Daily Ohio statesman. [volume] (Columbus, Ohio) 1855-1870, 1863-01-16
JEFF. DaRIs,s message.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE PoToMAC, Jan.
Is Richmond papers of this morning have
come to hand. The most important feature OF
the news is jeff. Davls's annual message. AZ
ter briefly referring to the campaigns since bis
last annual message, he Gays the anticipations
which entered into the contest have now ripened
info conviction, which is not only shared with
US by the CommOn opinion OF neutral nations,
but Ia evidently forcing itself upon our enemies
themseivea. The advent OF peace will be
hailed With joy. Our desire for 1t has
never been concealed, but earnes. Gs
has been ouF wish for peace, and great
as have been our sacrifices aud sufferings during
the war, the determination OF this people has
with each succeeding month become more un
allerably liked to endure any suffering, and con-
tlnuod sacrifice however prolonged until their
right to self government ami the soVerignty
aud independence OF the Ssates shall have been
triumphantly vindicated and established
He then refers back 10 tho history and to
the days that four Of the States now forming
portion Of the Confederacy were recognized az
independent s0vsreignties by the two great
maritime powers Of Europe, ia a treaty Of
peace concluded ia 1888 He reviews the
hietory of the confederation and the ult
mate reunion 0f the States, AMI asserts
that the new Confederate States we're
members Of the Union, with the right as inde-
| pendent eoverelgntea to aecede when in their
| judgment their safety and honor required such
o step. He speak1 Jf the early determination
Of England, France and other European pow.
e's to cOnhne themselves to recognizing the
selt-evident fact of the existence of a strict
neutrality during the progress of the war, but
dvaTs from this the conclusion thas their course
OF action was but an actual decision aglin,t che
South and in favor OF the Union, az the came
time tending to prOloug hOstili;iea.
He complains Of European injustice in other
matters, citing the conclusions Of treaty With
the United States for the aboishment OF Iryl-
teering, thus preventing the Confederate, o, from
dispoaing Of in foreign ports, the prizes which
their priysteeis captured. This he thinks one Of
che direct shafts aimed at the success of the Con-
federscy. Notwithstanding tho remonstrapces
by the COnlederaoy to the neutral European
Governments, and their oTn admission aa TO
the ineficency OF the Federal blockade, neutral
Europe has received these remonstrances in al
most unbroken silence, submitting to the wrong
inflicted on her commerce BY the United States.
He however asserts he has no complain. to
make that these nations hsvs declsred neutral
ICY.
In speaking of the war, be says: IL is my
painful duty again to info N You OF the renewed
examples of every atrocity committed BY the
armed forces OF the United States at different
points. Since my last Communication one
General, Mcneil, murdered seven priaoners
OF wsr in cold blood, and the demand
for his punishment has remained unsat.
isfed. The Government Of the U. s., after
promising examination and explanation In re.
gard to the charges made against Gen. But.
Ter, has by its subsequent action, af.
ter repeated efforts on my part 20 obtain
some answer on the subject, not only
admitted his guilt, but sanctioned il by
scquiescence. have accordingly brand.
ed him as sn outlaw and directed his
execution, in eIliation his crimes, II he
should fall into the hands OF any of our forces
Recently, have received information of anoth-
or General by the name Of Mllroy, who has ie-
sued orders in Western Virginia for the pay
meDt of money to him by the inhabitants,
accompanied by the most savage threats OF
shooting one recusant, besides burning his house
and threatening similar atrocities against sny
of our citizens who shall fail to bltray thoir
country by giving him prompt notice of the sp.
prosoh of any of our forces.
This subject has also been submitted to the
military authorities OF the United States, but
with faint hopes Of any disapprobatiop.
In relation TO Llncoln's emancipation procla.
matioE, he says he will leave it TO the instincs
of that common humanity which q benefcent
Creator has implanted in tho breasts of cur i
fellow men OF all countries, TO pass
judgment on measure Of which
several millions of human bsinps oil
an inferior race, peaceful and conten,ed labor.
eTs in their sphere, are doomed to exierminatiup
while at the same time they are encouraged to
O general assassination OF their masters by
the insidious recommendation 20 abstain
feom violence unless in NECESSARY self.
defense. Oar own detestasion of thos q
who have attempted the most execrable massa-
ere recorded in the history of guilty man,
Ia tinctured by O profound continent oil
contempt for the impotent rage whicn il dis
closes. AS far IA regards tho actions OF
this Government on suoh criminals as mayl
attempt its execution, l coDfne myselt to
informing you that l shall, unless In your |
wisdom yen deem some other course more
expedient, deliver TO the several State au- |
thorities ell commissioned officers of the
United States that may hereafter be can.
tured by our forces In any of the
Statea embraced In the proclaim alton, that
they may be dealt with in accordance with
the laws of those States providing for the nun.
ishment OF criminals engaged in excl.
ting -servile insuTrections. In its political
aspect, this measure possesses great sig.
niticance, and 60 1t in this light would invite
your attention. 1t affords to our people the |
complete and browning proof of the true ma. |
ture OF the deaigns Of the party which elevated
to power the present occupant of the Pfesiden. |
tiai chair at Washington, and which sought TO |
conceal its purpose by the perfdous use Of the
most solemn and repeated pledges.
Speaking of the financial affairs of the Con.
federacy, he says II 10 true at the close of the
war our debt will be large, but it will be due to
our own people, and neither the interest or the |
capital will be exported to distant countries. |
impoverishing ours for their benefit.
The summary of military successes he as,
cribes to Congress- which enacted the conscrip-
tlon laws and organized the army, as well as 10
the spirit OF unity, endurance and devotion Of
the people.
While congrRtulating the Confederacy on the
friendly relations with Indian tribes, he depre.
oates the hostility of a portion of the Cher.
okees.
/. Referring to the report Of the Secretary Of
The Navy, he speaks OF the progress made