The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1862-08-15
NEWS FROM WASHINGTON.

THE PRESIDENTS NEGRO P0LTCY-HE WILL
NOT ACCEPT ARMED NEGRO REGIMENTS
SAMBO MAP DIG BUT NOT FGHT-IMPOR-
TANT EVENTS PENDING ON THE PENINSULA.
-GENkRAL ITEMS.
WASHINGTON, Aug. 4.--Certain promi-
nent western gentlemen waited on the Pres
ident to-day to tender him two negro regi.
ments from the West, the organization of
which could be completed and they ready
to take the field within ten days. The in
terview was protracted and the discussion
covered the whole ground of arming the ne.
groes with all its possibilities for good and
evil. The President finally closed by an.
nouncing that he had made up his mind not
to accept at present the service of armed
negroes. He would use them as teamsters,
cooks, lab0rers on entertainments and in
every capacity save fighting. He declared
that to accept regiments of armed negroes
would be to lose forty thousand white SOL
diers now in the army, and would drive
some of the border states out of the Union.
BE had deliberately made up bis mind to this
policy, and would adhere to it unless totally
new circumstances require the change. This
announcement causes the utmost ast0nish.
ment among western men, who had sup
posed Jim Lanes project fully authorized by
the President himself. His determination
upsets that whole scheme and will also work
decided revolutions in plans elsewhere. 1t
is believed that the President cannot now
consistently allow Hunter to go on with his
colored regiments in South Carolina, and
will pat an end also to the organization of
negro troops in other quarters.
THE SITUATION ON THE PENINSULA.
The town is full of rumors about move.
ments on the Peninsula, some evidently alb.
surd and others that, if true, would be ims
proper to transmit. Well informed circles,
however, have stories about highly impor-
tant movements either progressing or i'm
pending, for the confirmation of which they
refer to the Presidents alleged declaration
on Saturday last that we should have stir
ring news from the Peninsula this week,
and to HalIeck's reported refusal to grant
passes to the Peninsula this week, even to
persons ordinarily entitled to them, for the
alleged reasons that the condition of affairs
there was so critical that he was unwilling
to have any passing whatever through the
lines for any purpose. 1t has been repeat
eddy telegraphed within two weeks, the prev
alent theory-to be received, however, sole
ly as the0ry-is that our forces are coming
down james and up the Rappahannock
This would effect speedy junction with
Pope.
CONFIDENCE OF THE PEOPLE.
There is less parade of preparation here
than ever before in connection with military
affairs, yet all are filled with confidence that
things are moving right since the exit of the
senatorial disturbers of the public peace,
who Notwithstanding the censorship of the
press, managed to publish in their speeches
all the information intended to be suppress
sed, and by their measures to embarrass ard
dispirit our armies more than all the rebel
forces opposing them.
THE PROSECUTION OF THE WAR.
1t is said in usually well informed circles
that direct and decisive action is to be TAX
en- in the prosecution of the war and that a
perfect agreement exists between the prin-
cipal generals and the executive branch of
the government. This is asserted as the
certain policy of the administration, to be
vigorously consummated, and indications
seem to confirm the truth of the statement.
All likewise agree in praising General
Halleck, admitting the removal of their
prejudices since they have seen him and
learned his views and purposes in regard to
the prosecution of the wer. The President
and Secretary Stanton defer almost wholly
to General HalIeck's military management
and are sustaining him with all the power
of the government.