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|yOXXTMiJ _ I»]S AEC, ARK., APRIL 14, 1866. NTJMliERa fAXXCM P.VTABI.E IN ATIVANCE. ■ u iTES OF AOVEKTIS^G. 0ue square (10 Hues of this size type) for cne insertion, $1 5 oaci additional insertion, 75 cents. ■ _____ ---11 m. | 2 m~| 3 m. | (i m. ; I year. —;——r—ialmsto oo $>9 oo" $12 ou $20 <mj 6 00 >«oil-0fl 14 ou 26 M 9 00 n 00 13 00 17 no on on 1 Column' 11 00, 13 00,10 00 20 00 40 00 “u 13 00 :10 0o,18 oo 25 00 60 00 s Pnlumn 16 001 13 00 22 00 30 00 00 00 \ column, 19 00^1 00,27 00 35 00 70 00 "Advertisers by the year will be restricted to their legitimate business. Personal communications charged double the rates of regular advertisement?. Legal advertisements will be charged, for one square or less, first insertion Si, and 75 cents per square for each additional insertion. Announcing candidates for State and Dis trict offices, §7; County offices, So; Township offices, 3; invariably in advance. 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AX#0 R EtEIViSG a it $3 IORW ARDIIG MERCHANTS, Das Arc, Arkansas. IIi 1II highest market price paid for Wheat, - Dry Hides, and all ctouutry produce. ®£P“ Agents lor the sale of Monumenta. Tombstones and ererv description of Stone work. WARNER & EDWARDS. Dos Arc, February 2P. 1S30 —Dm BLAKENEi r STALLWORTH. AM li o 1 e s a 1 © AND RETAIL GROCERS, Commission Merchants, OlAERtli iGEifTS, & c., BUENA VISTA STREET, Oes Arc, Arkansas. \\TE ARE NOW RECEIVING OUR STOCK W of GROCERIES, direct from New Orleans and St. Louis, and will sell at the lowest cash price, and buy country produce of every kind. mar8 'mTshetterT BLACKSMITH AND WAGON MAKER, §c$ JUc, Having fitted up my shop. I can now be found at the old stand, ready to do all kinds of work in my line. ThoSe having BLifK^VITIITYG OR W 4 GOV WORM TO 15E DOSE, Can be assured tliat T can, and will do it in the best possible manner. marS »RS. LASE & ISt R.VEY, Ufsiskut i’hiisicians — a v n— SURGEONS, Ol’t'JiR tlieir services to the citizens and vicinity, in the various branches of their I professions. Offlne at Burney & Bro's Drug 1 Store. mar8-ly 1! O. GILL, ,T. GILL, G I L L & B R 0., Des AercG Ark., DEALERS IN STAPLE and FANCY | DRY GOODS, (Ready-Made Clothing, Hats, CAPS, HOOTS, SIIOHS, | ' . Hardware, Hollow Ware, ^ueensware, &«*. I \ LSO, KEEP A FULL SUPPLY OF Pam | 1A ily Groceries and PLANTATION i SUPPLIES constantly on hand. Will pay the highest market price for Cot i ton, Dry Hides and Produce of all kinds. L. L. CROSS’ PHO PH ROOMS, gmtUV' put ;fU'hiUisn£. t Variety of I*IIOTOURAPBH€ A. VIElWSaiul AI.BOIS always on Isanti. nrnss mar8-lt L L- ,.L" Ff R G DEVALL’S BLUFF, ARK. TTTiio WANTS A GOOD DRINK OF W FINE LIQUOR!! ToM ia now behind the counter oi the •’ Bj££>T BAIiOOM in the place, ready to hand out to all desiring it, the Finest Liquors that the market affords. No humbug ! Give Pom a call, and it }ou 1 love good things, you will be satisfied, marl; bn FRANK GALLAGHER THE SOUTHERN SITUATION. I __ Gen. Lee s Testimony before the “ Re construct ton” Committee of Fifteen— What He Soys About the Feeling in Virginia and the Soulh—A very In teresting Chapter• A Washington dispatch of the 27th says: The Joint Committee of Fifteen reported to ; 'iav, to both houses of Congress, the evidence j of Gen. Robert E. Lee, of his views on the | Southern situation. The following is a full ■ extract of ail the important points. On Feb ruary 17th he was sworn, and examined by j Senator Howard, as follows ; Question. Where is your present residence? Answer. Lexington, Va. Q. How long havo you been in Lexington ? A. -Since 1st of October last—nearly five months. Q. Are you acquainted with the state of feeling among what we call secessionists, at present, in Virginia towards the Federal Gov ernment ? A. 1 do not know, that I am; have been living very retired, and have "had but little communication with politicians; know nothing more than from my own obser vation and from such facts as havo come to my knowledge, Q. What is yottropinion from observations ainong the secession people of that State of the feeling toward the Government at this time? A. So far as came to my knowledge I do not know of a single person who either feels or contemplates any resistance to the United States Government, or indeed, any opposition to it; no word has reached me to either pur pose. Q. From what you have observed is it your opinion that they are friendly towards the Government, and they .will co-operate to sus tain and uphold it in future A. 1 believe fhev certainly will acquiesce in the Gov eminent, and, so far as I have heard any one express an opinion, they are for co-operating with President Johnson in his policy. Q. In his policy in regard to the restora tion of