Newspaper Page Text
2.
Tl-nS VERMONT TRAJSTSORIPT.
THE TRANSCRIPT.
ST. ALBANS.
31 a roll V
I
The Extra
Session.
We publish in full tlio proceedings
of tho Extra Session of tho Vermont
Legislature, and presume tho debutes
in regard to the rcpcnl of tho act closing
tho affairs of tho Franklin County
Bank, and tho modes of ratifying tho
constitutional amendment, will bo
read with attention. Tho proceed
ings noccssarily occupy much space.
Walton's Journal, in alluding to the
synopsis of tho dobato as to tho mode
of ratifying an amendment to tho
Federal Constitution, remarks that "a
fact not adverted to, shows very clear
ly that the approval of tho Executive
is not essential; and it is that tho al
ternative modes provided for are, 1st,
by tho Stato Legislatures; or, 2d, by
Conventions. With the latter, ccrttiin-
ly tho Executive could havo no official
connection except by power specially
given. But tho Executive approval
does not invalidato an act of ratifica
tion, becauso it is still tho act 'of tho
Legislature' Wc think rlioN Supremo
Court of tho United States would
sustain' such an act, even against an
Executive veto."
VitH regard' to tho action of the
Legislature, it was what might havo
been expected. Vermont has always
been an anti-slavery Stato and una
nimity might reasonably havo been
anticipated.
Thero was, of courso, a diffcrenco of
opinion about tho expediency of
calling a special session for tho pur
pose of ratifying tho constitutional
amendment. "Whether it was worth
whilo or not, Vermont has signified
her assent to tho abolition of slavery,
nnd is the eighteenth Stato to ratify
tho amondment. Nino moro States
must ratify boforo
law of, tho land.
Icy." Tho Pittsburgh Republican says
that for tho work in which ho has on
gaged Mr. Watson is preeminently
qualified. "Ho is a clear, forcible and
polished wrilor and zealous antiqua
rian, llo delights in gathering tho
traditions and reminiscences of for
mer limes; nnd having collected them
from- old nnd forgotten journals,
chests of musty papers and tho recol
lections of tho aged, ho, with raro abil
ity, weaves them together in a most
interesting narativo."
SST" President Lincoln has issued a
proclamation, notifying all deserters
from tho military or naval sorvico to
report for duty within sixty days from
tho 10th instant, or they will bo
deemed to havo forfeited all rights of
citizenship'. Tho proclamation grants
a full pardon to all deserters who may
return to their duty within tho speci
fied time.
EST- Two National banks in Vcr
mont were authorized last week, to-wit:
Montpolicr Bank, president James It.
Langdon, cashier Charles A. Reed,
capital $300,000; and tho First Nn
tioiinl rBank, Burlington, president
Levi Underwood, cashier Charles A
Sumner, capital $300,000.
Legislature or Vermont.
KXTIIA ttliSKIO.V.
IS
it will becomo tho
. -Tho Thirty Eighth Congress
camo to an end March 1th, 18C5.
Tho following arc among tho most im
portant bills passed:
Tho Six Hundred Million Loan
Bill; 'Tho Indian Appropriation Bill;
Tho Pacific Railroad Bill, granting tho
right to. issue bonds provided for
heretofore, to tho extent of ono hun-
dredjimuions in ndvanco of tho con
struction of tho road; Tho Bill to
establish a homo for Disabled Sol
diers, incorporating Lieut. Qon. Grant
and i-ninety-nino others, tho capital
to consist of ainillion of dollars, inado
up of military fines, deductions from
pay, and donations; Tho Civil Ap
propriation Bill, with largo additions;
Tho Tax Bill; Tho Cqinngo Bill; nnd
many bills of n privato character.
A ioint resolution that tho :Govcrn-
ment will novor recognizo tho rebel
debt, was passed, and n bill, removing
all disqualification of color in carrying
mails, was passed.
to inform
had con-
with
Grand Isle County Court.
Ftlirunry Term, 180.".
Tho February Term of tho Grand
Islo County Court was held at North
Horo, commencing February 28th,
18C5, Hon. Asa O. Aldis, presiding
Judge, and Hon. David Sweet, of
Alburgh Springs, and Hon. Gilbert
Alien, of South Horo, Assistant Judges.
Tho first week was occupied with tho
trial of tho caso entitled Goodsell and
Hyde vs. Montgomery and Holcomb.
On Saturday aftornoon, March 4, tho
Jury found a verdict for tho plaintiff
to recover $525,00 and cost, Messrs.
G. Harrington and Georgo F. Hough
ton, for plaintiff; and Messrs.Beardsloy
and Edson and Rand for defendants.
