secretary of War be instructed to transmit to the Senate the correspondence of the War Department and General Wool, relative to tlie movements ©f the army, or put thereof, since he haa been in command of Fortress Monroe. Mr. Pomeroy’s Anendiumt* The question being on the amendment offered by Mr. Ponerej, of Kansas, that an equitable settlement be made with the slave and his master, Mr. POMSBOY spoke In favor of the amendment m a matter of jii»t(C6. He said he came here last April, and nearly all the loyal men he found living in the District were slaves. He did not believe that any slaves were held here by any right, or any law, and we have no right hi pay the masters for Slaves to which they have no legal right. Speech »i Mr. \VrSght r of liuU&ha, oh tlie Abolition of Slavery iu the District of Co- lumbia. Mr. WRIGHT, ol Indiana, {Union Democrat), iu opening his speech, disclaimed all idea of interfering any of the embarrassing questions which had been unnecessarily pressed upon tho attention of Congress* So far as these ultra questions were concerned, he had no difficulty in presenting and representing the views of the* people of Indiana. There was no State in the Unions more loyal—none more devoted to the principles of the- Gouttatffill Mil Vb, Wiß«ipl?S involved iu ttii» war. It io consulted Ilia own feelings on ttifl subject—if no w»s gennltted to suggest wknt appeared to him to b.- tho proper policy for dealing with the affairs of tho natioo. he would put theße oueettoue to tho one 6lde, and exclude from Congrtß* mrjtfeipg hut what wns noceesary to strengthen the hands of the Government m tbe proeecu tionofthewar. Ha found uuestiona of a sectional na ture, and to reference to slavery, crowding ahnoat overy bill before the attention of Congresa. Ho found bids on his table in reference to the *to?«T* fmnehtooia ft* Ma trict; the government of Slatea aa Territories; ft* right or colored people to carry the mail.; let him tarn which way he woald hemet this sectional quwtion. There were other matters of more importance now olalmlng the at tention of Congress. There waa the confiscation Mil—a measure essentially necesearj to putting down this re bellion, because It placed in the hands of ths arm 7 a most eifsctlve oSpneive weapon for dealing with treaiaq. He would prefer to consider these, but could not bo al lowed hla preference. It was proposed to abolish slavery In tbs District of Columbia. Finding this measure before Congress, and not exactly agreeing with the specific provision* presented by other Senators, ho bad offered a bill of his own. That bill was not of bis own creation. A bill similar had been offered by President Lincoln when a member of the House of Representatives. It contained one or two essential features which fienntora were inclined to overlook or ignore, and among others, that nice, just, and beneficent prin ciple—the gradual emancipation of slavery. His own native State of Pennsylvania bod carried into effect the proper policy for dealing with this question of slave ry. In illustrating the course or that State, he quotei from Beijamta Franklin, tu show what the opinions of that philosopher and statesman were upon the question of emancipation. They possessed aremarkftble Applica tion to the present time. Although Pennsylvania at that time had ft half million of white population, and but four thousand slaves; although a sudden abolition ot slavery would Imv? fcfpn **‘*7 * Dd expedient, yet they passed a law declaring tliat slaves should be free when twenty -Bight years of age, and all born after the passage of the act should be born Into a state or "Ttoadora. Pennsylvania did not deem it proper to attempt a sudden emancipa tion. She followed a more gradual and practical method, and the wisdom of her course time has abundantly preyed, ThP history 9f the world is full of instances of men running into extravagance, and rushing along in violation of every wise precedent. These instances only teach us the propriety of taking things as we find them, and of dialing with facts and events as they developed themselves. If lie was permitted to amend the bill before the Senate Vy % aitoptton iff bis own substitute he would Tote for it. I| that course was not followed be would vote against the bill, and for various reasons. In the course of the debate allusion had been inode to the course ot John Quincy Af-ame, and his opinions were quoted for the pur pose of influencing the minds of tho Senators. He