Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1863-01-16
Confederate Congress.

This body met at Richmond on Monday last
Only nine Senators and SO Representatives were
present. Mr.. Dortch, of the Senate, and MeSs-s.
Arlington, Bridgers, Mcdowell and Mclean of the
House from this State, were among the number
There not being a quorum, both Houses adjourned.
On the 18th there was no quorum in the Senate.
The House having quorum proceeded to business
and elected j. L. NJ. Curry, of Ala, Speaker pro
TEN. in the absence of Mr. Bocock. Several I'M
portant bills and resolutions were presented. Mr..
Curry, of Ala, bill to repeal the existing cxemp.
ton law, also to increase the pay of the rank and
file in the Confederate army Mr. Gartrell, of Ga,
a bill to authorize the suspension of the writ OF
hqGeas corpus. Mr.. Barksdale, of Miss, to repeal
the twenty negro clause in the exemption BILL
Mr. Crockett of Ky, resolution calling for official
reports of Gen. Braggs campaign in Kentucky,
which was agreed to. Resolutions of Mr.. Foote,
expressive of the favorable policy of the Confederate
government towards all the Northern States except
New England.
From teIegraphic dispatches to the Associated
press giving synopsis of the Presidents message,
we infer that there quorum in both Houses
on Wednesday, and that the message was read
The following is the telcgraphic synopsis-the mes
sage not being at hand when we went to press
RICHMOND, Jan. IA
The me sage of President Davis opens with view Of
the military position of affairs which is described very
satisfactory The fourth great army of invasion has been
defeated in Virginia aud General Burnside has experienced
the fate of his three predecessors Mcdowell Mcclellan
and Pope In the West the fortunes of have been
various Battles have been fought with fearful carnage
both Sides but the hopes OF the enemy of any decisive
results have been bsed review of be history of the
conflict shows that the war has entered its third and
last stage The first effort to restore the UnO1 and
that has been abandoned the second conquer the
South and govern dependency this has proven
impossible and has been abandoned; the third design
destroy and plumber what they could not subugae b
if continue the efforts in the past the design
will likewise be defeated and may confidently expect
that this is the closing year of the The enemy will
possess neither spirit nor resources for continuing it into
the fourth year ON so extensive scale.
We desire peace but will continue the sacr
fee until right to setgOvernment and the sovereignty
and Independence of the States vndicated and esab
lshed Foreign relations then reviewed. Our right
recognition shown by reference to the past history of
States some which were recognized as independent
BY Great Britain the of l7s3
been previously allies in with France When our
mssoners demanded recognition they told that For
eign Governments could not decide between conflicting
statements by Government and that Of the Unfed
States respect to mutual relations and that Europe
would simply recognize US as begerents and preserve
strict neutrality This apparent refusal to decide
reality decision against because thus unjusty
deprived of diplomatic intercourse the footing
our enemies. $500
The question of the blockade is discussed at length Its
uvady shown tested by The principles of the treaty
of Paris 1856 The whole conduct of neutral nations
summed up to show that they have enforced all
trail rights that affected njuriOuSy, and refransd from
asserting those that wud inure the United States. The
cOrrespGndence between the Courts of France Great Britain
and Russia is adverted to- The language of the French
dspach is construed formal admission Of ability
to MAINTAIN our independence and uSies hope Of early
recognition The barbarIies committed by Northern
truopa are referred to- and the action taken in relation to
The trucIties committed By Generals McNe Butler and
Mitchell explained The opinion is expressed that the
nmy rf their conduct be shared by their superors
who have instance punished the perpetrators of
these crimes In regard to Lncons proclamation he
our detestaon tempered BY profound contempt for his
impoIent rage. The action of the Government will he
confined delivering up all commissioned officers hereto
fore captured in the len States named in the proclamation
to be Tried by the States under the laws which punish
those that excite seryiIe instruction.
The proclamation is treated possessing great sgnih-
canoe in political point Of view; 1t proves what were the
designs of the Republican party from the beginning not
witbstandng their efforts conceal them by false declara-
TONS The prucamatO is next considered as guarantee
against the possibility of reconstruction This also
treated as confession of inability subuge The South,
which Europe will be bound TO consider as justiyng our
immediate recognition and as an intimatOn the people
of the North that they submit final separation of
the States Adequate taxation is recommended; also the
issue of bonds to be guaranteed by the States
The message which the longest yet issued by President
Davis embraces a comprehensive review OF the whole
internal and external relations of the country IS con
dent even triumphant Tone aud clo with tribute
TO our women without whose sublime sacrifice 1t declares
that our success would have been impossible.