t t 4! : ts. MONDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 1805. Closing Scenes. The march of Snniu,w through Georgia and SoTith Carolina continues to be a tri umph as great as the march of NAPOLEON through Italy. It is amusing to compare the threats and bravado of the rebels with the facts that are transpiring every hour. Plainly, the rebels are in a desperate situa tion. The Southern armies are like so many ten-pins, and SnanzaAN rolls among them like the ball from the strong hand of the cunning bowler. To use the quaint and apt simile of another writer, in this warlike game of chess SHER awI has won a piece from his op ponent, and is an army ahead. He is pressing this advantage. The rebels di vide, entrench, appeal, and concentrate, but in vain. Just where they expect to meet the-conquering Yankee they do not meet him. When their line is selected, and the works manned, SHERMAN quietly walks around them, and leaves his enemy in his rear. This eccentric warrior vio lates every rule of military science. BEAU- BascaAßD has been the "lion in his path " since he left Atlanta, but somehow the lion generally avoids the path of our army, and beyond a few snappish exhibitions of bark ing,likeWHEELEß'S cavalry assaults, makes no serious demonstration. The news we print this morning shows that Charleston is a doomed city. Perhaps, as we write these lines, the hated Yankee may be sunning hirdself in the home of the indomitable Southerner. SE,LERMAN has already isolated the city from the rest of the Confederacy, and with the instinct of the rat, which never places trust in a sinking ship, the notorious Mercury, editors and all, has hurried off to some safer neat. There could be no surer sign of aßproaching storm. When the newspapets bundle up and hurry away there is danger. The footfalls of the Yan kee are near at hand. The mere capture of Charleston will be a moral as well as a physical triumph. In the streets of this city the name " South ern Confederacy" was first heard ; here the first ordinance of secession was passed, and, since that fatal day in December, the people of Charleston have been clamoring for blood and vengeance. The war has been too tame, and indirect for their san guinary hopes. Even DAVIS has been too slow and peaceful. This very Mercury, whose peripatetic editor is now wan dering with his types and paper for some spot where he may be out of the range of Sumoures guns, has clamored for the black flag of piracy and death. With him and his people there has been a constant demand for the blood of the whole Yankee race. Along the streets of this city the flag which even now may be float ing in triumph over the bayonets of armed men was dragged and trampled in the dust. The hour of retribution has come. Nemesis, with guns and horsemen, and every instrument of war—Nemesis, in the person of one of the most illustrious soldiers of the age, is now engaged in the work of retribution. While4he people of Charleston are lis tening to the guns of SE.E.EIIiN with a feeling far different from that with which they heard the sad and slowly-booming guns of Sumpter four years ago, BENJA... row, and DAvis, and LEE are on their knees before the black 'man of Virginia, and begging him to arise up from slavery and fight this battle. They strike the fetters from his feet, and beg him to take his place in the battery and the column by the side of the REETTS, the RAlmor,rns, and TALTAFERROS. The hands that once gave him the lash now give him the musket. Think of it I Could this do sing scene be more majestic, or this hour of retribution more sweet ? Charleston trembling before SITERKLN -- Richmond begging the negro to save it from GRANT ! clod knows we do not write this wish in any spirit of revenge, for we would not wish any undue severity to the most hardened rebel, but we would rejoice at nothing more sin cerely than the severest revenge upon this metropolis of South Carolina. 'We could see it razed from the ground and salt sown upon its foundations with satisfaction. The pardon we willingly hold out to Mobile and Savannah, and even to Richmond, we do not reserve for Charleston. It has sinned beyond hope or pardon, and we wish it to be made a naming and a memory to traitors until the end of time. National Inquiry into Taxation. It is the duty and especial privilege of Congress to impose the taxes which-are necessary for maintaining our integrity as a nation—that is, for carrying on the Go vernment, defraying the cost or the war which has been forced upon us, paying the interest of the money which necessity com pelled us to obtain on loan, and, at the same time, proceed with the great public works which, under no circumstance, ought to be suspended. It must be con fessed that, to a nation previously almost ignorant of internal taxation, the precipi tancy with which our new fiscal system was organized and inaugurated was ex tremely trying, and it is not to be wondered at that, in the desire to raise money, little or no consideration was bestowed upon the just and proper principles whose opera tion bests adapts the burthen to the back. Perhaps it was a necessary consequence of this enforced yet not unnatural precipi tancy that the manner of collecting the new revenue has been, and is, unnecessa rily costly and cumbrous. The time has arrived, every one will admit, when the system may be advantageously revised, and the cost of collection simplified and diminished. If there is one species of pub lic officers more unpepular than another in any country it is an army of tax-gatherers, and this, it frequently may be, without any personal demerit or wrong- doing of the parties themselves. To-day,"in the 'United States Senate, a very • important resolution offered by Mr. Su:swan will come under discussion, Nr. S. will move for a Commission of three to be appointed by the Secretary of the Treasury to examine into and report upon the subject of taxation, and Sena tor CLARK would add to this resolution, as "a rider" (or amendment), that this Commission shall also inquire into the manner of the collection of the Internal Revenue. This inquiry, compound yet simple, for the two objects naturally dovetail into each other, comes three years too late, for it surely ought to have preceded taxation. However, better late than never. If made, it must be thoroughly and honestly, and ought not be confided to mere theorists—. not to simple statisticians, imposing pam phleteers, smart speechmakers, or .dreamy idealogists—but to practical men, who, having obtained their experience in the world of business, have also some book knowledge of the subjects which they will have to investigate. It may be necessary for them, in order to pursue this inquiry satisfactorily, to visit other countries and obtain precise information as to the man ner in which taxes are there imposed and the cost of collecting them. On the first point, we belive that ADAM Rums, hi his " Wealth of Nations," has fairly stated the true principles of taxation —the reason why such and such imposts ought to be levied in preference to other imposts. His maxims are : "First. The subjects of every State (the means of -every country), ought to contribute towards the usnearly as possible, in support of the Government, ,proportion to their respective abilities ; that is, in properuen to the revenue which they respectively enjoy under the protection of the State. it Seeend. The tax which each Individual is bound to pay ought to be certain and not arbitrary; the - time of palment, the manner of payment, and the qmtity to be paid ought to be clear and plain to theloOntributor and to every other person. • " Third. Every tax ought to be levied at the time, and In the manner, in which it is most convenient for the contributor to pay , ft. Fourth. Every tax ought to be so Contrived as both to take oat and keep out of the pockets of the pop]e ea little as possible over and above what it brings into the public treasury of -the State.ii " Add to this the principle of direct taxa? tion, and we can readily arrive, in this country, at a proper system, as a substitute for the ignorant guess-work of the " Ways and Means" imposers oftaxes. Mr. CAnur observes, with equal force and truth (Prin ciples of Social Science, vol. 111., p. 191) : "The Government of the United States has, throughout most of its existence, been misled by the erroneous idea that indirect taxation was the legitimate mode of raising the public revenue ;" and he states another well-ascertained fact (page 193) : "The countries In which direct taxation tends to supersede that which is indirect are those in which commerce is gradually acquiring power over trade, in which the circulation is becoming more rapid, and in which land and labor are gradually acquiring value." We may add, too, that direct would press less upon the productive industry of this country than indirect taxation. Put a tax of two cents upon the four-pound loaf of bread, and instead of laying on that addi tion the baker who sells "the staff of life " will inevitably add three cents, at least, to the price which he exacts. On the second point (the manner of the collection of the Internal Revenue,) which is to be considered in the United States Senate this day, we have to say that it in volves the important points—hoto that reve nue is collected, and what that collection costs. It would not surprise us were the Commie sioners to report that the internal revenue staff is at once too numerous and too costly, that three men are gyerally employed to do the work of one, and that the salaries and other emoluments of office are exorbi tantly great. In this city of Philadelphia, each of the four Collectors of Internal Re venue receives a salary considerably_larger than the Vice President of the United States, or, any or every member of the Ca binet is allowed ; indeed, considering that to this Belau ,may be added a per-centage on the sale of stamps, and that each reci pient is under no necessity, as at Washing ton, to.exercise a liberal hospitality and make a certain display, each Internal Reve nue Collector here, and in other great cities, s much better off, in a pecuniary manner, than the Vice President, each Cabinet mi nister, the Chief Justice