would rpcall the fact that there was no recorded opinion of Mr. Adaffis ill FAP4P 6f the abolition of nUvery in the District. In 1837, when Mr. Adams was before the Houbq on the question of presenting anti-slavery petitions, he cited words adverse to abolishing slavery in the District of Co- lumbia. If at that time Mr. Adams was adverse to tie abolition of slavery, he could not see why WIIO claimed to be bis disciples were so eager for its immediate abolition now. In 1837, when Mr. Adams spoke upon the subject, slavery was far more offensive and oppres sive than it is now. Then there were slave pert* aad slave markets—the slave population was double— its condition was more unfortunate. ITe would leave it to the friends of Mr. Adams to reconcile this inconsistency. Since bis day tbe system of slavery bad been ameliorated. In 1850 slave pens and slave markets wore abolished, end so entirely had the uupleosant and unjust features of this system been lessened, that tlit* practice of Belling slaves, even from citizen to citizon* had became obsolete. In thte we Own the operation of natural laws—of social opinion—ot the example and precept of wise and calm men. If these friendß of humanity would not undertake to hasten events, and did not lose sight of justice and wisdom, more would be accomplished in the way of terminating slavery than they can ever be able to do. There wag nothing more utterly prepoßteroni and uiu sound than the idea that seemed tu prevail in favor of negro equality. He would tell the frionda of that doctrine, and, In doing so be merely talked to them as a plain man of the West, that the people of the West would not permit the equality of two inferior races nor their amalgamation. They w?fi!4 B9t Permit tltflf children to be educated amid the associations and in fluences of an inferior black population. The people of Indiana and Illinois had decided in favor of pro hibiting the immigration of the negro, and of coloniza tion. They intended iheir Government to be a white Government, and would not maintain a servile people to fill their jails and asylums. He desired the question of emancipation to be submitted to the people of the Dis trict. If the legal voters had any one right, it was the, right to be consulted in a matter so intimately affecting iheir social systems and customs. This suggested to him qt e remark in relation to tbe rights of the General Government and the rights of the States under the General Government. The President, in his recent message, distinctly said that, while he recommended the people of tbe Slave Slates to contem plate and legislate for emancipation, he did not advance an? right on the part of the central and General Govern ment to interfere with slavery as it existed, or, indeed, with any SOCUI gysutu wh&teVfe? In the States. There were those who contended differently, and viewed tho President’s message in a different light. It was the only epoch in which a President attempted to interfere with tho privileges and powers of a State, or to dictate any question of domestic policy. He would regard any btow at the rights of the States as a blew at the rights of the people. They Bhould be jealously pre served. It was with pain he read in Karope that a dis tinguished American general had said, when looking at our army on the Potomac shore: ** This is the last of the Government; we shall have no more of State lines ” It waß a very pretty sentiment that Freedom was national —Slavery sectional;” but our nationality embraced within Its limits both slavery and freedom, and would continue to do so. Mr. Jefferson had said in 1399 that our State Governments were the best upon earth—but were almost Bwatlowed up by the General Govern ment. lie never, as public man, intended to make apy attempt at interfejence with State rights—not the State rights of Kentucky, which opposed the ad vance of a Federal army across her borders, butdomestic rights—local, judicial, personal, corporate, and munici pal rights. The theory of our Constitution regards the States as independent in these respects, subject to tho general rule of tbe central Government. He drew a vivid picture of Switzerland with her twebty-twd e&a tons, and hoped that America would be induced to imi tate the happy spirit tliore prevailing. He had another objection to the bill &b presented in the Senate. He was among those who saw wisdom in the policy of consulting the Border States, iu relation to the views of those States. New