On Monday; March Cth, tho trial of
John Carlo vs. Jabez G. Rockwell and
Edwin H. Land on was commenced,
and on . Wednesday, March 8th, the
Jury found a "verdict for tho plaintiff
to recover $125, and cost; Messrs,
Eduoi'i and Rand for plaintiff, nnd
Messrs. Harrington, Beardsloy and
Houghton, attorneys for defendant.
Tho next Jury trial, Ephraim A
Holcomb vs. Ira Hill and Jared P.
Hall, was begun and partly finishod
wlien, by reason of tho sudden illness
of Hon. Giles Harrington, tho caso
was continued ; Mossrs. Harrington
and Georgo F- Houghton, attorneys
for tho plaintiff, and 3Icssrs. Beards
loy, Edsou and Rand for defendants.
Tho Grand Jury reported six bills
Frederick A. Burnett, a lad 12 years of
age, pleaded guility of stealing
$3,00 bill from Benjamin Gordon of
Alburgh, and was sentenced to
thirty days imprisonment in tho coun
ty jail. Nelson Carterot was fined
$10, and $12 cost, for an assault and
battery, and was sentenced to Btand
committed until sentence was com
plied with.
On completing tho court business,
the .court .adjourned on Thursday at
noon, March 9th, after an unusually
laborious session of ton days.
MoNTrrxir.H, March 9, 18G5
Pursuant to a Proclamation of tho
Governor, tho members of tho Senate
and House of Representatives mot in
their rospectivo chambers at 10 o'clock
A. M.
SENATE. Tho President took tho
chair, nnd on tho call of tho roll 2G
of tho 30 Senators answered to their
names.
A resolution, for a coinmittco to in
form tho Govornor that tho bonato
rcadv to proceed to business, was
adopted: and Senators Chapman nnd
Rubloo wore appointed for that pur
pose.
A resolution, that tho becrotary m
form tho llouso of the same fact, was
also adopted.
Tho following message was received
from tho Governor:
Gentlemen of the Senate
and House of Jleprcscntatives:
I horowith transmit, for your con
sideration and action, tho resolution
of Congress proposing an amendment
of tho Constitution of tho United States,
and submitting to tho Legislatures of
tho Bovcral States the question of its
ratification. Tho assont of three
fourths of tho States must bo given be
fore it can becomo a part of tho organic
law. Sovcntccn of tho required num
ber havo already Bet their seal to the
ratification.
Tho magnitude of tho mcasuro, and
its influonco upon tho great questions
which now absorb the attention of tho
Government, nnd which incrcaso in
importanco with tho waning prospects
of tho rebellion, render an early and
prompt ratification of tho nmendmcut
tho surest means of strengthening tho
Government, and has justified to
my own mind tho oxpedienco of a spe
cial convocation of tho Legislature at
this time.
It is not necessary that I should
urge tho mcasuro upon your attention.
Ever earnest and uniform in hor nd
horonco to tho great principles of con
ttitutional liborty, uncompromising in
hor opposition to slavery, tho persis
tent ajlvocato of emancipation, early
in tho field and foremost in tho fight
in support of tho Government, Vcr
mont has written her history in char-
actors too vivid and clear to admit of
a doubt as to her action on a question
so vital as this.
I would thereforo recommend the
nromnt notion of tho two Houses in
ratifvincr tho proposed amondment,
with a view to an immcdiato adjourn
ment, that as httlo oxponso as possiblo
may bo imposed upon tho btato.
ExECimvp. CiuMiiEn; )
select cotnmittoo to whom was referred
tho Governor's message, reported S
bill No. 2. to ratify tho amondment to
( tho Constitution, which was passed.
Scnntor Englcsby, from tho judiciary
committee, reported S. bill No. 1, for
change of venuo in certain cases; nnd
t was passed.
iV loiut resolution to ratify tho
amondment of the constitution was re
ceived from tho llouso, nnd rcierred
to tho select committeo on tho subject.
Tho committeo had leavo to sit dur
ing tho session of the Sonnto, and sub
sequently Senator Eugle'sby reported
adversely to tho foregoing joint rcso-
ution, nnd concurrence therein was
cfuscd.
Tho Houso resolution for finnl ad-
ournmcnt was concurred in.
llouso bill fixing compensation of
officers for services at this so ision was
passed in concurrence; also bill mak
ing appropriation for expenses of tho
session.
On motion of Senator Abbott, the
Secretary was directed to inform tho
Governor nnd tho House that tho Sen
ate had completed its business: when,
after receiving a liko messago form
tho Governor nud House, tho Senato
adjourned.
HOUSE. Tho speaker took tho
chair, when tho chaplain of the House,
Rev. A. L. Cooper of Montpelier,
opened tho session with rending of
tho '.mil rsalm and with prayer.
Tho proclamation of tho Governor
waB read.
Tho roll was thon called.
Tho clerk was directed
tho Senato that tho House
vened and is ready to proceed
tho business of tho session.