the whole country ? A. I have heard persons with whom I lmro conversed express great confidence in the wisdom of his policy ofrestoration, and they seem to look forward to it as a hope of restoration. Q. IIow do they feel in regard to that. por tion of the people of the .United States who have been forward and zealous in the prosecu tion of the war against the rebellion? A. Well, l do not know ; I have heard nobody ex press ap opinion in regard to it. As I said before, l have not had much conversation with politicians in the country, if there are any. Every one seems to bo engaged in Iiis own affairs, and endeavoring to sustain the civil government of the State. I have heard no expression of sentiment towards any particu lar portion of the,country. Q. IIow do they (secessionists) feel in re gard to the payment of Federal debts ? A. 1 have never heard any one speak on the sub ject. I suppose they ifiust expect to pay the taxes levied by the Government. I have heard them speak in reference to the payment ot taxes and their efforts to raise money therefor, which I suppose is for their share of the debt, I have never heard any one speak in opposi tion to the payment of taxes or of any resist ance to their payment. Their whole effort has been to try and raise money to pay tlu taxes. Q. From your opinion and knowledge ol the people of -Virginia, would they, if the question was left to them, repudiate and reject that debt? A. I never heard any one say oi speak on that subject, but from my knowledge of the people, l believe that, they would be in favor of the payment Of all just debts. • Q. Do they, in your opinion, regard thai as a just debt ? A. I do not know what theii minion is on that subject; I have never heard I any opinion expressed contrary to it. Indeed, j us 1 said in the beginning, I have had very ! little discussion or intercourse with the peo pie. I believe the people would pay the debts they arc called on to pay. 1 say that from i njy knowledge of the people generally. y. Would they pay that debt or their por (ion of it with as much alacrity as people or dinarily pay their taxes to the Government' A, I do not know that they would make any distinction between the two taxes laid by tin Government. So far as 1 know they are pre pared to pay to the best of their ability. 1 never heard them make any distinction. Q. What is the feeling of the people -of Vir ginia toward the payment of the so-callec Confederate debt ? A. I believe so far as my opinion goes (I have no facts to go upon) thai they would be willing to pay the Confederati debt too. Q. You think they would? A. I thiul they would if they had the power and ability to do so. I have never heard any pile in tin State with whom 1 have conversed speak o: repudiating any debt. y. I suppose the Confederate debt is value ! less in the market in Virginia? A. Entirely so far as I know. 1 believe the people lool upon it as lost entirely. 1 never heard any questions on the subject. Q. Go you recollect when the Confederati bonds were made payable9 A. I have t general recollection that they were made pay : able six months after a declaration ot peace, y. Six months afler a declaration of peaci between the United States and Confederati j Government ? A. I think they ran tha way. Q. So that the bonds arc not. due yet by tlicir tenns? A. I suppose unless it is con sidercd that there is peace now they are not due. Q. IIow do the people of Virginia, the se cessionists particularly, feel towards the frecd mcn ? A. Every one with whom I have as sociated express kind feelings towards the frccdinen. They wish to ace them get on in the world, and particularly to take up some occupation for a living, and to turn their hands to sqme werjf. I know that efforts have been made among the farmers near where I live to induce them to engage for the year at regular wages. Q. Do you think there is a willingness on the part of tlicir former masters to give them fair wages for their labor? A. Ihelieve.it is so. The farmers generally prefer those servants who have lived with them before. I have heard them express their preference for the men whom they knew, who had lived with them before, and their wish to get them tore turn to work. I am not aware of any combi nation among the whites to keep clown the wages of the blacks. I .have heard that in sev eral counties the land owners have met in or der to establish a uniform rate of wages, but I never heard ofan.v combination to keep down ! wages or establish a rate which they did j»o.t | think fair, l‘he means of paying wages in \ irgiuia are very limited now, and there is a : difference of opinion as to hoi.' much each per • son is able to pay. Q. How do they feel in regard to the edu cation of the blacks; is there a