England, In tbe pursuit of a wise commercial policy, hud sons within a step of committing Ike sin of South Carolina, and the kindness we showed to New England should be shown to Maryland, Kentucky, Missouri, Delaware, and Tennessee. Their opinions should be consulted, and he was willing to postpone this measure until we could consult their opinions. There were silent forces at work in this contest He was willing to allow Time, the great arbiter, to follow up and fashion the destinies and principles arising out of this war. Tbe army would be a great element in shaping a new policy. Our troublesnow were the results of great sectional beat and passion. That passten had eubsfcted, Afid in a very few moulha we Would find conservative and calm sentiments controlling the country, and conservative men in Congress. He thought it was proper to pass the law making it a milita ry offence for soldiers to return the slaves of disloyal owners—they should take them, and hold them as a means of hiore effectually injuring the exi&xtty, Ahd Ad vancing our arms. At the B&me time, he applauded General Buell for securing to loyal masters in Kentucky and Tennessee their rights as owners of slaves. Our continued agitation of ultra measures only served to give life to the rebellion, prolong the war, dishearten and destroy the Union sentiment South, Only let the army alone, only pass measures of necessity in Congress, and in ninety days from now Tennessee would be loyal, and peace would reign in every county ; in ninety days further there would be a Union Governor in every Southern State He scofled at the idea that we could not live at peace with slave States, and recognise as fellow-citizens a slavtboldtag people. He loved the di reet-t&x bill, and would vote for any fair measure em bodying direct taxation. He loved it because it brought the people closer to tbe Government, and filled them with a purer and better spirit of loyalty. It would purify both the Government and men. He opposed any unjust or radical measure, but yronld do anything to crush the re bellion—lie would vote for direct taxation and confisca tion. Mr. Wright concluded with a beautiful allusion to the old times when peace dwelt over the land—when onr great men wero in thenaticnal councils—when Indiana and Kentucky lived as brothers, separated only by *‘ the beautiful river, l * but still united in heart and interest. His motto was l4 Do as little as we can in the way of le gislation—let time be the great arbiter.” He was wil ling, if the appropriation and confiscation bills passed, to adjourn to-morrow. By following these wise and con siderate counsels the rebellion would be the ijnirm restored, the Constitution maintained, and peace would again be assured to our people. Na Constitutional Difficulty in tlie Way. Mr. FESSENDEN (Bep.), of Maine, said he had pre sented tlie resolution a of hiß State in favor of this bill, aid pledging his State for her share of tbe payment in cose the measure becomes a law. A constitutional question Lae been raised in objection lo emancipation, but the resolution proposed by the President simply says that tbe United States ought to afford aid, and if the States think it their duty they can make the way iftain for Congress. Thu people of bis State bad made the way plain for Uni, Ih&ugk he, b*d us h«£tiAti&ii before. What objection can there be to it 7 It does not interfere in any way with the States, but leaves everything to their own choice. He believed slavery to be injurious to the whale country, aud, if any part of the people of the States desire to overthrow it, they had the right to give them aid; and, with the best wishes for all tbe States, lie did desire tb&t a parly might ViB£UP l&tk& SUU@B Whg desire emancipation, and the argument against the reso lution, that it would raise up such a party, hai no force with him. But, in regard to tbe abolition of slavery in tbe District of Columbia, nobody can claim that Congress bss not tbe constitutional power to legislate for that Dis trict in any way it may seem best. There never was a time when be would not bare voted lo abolish slavery in the District. He had said repeatedly that the object of the war was to restore the'Constituifon, and not to interfero with slavery in the States, and he meant to keep his pledge, but he did not say, and his party did not say, that it would do nothing which might indirectly affect alAvery. The object of the Republican party waa to free the Government