of the SUpreine Court, and most of our ambassadors to fo reign countries. In point of fact; one ac tive, intelligent, trustworthy person, with a reasonable but not absurdly large com pensation, ought to be adequate to super vise, as Collector, the internal revenue tax ation even of such great cities as New York, Philadelphia, Beaton, Baltimore, &c. Having considerable faith in.the sagacity of " old laws" in preference to " modern instances," we have been unconsciously reminded, while discussing this payment part of the question, of an old English pro verb—" The King's cheese is lost in the parings." This was true, in the old coun try, formerly. The implied reproach scarcely has any point now, for the cost of collecting the public revenue in England has become very small. We have no book at hand, as we write, to give us the precise cost, but venture to say, from our previous acquaintance with the subject, that the collection of all the British revenue is not more than, if as much as, three per cent. And we venture to predict that a searching inquiry into the coat of collecting our In ternal Revenue would show it to be not less than from seven to eight per cent. It would not surprise us to fine it average as much as even ten per cent., which, we need not say, comes out of the pockets of the public. Indeed, in our opinion (which is that of practical men who have favored us with their views upon the subject), respon sible parties might readily be found who would give unexceptionable security for collecting the Internal Revenue, income tax included, for two per cent., and would be handsomely compensated for their labor at that. Of course, they would abolish the present system, costly and cumbrous, of allotting great salaries, and also allowing large extra profits, to unnecessary and too numerous officials—ornamented figure heads—men whose main duties are done by deputy. Verily, the parings absorb vastly too much of Uncle Sam's cheese. Iv our readers have forgotten Mr. LIAM CORNELL JEWETT, MT. JEWETT has certainly not forgotten them, nor does he intend that they shall forget him. This wanpiering peace commissioner, who seems to b an uneasy and restless dove, with no place on the earth to set his feet ; who flut ters from the windows of the Tuileries to the walks of the Clifton House, and writes letters to everybody with an amiable in difference as to whether they are ever an swered or not, is one of the characters•of the war. We prefer him to' STEPHEN H. Bruno; or Count Gunowsm, or even the recently non-suited Count Jontartrzs, for Jim's= has been in good society and has actually written letters to the Emperor of France. JEWETT'S last manifesto is that he is now convinced of the necessity of war—of war so extensive that he not only desires to whip the South, but France and England and the whole world. How JEWETT could have shed his feathers and changed his plumage so rapidly is a mys tery ; but this is a strange world, and beings like jEwvrr are not to be tried by human tests. We congratulate him upon his sentiments, and suggest that, as •he wants to fight so badly, he enter the army and receive the bounty like a good citizen. JEWETT with a musket on his back would certainly convince the rebels that their cause was hopeless, and •lead to an uncondi tional submission. Tun appeal of the Christian Commission, published in another column, should not be disregarded. This is one of the charities of the war, spontimeously growing up out of the heart of the people, and witlrthe Sani tary Commission doing good to thousands whom: the more cumbersome routine of the Government could never reach. Now that the war is entering upon its closing scenes, we should make every effort to strengthen and cheer up these noble Chris tian gentlemen in their self-imposed duties. We cordially unite in the' appeal, and if any contributions are sent to our care we shall see that they are handed over to the officers of the Commission. "The Press' , Relief Fund. The amount of funds received, though personally in some instances very liberal on the part of the readers of The Press, yet, In the aggregate it is far below the requirements of fall sympathy. It Ulm poasible to imagine the deep distress resulting from the recent conflagration in the Second ward. The reality le sufficient to awaken a sympathetic re- OPOnse from a heart of stone. The following subscripitions In ald of the suffer era were received at The Pros °Moe, on Saturday : S $5 00 Cash 100 Cash 5 00 Fupils of the Northwest Secondary School.. 86 25 F. 0 1 50 W. DI 500 M. M 5 00 58 75 4,55 . 6 51 Total amount received . . $4,595 28 Amount paid over 2,211 53 Ain't on hand &wafting the Commltte....ea,aaa 75 Gamma. Coitras.—We have pleasure Lz an nouncing that Brig. Gen. Collis has been con firmed in his rank by the United States Senate, and that he has been appointed commandant at City Point. Arrival of Wounded at Annapolis. BALTIMORB, Feb. 19.—The AT/Miele/I, has aepeotal despatch from Annapolis saying that 926' paroled men have just arrived there from the South, many of them in the most horrid condition. The build ings will soon be cued with sick and wounded men.„ The Overland Telegraph. ClivicAoo, Feb. 19.--The Overland Telegraph line to the Pacific le hilly repaired, and in perfeot work ing order. Salt Lake City and New York have been in direct communication without repetition all day. The Great Boston Sale of Dry Goods. Bemis, Feb. 10.—The hotels are filling up with merchants from all seotions of the country to attend the trade sale, which oommenoes on Tuesday next. It will be a great event in the dry goods line, and will aortae anything of the hind heretofore known. Over 10,000 bales of goods were entered wp to last evening. Arrival from lew Orleans. NEW YORK, Feb. 19.—The Steamer Guiding Star has arrived from New Orleans. The steamer Fort Morgan, from Nem Orbane and the Gulf Squadron, has arrived, with 8T officers and 447 discharged men from the West Gulf Squadron. Movements or in eneral Palmer. Lourtavaam, Feb. i.e.—Major General Palmer arrived hero this SOUTH CAROLINA. GREW NEWS FROM GEN. SHERMAN COLUMBIA IN HIS POSSESSION. HITMILLAM/BIG ADMISSIONS OP THE REBEL PAPIIMS. OBABLEBTON PROBABLY BRING EVACUATED. Sherman Able to Subsist without any lime of Supplies. His Main .113ody Concentrated at Columbia. Wilmington Tkreatened from a New Point, THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE CAPTURE OF EHANCINILLE. ARRIVAL OF A COURIER FROM !HERMAN. PORT ANDERSON PROBABLY ABANDONED AND BURRED. ERDITORCEMIENTO OUT TO GEL TERM Despatches from Shermaasent to liVashington, OFFICIAL GAZE rTE. WASHINGTON. Feb. 19-10 o'clock P. bl.—The announcement of the occupation of Columbia, S. 0., by General Sherman, and the probable °vacua tionof Charleston, has been communicated to this Department, in the following telegrams just re• • calved from Lieutenant General Grant. EDWIN N. STANTON, Secretary of War. CITY Foam, Feb. 18-1.45 P. Er. Hon. Edwin If. Stanton, War Department: The Richmond - Dispatch of this morning Says ,that Sherman entered Columbia yesterday morn, lug, inid its fall necessitates, it presumes, the fall of Charleston, which it thinks likely Is already being evacuated. 17. E. GRANT, Lieutenant General. CITY POINfT, Feb. 11. Hon. Edwin M. Stanton, War Department, Wash ington: The follOWlng la taken front to•day's Riehniend Dispatch? C . THB PALL OP 419L172181A. "Columbia has fallen. Sherman marched into and took possession of the oily yesterday morning. I. This intelligence was communicated yesterdal by General Beauregard in an Metal despatoh. Oolumbla is attested on the north bank of the Oongaree river, just below the °enflame* of the Saluda and Broad rivers. From General Beauregard's despatch it appears that on Thursday evening the enemy approached the south bank of the Congaree, and threw a num ber of 'shells into the oity. During the night they moved up the river, and yesterday morning forded the Saluda and Broad rivers. Whilst they were crossing these rivers,\ our I troops, under General Beauregard, evacuated Columbia,. The enemy soon after took possession. " Through private sources we learn that two days ago, when it was decided not to attempt the defence of Columbia, a large quantity of medical Morel, which it was thought Impoasible to remove, were destroyed. 41 The female employees of the Treasury Depart ment had been previously sent off to Charlotte, N. 0., a hundred miles north of Columbia. We pre sume the Treasury lithographic establishment was also removed, though as to this we have no positive Information. " The fall of Col umbia Deem Rata, we presume, the evacuation of Charleston, which we think likely Is already in proof:Ws of evacuation. " It le impossible to say where Sherman will next direct his columns. " The general opinion is, that he will go to Charleston and establish a base ; but we confess that we do not see what need he has of a base. It Is to be presumed that he is subslating on the country, and he has had no battle to exhaust his ammunition. Before leaving Savannah, he declared his intention to march to Columbia, thence to Aognata, and thence to Charleston. This was uttered as a boast, and to hide his designs. "We are disposed to believe that he will neat Strike at Charlotte, which is a hundred miles north of Columbia, on the Charlotte and Columbia Rail road, of at'Ylorenee, South Carolina, the junction of the Columbia and Wilmington and the Charles ton and Wilmington railroads, some ninety miles east of Columbia. " There was a report yesterday that Augnsta had also been taken by the enemy. This, we do not be. iieve. We have reason to feel assured that nearly the whole of Sherraan , s army Is altogether at Clo lumbla, and that the report that Scofield was ad vanolng on Augusta is untrue." - [From the Whig. Rumover..—The Charleston Mercury of Satur day announces a brief ouspenslon of that paper, with a view to its temporary removal to another point. This is rendered necessary by the progress of military events cutting it off from the mail facili ties for distributing Its paper to a large portion of its subscribers, while • the lack of transportation renders its supply of paper precarious. " Semmes has been made Rear Admiral, and will take command of the James River Squadron." U. S. GIANT, Lieutenant General. Foam Fisiram,,N. 0., Feb. 13.