general wil lingness or unwillingness to have them educa ted? A. Where I have been the people have exhibited a willingness that the blacks should 1 be educated, and they express an opinion that it would be bettor for the blacks and whites. Q. General, you are very competent to judge of-the capacity of black men to acquire knowledge ; I want your opinion in that capac ity as compared with the capacity of white men? A. I do not know that I am particu larly qualified to speak on that, subject, as you seem to intimate, but I do not think bo is as capable of acquiring knowledge as the white man is. There are some more apt than others I have known some to gain knowledge and skill in their trades or professions. I have had servants of my own who learned to reed and write very well. Q. Do they show a capacity to obtain a knowledge of mathematics and the exact sci ences? A. I have no knowledge on that subject. I am merely acquainted with those who have learned the common rudiments of education. Q. General, are you aware of any combina tion among the blacks of Virginia, anywhere in the State, having in view the disturbance of the peace, or any improper or unlawful act? A. I am not. I have seen no evidence of it, and have heard of none. Wherever 1 have been they have been quiet and orderly, but not disposed to work, or rather not disposed to any continuous engagement to work, hut just i short jobs, to prpvide them with the immedi ate means of subsistence, Q. Has the colered race generally as much love for money and property ^ the white rahe ? A. 1 do not think it has. The blacks whom I know look more to the present than the future. <J. Does that absence of a lust for money arise more from the nature of the negro thap i from his servile condition? A. Well, it may 1; be in some measure attributed to his former condition They arc an amiable race; they like their ease and comfort, and I think look more to their present than their future con dition. Q. In the event of a war between the United States and any foreign country, such as England or France, if there should bo held out to the secession portion of the people of vlnrlntn ni- flip nlhfiv recently rebellious Stales, an after prospect of gaining their in dependence and striking off the Government of the United States, is it or is not your opin ion that they would avuil themselves of that opportunity ? A. I cannot speak wiili any certainty on that point. I do not know how far they might be actuated by their feelings. I have nothing whatever to base an opinion upon. So far as 1 know they contemplate [■nothing of the kind now. What may happen in the future I cannot say. Q. Do you not frequently hear, in your in tercourse with secessionists in Virginia, ex ! pressions of a hope that sucii a war may break out? A. I cannot say that 1 have heard it. On the contrary, I have heard persons, 1 do not know whether you call them secessionists or not—I mean those people in Virginia with | whom 1 associate—express a hope that the i country may not he led into war. Q. In such an event, do you not think that class of people whom I cull secessionists would join the common enemy ? A. It is possible. It depends upon the feelings of the individual. Q. If it is a fair question—you may an swer it or not, as you choose—what in such an event might he your own choice ? A. I have no disposition now to do it, and 1 have never ead. Q. Vou can't foresee that such would he your inclination in such an event ? A. No. I can only judge from the past. I don't know what circumstances may produce. I cannot pretend to foresee events. So far as I know, the wish of the people of Virginia is for i peace. Q. During the war was it not contemplated tn- Government trf the Confederate State" to form an allianco with some foreign nation 1 if possible? A. I bolieve it was their wish to Uo so. It was their wish to have the Con federate Government recognized as an inde pendent. Government. I have no doubt if it could have made favorable treaties it would have done so. But I know nothing of its pol icy. I had no hand or part in it. I merely express my own opinion. Q. Tho question I am about to put to you, you may answer or not, as you choose. Did you take an oath of fidelity or allegiance to > the Confederate Government ? A I do not ] recollect, having done so, but it is possible when I was commanding I did. I do not rec ollect whether it was required. If it was re quired I took it,or if it had been required I would have taken it. But I do not recollect whether it was or not. By Air. Blow—Q. In reference to the effect of President Johnson’s policy, if it was adopt ed, would there be anything like a return of old feelings ? I asked that because you used the expression “Acquiesccing in the result.” A. I