Daily union appeal. (Memphis, Tenn.) 1862-186?, 1862-08-15
AN IMPORTANT DOCUMENT.
HrApauaKrEns Ellie pIv1sros

I am fully aware that the task is more than
should devolv6 ~ one man. I viii endesvor
to get you help in the person of some commits I
stoned officer, and, if possible, enc under bond, /
as he must handle large amounts of money in I
trust; but for the present We must execute the /
duties falling to our share as well as possible. /
On the subject of vacant houses, Gen. Grants |
orders are: "Take possession Of an vacant
stores and houses in the city, and have them /
rented at reasonable rates, and to be paid i
monthly in advance" Those buildings with
their tenants can be turned over to proprietors
on proof of loyalty; also, take charge of such
as have been leased ont by disloyal owners.
understand that General Grant takes the
rents and profits of this class of real property
under the rules and laws of war, and not under
the confscation act Of Congress. Therefore,
the question of title is not involved; simply the
possession and the rents and profits of houses
belonging to our enemies which are vacant
are held in trust for them or the Government,
according to the future decisions of the proper
tribunals. MIR. Mcdonald, your chief agent
in renting and managing this business, called
on me last evening, and left with me written
questions which it would take q volume to
answer, and Webster to elucidate. But as
we can only attempt plain, substantial justice.
1 will answer the question as well as 1 can
briefly to the point.
First When ground is owned by parties
who have gone South, and have leased the
grounds to parties now in the city, who own
the improvements on the ground?
AEswER.-The United States takes the
rents due the owner of the land, does not dis
turb the owner of the improvements.
Second, When parties owning houses have
gone South, and the tenant has given his note
for the reat in advance?
ANswER.-Notes are mere evidence Of the
debt due landlord, the tenant pays the rent to
the Quartermaster, who gives bond of indem-
nifty against the very notes representing the
debt for the particular rent.
Third, When the tenant has expended sew
eral months rent in repairs on the house?
ANswEE.-Of course, allow all such credits
on reasonable proof and showing.
Fourth, When the owner has gone South,
and parties here hold liens on the property,
and are collecting their rents to satisfy their
liens
AYswER.-The rent of house can only be
mortgaged TO person in possession. If a
loyal tenant be in possession, aRd claims the
rent from himself as due to himself on some
other debt, allow it but if not in actual pos
session of the property, rents are not good
} liens for debt, but must be paid to the quar-
termaster.
Fifth Of parties claiming foreign protection?
ANswER.--Many claim foreign protection
who are not entitled To it. If fairly foreign
subjects, residing for business in this country,
!, they are entitled to consideration and protec-
ton as long as they obey the laws of the coun-
; try. If they occupy houses belonging to
absent rebels, they must pay rent to the quar-
> termaster. If they own property they must
occupy it by themselves, tenants, or servants
Eighth, When houses are occupied, and the
, ! owner has gone South, leaving the agent tc
! collect rents for his benefit
ANswER.-ReAt must be paid to the quar-
termaster. No agent can collect and remit
! money South without subjecting himself to ar
. rest and trial for aiding and abetting the pub.
d lie enemy. -
t Ninth, When houses are owned by loya
|. citizens but are unoccupied2
ANswER.-Such should not be disturbed
but it would be well to advise them to havt
some servant at the house to occupy it.
Tenth, When parties who occupy the hous
'' are creditors of the owner who has gon
: South2
r ANswER.-You only look to collections 0
e rents. Any person who transmits none,
South is liable to arrest and trial for adm;
: and abetting the enemy, but I do not think i
! our business to collect debts other than rents
s Eleventh, When the parties who own tn
n property have left the city under General Ho
!, vey's order No. |, but are in the immediat
II neighborhood on their plantations
d ANswER.-It makes no difference wher
they are SO they are absent.
' Twelfth, When movable propert y is foun
t in stores that are closed
t ANswER.-The goods are security for tn
! rent. If the owner of the goods prefer 10 re
e remove the goods to paying rent he can do SC
il Thirteenth, When the owner lives in tow
y and refuses to take the oath OF allegiance2
ANswEB.-If the house be occupied it doe
not fall under the order. If the house be Va
can't it does. The owner can recover hi
Is property by taking the oath.
J. All persons in Memphis residing within on
q military lines are presumed to be loysl goo
: citizens and may at any moment be called I
o serve on Juries Posse CoBsitatas or other civ
a. service required by the Constitution and Law
2. of our county; should they be called on to d
such duty which would require them to &C
knowledge their allegiance and subordinate
8 to the Constitution of the United States,
g would then be tnn late to refnsa "a Innn .