Tho clerk wns directed to deliver a
like message to tho Govornor.
Tho joint rules and joint standing
committees of tho last session wcro
adopted for the present session.
By resolution by Mr. Soulo of Fair
fax, tho rules and standing committees
of tho last session wero adopted for
tho present session.
Tho Governor, by Samuel Williams,
secrotary of civil and military affairs,
communicated tho following message
Seo Senato proceedings.
On motion of Mr Nicholson, three
hundred copies of tho messago was
ordered to bo printed.
Mr. Colby introduced a bill to ratify
the proposed amendment of tho con
stitution; which wns twico read nnd
referred to tho committeo on tho ju
diciary. Mr.'Dorr moved that a select com
mittee of ono member from each coun
ty bo appointed to report a joint reso
lution to ratify tho proposed amendment.
M.r Dorr suggested that tho modo
of ratification, authorized by tho con
stitution of tho Unitod States and
provided for in the resolution of Con
gross, is "by tho Legislature of the
several States;" and thereforo that tho
most proper way is to proceed by a
joint resolution and not by a bill.
J hero is a material diucronco in tho
two modes, inasmuch as a bill must bo
submitted to tho Governor for appro
val; so that in caso tho Governor of
any Stato should happen to disagree
with "tho Legislature," he might pro-
cut it from exorcising its constitu
tional right to vote for the ratification
of an ninondmont."
Mr. Colby said both modes had
been pursued in other States. It
seemed to him that tho most formal
-Hon. Winslow C.Watson, of Port
Kent, N. Y., has published tho "Pio
noer History of tho Champlain Vol
Montpelier, March 0, 18G5
A RESOLUTION,
Submittintr to tho lecislaturoa of tho
sovoral States a proposition to amonu
the Constitution of tho Unitod States.
Resolved by the Senate and Jfousa of
Representatives of the United Slates of
America in Connress assembled, (tivo
thirds of both Houses concurring,) That
tho following nrticlo bo proposed to
tho legislatures of tho sovcral States
an an amendment to tho Constitution
of tho United Statos, which, whon rat
ilied by thrco-fourths of said legisla
turcs, shall bo valid to all intonts nnd
purposes, as a part of tho said Consti
union, nnnioly:
ARTICLE XIII.
Section 1. Neither slavery nor in
voluntary servitude, except as a pun
ishmont for crimo whoreof tho party
shall havo been duly convicted, shall
exist within tho United Statos, or any
placo subject to their jurisdiction.
Section 2. Congress shall hav
power to enforco this nrticlo by appro
pnato legislation.
Approved February 1, 18G5.
Tho ino8sagownB referred to a select
committeo consisting of fivo .Sonntor
to bo appointed by tho President, and
Senators Englesby, Smith, Richmond
nnd Hutchinson wero appointed such
Committee.
On motion tho rules of tho October
... . -i ll n
session, iotil. wero nuopicu as mo
rules of tins special session.
Sonntor Chapman proposou to pay
netual expenses, instead of milongo
and debentures; but his proposition
was rojectcd.
Senator UlarK mirouuccu n um
changing tho venuo in certain criminal
cases (changing tho act of 1804 to pro
vent raids,) which was roforred to
committeu on tho judiciary,
Adjournod.
vUr. Burlaw said no election had
been mndo, but still the directors elect
ed previously nro responsible on their
bonds. Ho was sure that tho bank is
as sound and safe as any bank in tho
State Tho clamor ngainst it comos
from brokers and others who wish to
speculate in tho bills.
Mr. Hinman said a citizen of his
town hnd sent bills for redemption,
and tho bank refused them.
Mr. Barlow said nil that is neces
sary for any holder of bills to do is to
mnko an affidavit that ho is a bona fide,
owner.
Messrs. Wilson of Bakorsfiold and
Wnito of Brnttleboro' had no doubt
that tho directors nro responsible on
their bonds, and the repeal of tho net
would bo an injury to tho public rath
er than to tho bank.
Mr. Pratt said the diroctors rcquiro
moro than an aflidnvit of honest own
ership. Tho bill holders havo been ro-
quirod to prove that tlioy hold tho bills
previous to tho mid for instance, a
widow in his part of tho State, a do
positbr in a savimrs bank.
Mr. Nicholson said tho debato shows
an issue of facts which cannot bo tried
in a week, lie objected to comphent
ing a grand ovent of tho ages, for
which tho dial of limo has been long
wnitincr bv this two cont business, if
tho bank refuses to redeem, the holder
has only to tako his remedy in tho
convto at once.
Mr. Wilson asked it tho widow had
not received her money.
Mr. Pratt admitted that it was so
through a threat of tho Savings Bank
to carry tho matter into court. Ho
did not wish to force parties into court.
