The New York herald., 1862-01-22
Probable Imposition Of a Tax on News
papers and Telegraphc Dispatches.
- - 2
Two Additional Assistant Secretaries Of War
Authorised by Congress.
Debate ON the Ell Rulsion Of
Senator Bright
Interesting Speeches Of Messrs. Sumner,
Bright and Lane, Of Indiana,
&s. &c., &s.

WASHINGTON, Jan. 81, 1852.
GENERAL MCCLELLAN m Favor OF ACTIVE OPERA
TI0Ns.
During the three hours that General Mcclellan wag
before the Committee on the Conduct Of the War hs
stated positively that he was in favor and always had
been in favor, Of active operations, and speedy
presson Of Tho rebellion and doing his utmost -
bring about such result.
THE IMPORTED ABANDONMENT OF MANASSAS BY THD
REBELS.
The report that the rebels have abandoned Manassas u
great humbug General Mcclellan knows better. The
roads bad that they cannot leave Manassas they
would and is believed that they would not II they
could.
THE REPoRrED INTENDED ATTACK ON NORFOLK.
The statement that General Wool gave notice 10 tn
authorities Of Norfolk 70 all their women and
children from the place Is not true. was there any
preparation Of vessels in the vicinity Of Fortress
Monroe for operations against Norfolk.
REcoNNoIssAHCE TOWARDS FAIRFAX COURT HOUSE.
Captain Mott Of Motifs battery. attached to General
Smiths DIVISION in defiance Of RAIN darkness and mud,
started out last evening on reconnaissance towards
Fairfax Court House. accompanied by Colonel Lord and
detachment of dragons. He returned little after
daylight this morning They secuted FIRST about Hun
ter's Mills and around Peacock and Freedom hills.
Disguised at coming across OF the enemy, they
pushed Fairfax Court House where they found body
light and gave the command OF "nre." This bold de-
monstraton frightened the mounted pckets Returning
the re they plunged spurs into their horses and sped
away their utmost speed. Our did not pursue,
and hit by the exchange shots. Captain Mott
asceransd the that the rebel picket lines have been
removed considerably inside from where they were
short time ago.
TIE NEW MILITARY DEpARTlTENT OF KEY wEsT-M-
PORTANT ORDER TO RECRUIrIHG OFFICERS
jutant Generals Office military department, to be
known as the Department Of Key West, 10 constituted,
with tho following bounds-key West ths Tortusas and
the mainland the west coast far Apaachicols,
and to Cape Canavera the east coast Brgadcr Gene
raj j. NJ Brannan, OF the United States Volunteers II
assigned to the command.
II is also ordered that officers detailed for the volun
teer recruiting service under General Order No. los, Of
1861, are to recruit for their regiments respec-
lively and for the general volunteer service. They
will however, be under the direction Of the general
superintendent.
The full number Of officers indicated for the recruiting
service need not be detailed il less number will sufce
build up the several regiments The selections will be
made by the coonsls and the order for detail given by
commanders Of departments or corps d'armee.
NECESSITY FOR ADDITIONAL ASSISTANT sRCRETARIEs
OF WAR.
To-day bill passed both houses Of Congress creating
two additional assistant secretaries OF The ev
dcnce taken before the Committee the Conduct OF the
War; a we'll as tho statements made by those
vsrsant with the business OF the War Department shows
concusvey that the Secretary Of War; who has Cabinet
duties TO perform other than those connected with tho
war cannot aided by single assistant, perform well all
the important and arduous duties that should pro-
pery pass under the direct supervision Of q rsspon-
siblo headl Of the department, without taxing the
snerries beyond their natural capacity, and In the
end doing great injustice all concerned Hence
determined to create the additional Offices, which
easily be abolished at the close Of the This win
greatly relieve Colonel Scott, the present and only As
sstant Secretary Of War who has known no such thing
a. release from the duties Of his Office during the day,
the night or Sunday, since the rebellion broke out
He IL always at his post always busy and possessing
great executive ability, manages TO perform more ous-
ness with more during every twenty'iour hours
than any other officer in the government His Office In
constantly crowded. 20 much that he Ia compelled to
"a, nj, anners at his desk while ansactng the public
h,e.. The public do not ask this and Congress has
rov,aad AGAINST by the creation Of two new secrs-
tariss
rbs massage OF this bill was, according to statement
made in tho House, by request OF the Secretary OF war
himself This preliminary to thorough reorganiza-
ton by which not only will the transaction Of all bus
ns., Of the army be facilitated but vsters have equal
opportunity Of obtaining to the proper officers Of
the department without unnecessary delay.
THE NAVAL APPROPRIATION BILL.
Tho Committee Of Ways and Means to-day concluded
THAR labors ON the Naval Appropriations bill will pro-
badly be reported tomorrow.
THE LEGISLATIVE, EXECUTIVE AND JUDICIAL APPRo-
PRIATIoN BILL.
Tomorrow Mr. Stevens Chairman cowmittee Of Ways