True Democrat., 1862-12-17

TuE NEws.-lf the converse of the ada9e that bad news travels swiftly, be true, then the news to come must i,c good, for, at no period since tbewa commenced have we been so long without any definite information. We have the Chicago Times of the 2d inst, and from that glean the follow ing summary: synopsis is given Of Lincon's message. He acknowledges that the relations of tho Tinted States with other foreign powers are less gratifying than formerly;-says that the Span ish American republics will not let him coonize negroes there, and the stupid race will not go to Hayti or Liberia;-favors the extension -oi the Pacific telegraph line across the Russian Empre' and the buiding of the railroad to California; wants tbe mineral resources ofltlge territories de reloned d;-recommends Chase'sp splanof organizing bankino associations, under an act of Congress, to make money, and finally deYotes the, greater part of his message to emancipation. He proposes amendments to the constitution, so that States aboIishing slavery before the year l90o, shall be compcnsated; but all slaves freed by the chances of war, shall be forever free, and disloyal owners shah not be compensated. The messaSe winds up with .lighfalutin endorsement of tpis scheme' which is to be a panacea for all ills; just, gene rous,-clorious act, with a mess Of like twaddle. Lincoln also intimates that he will notrecede from his proclamation of September 22d.
 Fernando Wood, in speech made in New York, said that leading statesmen of the South expressed a willingness to return to the Union on certain conditions Of course this is all political gam mon, as is also the report, current at the North' that en. Lee had proposed an armlstice of thirty days. The Confederates hold Fredericksburg, and have it fortified so to prevent the aooltionlStS from crossing Longstreet and Hill are in com ,nand. Our cavalry had captured several cempa- n;es of federal cavalry near fredericksburg, and quite number of scouts and pickcts. On the 2Sth Stonewall was at New Market, Va. Burnside IS still at rest and Lincoln's organ at Washington argues against his advance on the ground that II he marches on to Richmond, the Contederates will march on to Washington and take it. Cumberland Gap is vet in our possession. Bragg is at Mur- lreesboro, Tenn, throwing up intrenchmcnts. Ro- sencrans-is yet at Nashville. Sherman's division from Memphis was at ColdGater, Miss, on the lst inst. Grants, McClernard'S and Buffers forces were all in motion at that date. On the 28tb. Gen. Jenkins captured three companies of t1e second Virginia (renegade) cavalry, and large train of wagons, laden with arms, ammunl- ton stores, etc. Frank Biaie has been made a major general, and is to command division going down tle Mississippi. Tho famine in England IS increasing, and deaths by starvation have taken ,lace.s 4 second steam vessel for the Confederate navy has left Liverpool, and third will soon fol low. Gen. Blunt publishes report 'ot his fight win Marnaduke near Cane Hill, on the 2Jth ut. He says he had 5000 men, and M. S,G01, and that he drove the latler twelve miles. The truth IS, that he had at least five to one. Gen. Heron also reports his foray on Melville, in this State, and the cowardly destruction of. that town and the saItpetre works He stole five hundred guns and as many horses. Shermanss wagon train was cut off near Coldwater. and the Confederates succeed ed in destroying part of it and taking some prso- ners. Grant, at.Memphis, is trying to rlvr Brute Butler an4 has issued order that 70 person snail buy or sell anything to eat or wear without hrst taking the oath. The abolitionsts burnt and ut terIy destroyed Germantown, near Memphis. spain is excited and is collecting quite navy; at least twenty vessels and 490 guns at Havana, to resent the outrage lately perretrated by Captain Hunter
 These Sre all the items of interest that We find in the Ti:nes, while we are without southern ac- counts, which would be truer and more favorable. While we consider tunwise to conceal any portion ofthe truth regards preparations of the adversary CT the dangers that menace us, yet we believe that we shall prove successful. The abolition army is held in check at Fredericksburg; the |" On to Richmond :" movement is suspended for fear of an attack on Washington; Bragg stands stubbornlE in front of Rosencrans; Sherman's division has already been assailed and his trains cut off, and up to the first instant, the enemy had made no real progress. Severe fighting may have taken place ere this, but we have every confidence in the re- salt. The strategy of the federals has all been foiled, and their superior numbers can be over come by cutting off divisions in detail' We await further news with anxiety, yet with confidence.