Mr. nson said the bank must re
(Hiiro proof thnt bills offered wero not
part of tho stolon bills. . Bill-holders
outiht not to complain of that.
Mr. Lyndo of Wilhamstown and
Mr. dishing of Barton stated instances
of complaint m their vicinity.
Mr. Kimball of Putney inquired
whether tho bank cannot nnd will not
pursuo tho samo courso if tho act shall
bo repealed: if, indeed, tho effect of
the act is not merely to fix tho 1st
Juno next as a limit beyond which
holders cannot present their bills.
Mr. Bullnrd of St. Johnsbury sug
gested that tho Canadian government
is to refund tho stolon mouey, and
therefore that there is now no good
reason for tho act of tho last session.
Ho was much dissatisfied with the
course of tho bank thero is too much
of tho sharper about it; or, at any rate,
such is tho impression among tho pub
lic. Mr. Stowart said' tho only remedy
that seems to bo succcstcd by tho de
bate is, that tho time for tho redemp
tion of the bills shall bo extended; but
ho- was disposed to concur with tho
gentleman from Wnllingford.
Mr. Bailow said tho Canadian Gov
ernment has not refunded yet; they
propose to refund only, thnt part of
the money which was given up to tho
raiders by tho marshal at Montreal,
and that is on condition that tho rnid
ors aro given up. They nro not given
up yet and tho Canadian judgo seems
to bo conveniently sick. Tho only
purpose of tho bank is to protect itself
against the stolen money, lhey have
a right to do that, both moral and le
gal; they aro doing it; nnd it has hap
pened moro than once that tho bank
lias found that tho money presented
I to it for redemption, by tho persons
who mako all tho clamor, was actually
3-C
r-i
JVlarch 17,
op
tho tho
SENATE. Senator Englcsby, for
and solemn manner of proceeding, and
thereforo tho most lit ono on so gi avo
a question, would bo by bill. Howev
er if it bo host to proceed by joint res
olution tho judiciary committee can so
report.
Tho motion of Air. uorr was then
agreed to; and on motion of Mr. Stow
art, tho Houso took a recess of half an
hour to givo tho speaker an opportu
nity to select tho comnuttoe.
On reassembling, tno speaiicr an
nounced tho select committeo ns fol
io wes:
Rutland Couuty Mr. Dorr of Rut
land.
Addision Mr. Stowart of Middlo-
bury.
Bennington Air. Thomas 01 Arling
ton.
Caledonia Mr. Bullardof St. Johns-
Chittenden Air. liarstow of buel-
burno.
Essox Mr. Sowell of Luncnburgh.
Franklin Mr. Wilson of Bakers-
field.
Grand Islo Mr. Wheeler of South
Hero.
Lamoille Mr. Collins of Wolcott.
Orango Mr. Hebard of Gholson.
Orleans Mr. dishing of Barton.
Washington Mr. Forrin of Mont-
pelior.
Windham Mr. Waito of Brattlo
boro. Windsor Mr. Colby of Hartland.
Mr. Pratt askod leavo to introduco
a bill to repeal an net thcroin men
tioned. -
Mr. Wilson of Bakorsfiold suggosted
that tho Houso should entertain no
business except that for which tho leg
islature has been convonod, and moved
that tho bill bo laid upon tho table
without reading; which was agreed to.
Mr. Wilson thon introduced a reso
lution excluding all business oxcopt on
tho constitutional amondmont.
Mr. Stowart of Middlobury suggest
ed that tho act of tho last session to
chango tho venuo of action (in the
caso of tho raiders) is uncoiisiuuuonni
in tho opinion of tho Bupromo court,
and thoroforo that it may bo best to
ropoal or chnngo it,
Tho resolution of Mr. Wilson wns
rojectod; when ho callod up tho bill of
Mr. Pratt, which was to ropoal tlio act
of tho last sossion rolating to' closing
tho affairs of Franklin County Bank.
Mr. Barlow said ho had no- doubt
tho bnnk would redeem nil bills hold
honestly, nnd ho thought it not host
to repeal tho act. llo movou to dis
miss tho bill.
Mr. Stewart snid ho had learned
that tho bank did not elect diroctors
in January, and that thero seems to
bo nobody who can bo held responsible.
part of the stolon money.
The bill was dismissed.
Adjourned.
HOUSE. Mr. Dorr from the select
committeo to whom had been referred
tho Governor's message, reported a
joint resolution to ratify tho amend
ment to tho Constitution of tho U. S.
proposed by Congress, which, after re
citing tho amendment in a preamble,
is in tho following words :
"Resolved, by tho Senato and Houso
of Representatives, that tho said pro
posed amendment to tlio Constitution
of tho U. S.'bo, and tho samo is hereby
ratified by tho Legislature of tho Stato
of Vormont."
