Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1862-02-03
LATEST NEWS.
BY TELEGRAPH
TO THE WORCESTER DAILY SPY
LATEST FROM WASHINGTON.

LATEST FROM WASHINGTON.
WASHINGTON, Feb. q Notwithstanding the
alarms and crOakings of some OF the foreign
journals and letter writer's about the stone
blockade, and other sinister reports, the dis
patches received at the state department are
regarded as conclusive of u complete restora-
ton of the entente cordae between the United
States and Great Britain and of the best nos
sbe understanding of the governments of
France, Italy, and other continental states.
Yesterday secretary Seward and Lord Ly ons
exchanged congratulations on the adjustment
of the Trent affair in spirit similar 10 that
which in the same case animated Earl Rus
sell and minister Adams.
1t is true, as has bee1 stated, that Gen.
Wool, under instructions, asked Gen. Huger
whether If Smith, The privateer captain, were
delivered to him at Norfolk, Col. Corcoran
would be restored to liberty and sent north.
The answer was in the negative, on the ground
OF a difference in rank as to the two prisoners
The reunion at secretary Stewards on Fri
day embraced the largest attendance of mem
beIs OF the diplomatic corps and their families
that has been witnessed at any similar assem-
blage tor year past.
Washington society is cheerful waiting only
for congress to establish a financial system for
the government, and tor sunshine to dry un
the roads for military operations.
1t is has been determined to place the rebel
privateers now in New York and Philadelphia,
upon the footing OF prisoners of war. An or
der has been issued removing them to military
prisons, with view to their exchange Tor Cit
liens OF the United States incarcerated in the
south This important and humane course on
the part of the government may result in the
return of Coils Corcoran, Lee, Coggswell,
Woodruff, Wilcox, Wedges, and the other off
GERS now held as hostages for these privateers.
general exchange OF all the prisoners will,
it is believed, speedily follow.
Lieut.. Edward Connoly of the Goth New
York regiment, a prisoner of war, has arrived
from Columbia s. G, and was present at an
Interview with the president and secretary of
state. He reports that the health of Col Cor
coran and the other prisoners is good.
1t is understood that the tax bill is now being
perfected in its details by the committee OF
ways and means. 1t proposes a moderate
rate OF taxation upon most articles OF necessary
consumption with higher rates on distilled
liquors and other articles of luxury, on lega.
cies and probates, on passengers by railroads,
and other conveyances, newspapers, and tele-
graphic messages. From these sources taken
in connection with the tariff on imports it is
confidently expected, after the most careful
investigation, that the government will derive
an annual revenue OF at least $3.50, 100000
This tax bill will give to the United States
bonds sure specie paying security.
The committee have also considered the
subject of national banking law which will
require the deposit of United States stock as
security for the bank notes that are circulated
as currency.
The president, in conversation, yesterday
with Representative Conway OF Kansas, slated
that he appointed James II. Lane brigadier
general with the express understanding that
he was to serve under Gen. Hunter; that
Gen. Lane frequently declared his Willingness
to do so; that he 1.-THE president) had and has
the strongest desire to oblige Gen. Lane, and,
consequently, appointed a large staff to suit
and crafty him; that while he hoped and
expected an expedition somewhat to his liking
would be sent forward under him, he expected
it to be done by amicabe arrangement with
Gen Hunter He never intended and does
not now intend that it shall be independent of
Gen. Hunter, or in any way offensive or dis
honoring 10 him. Gen. Lane was to receive
his orders from Gen. Hunter, and the president
will be glad if Gen Hunter, acting within the
range OF his orders and his sense of duty to
to the public, can give such orders as will be
satisfactory to Gen. Lane.
The rumors, which, it IS represented, threw
New York into panic yesterday, are regarded
here as inventions of the secesSionists in Lon
don and Paris. The communications which
have been received from Great Britain and
France, as well as other European states, by
the two last steamers, are more frank and
cordial than any since the instruction began.
Information has reached here that Isaiah
Butler, David E Wattles, Matthew Hodge,
and Richard r. Boyle have been arrested at
North Branch, Michigan, On the borders of
Canada, upon charge OF destroying the mails
at the post office, in retaliation for the sus
pected act of the postmaster in causing the
arrest of man named Guy Hopkins, who
was Il member OF secret reasonable society
called the knights of the Golden Square
Hopkins is in Fort Lafayette, and the other
prisoners at Detroit awaiting trial
II is known here that Il number of southern
secessionists are in Canada whose business it
is to collect money from sympathizing friends
. and to forward and receive dispatches from
Europe and place them in such secret chan
nels that they may reach their ultimate desli-
nation. 1t is not likely that such proceedings
will be much longer continued.
Lieut. Col. Sir Z. Windham late command.
ing 2nd brigade of the Italian army, has been
appointed colonel of the Michigan regiment
OF lancers.