from all connection with slavery. It dees not follow that the Republican party intend to do ar y thing unconstitutional because they do what is pro perly constitutional, and the Senator from Virginia (Mr. Willey) had no right to say that all the measures brought in are a series of one plan. He thought slavery an evil, and wherever he could weaken and injnre slavery under the Constitution he had the right, and it was his duty, to do it. Tbe Senator could not suppose that the Repub lican party was going with shut mouths, not to do ir think anything, and could not expect him to lose any opportunity to dissever the Government from slavery. He should ho false to all the instincts of nature if he did, believing, as he did, that slavery is a wrong and a curse, and, within the constitutional limits, he could not be expected to ileglect any opportunity to strike a blow at slavery. He believed that the time bad como for the abolition of slavery in the District, and he hoped it would be an example to his friend from Virginia (Mr. Carlile) and lead him into the iauks to inaugurate a movement to bring bis own State-into the position she might have. Virginia has nearly as much territory as alt New Eng land, and has unparalleled resources, but look at the dif ference ! What can be the reason, except that Virginia has the institution and New Engtand has not T He never could understand why distinguished Senators exhaust themseives singing hosannahs to slavery, which belittled them and kept them far below tbe position they were ca pable of assuming. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. Tho Illinois nnd Michisnn (Jaimli Mr. WABHBUBNE (Hep.), of Illinois, presented the memorial of the Illinois Constitutional Convention in favor of the enlargement of the Illinois and Michigan Canal, and gave notice that he should ask and early con sideration of the bill to that end, it being a matter of great national and military importance* The memorial waa referred to the Committee on Mili tary A flairs. Pacific Railroad BUI. The consideration of the Pacific Railroad bill was fur* ther postponed till Tuesday next. HffrftllltteH pf !>!<]Hiyy—Gvnaral Hooker* Mr HUTCHINS (Rep.), of Ohio, aßked leave to intro duce the following: , Whereas, Brigadier General Hooker, commanding tbe army of the United States on tbe Lower Potomac, Mary land, on the 28th day of Ma.cb, 1862, issued an order, or uhleh tlie following is a copy i, “HiAnariitTKiiß Gk>\ HoOKiRi&DlviStON, I « Camp Bakkk, Lower Potomac, > u March 26, 1862. ) « To the Brigadier and Regimental Commanders of. this Division ; ■ u Messrs. Nully* Gray* DsnningtoiN. Dent, AdaniSi Speake, Price, Poeey* and Cobey, citizens of Maryland, have negroes supposed to be with some of tbo regiment#. The brigadier genera) commanding directs that fchoy bo permitted to visit all the canipß of his command* tn search of their property, and if found, that they be allowed- to take jwsHton 9f th? »“f wl * bo, “ “P whatever Should any obstacle be thrown; in the|e-wfty by any officer or soldier in the division, they wilte* at once reported to these headquarters. “ BI co ”‘ u ‘ Rnll ° f " DlSlis3N, «« Assistant Adjutant General.” A,n\ x*kered£, By dirsetion of Brisadier Genoral Daniel K. tickles, a report wm made in relation to the said order of General Hooker, of which- the following is “•11k TSKfI OK I'HE Skcomp-Rbclmknt ) EXCKI.fcUGU; ItHTCrADK, > .‘Casip Uai.i., Mitrcb 27,1882. ) u IijiuTEKJXTi Id coupliauce with-verbal directions from Brig. Oen. I>. K. Mcklos, to report a<? to the oscnr rt-nce at this camp on the-afternoon- ol the 20tU tost., I beg leave to submit th« following: '* About 3.30 o’cl.ck I*. M. v on March 2(5, admission, within our Hues wae. demauded by a party of hornemea (civilian?) numbering, perhap** fifteen. They presented ilia litiiteimnt coaiiiißiidirs !hs s«»»a wi® aj order of entrance. from Brigadier General Joseph Hooker, c«nr mandlng the division, a copy of which is appended. The order stating that nine men should be admitted. 