After a brief speech by Mr. Dorr in
support of tho resolution, Mr. Peaso of
Norwich moved to amend tho preamblo
by ndding tho following words : .
"With gratitude to Almighty God
for tho privilcgo, nnd with devout con
fidence iu tho ultiniato and speedy
consummation of this great mcasuro
of national justico and policy:"
Air. Peaso said ho desired to ox-
press his own feelings by this amend
mont: and whether nccordant with
legislative forms or not, ho was suro it
would bo accordant with tho feelings
of tho Houso. As much, how
over, ns ho uesirou to put on record
his own feelings, ho would do nothing
to impair tho unity of tho llouso on
this question, no wanted a unani
mous voto; and if a singlo man had
any doubt, ho Would imploro him to
consider a few questions. Has not
tho negro had enough of tho cup of
bittornoss full, and running over?
Has not tho whito man, North and
South, had enough of tho brutalizing
effects of slavery ? Has not tho Gov
ernment had enough to do with it,
nnd moro than enough in tho existing
rebellion ? Havo not tho politics and
tho politicians of tho country had
enough to do with it ?
Hero tho bennto bill to ratify tho
amondmont was recoived, and Mr.
Barlow of St. Albans moved to lay
tho ponding resolution on tho table
for tho purposo of consiuonng tho
Senato bill.
Mr. Deano of Cavendish favored tho
motion with a view to a spocdy sottlo
mont of tho question.
Mr. Dorr of Rutland opposod the
motion. Eithor mode, by resolution
or by bill, will bo effectual to givo tho
assont of Vormont to tho amendment;
but ho had a choieo of modoa. Ho
would not proceod by bill, becauso
that method requires tho nssent of tho
Govornor. Of courso that would not
bo objectionablo hero and now, ns tho
Governor is in full sympathy with
both branches of tho Legislature ; but
it is objectionablo as a precedont
other states now, and for Vt. in
future. Tho Senato of tho U. S.
pressly declared that tho approval of
the President is not essential to a pro
posal of amondmont, nnd ho hnd no
doubt thnt tho Senato intended to do
elaroby fair implication nt least, that
tho Bign'aturo of a Governor of a state
is not essonlial to tho ratification of an
nmendmcut.
Mr. Nicholson Baid that to concedo
that either modo is effectual is to con
cede tho whole question as to action,,
lero, since nobody apprehends a veto.
If a ratification by bill is good, ho
thought it best to net courteously to
the bonato nnd m harmony with it.
Ho would not permit any choice of
modes to interfere with harmony in an
act which ho had laborod and longed
for through many years ; nor would
10 dobato tho question. It is noithcr
a timo nor a subject for dobato, but
for prompt and harmonious action.
Mr. Colby said that in any event
the Houso ought to extend to tho Son
nto tho courtesy of considering its bill.
As to precedent, tho Houso will estab
lish no new one in proceeding by bill,
as tho Logislaturo of lbUl procoodcu
in that way.
Mr. Deano thought gcntlomon erred
in not counting tho Govornor ns a co
ordinate branch of tho Legislature.
Massachusetts has acted by bill nnd
her act "bears the signature of Gov.
Andrews. Ho was for harmony, as
well as other gcntlomon ; nnd ho
wished to civo tho Governor an
porl.unity to net iu harmony with
House.
Mr. Stowart of Middlobury said
Constitution describes the Logislaturo j
as consisting of tho Senate and House,
and makes tho Governor the Execu
tive officer. On this mcasuro ho would
stand on principlo for popular rights,
and hold that tho Legislatures may
ratify without tho approval of tho Gov
ernor. It is true that it will mako no
difference in Vermont ; but it is also
true that it may mako a material dif
fcrenco in states where moro than a
majority voto is required to ovor-rido
au Executive veto. In sorao of tho
states, (as in Vt.,) tho Logislaturo
alone, without tho approval of the
Governor, can pass a joint resolution,
while in tho samo states perhaps a bill
cannot be passed over a veto without
a two-thirds or three-fourths voto.
Possibly, then, Kentucky nud Now
Jersey may ratify by tho joint rcsolu-
tion of tho Legislature, cannot do so I
by bill. Ho thought that both the I
Constitution and Congress contempla
ted tho action of tho peoplo on amend
incnts 'Wo the people' through their
proper representatives, in legislatures
or conventions.
The motion to lay tho resolution on
tho table was rejected, the amendment
of Mr. Peaso was agreed to, and tho
resolution wns then UNANIMOUSLY
ADOPTED ayes 218, noes none.
The announcement of this voto wns
received with applause.
Tho judiciary committeo reported
houso bill to ratify tho constitutional
amendment with' tho recommendntion
that it do not pass, as the House has
already adopted a joint resolution for
tho snmo purposo; and tho third read
ing of tho bill was refused.