—A. courier from General Sherman to Admiral Porter arrived at Smithville yesterday,. having ridden across the country at great peril, announcing the capture by Sherman's forces of the town of Branchville, after three days' hard lighting. The capture was doubtless effected on the Bth instant. This glad news Is confirmed by the Wil mington papers of the 9th, as well as by other arri vals of refugees at Smithville. No particulars of the affair are given. The announcement of the result has caused the highest exuberance of spirit in this command. New York Herald. FORTRESS Monson, Feb. 17.--Tite steamers New York and George-Leary arrived here last evening with released Union prisoners from Rich mond, and sailed for Annapolis. Col. Mulford re mained at Marina to effect the exchange of priso names fast as they arrive. Other steamers have gone up the James river with rebel prisoners, and the exchange will be made as rapidly as possible. The steamer Arladne arrived here to-day from Fort Fisher. Her captain reports that our forces had expected to make an attack upon Fort Anderson on the 13th inst., but failed to do so for some cause to him unknown. Before he left Fort Fisher he saw a bright light in the direction of Fort Anderson, and the supposition was that the fort had been abandoned and burned by the rebels. The steamers Northerner ana Ellen S. Terry sailed from here this afternoon for Fort Fisher, with colored troops for Gen. Terry. The steamer Lord siana of the Bay Line, arrived here to-day from Baltimore, the ice being broken up sufficiently for travel to be again resumed between here and Baiti. more. Several more schooner loads• of coal are anxiously looked for here. The steamer Blackstone arrived here this after noon from Savannah, stopping at Hilton Head, S. O. The captain of'the Blackstone brought deepatches from General Sherman for the authorities at Wash ington, which were telegraphed from here to the capital. The captain of the Blackstone was not Informed of the nature of the despatches, and knew nothing important of Sherman's movements. GEN. GRINT'S ARMY. CAPTURE OF A REBEL REGIMENT ABOVE BERMUDA. ' The Howlet House Battery at Work Again OUR IRON-CLADS FIRED ON. Shelling the Military Road. SUPPOSED DESIGNS OF THE ENEMY. ARRIVAL OP EXCHANGED PRISONERS. CRAWFORD'S DIVISION IN TRIG MOILER'S BUN BATTLE. HAND•TO-HAND FIGHTING WITH THE ENEMY. THR DIVISION COMPLIMENTED BY GENERALS MEADE AND WARREN. -C. Etlmands.-. [Special Clorressandenee of The Press.] OIT POINT, February 17,1865. Night before last there was quite a heavy artillery and musketry fire heard on the left of the Army of the James, Indicating heavy picket skirmishing, if nothing more;and yesterday we had the gratifying Intelligence t hat some little hostilities had taken place, resulting in the capture of a regiment. They are now en route for this point, and will, no doubt, reach here to-day. By a "rebel regiment," how ever, must not be understood the full complement of a thousand and ten men ; a rebel regiment that numbers three hundred mon is considered to be, nu merically, an efiloient organization. The Howlet House Battery, one of the most for midable batteries that the enemy posseis this side of the Tames, though mostly silent except upon extra occasions, gave, some Indications of life and energy day before yesterday. Half a dozen of our iron-olad gunboats having gone up the river upon that day, until directly within range of the battery, the rebels opened fire vigorously. several anew passed over the deck of the Miami harmlessly, and killed and wounded nine men on one of her iron-clad consorts. Our fleet was necessarily unable to re spond to the salute with any effect, being unable to elevate their guns to a sufnotent height to play upon the rebel works. Opposite Hancock Station, andsome distance be yond, the rebels have guns in position, with which they have on numerous omissions shelled the City Point 'Whop!, but never with damaging effect, as, in the short time required by the trains to pass a given point, it was impossible for , the rebel gun ners to got the required range. Ones they sum ceeded in putting a shell through the smoke-Stack of a locomotive. The odium in Charge of the rail road took the hint, and at the most oupased Too. Lima Ciao route mama to be Mori TIM PRESS?"-PITTEADELPIfiR; MONDAY; FEBRUARY 2.0; 1865: up. Nevertheless, the trains are manor less visible NUR within the rebel linee,and the eneMy, every 11 44' while, send over a few ahellrto scare timid travel lere. 'Yesterday they dropped three' or four shells within two hundred yards of the track Just as the' train was dishing along. If they had not out the fuses so short somebody might have got hurt. Bat, practically, travel on the United States Military Read is attended with no greater dangers than a trip on the Camden and Amboy, or any other North ern route, would be. Though having bat a single track, and running trains night and day over rails laid totally regardless of " grades." a collision has never yet taken place, nor probably half a dozen lives been lost. The InCleatione Still lead to the conclusion that Lee, tired of lying on the defensive, will, at an early day, make a determined aggresehre movement; and there are conclusive reasons for believing that his operations will be direoted with a view to.piercing our centre, and so forcing na Sorel= the tight grasp we now hold upon PiSteretrerg.. (ippoeite our centre the enemy have some of their strongectforte, mount. lag artillery of formidable calibre, which could be used withl great effect to (foyer 'any advanoe upon our lines from this direotiori. Still, mere speedo/ton as to the design of the rebels le, of all occupations, the most unaiktisfsatory. • • • Suet so the mall le oloolng I am inforined that three thousand of our soldiers, released by exchange from the Blolunond prbions, are coming down the river. The statement may not be Incorreot. At the front everything to very quiet, retyinud dye and very Doggy this morning. [Special Correspondence of The Press.) much indignation exists among the officers and men of Crawford's division, of the 6th Corps, at tne injustice which ,was done them in some of the pub liehed accounts of their late tight at Hatcheee Run. The reputation of this division is especially dear to Pennsylvanians, as a majority of its regiments are from that State. It is a oonsoldation of the old ist. Army Corps, and has esprit de sorps enough to be sensitively proud of its record. The faots, as gathered from numbers of my aingiaMtences who participated in the movement, arethat the troops . never behaved better, not even at altityaburg. They fought the two rebel divisions of Gordon and "gram_ at close range, alternately driving then/ anti being forced batik again, until not one magi infoui had a angle round of ammunition left, standing in their lines with fined bayonets, and keeping up the &leg with what cartridges could be gathered :from the wounded and dead, until they were ffimiged on the flank by a third• rebel division (fdahene's), when they fell back, in as good order as the nature ofitlie . ground would permit, and without panie,to their , brae/IV/mks. 'The stubbornness of the Aghtingis attested by the fact that men of the 121st Pa. Vole. are hi hospital with bayonet wounds' received in hand.to•hand conflict. The fighting having Mien in a dense forest, the casualties are • not so great as , would have been the case in an open country. The instances of personal gallantry which bare come to my knowledge are so numerous that I lAA mention none without being invidious. Generale Meade and Warren both thanked General Crawford, the eve ning of the battle,`for the conduct of the troops. ATTEMPT OF THE REBELS TO STRENGTHEN THEIR LINES. THE ENTRENCHING DETACHMENT , BBIYIN BittE , BY ORB TROOPS; r Arrival of Belease4l Union Prisoikers. THE REBEL EXCHANGE BOAT BLOWN NE BY A TORPEDO. Ceorreepodenee of the eleoole4d Praise ] Haranqueirrears AAA OP ma Sawa% February Fr. 1865. Deserters from the Confederate army artfilng at headquarters state that. this between 12 and 1 o'clock, a company from each regiment of Stewart's brigade of Pickett's dlviskin, were sent out to advance their picket line about 160 yards, In order to strengthen as well as straighten their line on the Bermuda Hundred front, opposite the position held by the 2d Pennsylvania heavy artillery. On being discovered they were bred upon by our pickets. and after about twenty shots they retired to their own lines. The party making the attempt are reported as *having been supplied with entrenching tools to throw up works for their defence f and when fired upon retreated in the utmost disorder; not waiting to return our ,firet. Their loss is not known. _ Nine hundred and eighty-three Union prisoners, including ten oillsers, mostly from 'panville, came down from Richmond on the rated steamer Uam Allison to Goals Landing. 'Tb 7 ware re. cowed and cared for by Lieutenant A. S. Merrill, acting assistant quartermaster at these headgear. tern. About five o'clock, as the Allison wee on hl. re. turn trip to Richmond, and when a short distance above Fort Brady, she struck a topedo, which ex ploded and completely wrecked her: Ship had on board 213 packages of blankets and a \number of other articles ter the prisoners, belonginrmostlyto the'State of Indiana. The loss of. life is unknown. There Is no change in the weather and .the-roada are very bad, owing to the continued The Mexican Rethgee-Runtiog . Story REPULSE OF REBELS AT PLAOUEMIIVE Nsw Yomr, geb.lB.—The steamer George Crom well has arrived with New Orleans advicesof Feb: 11th. She left the steamers. Guiding Star and Miming Star ashore below Ne* Orleans.! The Times makes light of the report that rebel refugees have been sent back from Matamoros to Texas, and that Canby is to retaliate. The story Is probably a canard. A rebel force of one hundred and twenty men attacked twenty-five men of the 31st Massachusetts Regiment, near Fltuittemine, on the 4th Inst. Oapt. Rice and hie men Stood the rebel charges, and beat them off, leaving some of their dead and wounded In our hands. Our lees was one killed and two wounded. THE LOWER MISSISSIPPI MOVEMENTS OF GEN, WASHBFRNE, CA.IBO, Feb. 18.