4or-, deredthat tho balance of the party should remain, withr out the line?, which was done. Upou the appearamce of the others, these was visible dissatisfaction and coußiflera* We manivuvriuK amongst the soldiers, to eo grait iUI ex tent that 1 almost leased fur the safety of the slave t« At this moment General Sickles opportunely arrived*, and instructed me to order them outside, of the camp* which I did amidst the tow) cheers or our soldiers. “li Js proper to add, th>U bftfOM tutoring Wtf IiUSS, and whenwithin wvenij-five ora hnudced yarfe of par camp, one oftheir number discharged two piatolnsbotsat a negro who was running past them, with an evident in tention to take Ns life, and this justly ©waged anr men. AU of which la respectfully submitted. Cl Yenr pbedient servant, tI JOaN TfttiVl, " Major Commanding Second Reg't E. B, uTo J. I». Palmer, Jr„ A, P- A »A. A. A. Oen. M Therefore Resolved, That the Joint Senate Committee on the Conduct of the War be requested to inquire whether the said order of Gen. Hooker is not*viola tion of the seventh article of war, paattod by Congress and approved by the President, concerning tho action of the army {& the mun of fugitive slaves, a&d to ?*. port inch remedy ae, in the judgment of the committee, will prevent the issue of similar ordors, which, whth» they outrage the feeliogs of loyal officers and men, ne cessarily tend to demoralise the army. Mr. WIOKLIFFE (V.), of Kentucky, before tho reading was completed* objected to (he introduction of the proposition. The Tax Bill. The House then went into Committee of the Whole oa the state of the Union, and took up the tax bill. Immigrant Travel* An amendment was adopted exempting from taxation under the railroad, omnibus, and steamboat section, all foreign immigrants travelling at a reduced rate of fare iuto the interior of tbe country, a distance of over one bm-drecl miles from the seacoast. [During the pronapdiugs, tbe Home found itself with* out a quorum, and much time was consumed Ih Securing one.J Bridge Corporations* Several amendments were made to tbe above section, including a tax of 1% per cent, on the gross receipts of bridge corporations. Trust Companies, A n amendment was adopted including trust companies with the banks, savings institutions, etc., paying the duty of 3 per cent. Insurance Policies* A now section was added, “ that on and after May nest, there shall he paid for, and in respect to every In surance policy which may be made, renewed, or eentln ued, or every endorsement on an open policy, a duty of ten ceuta for every hundred dollars insured for one year,” etc. Advertisements* Mr. COLFAX (Hep), of Indiana, to alrik* out the section levying a duty ou advertisements. Mr. WRIGHT (U.), of Pennsylvania, thought the presß ought to cone up to the mark. Mr. COLFAX was of the same opinion, but lie thought that by this bill, without taxing the advertisements, pub lications were taxed more than they ought to be. They pay more than tbeir proportion of the articles used, and are taxed for paper, telegraphic messages, gas light, Ac. We might as well impose a tax on boarders at a hotel, or on lawyers for every criminal or civil suit. Mr. WRIGHT said that persons engaged in every branch of business, merchants, as wolt as mochanlcs, were not taxed less than newspapers, which ought to bear tbeir just proportion. Mr. STEVENS replied that in England a large income was derived from the tax on advertisements, as well as the newspaper stamp. Tho committee, be thought, bud already nudo largo conconsiona by reducing the tax on printing paper, and striking out timt on ink. Mr. COLFAX said that experience had shown that tha English lax on newspapers and books was a tax on knowledge, and that the people had demanded and se cured a reform iu this particular. The Advertisement Tax Amended* Tha committee disagreed to the motion of Mr. Gotfax* to Strike out the advertisement section, which was finally amended as follows, and then retained in the bill: The tax i* to be assessed only on tho amount received, not on that charged, and it is reduced from five per cent, to three per cen - . Newspapers with loss than two thou sand circulation* of with less than ona thousand dollar* receipts from advertisements, are exempted from paying any advertising tax. The committee then rose, and the House adjourned. PENNSYLVANIA LEGISLATURE. Harrisboiq, April 1,1862. SENATE. Tbe Senate was called to order at 11 o'clock by th* Speaker* a Petitions* Mr. CONNELL, a petit on from 200 citizens of Rox boro’, for the incorporation of the Wissahickou, Box btro 1 , and Plymouth Railroad Company; alto, a petition in favor of the military education of youth at tho Poly technic College of Philadelphia. Messrs. 