Mr. Hvdo of Cnstleton introduced a
bill to pay, tho oflicors of tho Senato j
and llouso for services nt tno prcsont
n 1i 'llr
session ; reierreu to coinmiueo 01 ways
and means.
Sonato bill No. 2. to ratify tho
amondment of tho Constitution, wns
twico rend and referred to judiciary
committeo.
Sonato bill No. 1, for chango of venuo
in cortnin cases, was passed on motion
of Mr. Stowart of Middlobury.
Mr. Ferrin of Montpelier introduced
n joint resolution, that both Houses
adjourn without day at 9 1-2 o'clock
to-morrow morning. Air. ivimbnll oi
Putney moved to substitute 8 instead
of 9, which was agreed to, and tho res
olution was adopted.
Tho commiltoo of ways and moans
reported tlio bill to pay oflicors of tho
Senato and llouso ro each. Air.
Colby moved to pay tho Secretary of
tho Senate and Clerk of tho Houso
$50 each, and tho Assistants $25 ench,
which was agreed to, and tho bill was
pnssed.
The judiciary committoo reported
Senato bill No. 2, to ratify tho consti
tutional amendment.
Tho bill wns read tho third time,
when Mr. Barlow of St. Albans moved
tho provious question, which was sec
onded by tho llouso, nnd tho question
ordered to bo put.
AYES 217, Noes 2.
So tho bill was PASSED IN CON
CURRENCE. M. Lyndo of Williamstown demand
ed to havo his reason for voting
against tho amendment of tho Consti
tution placed on tho journal of tho
Houso ; tho reason being that tho
modo of ratification, by bill instead of
a joint resolution, is a dangerous ono.
Ho henrtily approvod of tho amend
ment of tho Constitution.
Mr. Pratt introduced n rosolution
that tho cleric, m publishing tho pro
ceedings of this session, bo instructed
to includo a statement of tho names of
mombors who wero presont and did
not voto, nnd tho nnmes of absentees,
on tho voto adopting tho constitutional
amondmont,
Mr. Nicholson suggested, that it may
bo perfectly understood, that those
mombors who nro present and havo
not yoted aro liablo to tho chargo of
boing prcsont for pay, not patriotism.
Tho resolution was thon adopted
mi. - .i i
Alio coininuico oi ways and means
reported a bill appropriating $7,500
for oxponses of this session ; and on
Ll -t IT.. T j, ...
iiiuuuii ui iur, joit; mo bill was
passed,
On motion of Mr. Dorr, ordorod
that when tho Houso adjourns, it ad
journ to meet nt h o clock to-morrow
morning.
Tho Govornor having announced
that ho hnd signed tho sovoral bills
passed at this session, tho usual mes
sages woro exchanged, and tho Houso
adjourned.
FitiDAv, March 10, 8 A. M.
Tho presiding officors ndjourned
both Houses Bino dio,
LATE WAR m
Wisia Foiiu, March 10.
Lieut. Gen. Grant:
The enemy mndo a heavy attack up
on our centre nnd loft to-day, but was
decisively ropulsed with heavy loss.
Their dead and badly wounded woro
loft upon tho Hold. Wo nlso took
sovcral hundred prisoners. Our loss
is small. General Couch is only 12
miles from here, to-night, and will bo
up early in tho morning. Wo took
prisoners from Leo's nnd Stowart's
corps. They say two corps aro here,
rest oi Johnstons nnny is
and tho
coming.
J. M. SCHOFIELD,
Major General.
U ' NewYouk, March ll
Richmond papers of to-dnv
are filled with c oleful conS,,, ? '
tho condition of affairs whi, 0n
represent as being dosimmtn J
nil mi t thnt. Rliori.ln,, i.A , ' .lm
mischief with their av , W
plios, and fears aro expressed tU f"
will reach Burke's Station n
and destroy the last link bSff
New York, March 12.
Tho Herald prints a letter from
Sherman to Wado Hampton, stating
that in conscquonco of foraging par
ties having been murdered by rebels,
after boing captured, and labels at
tached to their bodies of "death to all
foragors," that ho has ordered a sim
ilar number of prisoners in our hnnds
to bo dispatched in liko manner; that
ho holds ono thousand rebel prisonors
and enn stand it ns long as Hampton
cau. Tho rebel General responds
that ho knows nothing of such mur
ders nnd that for every soldier exe
cuted bv Shormnn. ho will execute
, two fedornls, picking out olhcors as
I tho first vie ims. Ho mnkes a long
! story about barbarities allowed to bo
I practiced by Sherman's army, and
I concludes by stating that ho Bhall
hold fifty-six prisonors as hoslago for
thoso ordered to bo executed by Sherman.
for
tho
ox-
Wau Dep't, Washington, )
March 13, 10 A. M. f
To Maj. Gen. Dix:
Tho following report of Gen. Shori
dan's operations has boon received by
this Department from Lieut. Gon.