—The steamer Liberty passed up today from Memphis, with eighty bales of cotton for Evansville. Get oral Washburne had arrived at Mensal!' from Vicksburg en route for the Army of the James, but, meeting with countermanding orders, would return to Vicksburg. The draft to nil the quota of the district of Nem phis, under General Oanbyleorder, passed, off quiet ly. Three hundred and eighty-seven - names were drawn. 7138 RIMEL BBD RIVER NLINIT--ATTACK ON A )LIB: Odin, Feb. 19.—Five hundred and fifty bales and one htmdred and fifty bags of cotton have ar rived here fel St. Mule, and three hundred for Cin cinnati. New Orleans advices of the lath have been re ceived. The rebel iron•elad Bliseotul, and two wooden gunboats, comprising the entire fleet of the enemy on Red river, are below Alexandria, closely watched by our gunboats. Three hundred bales of cotton from the prise bark Solarize were sold at auction at New Orleans. Good ordinary Sec; mid dling 67. Sugar 16020 c. Alolasees 461.24(31.23., illestrnis, Feb. 17.—The steamer Memory was attacked by rebels near galena, and several, gm. diers were wounded. The rebels were Seedy die• periled by the gunboats. The ygemphia Bulletin says It Is reported, upon authority worthy of consideration, that the cotton trade will be closed In this department within twenty days, by order of the President, and will be reopened upon new principles after his proposed visit South and West, which Is looked for * moon atter the 4th of Nara. The Union men of this city are preparing a gread reception banquet for W. G. Brownlow, who is ex pected here in a few days. The rebel General Forrest, commanding the Ms= triot of Mississippi, West Tennessee and East Louisiana, hits established lila headquarters at Jackson, Miss,, and is conscripting guerilies and sending them to Richmond, to be put into the Army of Virginia. The steamer Dove was captured and burned near Helena, Arkansas, and the Seth Regiment were taken prisoners. Colonel Dean, commanding, was BANQUET TO. THE LEGISLATURE A.ED STATE 00N TENTIOA...DIV3TRITOTIVE TIRE. ST. LOUIS, Feb. 18.—The Legislature has so- Cepted an invitation of the Chamber of Commerce of this city to visit St. Louis and partake of 'a ban.' quet, and have defignated Tuesday, February 21, as the time. The State Convention has also been In. vited to share in the festivities. The extensive spoke faotory of Woodburn & Scott Romer, at the comer of liroadway and Cott streets, was burned last night. The loss amounted to two hundred thousand dollars, on which there was an insurance of forty-four thousand dollari. WAR RESIIHRD AGAINST THE INDIANS IN ARIZONA -430V.NLAISDELL, OP NIRVANA, ON THE OONSTI f4~•L~UJ.A~'!~~' , ea:~.7'~r~4;Y~L^ekU:Ldas , :B:fr»~:F E:.~~t~a Sax Fitsasonsecs Feb. U.—Arizona papers report that scouting parties have been started'out agaMst the Indians, sad that exterminating warfare will be commenced. SAN FRAVOISCO, Feb. 10.—d_rrIved, 4,140 Sea Serpent and Great Republic, from New York. Governor Blaisdell, of Nevada, has presented .a message to the Legislature, relative to the piling. of the conatitutional amendment for the abolition of slavery. Ile reciommenda.aotion thereon. > The Governors of Idaho and Arizona Territories are on their way hither en route for Washington. - Sew Fneworsoo, Feb. 17.—A. suit 111 now pending in the United States District Court to test the vall ditY of , various seizures of champagne by the owl tom,house authorities, on the ground of an attempt to evade duties by systematic underratingof value and false invoicea. The result of the SSdt will make a difference of *lOO,OOO annually at this port. Arrived, mall steamer Saerainento, from Pana Ma, with the passengers that left New York on January 28d. The opposition steamer America, with the passengers that left New York Jwauary itotii, has 0110 arliV,3% WAsialraTozr, D. 0, Feb. 18,1865. ARMY OF THE JAMES. DEPARTMENT OF THE. GUM. Discredited. THE DHAI'T AT .31E/APHIS. „rz .: .. cs; T. LOUIS. CALIMPOBNI/L. THE SOUTH. k.0,41.7Merr ViZOIK iucniotn THE NOTENETB IN SOUTH CAROLINA., SOUTHERN OPINIONS. The Recent Peace Conference SEVERER MEASURES IN THE BOUM. BOBBING THE • CRADLE AND TEE GSM Preparations for a Fearful Struggle. Mortar Firing near Petersburg. RUMORS ABOUT SHERMAN. LEM ORDER ON ANSUMINO :OENKRAL OOMM&ND INt TEEM REBEL• COIWGRESB THE WAR. .WABHINGTON, Feb. 31.--Itichmend papers to the 16th have bowl received at TEX Fame Bureau is this city : 13017TH CSA.I3.9LTNA--BRICR.M.A.IOB ICOVEZIENTEI. Sherman's movements in South Carolina. still draw • attention. Parties who left Columbia Pd. day last report a general belief that Sherman had out loose.irom Branchville and Was moving towards Kingsville or Columbia. The Congaree has to be orcesed before reaching either place. At Eingsville 'Sherman would he able to destroy the Columbia 'end' 'Charlotte and Wilmington and Manchester Balboa& at one and the same time. But this' is looking • very far ink.' the distance and over the head pita great many uncertainties. • AL Columbia paper of Sunday last says that Gen Beauregard and staff, consisting of Cot Otey, 00 /. Rice, Captain Beauregard, Captain Ferry; and Dr. Brodie, had been in that city, and were stopping at Nickerson's hotel there. - „ - The same paper states that a portion of the enet. my's forme have orossedthe South. Edisto atßenna kers ferry, and are slowly pushing forward towards the north branch of thatrivei ; and it thinks that the probabilities are thatthis niovement Es madefor the double purpose of cutting the Coluinbia and Charleston road, and Wilmington and Xancheater road- at or near Kingsville - This, however, is spe culation ; and the facts are only thole which were stated, in another and oftlelailorm, some days ago, liseraa.—We learned, at a late hour last night, that, a despatoik had been received here in one of theofithes of the Government, stating that Maim:tat force fa Columbia had been ordered out, and that Skirmishing was' going on with the enemy in the vicinity of that city. Thedeepiteh is dated thelith instant. . (From the Ilscamlner, 16111.3 We are indebted to the courtesy of the Southern Express Company for late Georgia and Alabama papers. In every instance during the war, where the lines of communication have been cut or inter rupted by the enemy, we, as well as the public, have bad to rely wholly for advises , upon the enterprise and energy of the express company. • We get from the Southern papers before us the following summary: FROM ALV0U5TA743113111304013 MOVSNIONTS. Our dates from Augusta are to the 10th. The Chronicle of that date thus sums up the latest rumors : • The Federal! on Thursday meriting were at Windsor, about Mesh miles from Aiken. It is not known In what force. No movements were made by them on Thursday. Cause of this IS not snow taited. The troops in the vicinity of Windsor are Kil patrick's corps. It is reported that General Hampton and Wheeler engaged the enemy on the 7th and ith, repulsing them at all points. Our loss was about seventy killed, wounded, and missing ; that of the enemy is much greater. • The enemy are reported to be moving towards the Oongaree river. A gentleman from °Mumble states that Slocum's corps is moving on that - oity on this side of the "Edisto. His main line, when last heard from was on the railroad. It la stated in Columbia that Hilpatrickla corps Is protecting Slocunes left. It in ascertained that Porter is again moving on Charleston. When last heard from he was at Green Pond, It Is not known where Gen. Sherman himself Barnwell Court House was burned on Monday night.. The roads are teeming with vehicles, stook, and all kinds of movable property, fleeing for Georgia and Upper Carolina. . WIIMOLBR }MATS KLLPATRIOX REAR-AUGUSTA. The Augusta papers of last Wednesday state that, at that time; Slocum was at Windsor, ten miles east of Aiken, advancing on Augusta, his right flank being proteflted by the South - Ediato river and his left 'by Kilpatrick's cavalry. Two days after this Illipatriok-was defeated by Wheeler, Slocum has with him the 15th and 16th Corps. The 14th and 20th: Corps comprise the force operating against Columbia and Charleston. This leaves one corps of Sherman'a- army unaccounted for. We presume - It has been left at Savannah. By the latest advioes through the Yankee papers, we learn that Sherman was sail at Ms headquarters at Beaufort. 2.1011,111 OAEOLINA—NOVBXERTS — AT TORT 11113HBIC. It wee reported yesterday morning that our troops were evacuating Wilmington. The report le not confirmed by official despatches reoeived yester day. The Yankee papers state that Gen. Terry IS still in the vicinity of Fort Fisher, and •waiting for (ion. Hoye to attaok him. Hitherto the Yan kee press have represented Terry as About to march towards Wilmington, with the oonlident expecta tion of taking the place. Fort Anderson proves a more effectual obstruction than they had =Mob pate(L T2M VIZOINLi•riniIi2OSER IntONTIIEB Gen. Rebels has succeeded Gen. Breokinridge in the command of this department. The enemy has generally gone into winter quarters at Knoxville; but it le reported that a email Yankee force is sta tioned pear Morristown, on the French, Broad, and Ohuckl riven. Recent reports from this depart ment represent everything as quiet, and give eon- Monte suppose that the. Yankees will make no effort towards. the permanent occupation of the country until spring. GRANT SBRDIZIG TROOPS TO THE 'FORTE SIDI. Throughout Tuesday night the rumbling of wagons and artillery were heard on Grant's lines, in the neighborhood of Deep Bottom. It is sup posed that Grant was transferring a heavy body of troops to the north side. This may nimbi) , be the re turn of the troops sent over to Petersburg to par ticipate in the Hatcher's Run affair last Monday. DMA PPROTION AXONG GRAM'S POCGIRO TROOPS. Yankee deserters who have recently come Into our lines around Richmond report that there is great uneasiness and commotion among the neg - ro soldiers in Grant's army at the prospect of employing blacks in the Confederate army with the same rewards as the Yankees hold out, and that they