believe it would. Q. Do you think that their preference for that policy arises from a desire to have good feelings and peace in the country, or from the probability of their acquiring political power? A. Bo far as know of the desire of the peo ple of the South, it is for the restoration of their constitutional Government, and they look upon tho policy of President Johnson as the one which would most clearly and most surely establish it. Q. Do you see any change in reference to the people of Virginia as regards industry ; are they as much or more interested in devel oping their material interests than they were? A. I have not observed any change; every one now has to attend to his own business for his support. Q. Tho poorer elaescs are generally hard at work*, are they? A. So far as I know, they arc. 1 know nothing to the contrary. I have noticed no change in their relations to the colored people, as I know tho feelings of j ..ii ..e i,ina ! ored people. 1 have never heard any blame attributed to them as to the prcseut condition of things, or any responsibility. Q. Can capitalists and working men from (lie North go into Virginia and go to work among the people? A. I do not know any thing to prevent them. Their peace and pleasure would depend very much on their ctnrdtret. If they applied themselves to their own business, and did not interfere to pro" voke controversies, I don't believe they would be interrupted. There is no desire to keep labor and capital out of the country. They arc very anxious to get labor and capital into the State. The manner in which they would be received, as 1 before stated, would depend entirely upon the individuals; they might make themselves obnoxious, as you can un derstand. 15y Mr. Howard—Is there no! a great dis like of Northern men among secessionist^? A. I suppose they would prefer not to asso ciate with them. 1 do not know that they would select them as associates. Q, Do they avoid and ostracize their soci ety? A. They might avoid them. 1'ltey would not select them as associates unless there was some reason. I do not know that they would associate until they became ac quainted. 1 think it probable that they would not admit them into their social circles. By Mr. Blow—Q. Do you think colored persons would rather work for a Northern man than a Southern man? A. I think it very probable that they would prefor the Northern man, although I have no facts. I know of numbers of blacks engaging with 1 their masters; I know of a good many who ! prefer to go off and look for new homes, j Whether , masters, or from a desire to change, or that j they feel more free and independent, I do not j know. n Wlin’t is vmir nnininh in r^frnrrl fn tlir* material interests of "Virginia? do you think they will be equal to what they were before the rebellion, under the changed aspect of affairs? A. ll will take a long time to roach their for mer standard, I think after some years they will reach it, I hope they will exceed it; but it can’t be immediate, lu my opinion it will take a number of years. Q. On the w hole, is the condition of things in Virginia hopeful, bath in regard to its ma terial interests and future peace of the coun try 1 A J have heard great hopes expressed, and' great cheerfulness and willingness to labor. Q. Suppose that this policy of President Johnson’s should bo all that you anticipate, | and that you should realize all that you expect in the improvement ofyour material interests, lo you think the result of that will bo the ! gradual federation of old l'ecbings? A. That j would bo the natural result, I think, and I see ■ no other way in which that result can be brought about. Q. There is a fear iu tbo public mind that the friends of the policy in the South adopt it because they see in'.’it means of reorganizing the political position which they lost in the re cent contest. Do you think this is the main idea with them, or do they merely look to it, as you say, as the best means of restoring their civil government and the peace and prosperity of their respective Slates ? A. As to the first point you make, I do not think that I ever heard^ny person speak upon it; 1 never heard the p unt suggested 1 have heard them speak generally as to the effect of thopolioyof Pres ident Johnson, file feeling, so fur us 1 know, is that there is not that equality extended tq the Southern States as is enjoyed by the North. Q. Yon do not feel down there, that while you accept the result, we are as generous as we ought to bo under the circumstances? A. They think the North can afford tq bo getter Otis. o I,.,; Q. That is the feeling down there? A, Yes; apd they think that is tho best polfcy-— those who reflect on the subject and avo able to judge. Q. I understand it to be your