Grant
EDWIN M. STANTON,
Sec. of War.
IlEADQUAUTEnS MlDDLE MlLITAnY )
Division, Columbia, Va.,
March 10. )
7b Lieut. Gen. Grant:
In my last dispatch, dated Wayns-
boro , I gavo a brief account of tho do
feat of Early by Cnstar's division.
Tho samo nisrht this division was
pushinc across tho Bluo Ridge, and
entered Charlottesville at 2 P. M. tho
noxt clay, tho mayor of the city deliv
ering up tho keys of tho public build
ings. 1 had to remain at Charlottes
ville two days. This timo was con
sumed in bringing our forces over
from nyncsboro nnd our ammuni
tion and pontoon trains. Tho weath
er was horriblo beyond description
nnd tho rain incessant. Tho two di
visions were during this time occupied
in destroying tho largo iron bridgos,
ono over tho Ravana river, tho other
ovor Mower's cicok near Charlottes
ville, and tho railroad for a distanco of
eight miles in tho direction of Lynch
"burg. On tho Gth of March I sent
tho first division. Gen. Devins com
manding, to Scottsvillo, on tho James
rivor, with directions to sand out
eight parties through tho country, and
destroy nil merchandise, mills, facto
ries, bridges, "&c, on the Ravnna river;
said parties to join tho division nt
Scottsvillo. The division then pro
ceeded nloug tho Canal to Duguids-
ville, 15 miles from Lynchburg, de
stroying every lock, and in many
plnces tho bank of tho canal. Merritt
accompanied this division.
Tho third division proceeded down
tho Lynchburg road to Amherst Court
Houso destroying ovory bridgo on tho
road and miles of tho track. The
bridges on this road aro numerous
and sorao of them COO feet in length
Wo havo found groat nbundanco in
tho country for our men and animals.
In fact, tho cannl had been tho
great feeder of Richmond. I havo no
opposition. Every body is bewildered
by our movements. I havo had no
news of any kind sinco I loft. I omit
ted to mention that the bridges on the
railroad from Swoop's Depot on the
other sulo of btanton to Chnilottes-
villo woro utterly destroyed. Also,
nil bridges for 10 miles on tho Gor
donsvillo railroad. Up to tho present
limo wo have captured fourteen pieces
of artillery, eleven at Waynesboro'
nnd threo at Charlottesville Tho
party that I sent back from Waynes
boro started with six pieces but they
wero obliged to destroy two of tho
six for tho want of nnimnls. Tho re
maining oicht pieces woro thoroughly
destroyed. Wo havo captured up to
tho prcsont timo twelve cnnal boats
laden with supplio3, ammunition, ra
tions, medical stores, xc. 1 cannot
spoak in too good terms of Gen. Mer
ritt, Custer nnd j;ovoiis and tho
oflicorB nnd men of their commands.
Thoy havo waded through mud and
water during tho continuous rain
and nro all in fino spirits and health.
Comniodoro Hollins of tho rebel
navy was shot near Gordonsvillo
whilo attempting to mako his escapo
from our advauco forco in that direc
tion. Very respectfully,
Your ob't scrv't,
P. H. SHERIDAN,
Mnj. Gen. Com'g.
Washington, March 14, II A. M.
2b Maj. Gen. Dix:
Dispatches direct from Gens. Sher
man and Schofiold havo been roceived
this morning by this Department.
Gon. Shorman's dispatches woro
dated March 8th, at Laurel Hill, N. C.
Ho says:
"Wo aro well nnd havo dono fine
ly." .
Dotails, for obvious reasons, nro
omitted. ,
Gen. Schofiold's dispatches wero
dnted nt Newborn, tho 12th. Ho
says:
"On tho night of tho 10th near
South West creek, Bragg was fairly
boatcn. During the night ho re
turned ncro3s the Neuso river at Kins-
ion, ami now holds tho North sido of
Uio rivor at thnt place."
E. M. STANTON,
Sec. of War.
lucnmoiiu and nny whom
It is believed. Lore that Shcl4m
has already passed BirrWs SlatiuT
the junction of tho Pelersibunr "j
Lynchburg and Richmond and ,.
villo railroads, and gone either t
Sherman or to Grant. This aw
Grant tho troublo of cutting i?S
Southsido railroad and leaves to Op
Leo tho alternative of starving or 2
viding his already deplolcd forces nnd
open Richmond to n promenade f ir
Gen. Grant r
Tho Herald's correspondent data
in front of Kinston, on the 11th, 6av
Gen. Couch's division of Union trW
i'jinod Gon. Coxo on tho morr,m
tho 11th and it wns thought that an
other battlo might tako place that aj
though thero wcro indications t,
Bragg would full back to tho ; ,r a
sido of tho Neuso rivor. Dunn? " ,
engagements on tho 8th, 9th nn -i Ih
nearly 2,000 robols wero made pri. Z
crs. Tho cntiro Union loss in k.! "i
wounuea aim taken prisoners
estimated at not over that number
Baltimohe, March U
A returned Union prisoner
reached Annapolis to-dny direct fr
Richmond, cominunicntos sotno inv
esting intelligence in relation . t
stato of affairs nt Richmond aiulM:, -..