show a gene ral inclination to desert to our lines, preferring to ftght for the South, if they can equally secure their freedom by such service. Our information on this 'subject comes from a very intelligent source. It is stated to us that most of the nekro soldiers in the enemy's armies around Richmond are freedmen from Lordsiania and Mississippi, and other parts of the Southwest which have been abolitionlzed ; that they have great...horror of the cold climate and other unpleasant things in the 'North; and that a prevalent desire exists among them to get homes in the South, by taking advantage of the anticipated proffer of freedom on our part to those of the negroes who may be employed in our army. It is suggested that this sentiment among the black soldiers in the enemy's ranks Is so extensive and exhibits so much of diapretion, that our autho• titles may make important use of It by Some sort of official notice or appeal to them, to assure them of such protection and status as the Government may determine to assign to this elan of deserters. /IA present, 'we are informed, a great many of them are kept in the Yankee army by the idea that if they come over to our lines they will be certainly murdered. This delusion, which is, no doubt, the product of Yankee ingenuity, should be dispelled; and if the negro is to be employed in our armies, we suppose the authorities can have no hesitation in assuring the same reward to those who desert the:Yankee and adopt our service, as to those who are enlisted in our own jurisdiction. =UNSUNG UP TUE ItERBL 8111:1LEBFLS. Mr. J. T. Leach, of North Carolina, offered the following resolutions : Reeolvece, That the views of J. P. Benjamin, Secrets, ry of. State as reported in a epseeh made by him on the i 10th tact. . n the city of Itiebmond,As derogatory to his position as a high public functionary of the Confederate Government, a reflection on the action of Oongress as a deliberatliebody. and an insult to public opinion. Resolved, That our army is not composed of mob-law materials, that oar soldiers are law- abiding men; that, in common With their representatives and their friends at home, they deprecate croaltere,oftleial 'lnsolence, or mob law , as being repugnant to justice. Incompatible with the rights of freemen, and revolting to the feel, inge of patriots and Christians. Idr. Leach moved that they be laid on the table and printed. The resolutions were laid on the table, but the motio'n.to print failed—yeas 24, nays 40. Mr. J. M. Leach offered a resolution that the Military Oommittee inquire as to the condition of Junior Reserves, and report what portion have not received eunicient olothivr, blankets, [ co. Adopted. Mr. Farrow, of South arolina, presented sundry papers relative to the advance of one million of dol lars In ,specie by the banks of the State of South Carolina for the purchase of horses for Hampton's cavalry. Referred to the special Committee on Olaime. Mr. Farrow offered, also, the following : Whereas, Allegations exist of abuses perpetrated in connection with the transportation. of supplies held on private account by epeenlators, to the great injury of the public interest, and the adequate supply of the army: therefore, Resolved. That the Committee on the Qnartermaster and Commissary Departments be, and. shavers hereby, instructed to inquire into the grounds for such allege.' Dons; and, for this purpose. shall bare power to send for persons and papers, and that said committee report the results of their inquiries to this Rouse. Resolved further, That in view of the importance of ascertaining the truth or groundlessness of such alle gations, and the comparatively limited MAILS of a committee in making each investigatons, this Hones requests all good citizens who happen to know any facts that would be of service in sank investigation', to com municate such facts to the committee, by affidavit, ao - companied by suitable certificates as to 'character and credibility of atilants, to show the probable truth of their statements. . , •-• • . Mr. 'Farrow read the following extract from the Richmond ry • correspondent of the Charleston lifer. . u,, Tive young men hold enemptione - from certain buninux. and busy themselves buyin g and procuring transpoitation for private parties.' The reSolutions were adopted. Mr... Farrow also introduced the following : Whereas.. By an act entitled,. "an act to organise for ace to serve durini the war, approved February 17. IEII4. stringent le elation wee enacted for the purpose of ridding the Quartermaster and the Commissary Depart ments, the Ordnance Department, Bevy Agencies, Con. soription Service, Prevost and Hospital Guard Service. of all clerks, agents, employees and laborers who are fit for active service with a view of haying such persons put in active service, and their please filled by Persons unfit for active service; and whereas. there are many complaints from different sections of the Confederacy of the number or apparently a bte-hodled persons still re tained in these various employments; therefore Resettled. That the President be, and he le hereby, respectfully requested to inform this House what meas. urea have been taken for the enforcement of said law,' and what has been the success of said measures; and also whether any and what additional legislation. is expedient to ensure theroper execution of said law. The resolution was a dopted. - • - WHAT THE VIAZE corrionourcrn DID. CFrom the Richmond Dispatch.] In the eloquent speeches atilip t rat meeting at the African Church, the •distin hed gentlemen present spoke with emphasis o the wonderful re vival of patriotic spirit , which had followed the humiliating demands of the Federal Govenament at Fortress Monroe. Evidenees of this ohmage are multiplying every day. Men who hadf begun to talk in no undertone of recOnstruotion now frankly acknowledge their folly. If the President of the united States really desired' the consolidation of the Confedesaey, and the Indefinite prolongation Of the war; he could not have adopted more et:Mahal means than his answer to the pease oommission. It looks as If he was raised up Ed no ether purpose than to render impossible the restoration of the Union. • THH ocnssontimr'ittrammi. The Confederate Benet* bee paned a bill abolish ing the. Ooasoript Bunion and ache Mee of cam aitader of oonsorlete i 6IId Var Oleg the whole •bnel .. nom of conscription over to the commodore of re• servee in the several States. surxrear LEcirsidamOst 111 CONORIESS The Conference Committee of the two Rouges of Oosi are at last productive of sups° legislative reaalte touching the army. Arena these are the civalry blli, recently passed, and the armreonsoll dation bill, reported yester day and passed in the House, with no doubt of the concurrence of the Se nate, requiring the Consolidation of all companies numbering lees than forty-two men- The details of these measures will be found in our Congressional report to, day and yesterday. Cliy the Associated Press.] HEADQUARTERS ABXY OF TEE JAMES, February iT. • PETERSBURG. The Richmond Dispatch of the Ink says " Be. tween two and three o'clock on WedueSday morning there was some mortar tiring- on the Petersburg lines, near the Appomattox. This was somewhat of a novelty , as for months past mortar firing hes been discontinua& With this exception, nothing of in terest hes occurred. 14 Scout; from Grant , o army report *ail quiet within the enemy's lines. COD'S); CAROLINA. "No despatches wore received at the War Office yeeterday from South Carolina. We are ooneequent it, uninformed of Slieinian's last movement. He was at Orangeburg, forty IRMO month of Columbia, on Tuesday laat, and our troops :wrote falling back before him towards Columbia. Where he Is now we don't know. ." It was paid on Wednesday that s despatch had been received limping that eldrmishing wai going on within a few miles of Columbia. We stated this yeeterday morning , as an cat and, as yet, have not the means of either confirming or . contradicting Shermanmay be at Kingsville, the lunation of the Wilmington and Columbia Raillymeds, thirty Miles southeast of Augusta, or he may be even nearer the City:* ORDER OD ORNARAV lam General Lee's order assuming the oommand of the /and forces of.the Confederate. States is as follows : VIBADQUASTICES 0021 - 72DBRATE ARIEY, February 00361. DREREA.r. ORDER, Ro. 3. In obedience to Order No. 3, Adjutant and Inspector tleneral's °Mob, February 6th, I assume command of the military forces of the Confederate States. - Deeply Impressed with the difficulties and responsibility of the position, and humbly invoking the guidance of Almighty Clod, I rely for success upon the courage• and fortitude of .the army, SU tained by the patriotism and firmness of the people, confident that their united efforts, under the bless ing. of. Heaven, will secure peace and inde pendence. - The heaagnartera of the army, to which all epeolal rbtorta and i3ommunleations will be Warmed, will be. for the present with . the Army of Northern Virginia. The Mated and regular returns and reports of eaoh army and deparment: will be forwarded as heretofore to the office of the adjutant and Inspector general. R. E. Len, General. - TH2 Zi7IW 130211112313411,Y GRIAMEAL. The Commissary General appointed by the liresident, Colonel St. Sohn, was yeiiterday eon• armed by the Confederate Senate. He wilt tinter at once upon his duties. 111/03.0 , In the Confederate Senate yeorday Pdr. Brown's bill was reported back with an amendment, and the recommendation that it be passed 'by the Military Qoxrimlttee was transferred to the secret calendar and is being considered in secret session. The bill of the House to abolish the flfbierwiegro clause; to take from the President and Secretary of War the powerto bake details' nd exemptions ex cepting meohanics and artisans in the employ of the Government, to revoke all exemptions and de. tails heretofore granted by the .Pieeldent and Secre tadof War, sue to revoke all exemptions of mail oontractors not permanently engaged in performing the contracts, wail recommitted to the Military Committee with instructions to inquire into the ex. pedieney of bringing a more liberal bill. There 18 a strong dlsposlUon on the part of the Senate to preserve untonehedthe presenteaemptlon law. DBBATB IN TEN lINBIIL CONE 888. litastirsarrow, Feb.l9.