opinion that it would be tlie surest.means ef regaining tuoir good opinion ? A- \ es, and the speediest. Q, 1 understand you to say, generally, that you had no apprehension of any combination among the lending secessionists to'renew the war, or anything 6f the kind ? A. Phare no reason in the world to believe so. Q. Have you heard that subject talked of among the politicians? A. No sir, 1 hasp, not. 1 have not heard that matter suggested.. Q. Let me put another political caso. Sup pose tho Executive f'linir of the Edited States should be filled by a President like Buchanan, who vojeot.ed tho right of coercion (so-called), and suppose a Congress should elcist here en-> tortaiuing the same political opinions, thus presenting to the once rebellious States the op portunity to again secede front the Union, would they or notj ill your oplntiiii, aval! themselves of that Opportunity, or Some of them ? A. I suppose it would depend upon circumstances existing at tjho time, If] their * feelings should remain embittered, npd their affections alienated from, thu rest of the .States, I think it very probable they might do so, pro vided they fliought if to their interest, 1 do not know that there is a deep feeling of dislike towards the Government, 1 think.lt probable some animosity may exist among some of tho people. I think sometimes thqy wore disap pointed as to the result of the war. I know of no condition of discontent against tho Gov ernment amona flic secessi^ists. T he'llova' that the people will perform towards the Gov-> eminent nil of the duties they are required, to perform. I think that is the general reeling.' Q. Do you think it would be practicable to convict a man in Virginia of troaswn for hfcv ing taken parfcia this rebellion agajrtsf the Gov* eminent, by a Virginia jury, without packing it with direct reference to a verdict of guilty ? A. On Jtbat point I have no knowledge, aud I do not know what you would Consider treason against tho Government. If you mean past acts— Gen. llqvferd—yes, sir. (jen Left-rrl have no knowledge,aa tp what their views on that subject are. . , Q. You understand my question? Suppose, a jury was impannelcd in your toWn and neighborhood, talien by lot, would it be prac ticable to convict Jeff, Davis for having levied wav on the United States, aud thus having committed Ihe crime of treason ? A. A think it would be very probable that they would not Consider he had committed- (reason; I do not know whether ft jury would heed the instruc tions of the Court to convict the offender. Q, They do not generally suppose that it was treason against the Government, do they? A. I do not think that they so consider it. So far as I know, they look upon the action of a State, in withdrawing from the Government, as carrying the individuals in it along with it; that tho State was responsible for the act and not the individual. I am now referring to the past. Q. State, if you please, and if you are dis inclined you heed not answer—what were your own personal view3 on that question? A. That, was my view; that the act Of Virginia in withdrawing herself from the Union, carried me along as a citizen of Virginia, and that her laws andbev aois wore binding on me. Q, And that you felt to be your justification in taking the course you dtd ? A. Yes, sir Q, I have been told, General, that you have remarked to some of your friends in conversa tion, that you were rather wheedled or cheat ed in that course by politicians? A, lido not recollect ever making that remark ; I do not think I ever made it. Q. If there be any other matter about which you wish to speak, do so freely, A, Only in reference to thatlast question you put tome ; I may have -said, and 1 may have be lieved, that the position of the two sections which they hold to each other was brought about by the politicians of the country that the great mass of the people, if they iindor | stood the heal question, wonld have avoided it, | bumot that I had been individually wheedled J by the politicians: but I did believe at*tbe ' time that it was unnecessary in tJUe condition i of affairs, and might have been avoided, if ! forbearance and wisdom had been practiced on both sides, Ueu Lee then closed his evidence iu fttat 1 iug, in reply to questions, that the people of ! the South would not like the proposed coqsti ! tuti vital amendment; that he was not aware of any cruelties practised upon our soldiers at llelle Isle, though he was aware that they suf fered many privations, lie declared distinct i ly that he had no command over tbo pri^on ! ers’ depots, and did not even know, until he 1 saw in the papers this summer, _who caused , it at Andersonville. -A wag wrote on the back of a fat alder man, “Widened at the expense ofthc corpora tion."