6ERRILL and SMITH, of Montgomery, *Ath presented a petition In favor of an appropriation to tho Polytechnic College. Mr. BEILLT, petitions for the pasrage of a law to re strict the Delaware and Hudson Canal Company, and other corporations, with reference to mining privileges. Mr. BENSON, from tbs as committed, the joint resolutions recommending a uni form tax upon tonnage. Bills Introduced* Mr. CONNELL, a supplement to the act for the more effectual preservation of life and property from explo* bloliS Of gUfipdWrtfcf, Also, a bill relative to the dividing line between the Seventh and Ninth eh ction divisions of t ie Twenty-fourth ward, Philadelphia. Mr. REJLLY, a bill to prohibit corporations from milling, buying, and selling coal, in Luzerne county. Resolution, Mr. FULLER offered a resolution that a committee of three be appointed to examine into all institutions to which tbe Stale appropriates money, and report tbe ami tint of appropriation necessary to each, with power to examine tbe officers of such institutions under oath, and report the mult of ihoip iimUigatib&a to tha &&2t Legislature. The resolution was adopted. Mr. SMITH, or Philadelphia, made a motion to recon sider the Nellis divorce bill, which motion was postponed for the present. Bills Cousidered, Ac. The kill toclmngo tho name of tho Good Intent Haas Company, Mo, 2, of Phllaldpbia, came up ia order on third reading and passed finally. On motion of Mr. STEIN, the Dill to incorporate the Farmer’s Railroad Company was taken up and passed. On motion cf Mr. REILLT, the bill confirmatory of pf n-ft] estate was c?nf»ilm4 »nd rowdi On motion or pir, pennkt, tbe bill to incorporate tbe Tyrone and Clearfield Express Company was token up and passed. On motion of Mr. SMITH, of Philadelphia, the bill to promote the efficiency of the military of Philadelphia waa taken up, tUficusatd* aud finally referred to the Fir nance Committee. On motion of Mr. IMBRIE, Senate bill 449, supple ment to the act authorizing a loan and providing for the arming of the State, providing for the payment of officers and men of tbe volunteers from tbe time of tbeir onrol rnent* was taken urn discueaed* and finally commuted to a select committee for tevUloD, Adjourned. The Amendment Rejected. Mr. Pomeroy’s amendment was rejected. The Substitute Called Up. Ml CLARK (Rep )* of New Hampshire* called up hla substitute to the bill. New Amendments Preposed* Mr. DAVIS (U.), of Kentucky, offered an amendment to the original Dill that persons be permitted to retain the possession of their Blares till tbe money appropriated be paid them. Rejected. Mr. DAVIS offered anotherataendmeht to Strike ’ OUt the limit of 9300 os tho average amount to be paid for each slave. Rejected—yeas 11, nays 30. . Mr. BROWNING (Rep.), or Illinois, said that he found no difficulty as to the constitutionality of thß measure. At the various tim?B this mensuro has been proposed it lias never been objected to on'tbe groubd of c6LbH tutioballty, but on that of expediency. He had an amendment eugented by a citizen-of this district wfao was himself a slave-holder. He moved to amend Mr. Clark’s substitute by making the average value of slaves $5OO, and providing that one hull be paid to (be masters of loyal, and the other half retained by the Secretary of tbe Treaßnry, and when any person liberated by the bill emigrates to another coun try, it be paid over to him or her. Adopted. Mr. WILLEY (U ), of Virginia, moved an amendment to Mr. Clark’s substitute, so as to provide for the sub mißsion of the uueailon to the people of the Dleifitl bt fere It becomes a law. Disagreed to—yeas 13, nays 24. gjjMr. TRUMBULL (Rep.), of Illinois, offered an amend ment to the original Dili, that no payment be made for any slaves to any person who bore arms in the rebellion against the United States, or in any way has given aid thereto. Adopted, After further discussion, the Senate went into execu tive session, and subsequently adjourned. AFTERNOON SESSION. The Senate reassembled at three o’clock. The following biljs tvero passed» . . An act to promote the efficiency of the mititia of Phi ladelphia. An act to incorporate the Divinity School of the Epis copal Ohurrh of Philadelphia. Au act to incorporate the Wisaahickon and Plymouth Railroad Company. A fiippledient to the act Ihcor|»rftt|dg the Philadelphia and Crescent Navigation Company. An act te incorporate the Philadelphia and Eastern Transportation Company was defeated. An act relative to the Tioga Railroad Company was considered and then postponed. Also, an act relative to the collection of taxes in the city of Philadelphia. Also, an net authorizing stockbrokers to make time