—During the debate in the rebel. Senate on the lath Inst., on diminishing the number of exemptions, the food qiestion was die. custled.— Mr. - Henry, of Tennessee, said the difficulty was not in the production of food but the prevention of its Jelling into the hands of the enemy. There was food enough produced hf the Valley, of Virginia to last a year, but when the harvest was ripe it fell into the hands of the enemy. . Dir. Oldham of Texas, criticised the plan OA which the war Oldham, been conducted. It has been at tempted to defend too much territory. Instead of the armies being combined they were scattered about and run from one end of the country to the other to defend some seaport. IHr. Caperton, of Virginia, wOuld say to the Sena tor from. Tennessee (IVEr. Henry) that the harvests in the valley had been lost to us by the fact that those who would have gathered them were called bito.the army by the revocation of all details just at the time when their services were required for Securing the crops. Kr. Burnett, of Kentucky, believed there was plenty of food in the country and if there were not, he did not believe the quantity would be increased by exempting the large farmers. They owned large troops of slaves, and made very little surplus—not as much surplus as'did the small farmers. He be. 1108 , 8 d the apparent scarcity of suppllea was due' to Inefficiency in the departments of the Govern ment. ' Mr. Orr, of South Carolina, replied to Mr. Bar nett. The Speaker had said there was plenty of food•in the country. lie would Inform him that he knew of hundreds, yes, thousands of soldiers' faint. .11es who had not tasted meat in the last six months, and who were living on bread alone, and- had scareely a supply of that. - - Mr. Graham, of North Cantina, said this was the casein his State. Mr. Orr, of South Carolina, said the Senator from Tennessee, Mx. Henry, seemed • to be very anxious to rill up the army. If the Senator should chance to meet with any soldiers from the - army he might learn thatthey had been without• meat for two or three days:. -However, as there was -to be another and efficient officer put at'the head of the commis sary department, he hoped matters In this respect would improve. -ffir. Burnett said It could not be denied there was a scarcity In some localities, but it had been brought about by improper management of the commissary department. They had stripped some States, and had left others, where there was a superabundance of provisions, untouched. GRANT GROAT OP PaornazoNs The Richmond Enquirer of Feb. 17th says " The enemy renewed his mortar practice upon the left of our line on Wednesday evening, but did no damage. Matters were quiet there yesterday up to the de parture of the train. Deserters say Grant's army is now receiving only half rations of meat. This accounts in some degree for the freauent incursions made upon the poultry houses and pig styes of the surrounding country by Grant's dashing cavalry." TRB 833881 L DEBT. Special Despatch to The Press.] WAIMINGTON, Feb. l9.—Metal:fond papers of the 17th inst. contain little news and nothingimportant. The Examiner has an editorial on taxation, esti mating the expenditures of the rebel Government for 1865 at one billion fifty-six millions of dollars. TJ EL 0 P. . Opening •of the British Parliament. The Queen •on the American War and the Caaadian Union. A =BIM SrEAllt RAN A'F'LOAT. Nava* Your., Febae.—The steamship Saxon's has arrived with Southampton advioeS of the Bth inst. The steamship Moravian arrived out on the 7th inst. Parliament was opened by royal comndeolon on Feb. 7th. The Queen's speech says : "Her Majesty remains steadfastly neutral be•' tween the contending parties in America, and would rejoice at friendly reconstruction. The Queen has had great satisfaction In giving her sanction to a conference meeting of delegates from Canada, assembled at Quebec, and the resolution which were adopted for a closer union of those provinces under a oentral Government. If approved by the provincial legielaturee, a bill Will be laid before Parliament for carrying this important measure into effect." Consols were heavy at 8935085 W, ; Confederate loan, 615@67 ; French rentes, f. 67.10. The Prussian Minister of Marine demands a loan of -E9,000,000 for the construction of a fieet. The eruption of Mount Etna continues. The Madrid Epoca considers that Admiral Poreji ought to demand satisfaction of the Ohillan Go vernment for its attitude on the Peruvian question. The reply to the King of Portugal's speech from the throne was unanimously voted by the Deputies. The Moniteur says : All reports in reference to the cession of Sonora and ether Mexican provinces to France, are pure fabrioations. • Peace rumors have gained such credit at Frank fort that United States bonds have advanced to 5 per cent: above New York prices. " Erie shares and 'United States five-twenties were slightly lower in London. The There de la Loire confirms the report that the steam-ram Olindo, recently seen off•the coast of France, is a Confederate, cruiser. She was recog nised as an iron•alad ram constructed at Bordeaux for Denmark. A large number of oases and barrels were transferred to her from an English steamer. Commercial Intelligence. LIVERPOOL COTTON MARKBP. —Sallie of cotton for two days, 23,tegi bales. the market is firm at an advance of ,le'd to VI, closing quieter d e Sales of cotton to specula tors . nxporters, B.IVO bales. STATE OP TR/LPL—The advice' from illachester are favorable, the markets being quiet but with an upward tenden LIVERPOOL BREADSTUFFSELLESET. —Flour dull. Wheat heavy; red. Western. declined Id. Mixed Corn Inactive at 27e. LIVERPOOL PROVISIONS NARRET. —Beef quiet and declining. Pork firm. B con firm Batter steady. LIVERPOOL PRODUCE ET. —Lard firm at 60e @Me ed. Tallow quiet and steady. Sugar very dull. Coffee dull. Rice quiet. uebes-,,,ales ema il ; 30s 9 4 0 3ls for Pot& Linseed. OU steady. Basin inactive. Spirit Turpentine quiet at 37a for French. Petroleum quiet end unchanged. Coltman for money .99X0393 , 4. • • - Illinois Central it/taxes. 03e - 6041526 94. Erie shares 32s 64 ©621 94, The Zuropa at Boston. Dino*, Feb. Europa arrives' this morn ing from Halifax and Liverpool. Her mails will be due in 'Philadelphia on Sunday night. The Constitutional Amendment in Nevada. • Oetisow Cris, Feb. 16.—The Nevada Legislature has Jost ratified the amendment to the Constitution of the United States abolishing slavery with only two disseating votes, both Democrats. Nlamisae Dimster. LOSS OP THE STEAMSHIP MIIREINAD-EIER 011.214 C SAVED EY TEM STEAMER GUIDING STAR. Nsw 'foam, Feb. 19.—The steamer Guiding Star, Prom New Orleans, reports : . kelp. istb, new the steamship Merriam' in a sinking condition area all out ,: boilers _damaged, and. everything ; adrift, and 'ship leaking badly. Lay by her till night. and took off all her crew, amountirmto two hundred and forty officers and men, and took them into Port Royal. Merrimac WSW a merchant steamer, chartered by the Government. Marine 'Udell's...awe Thew YORK, Feb. 19,-Arrlvea, ship Rattler, Ma nilla 4. bark :Wavelet, Pernatabstint ; brigs Amens' Inataneas ; Comilla, Turk , * Island; sehqoners Nautllui, Savannah; Silver Star, Nassau, N. P. BOSTON, Feb. 19.—Arrived, bark Rebecca God dard,-Leghorn'; brigs Assoadals, St. Thomas; Red. wood, Cardenas ;Moonlight, Turks Island; schen* &sale Eldrldge, Port, swiiriztae. DRAFT. RM Itir OF THE BOARD TO EXAMON 9MA9. General Order of the War Department. Tile following general order hau been burned by the War Department : ORITERAI. ORDBUS, NO. M. WAR DISPARTWIT, ADIT. GEM'S OTTIONt, WAEIMNOTOar r IXO., Feb. 17, Usk The following report of the Soar/ appointed by the President of the 'United States IS examine and correct the quotas of the several States and dis tricts, under the call for volunteeruof December le, 18% in published for the infant/Won of all con cerned: • WastintoTON, D. a l Feb. 16, 1865. His Eiveliency Abraham Lincoin, President of Me United States, Washington, D. C.: SIR : The Board convened by the following order : "Brecirrrya Msennow, " WASHINGTON 0/TY, Feb. 6,1865. "Whereas, Complaints are made In some Mali. ties, respeoting the assignments of quotas and cre dits allowed for the pending call of troops to 811 up the armies, now, in order to determine all contra vendee In respect thereto, and to avoid any do• lay in fining up the armies, It Is ordered, That the Attorney General, ,Brigadier General Richard Deisfield, and Colonel G. W. Foster be, and they are hereby constituted, a Board to examine Into the proper quotas and credits of the respective States and districts, under the call of December 19, 186 t, with directions that, if any errors be found therein, to make such correotiollll as the law and facts may require, and report their determination to the Pro vost Marshal General. The determination of said Board, o be final and conclusive, and the draft to be made In conformity therewith. "2. The Provost Marshal General Is ordered to make the draft lathe respective districts, as speedily as the same can be done afterthe 15th of this mouth. "A. LIN001.1s." Have respectfully to report as follows : The call for 300,000 men, made by the President, On the 19th of December, 1884, requires that that number Shall be •raised. But the law requires that the number of men pre viously fund/Med by different looaUtfee, and the pa riodS of their servioe, shall be considered, so as to equalize the &alt. The number of men liable to military duty is to be determined by the enrolment lists. The number of men whim had been furnished by the various Ipoalities, and their periods of servioe, were ascertained, and Previcius accounts having been adjusted, the weasel, where they existed, were carried forward under the last draft. The amount of service furnished is determined by multiplying the number of men raised by the num ber of years for which they enlisted. Having thus ascertained the number of men en rolled on the 81st day of December; 1864; the num ber,of men furnished np to that date; the locallties from which