The Smoky Hill and Republican union. [volume] (Junction City, Kan.) 1861-1864, 1863-01-17
GENERAL NEWS ITEMS.


elected MIR. Chandler Senator for six years.
A Washington dispatch of the 9th inst.
says: The House Naval Committee reported
to-day upon the resolution directing them
to inquire into the cheapest, most expedi-
tious and trustworthy mode of placing
vessels of war upon Lake Ontario and the
other great lakes, &C., including the en-
largement of canal locks. The conclusion
Of the report is in these words: In view Of
the foregoing considerations, the committee
are of the opinion, first, that the cheapest,
most expeditions, and trustworthy mode Of
placing war vessels upon Lake Ontario and
other lakes, should necessity arise, is to
launch them in the first instance upon these
waters second, that it is not necessary,
nor is it expedient, for the purpose afore-
said, to establish water communication
adapted to the passage Of vessels of war
from other waters to the lakes.
Mr.. Wilson, from the Military Commit
tee, to which was referred the message Of
the President concerning the three swords
of Gen. Twiggs, transmitted by General
Butler, reported joint resolution distribu-
ting them as follows: The sword voted BY
Congress, tc be given to Maj Gen. Butler,
as a reward for his distinguished military
services during the present rebellion ; the
sword presented by the State of Georgia, to
West Point; the sword given by the city
of Augusta, Ca, his native city, to be pre-
served in the Patent Office as a trophy Of
the rebellion.
Dispatches have been received at Mem.
phis that Banks is ascending the Mississippi
river, and doubtless before Monday Sher-
man has been reinforced and resumed the
siege. Gen. Grant is given as authority
for the above.
Gen. Hurlburt has decided the property
case, sustaining Gen. Sherman in confiscat-
ing the lands of rebel officer who had,
previous to entering the Confederate SER
vice, willed and decided his property to his
wife. This is important as precedent for
numerous cases of like character. General
Hurlburt's announcement of the decision
occupies nearly column of the Bulletin,
and is logical and serviceable document:
Gov. Andrews, of Massachusetts,, has
received the proffer Of full cavalry battal-
lion, to consist Of four companies from CAL
ifornia. The question of their acceptance
is now pending before the War Department:
If accepted, it Is understood that Colonel
Thompson, formerly of Gen. Halleck's staff,
Will accompany them East as their COM
mander.
On the 9th inst 1000 rebel prisoners
we're sent North from Naskyille-2OO ar
rived from Murfreesboro.
Gen. Rosecrans orders all the captured
rebel prisoners confined until Davis order
is revoked. The rebel prisoners are to sub
sist on army rations. The food contributed
by friends is confscated for hospital use-a
repetition is Jail ofense.
The New York correspondent Of the
London Times eulogizes the passage of the
Rapahannock as one of the noblest episodes
of the war. In subsequent telegraphic
report by the China, the same correspond.
ent pronounces the battle Of Fredericks-
burg as one of the most calamitous of the
war to the Federal army. He says the
Federal troops fought with the most de-
termined courage, but the position of Gen,
Lee was impregnable.
The Tribune of the 9th has the text of
tie memorial presented by the Republican
Senators to the President, on the 18th of
December. Its four propositions declare
First, that vigorous prosecution of the
war is necessary second, that the Cabinet.
which ought to be harmonious, is not, and
therefore should be made so; third, that
the Cabinet should be composed Of men who
cordially support the policy of the Govern
ment; fourth, that Generals in separate
commands should also be heartily for the
war.
Gen. Rosecrans' army, known as the 14tb
army corps, has been subdivided into three
corps. the 14th, 21st and 22d. This will
increase the rank of all staff officers of
Generals commanding the wings.
Dispatches from Newberne report 1000
rebels at Goldsboro and Kingston.
The committee of the House to whom
are referred questions of emancipation, have
instructed their chairman to report bill
appropriating ten millions to the Auditor
Of the State of Maryland on emancipatiug
her slaves.
The Richmond Epquirer of the sth con.
tains the following: 1t was reported yester-
dsy, via Petersburg, that great expedition
of gunboats and transports, under command
of Gen. Naglee, left Fort Monroe en- the
ist inst. for some Southern port. From
indications deemed unmistaksble, the enemy
is preparing to make grand demonstration
upon Goldsboro or Wilmington, and there
"a hnt little doubt that the first clash of