Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1863-01-27
From WaShingtOn.

WASHINGTON, Jan. &c. The secretary of
the navy has asked for an appropriation Of
two hundred thousand dollars to establish
navy yard at League island.
In reply to the resolution of enquiry reIa-
tive TO property seized by the military gov
ernor OF the District Of Columbia as the
property of rebels, the secretary of war en-
closes a communication from Gen. Martindale
detailing the circumstances Of the conflict of
the military and civil authorities with regard
to the property of Judge Campbell, which af
ter its seizure by the military authorities was
subsequently turned over to the marshall OF
the district on writ of replevin. Gen. Mar
tindale suggests further legislation by con-
gress to embrace two points: First, authoriz-
ing tile seizure Of rebel property by military
authority as though martial law existed, but
to be transferred to the civil authorities for
condemnation and sale in those districts where
civil courts are in operation, and to court
martial where rebellion has interrupted civil
courts. Secondly, SO that continual absence
and general reputation of disloyalty shall au-
thorize condemnation and sale unless the
owner of the property seized shall appear and
prove loyalty.
In the bill passed to-day, twelve millions of
dollars are appropriated for the post office de-
partment for the year ending June 80, 1864.
For the first time during many years RIO APP
preparation from the treasury for postal deficit,
was required, there being enough of last
years appropriation uneXpended to cover the
small deficit of the coming year
Senator Wilson's volunteer militia bill pro"
vides for force to be called the national
guard, comprising two hundred regiments, of
twelve companies each, every regiment to be
divided into three battalons, commanded by
colonel lieutenant colonel, three majors, and
twelve captains, to be appointed by the gov
crnors of the states among which the force is
to be distributed pro rata. Any portion of
this militia may be called by the president into
the service during war Of invasion or rebel
lion.
The Mcdowell court of inquiry sat with
closed doors to-day. 1t is understood that
they were awaiting the arrival OF Gen. Mllroy
and Lieut.. Col. Locke formerly of Gen. Por-
ter's staff, who are the only two witnesses yet
to be examined.
The United States tax commissioners for
South Carolina have made Il preliminary re-
port, in which they say it must be obvious
that the system of free labor has not had a
fair trial in the part Of that state under Unit
cd States control. Scarcely any system has
been put to a practical test, and owing to
casualties and the shifting circumstances of
military occupation no permanent labor policy
can be inaugurated. The great impeachment
to progress is the uncertainty which over
hangs the future of the colored people. 1t is
a great mistake to suppose them unmindful
of the uncertainty Of their condition. Never
theless they are but tenants at will at the
grace of the government subject to military
caprice and necessity, with strong desire to
obtain permanent and free homes where they
were born and reared. This class of
people, the commissioners say, are daily
thronging their doors anxiously inquiring
about their destiny, when the land shall be
sold for taxes. They feel the necessity of
some guiding minds to direct them into new
state of existence, the immense magnitude of
which they appreciate, but the details OF which
they are unable to comprehend. The males
especially are anxious to continue on their
former labor, provided that they and their
families are assured of their freedom, moder-
ate compensation, free homes and govern
ment employment. James McBryde OF Ore
gon, was to-day nominated by the president
as minister resident at Hawaiian Islands
The senate to-day confirmed the following
nominations Frederick Ekteldt of Penn
sylyania, to be meter and refner of the branch
mint at Denver, Colorado; Capts. Charles