they come, and the periods of their ser vice, it in proposed to distribute the Gall for 800,000 men among the several districts, and parts of dis tricts, according to the number enrolled in each, and the number of men tarnished, and the periods of service previously rendered by each. The rule by which this is emomplished Is as fol. lows Take the whole number of years of service far niehed by the districts of the United States from the commencement of the rebellion to the 31st of December, 1664. ;From that sum deduct the whole number of men furnished from all the districts of the United States up to that date. The remainder will be the excess of years of service furnished by all the districts. Multiply the call of December le, 1864, by three, to have the number of years of ser vice upon that call, and to this add the excess, as ascertained above. Then, as the number of men enrolled from the whole United States, up to the Met of Deceniber, 1864, le to the period of eervioa, above ascertained, so is the number of men enrolled In a given district to the number of years of service It Is required to furnish, including its pro rate share Of the excess. . From this sum deduct the actual excess the district ihruished ; the remainder is the number of years of service which the dharlot Is required to furnish un der the call of December le, 1864, which, divided by three, gives the number of men required from the district. • As this oallls for 300,000 men, that number cannot be reduced bf men going in for a period longer than one year. Inequalities produced by men going in under this call for longer periods than one year Must be equalized on future calls. It will be perceived that though the aggregate of the excess furnished le added to the whole call, the. excess of each district is afterwards subtracted from its quota. Thus the number of men called for Is neither increased nor diminished, but equality pro. duped, considering the number of men and their periods of service. Localities which have hereto fore furnished a greater amount of service have, In proportion to their enrolment, a lose amount to' Pemba under this, and e °raceme. Men having heretofore enlisted for one, two, and% flues years, it was necessary to take one of those periods as the basis of calculation. As three years embraced both the other periods, it makes the cal culation more simple to adopt , that. The same re sult would be arrived at by adopting either one or two years as the basis, but the process of calculation would be more complicated. Such we find to be the rule adopted by the Pro.. Yost Marshal Genera/. The rule is in conformity with the requirements of the laws of Congress, and is just and equitable. We have carefully examined and proved the work done under this rule'by the Provost Marshal Gene ral, and find that it has been done with fairness. We file In the Provost arnmshal General's office our calculations of the quota of each and every &S -trict endorsed by U as correct. Semite Semen, Attorney General of the Milted States. RICHARD MILAVJELD, Brig. Gen. and Chief Engineer, 11. S. A. C. W. FOSTBE, Colonel and Assist. Adjutant, General. Approved February 17,18&5. A. Li:rim:N. By order of the Secretary of War. B. D. Towassim, Assistant Adjutant GeneraL ;iii 1;111al Despatch from Secretary Stanton to governor Fenton. ALBANY, Feb: 19.—The following telegram was received by Governor Fenton from Washingtonlast night This Department has received the gratifying in telligence of the occupation of Columbia, the capi tal of South Carolina, by General Sherman, and the probable evacuation of Charleston by the ene my. -Hasten on recruiting to fill up the army, and the rebellion must receive the final blow in the spring Campaign. • E. X. STANTON, Secretary of War. WASHINGTON. WASHINGTON FebrUltilt 18. epeeist Despatches to The Prom liITORY. The President yesterday sent In the• Mowing nominations to the Senate Asa limemarr, to be chief justice, and J. P. KIDDER. and W. E. Gnus, SON, to be associate justices of the Supreme Court, and .LABAII H. LITCHFIELD, to be marshal of the United States for the Territory of Dakota. TEE ARKANSAS SENATORS. Senator TRUMBULL •is preparing a report from the Senate Committee on Elections, recommending the admission of the applicants for seats from the State of Arkansas. THE STATE OF TENNESSEE. ABHLBY, from the Select Coramittbe on the "Rebellious States," to-day submitted an amend ment to the reconstruction bill providing for recog nition by ther President of the State Government of Tennessee, if, on or befo re the first of May, they shall have complied with the provisions of the eighth section of the act by incorporating into the State Constitution the abolition of slavery; the prohi bition of voting or holding office of officers in-the re. bet sorvice above the rank of oolonel,andiany recogni tion of rebel debts or confiscation acts, The amend ment also enacts that the President may recognize the Government of any rebellious State before armed resistance to the Government hem ceased upon the same conditione r but that nothing shall disturb the boundary line of States heretofore reoog razed and represented in Congress. zutocmzes OF orrmoN. Significant of the program of public -opinion In the alave districts . within our military lines, la the fact that several thousand copies of the late speech of Hon. Wis. D. Rimily, of Phlladelplils, on recon struction, have been called for for distribntion in Missouri, Kentucky, and Louisiana. :i j.IL . BM22MAWZeIiLaUiL . U.U.A• : I • Colonel O. KlNGSBtrair, Sr., formerly A. A. G. of the old let Corps, and lately of the staff of General Sruntrosx, has tendered his resignation. By Associated Press.] REBEL DEMMTEIII3. During four days of the present WO& over two hundred deserters came within the lines of the Armies of the Potomac and the James. This morn ing fortysla arrived here, all of whomhad deserted from rebel picket posts on the night of the 14th inst. Twenty of this number belonged to Virginia regiments, and the remainder to Georgia, and South Oarolina-regiments. OLPTUBE OF MUTE' MK OITICIOLLA. . Warm, the guerilla, la reported to have been captured by, our cavalry the Valley. TULIP NATIONAL. Balure; Twenty new National Banks went into operation last week, with an aggregate capital of four' mil. lion four hundred and [duty-rive thormandidellare. RATIONAL OIRMANCY. The amount of onrrensy;lssued dnrllig tto last week was three. intukm one hundred and. Imelye thousand sty hundred and eighty dollars. PAY VON; TEEM ABM. Paymestem will etazt for the Amy of eke Poto. nmo to•morrow. PETITION ROB A y 9ARTEET APPWITHIENT FOR GOT. ANDREW The Zdassaohasetts delegation, hearty; a petition for the appointment of Gloomier Arissaw to, a place In the Cabinet, in the spent a a reorganize, them, were Introduced to the President to-day hi Senator Wir.som, TZRRIBL Inturrwrione tF Thosste.—The sue. elan journals speak. of terrible inundations in the Ottuessous. One !recount says:: "The Leha, the Kouban, and its Pcibutary &mum have over Sowed, carrying away 141 the bridges, rooting up enormous trees, and even. displacing Toeing. The Leh& had become such en impetuous torrent that its current carried away to a great distance everything before it,. The aypearance of the country has entirely changed. The rivers have left their old beds, and made thramselves new Ones ; island* Covered with trees hr.ve disappeared to the bottoms or yellers, whicis_ are filled with stones, the trenks of trees, a§o. The disaster is great, and will give a sensible blow be the industry and newIYaMMIIRK OQUinitVoo Of Oust ullfo GAl~io Oeuntry." 114. Jewels A reafe: e an d cauelalfeen t4 w ith ig i millykleam Powers. BIS LZTIIIII TO TBZOIDIN, 11 7,_ 1130 " ABB NET, WITHINIAWENO 7HOI t COE/NO skiL l eorivewnorr TO ATOID 111 " D 0 racer:an OP Rosman: warn vial TO "3 61137 / 1 : 1[ 1 . MEET, AND TO 888113101 PM\ MIRETI OIONS ny ITISOBIST NATIONAL rossmASszr 1 TO THE aItONSTABT OP TartaNA YY A l t ° essiy: VZOING A rOWBBTIII. /33 o roue oz •*, t 4, 1501110. To The American People: The Emperor of Russia, a the Oa imesub, the war, addressed e letter to tope " of Vetted stater, expressing a desire fy4 a enb, miss with the Senn% as otherwise ge th would deetroyeasteother as a people matt ReMori, This, to my mind,wise, position end edit 'ealth-, 4 :: fortified by notonly and other pews& Laliese, precedent bin the experience Of-ilneila vernmente in Wait ***heat the purpose of s ten, to secure liberty, was disregarded In a to-bpi, *RN , ted chareetMtle letter 01 Our Secretary et s written finder his too sanguine hopes in a * end of the war threugh force of arm. At nit l period, the Emperor of Fiance' -urged median% a means for peace In IS - friendly sad stateeman; note to our Governnient, which WAS likewise. pulsed. On numeronelicessions, both here aeo k. Europe, I have urged a eoncillatlen polley np the people of both sectlone untli Identified 13511 with the late Cincinnat ireace Contention, est. mated to the Independence of the' South. csim a maintaining a policy according to theßouth a not to Independence, I oppose European laid to %,„ Sent, Sen from Its tendency to destroy the RepaSs, for the independence oaths South, under a like ism of goVernment es our own, would mustain•the Low ? rlean Republic, while her independence; sal.a nen:Meal dependently of foreign Power% riqd strop - It. I have addressed the following letter to Preside% - Lincoln withdrawing from the committee for Pea; sylvania of the Cincinnati Pelee Cionvention, while applauding the enjoin. In view. In order rui., • to Irredeemably compromise InTraelf - against; tto , Government, and to resume my heretofore tad; pendent national action, hove - Mewls. withdraar, , from the coming Pence Oonvention, at the sat" o time under a oonvlotlon we malt, under a proloegst conflict with the Soiith, have a war with Eurvi, and being reminded - how Napoleon, in preparaU for that war, ham acted, resulting in a foothold of Maximilian men the American 00istinent,.I. lean , also addressed the following letter to the Seeretsl Of War and Cabinet, urging preparation by sending I a powerful force to the Paean, to protect 0;11. fornhi. I publish the letter regarding the Pens Convention that I may be reinstated 'before the pa, lla as an independent advocate of theheet interano of the country, and I publish my appeal to the Go, , vernment as to California to invite the aid of th great commercial, national, and individual inter, es of the country, In urging upon the Government 141 importance of such action : WASHINGTO3S4 . .Febi-4 1885. President Lincoln and Cabinet: "Please to take notice that I withdraw from no committee of the Cllnoinnott Convention for Peas. !