Evansville daily journal. (Evansville, Ind.) 1863-1866, 1863-12-17
Washington Letters.

Editors Daily Journal
The report that General Meade will
shortly be superseded, in the command of
e--sS Ssa CIS III
and currency. The events of the past
few days may possibly hasten his re-
moval The Government must certainly
have good and sufficient reasons for dis
placing so efficient an officer as General
Meade. While it might seem unfair to
institute invidious comparisons between
the Potomac army and Grants army in
the West, the fact, nevertheless, stares us
in the face that but few really substantial
and lasting victories have resulted to the
Potomac army; while on tho other hand,
the Western troops have gained victories
of permanent character, and have
dealt blows to the rebellion from which
it cannot recover. The strength and ef-
fciency of the grand Army Of the Poto-
mac were wasted away under the McClel-
Ian regime, and the time that ought to
have been employed in marching on to
Richmond, and other rebel strongholds,
was frittered away in innumerable ire
views" The recent retreat, not repuLse,
of Gen. Meade is regarded in military
circles here as wise, and eyinees good
generalship. The administration is
pledged to vigorous prosecution Of the
war, and no General can hope to retain
command who does not use the men and
means under him to the crushing out Of
the rebellion, and that right soon. About
10000 negroes are in thesemploy Of the
Government in various capacities, so, 900
of whom are employed as soldiers. The
devotion to the Union, and The patriot
ism of this much dispised sand abused
class of our citizens, ought to put to
shame all aiders and abetors of treason
IN the North. When peace shall como
to our borders-and it will eomle, though
perhaps not as soon as We may hope for
and desire-there will be some black
men who can say, contributed to achieve
this grand result, while on the other
hand, many white men who have boasted
of their superior intelligence, will be
forced to confess that in the hour of their
country's trial, they withheld their sup
port.
1t seems to be settled that Mr.. Colfax
will be speaker; in fact, he seems to have
no opposition. The Pennsylvania I'm
ion members have quite declared in his
favor Mr.. Mcpherson, an ex-member
of Congress from Pennsylvania, is
prominent candidate for Clerk. One of
the candidates for Door-keeper is out in
card, saying, if elected, mo copper
heads or conservatives shsllsbe appoint
ed under him.
1t is safe to predict that some wiss
aud needful legislation will result from
this coming Congress. With a live,
working man in the Chair such as Mr.. Col
| fax, it is safe to conclude the committees
will be properly organized, and that
something may be accomplished for the
good of the country.
The Commissioner of Internal Reven-
ue suggests many important changes in
his department Among other things,
increased duties upon incomes, the i'm
position of taxes upon gold watches,
| jewelry, diamonds, plate, &c. The
amendments, if adopted, will affect on
ly the rich and proud, and place the bur
then of taxation upon shoulders able to
bear it.
The coming message of the President
is looked for with unusual interest. Il
will foreshadow the policy of the admin
istration, and will be watched for with
deep interest in Europe.
Our Minister to France, Mr.. Dayton
has just been assured by the French
Minister of Foreign Affairs, that France
has no desire or intention to recognize
the Southern Confederacy, and received
emphatic denials of any intentions OF
the part of France to disturb the peace
ful relations with this country.
Slowly perhaps, but steadily, the ca
of victory is rolling on and the boastet
Southern Confederacy will soon exist on
} ly in history. Let US inscribe upon ou
banner, "NiJ despranduns," and taking
. fresh courage, strike till the last arme
foe expires. OccTDEET.