The Burlington weekly hawk-eye. [volume] (Burlington [Iowa]) 1860-1876, 1863-12-26
WASHINGTON News.

Washington News.
WASHINGTON, Dec. 19.-Mr. Seward 8
Department Reports will be ready for the
press in a day or two.
The EUe'sing Star has the following
The authorities here have dispatches from
Gen. Grant at Chattanooga, dated last
night at 9 o'clock. They do not indicate
any recent change in the state of affairs
there. Gen. Grant is in constant and
hourly communication with Gen. Foster at
Knoxville, and had there been any fight
ing between Gen. Longstreet's forces and
ours pursuing him, as the Posts dispatch
es from Cincinnati state, Grant would
doubtless have sent such dispatches here.
The fact that he says nothing about such
engagement induces to the belief that the
statements via Cincinnati are much exag-
gerated.
Two hundred and twelve rebel deserters
were sent from the Old Capitol Prison this
morning to Philadelphia, to take the oath
Of allegiance. This makes Ais who have
been sent to the same place this week for
the same purpose.
WAsHINGToN, Dec. 2O.-The necessary
papers have been issued from the Treasu-
ry Department for the establishment of a
National Bank at New Orleans, with a
capital of half million of dollars, under
the national currency. Also for a third
Bank at st. Louis, with capital of $780,
600, with the privilege and prospect Of in
Bank Of this city will commence to-mor.
row with the issue of notes recently pre-
pared by the Treasury Department for cir
culation by such institutions. Only $50
O0O, 900 of the 500, 000, 900 of the 5-2O's loan
remain unsubscrihed.
The Joint Committee of the Senate and
House of Delegates of Virginia, at Alex
andria, agreed last night on bill calling a
far OH Slo II
State, which will be passed to morrow.
The funeral Of Ma. Gen. Buford took place
this afternoon and was largely attended,
Eight Major Generals acted as pall-bear-
ers. President Lincoln attended the SER
vices.
The report of the commission appointed
by the Navy Department. consisting OF
careful experiments for five months, show
ing the practicability Of using petroleum,
or hydro-carbon oils, for the purpose OF
generating steam, has been issued. The
experiments were satisfactory. 1t is said
by those who have seen it, that the results
would show great saving, not only for
merchant steamers, but naval steamer
can keep the sea under steam three times
as long, with less labor, and greater econo-
my, as compared with coal, equal weights
OF each being considered thus indicating
a complete revolution in the mode of gen.
Grating steam.
1t is understood that the majority of the
committee on Military Affairs in the House
| are opposed to repeating the Communication
clause IN the Enrolment Act, as reported
| from the Senate committee. Senator Viii.
| son speaks of his intention to offer an
| amendment authorizing enlistments in the
| rebel States, to be credited to the quotas Of
the States for witch the officers procure
the recruits, VIII tiIr white or black
Members of Congres s are receiving large
numbers of letters containing suggestions
and opinions relative to the proposed
changes in the Enrolment Act
Out OF 1851 applicants for commissions
IN negro regiments, $50 have been recon-
mended for appointment, viz: Colonies 5
Lieut.. Colonies 10; Majors %; Captains
lO4; LIST Lieutenants 1873; I'd do 26S
thirty gents were present at the com.
plimentary dinner to Speaker Colfax, last
night. They We're connected with the
prominent journals ofthe country and were
ofvarious political opinions. 1t was pleas.
ant and harmonious gathering Samuel
Wilkinson presided, and at the conclusion
OF his remarksprop sentiment which
ELECTED from Colfax brief ana appropriate
speech, in which he said the House of Rep
resentatives had chosen newspaper men
for Speaker, Clerk and Post Master, a gooC
show for the profession. and in the Senate
it was nearly the same way, the Vice Pres
ident, Secretary Forney, and sergeant at
arms Brown, coming in for the highes
| honors.