-, sylvania, and eoeperaUon In the proposed Peen Convention, returning to my original independent 7. national position. In doing which 1. desire 010 tribute to the - nobleness of the character of the Hool Alexander Long, as a just, enlightened, swath:mu minded Statipainan,ontlttisi to pubiloOonfldelloe,a3/ to State that I entertain none but the kindest he. Inge towards - the ,distingrilehed gentlemen cc on. rating.irith him in the cause of peace. "Wm. Goinmsnr...Thwzre,), " WeallitlaTol4 . Feb.lr, Mc it tt The Han. Secretary of War and Cassel: "In view of a foreign war being inevitable, fro the determination of:the North to continues the on, - though alone the interest of Earopean-Powers, te, lk finally aid the South to destroy the spirit of liberty, e -11 I do most earnestly urge that a large ertandineforts be provided for the Pacific to check a determthed. upon purpose of France to take California - the DIN ei went war shall have been declared. The. Goven. is went may disregard this admonition, se 'they do _- soy appeal to liquidate the Mexican foreign indstt. ' admen, which, if done, would have •as surely pre. vented the now not appreciated power-of Mao. millan, as now protecting California will prang her loss ass first result of a war with Europe. " WEL C:ORWELL JBWETT. 4 Whatever may be my offences 1a the judgment o/ those opposing my views as- to the war, 1 feel sore that that a disinteredness and patriotism of purpose will ?, be awarded, Inasmuch as country has been all pan, mount, as manifested in a now voluntary retirement from a movement, to inaugurate a new puny, which would secure individual power, and my yielding advanacy of the cause of peace in °ppm. • tion to the Government, who have liberally refrah. ed from imprisoning me, for which, while thank. ful, I attribute more to the providenoe and pro tection of the Almighty than to the will of the Oabinet—l may except the President—a trust tent has fortified me for years amid ridicule, alms, oppression, and injustice, for while the mark of it,. approbation ham been placed upon my independent course, I defy the President, Senators, or static. Men of this country, or Europe. to point to a natlanal position I have taken in my letters to the Govern. went—memorials to Oongress, and appeal, to Ea. rope—that have been found upon ajtost and impar. tial Showing, as not practical—in connection wits the object In view—nniversal pewee—throngh conch!. atlon and an international tribunal. WEL. CORNELL JEWETT. Public EnSertnieunenine. Taw CONCIBIrr at ffiushal Fund Hall on Saturday night was a great uneceisWfhe audience was large, and evinced most unmistakably its aatisfaction with the performance. The great charm of the enter tainment was the exquisite playing of Mr. Wall. This gentleman showed himself to be a true artist both in feeling and eduoation. Thoroughly COIF versant with every difficulty In execution, with extraordinary power and independence in his let hand, and with great evenness, delicacy, and bill. litney of touch, he certainly took the audience completely by surprise. Mr. Wehli , s solos were all of his own composition, and displayed fine musical fancy. Two of his most pleasing pieces, transmit. Rona of " Robin Adair," and " Oft in the Stilly Night," were given as eacerer, and were fra grant with melody and freshness. His fantasia on "Lucia," for left hand alone, Was a mar vellous exhibition of dexterity, and, thenga such compositions hardly belong to the genuine domain of art, it was interesting as a monument of skill and study, Mdlle. de Katow, the Russian visdoncellist, is s performer of great taste and ability; her mastery of 'that difficult instrument being probably as great as can be obtained by any player not poi. mend of masculine strength. Her execution and expression are artistic. But she is heard to die. advantage in so large a ball, where the soft and pleasing music which the producee is lost in space. The closing performance of the livening, Chopin , s Introduction and Polonaise for violoncello and piano, proved Nile. dellstow and Mr. Wen to be musicians of a high order. Miss Laura Harris, the prima donna of the eve ning, elicited deserved applause. This young lady shows in her singing the result of careful and juir clone study, the improvement which she has male since her former appearance in this city bolo; marked. Her voice, a high soprano, Is remarkably flexible, and, though wanting Minima of tone, Is extremely sympathetic. _ Tea GaLIEaL&N OrEßA.—Aoooralog to previous ac• nouncement Mr. Grover's company will , to.nighi, commence a brief season of German Opera at our Academy of Music. There is no danger of and want of success, for in additional) the strong attach , went which has grown urrin - Philadelphia to the German Opera, the public has been suffering so long from a dearth of lyrical drama that the re. sent (ipportaaity of gratification will doubtless be eagerly seized upon. Mr. Groverlmsalso strength• erred his camper'' , since it was last with us by es. gaging Karl Formes and a new contralto, Miss Adelina Motto, and has alsO added several solo por• formers to his orchestra. The repertoire announced for the season IS choice 1 and Varied. Beside several eaverite,..bat not huk neyed,pperas, the programme contains Von IVe• ber's "Oberon," (3i:tuned's " Mozart's "Marriage of Figaro," Wagner's " Taysnhauser," and Halevy's "Jewess." These wer.ka, it is stated, will be performed entire. To-night " Martha" will be given, with the fourth act restored. We do not think that the selection of this welllmowili but rather worn-oat ogre, was the happiest that could have been made for a com mencement, but the fact that the partbf Pleaof will be taken by Karl Formes, for whom it was ed• ginally composed by Von Flotow, awl that it will be sung without curtailment, tends to reconcile via to the sacrifice of time, whichwe had thonght might be better employed. What is to be feared, is that by the introduction of such already familiar, al• though justly popular, works, the season anal be found too short for the performance of the "- promised novelties. Himmer, an established fr write, will sing the part of Lionel, but in the rota of lifavilia we are to have Madame Hotter instead of Madame Johmonsen, who has made it almost a tirely her own. Madame Rotter is said to giros very spirited rendition of the character, however. and the public will have_ an opportunity of comPsr• hog the merits or these two made. Between the acts a short concert will be gives, consisting of Gngltelmrs celebrated aria, "Gracie' Agimns Tibi," to be sung by Mica Motto, and & trombone solo by Mx. Braun. Tomorrow evening "Faust" will be sung with Hermanns in his great character of Mephialophsleb NATIONAL Clumus.--ifir. Dan Rios closed hu very successful engagement at the National Mans on Saturday evening, to a full and fashionable eg• dience. On. Thursday evening next, Dlr. Rant Whittaker, the veteran ring master, will take e benefit, the compliment having been tendered by a numberif his friends. The Ohms will clefs on the evening of the 'Nth instant. We learn thhl It will be opened by Masers: Gardner & Remmligh on the first of Nara, these gentlemen having ar ganized a splendid company.. Naw Nusrc.—Nr..T. E. Gould, corner of SeveetS and Chestnut streets, has just published a varleif of new music, instrmnemtal and vosaL Among llio former, forming part of the "Favorites of Brigfell' 3 Orchestra," is the "'Warren Combination Sheol tisch," dedicated to Kr. W. 111.. Warren, the co median, and Birgebrs " TOujoUre Mobile (}slop ;" also, a Nocturne by 0. Roiling, and a splendid 7."Pantaisie Dramatique sur Semiramis,e , for the piano, by J.. Archer. Among Quo songs-we make some with the music by Neyerbeer, Stephen GV-- ver, P. Rondinelia, T. Browne, Ftank Mario tilli 4 One of the prettiest, composeVemame not wen, "Sleep, my.Pretry One, ,, a lullaby by-Alfred TV nyson. YOB ADDITWIELL CITY MB, BEE POWITE.- VA , * I CIUMF PRANNZIN AND THR. _ MIST . 7 . , 1841 CORPS. An advertisement in another-partt of the al , Brea/ contains full °Metal correspondence, m ore to Hancook's Ist Army Corps . and.Ohier J rectal' It should be read by everyboil., for. ail der isoli should feel an Interest in the cause. Thar first s4 Ol of men, having been mustered ht, simnel "dotal? Peds sod' fully Pad, at' W aalogiona, 0; the inst., have red to PhilatletWith. dtb. order; 14 ' report- to Chief ranklin A, cow wi ll be Or struoted near th is oily . vehiv' wltb Tre l • ports and a handsome silk flag e ,./ asTa w ide two street parades. They appear*" wearing i ota glares, and their movement& NY „ Ire „ p re cise es clock-work machinery. They Iter anyoraz ed public attention, auk alb iff , e 00 ,, ne boreaw strength, some fine minterw- t ii sp h,i i ma y be el; petted tima Talfrosalsa The furore eir el ' started by Chief Fraaltikv watithirte wog th e • city and the State willtbsb.ta Ills i d „ wain with th e WO Palainisms am% aesi* undid national guar d 14 ; fully omuinisod. *Or Alf . About 10 (Moak w SHOT coxred Midis... e st evening a dleturbeue 4 enees between a , na meer colored P er nalli,alki lug which One Of them, n lial j i ; abdomen, h i shot, the ball taking Woe a very dangeroue wound. 4 r , alleged maw' 6 , name d G eorge mill er , t doo o! ed, Se e dede b' escape. The wounded men vtell If ne pen n er ran m, Heapiesi„ v , PAINFUL CIDENT. Lewtg ir_nanp uport AC the tee at Fonr v- SPract"otreete jreeterday afternoon and W oo UoirPl e AL a4 / 1 /° if adored. - He was removed to the Po CULPABLE ate vELEsamess. tiro took plum Its home In Pona Mon Fmk rerday afternoon. waned by Bono old rogr, w ^— wore atoned In a atortiptpa ball, taking Arlit
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