sales for periods longer tbau live days. An act prohibiting miners from selling coal, through corporations, in Luzerne county, was referred to the Committee on Corporations _ A motion was made to refer the bill to the Judiciary Committee, which occasioned unite a warm debate be tween Messrs. REILLY and KETCIIAM. The motion to refer to the Judiciary Ctmmittee finally prevailed. The Senate then adjonrned. HOUSE. The Home was called to order at ten o’clock At Mu by Mr. Crane, who was delegated to* act *i Speaker in the absence of Mr. Rowe. The session was set apart for the consideration of bilto of a private character. These were ninety in number, comprising acts relative to roads, ferries, elections, etc., in the interior counties of the State. Those reJaWng to Philadelphia, or of iflt&FSSt Phila delphians, which passed a first reading during the morn ing session, were as follows: .... A further supplement to the act incorporating the city of Philadelphia (relating to the Board of Health). An act to-prevent the Philadelphia* Wilmington, and Baltimore Railroad Company from running locomotives in the city of Philadelphia. A supplement to the act incorporating the Cleveland and Pittfcburg Railroad. A supplement to the act incorporating the- Mahoning Railroad Company. An act authorising the trustees of the Society of Friends in West Cain township, Chaster coaotJi to Mil certain real estate* . . An act providing for the payment of expenses in the contested-election case of Charles F. Abbott. An act to authorize Robert Lindsay to change a cer tain trust estate. A d art for the opening vf BYSBgelist street. Supplement to nn net creating two additional assessors' for the First ward-of Philadelphia. The following were objected to, viz,: Au act relative to the pay per foot for gas-pipe in Philadelphia x . _ An act to provide for a more accurate assessment' or i*bl ©star* in Philadelphia. _ . An'act relating to abridge across the Schuylkill at An act to reorganise the Board of School Control of tho Firri school district was uegatived. Then adjourned’ until 3 P. M. AFTER NOON SESSIOI*. The House w»» again- called to order at three olclncls. Bills Passed. The followiig bill* wwfrpasaed: Au act to incorporate the Shenaugo Valley Gbai' acul Transportation-Company. An act to incorporate tl»e Altoona Ai&Jcfity. An act to Incorporate the Standard IVtfOldUttl'Dfcjftttfii® o« ‘ ;< mpany of Allegheny eomity. An act to extend the act incorporating the Mutual Fire lhimraßce Society of Worminsteri in* ®K«i county. Ap act (5 UidAif&NLta the ClmrtrUi C&metury of Alloa elieny county. An net iolative to the Board of Health of Philadelphia, [Tlii9 hill was amended by Mr. Caldwell, eothefr its pro visions shall not apply to Firßt ward.} An act to Incorporate the Dowulngtewn* Cemetery. A snppleniont to the act incorporating* tho Farmers* Mutual Insurance Company. A supplement to the act incorporating* the* Western Clinical Infirmary. An act supplementary to* eu* act incorporating tha Cle\ eland and Pittsburg Railroad Company. An »cf to p* event trains of feeight caw on tha Penn sylVapla Railrbart'froiu obstrucjlig certain- pnWie roads in Cheat* r county. . „ A >mptetrcrit to the act Incorporating* the Mahoning Railroad Company . A supplement to the act incorporating the Citizens* Passenger Railway Company of Pittsburg. An act- to Incorporate the Journeymoa’a Union Mann.* factoring Oontpepy. . ... . t An act to authorize the trustees of the Society or Friends in West Cain township, Chester county, to w rtniu iral’esUte. Anafit to prohibit* the FbiladeVphfa, Wilmington, ,amt Baltimore railroad fPoxt running teoomolives in Of Philadelphia win, pwtponed, A suwolution foe* tha payment of expenses or tk*COfn« mi'jfce on the contested election case of Chas. F tl aW>ott vsj voted down. Adjourned. The Case of Jackalow. Trksthn, At>H I.—The Waited States Cincnit Court hae’decid'd not'tb para sentence of death eh hut directed the marshal to take him the Mocob ltolly Jail, there to remain until further asters. He.wUfc probably he discharged before long, The Baltimore and OU» Railroad* CincisUati, April I.—The f*e» passenger train, from Baiu'niore, on the Halt iinore a*d Ohio Railroath reached Piedmont, Virginia, at 9 o'clock to-night, and wilt h*dua at W heeling at 4 o’clock to-morrow moralas. Arrival Of the Kangaroo. K«rr Tons, April t —The steamer ASwjflP** has rived. Htrdat,ih»V9 bean antift&thsd. ,
Significant historical Pennsylvania newspapers