dnn's movements. Ho snys he was ,.
fined in Castlo Thunder, and thr
friends of Union citizens incareerw.
there obtained much information r
ativo to events transpiring, ab a
which Richmond papers aro silent
On Saturday night last Ihchmia
was thrown into a stato of intense ei
citement by tho announcement U;
Sheridan was mar the city Xl
alarm bolls wero rung nnd all h m
guards and. every available ruaiiU.,
could bo spared hurried off t. r;
tho Yankees, who wcro said to Ik ta
Beaver Mills aqueduct, on Jamusr
somo 20 miles from the citv. dts"
ing tho cannl, the main feeder of II !
mond. Tho excitement continued i,.
night and increased to a pnnir tlf a
out Sunday, and down to M mdsr
morning. When ho left the alarm st.
prevailed. It was understood tM
Sheridan had succeeded in tho des
truction of tho aqueduct, blowing i.
tup with gunpowder, and it would Uk
: r i i ? .n. i.- n.. j .
at joasb m. inuuuis iu ri'i.ui iuu 'u.
ago doiTo by him during Sunday after
noon. Rickctt'8 division passed last'
Thunder, in groat hasto, on their ff .y
to meet Sheridan. Thero is a drr?
near tho Aqueduct, and it was bi 1.
Sheridan's purposo wns to cross, tl
r i ..i:i. 41. Tin.,, ,11 r .
U.UIIUB Illlll BLlllhU LllU XSUlltlll'
near tho Coal Fields, where tb t
an extensive bridge' which if dtstr
will complete tho destrurticn
communications of Rifhmonl
then mako a junction with Gran;
Movements indicating prcj r
for tho abandonment of lt' '
havo beon in progress for s "k
The heavy machinery for m r.'i!
ing iron has been removed, a
machinery of the percussion caj r.
factory, and all tho caiprt
town wero at work filling lar'e
ornmcnt orders for packing x
Tho high water in tho Jnmcs lia l r
sided so much that tho boat wlin h - 3
voys prisoners from Richmond onto
not pass abovo Rochetts nsjtitfdbeen
doing previously. From tins cinutn
stanco, it is hoped that Sheridan wul
find less difficulty
in his lino of march
in crossing btreams
New Yohk, March 13.
Richmond papers show that the reb
el Congross which was to adjourn list
Saturday, have, at tho request of Jeff
Davis, postponed tho adjournment, b
informing them thnt ho expected I'1
have something of importanco to lay
beforo them.
Newiieiin,N. C, March 12.
Yesterday tho enemy fell bnckacrw
tho Neuso river, after burning tbe
bridgo ovor that stream. It is also re
ported that they burned at the bib
timo tho rebel ram Neuso which s
guarding tho bridgo. Tho railroad"
completed to within a short distance"
tho river opposito Kinston. Tab
my will not bo ablo to remain m W
ston long. Sherman hns oponcdw
raunication with Wilmington fromf
ottovillo. Ho sends word that
all right and marching on.
Wo expect to hear gratifying "
from him in a few days.
NewYouk, March 15.
Tho Herald's Newborn rrcsp
dont of tho lllh, says: Tho r.
...iv i .1 ir..n.. rvirlnv lrrtnw
repeated charges upon ourw.h ,
Thoy camo up a dozou times w
bravery worthy of a bettor cause, v
ourmonhnd tho ndvantago nna '
pulsed thorn with tornblo wv
That night and next morning, "V
fiii'. f;..n Minn nn and tU rt
becan to fall back across tho ni
tJ
tie"1
iVIIlSlOIl. Will iVlwn
bo I
un viL'oroii8lv. and will cross i
1ia bridco can
VI MM UUU4 tu w U
blotter from General Serf'
headquarters at Newborn, J hire"
snya Hoko this morning wtempj ft
break our lines but was ropw 1 BOt
terrible slaughter. Our a,i,
moro than threo or four ln "L loss
wounded nnd prisonors. iU; jlcr
must bo at least eight timM g
Wo havo tho field with nil tlio
killed and wounded. Sf1?
plies aro abundant at tho frow.
Gold sold this afternoon fttn
f the Vef
Tho annual session ot,lj6th0aift
mont Couferonco of Uatfvl
Episcopal Church, will be i e M J
ford, April 19th, 18UB. s)lV
will preside
