davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1863-12-17
THE LEGAL ARBITRAMENT.

We yesterday stated, in our comments on the
Message, that by remitting the fnality of the
emancipation edct to the decision of Congress Of
the Supreme Court the President could not have
done any thing more, even by revocation of the
proclamation for, whether the proclamation be
revoked or maintained by him, the question of its
legal effect would equally up for final adjudi
cation by the Federal Judiciary-the only differ
encc being that, in the one case, the question
would be whether, in spite of its revocation, the
slaves Of the insurgent States were not actually
emancipated by it. and, in the other case, whether
il is competent for the President in the exercise
of his war powers" as commander in-chief of the
army and navy, to abrogate the laws Of State re-
cognising slavery.
As, in the haste Of composition, we may not
have made our thought under this head as clear to
all our readers as it to our own minds, we may
add, py way of explanation, that in case the edict
of emancipation had been revoked by the Presi-
dent, the question would still have arisen whether
the slaves who were ordered and declared" to be
free by it (but who were left in bondage on the
return Of peace might not still claim its benefits,
if the constitutionalty Of the edict should be sus-
tanned by the Federal Judiciary. And it is mo-
thing more nor less .han this same question which
tile President oontempates as likely to arise under
the continued prevalence of his proclamation as
an Executive measurable only difference Ding
that, on the former suyposition, it is a question
whether men left in bondage are not entitled to
their freedom, and, on the latter, whether men
who have been declared free, and who may have
actually obtained their freedom, should be re-
manded to slavery in consequence Of judicial de-
cision pronouncDg the proclamation unconstitu-
itnal. 1t is this latter phase of the question
whica the President proposes to submit to the
arbisrament Of the Supreme Court.
Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1863-12-17
FROM MISSISSIPPI.

Loyal citizens from the State Of Mississippi have
arrived here who confirm the previous accounts as
to the suffering condition of the freedmen of that
region. Large numbers of slave men, women, and
children, who have been driven from the shelter
Of plantation cabins and exposed to the. elements
have actually persisted, and the rest subjected
to fatal diseases. The race is likely to waste away
under the various influences Of the war, which
brings nothing but calamity from either party, to
them. The slaves were at the commencement Of
the very hopeful of its effect on their condition.
They believed that liberty meant abundance of
food and clothing without labor. But, dsappoint-
ed in that, they have become Indifferent to change
DESTROYS of returning to their former condition
A system might be devised and adopted, how
ever, whereby this class Of persons may be en-
ployed on the plantations on terms that will ensure
gradual improvement in their condition. But
little cotton remains on the banks of the Mis-
sissippi; only million Of bales can be obtained by
purchase when we shall take possession of Mobile.
The cotton on the Alabama, Tombigbee, and other
rivers awaits market, and not the torch of the
rebels. The holders much rather sell than burn it.
Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1863-12-17
POLITICAL TOLERANCE.

We find in the New York Times the following
just observations in condemnation of the fierce and
acrid intolerance which SO greatly mars the deco
rum Of our current political discussions, and which
so needlessly disturbs the unity Of loyal men at
the present crisis:
The truth 10 that there ia too little tolerance among
classes Of Union Of the honest convictions Of
those who differ from them. For the vertable copper
head Of the Valandgbam stripe have one word to
say. We have done our part we think in impaiDg such
creatures They to all ntents and purposes allie. of
the rebeionfor they have given it constant aid and
comort-and they may justly be styled dsloya But the
word copperhead and the mputation OF dsoyalty are
banded quite too freely 1t s way people have Of
showing their spite toward the who don't exactly
agree with them upon ~ the questions touching
slavery upon If the features Of President Lin
coins policy. 1t 10 bad spirit and it should be dis
countensnced by every who has breadth of mind
enough understand that the essential distinction between
loyalty and dsloyay relates IT, Sides and difference
in position any eide. True Union are Obliged
to agree only thngthe support Of the for the
preservation of the Union. But, until the constitution Of
the human mind is changed, it will be impossible for ali
true Union to in respect 10 the precise mode in
which that war shall be conducted Men, however de-
voted TO q common cause always differ about methods
and details; and they have right to differ, long
they will keep clear Of factous conduct FAIR discussion
is always not only admissible, but profitable"
Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1863-12-17
1.-THE PAPER BLOCKADE"

Jefferson Davis devotes large part of his Mes
sage to the work of showing that 7ur blockade Of
Southern ports is mere "paper blockade" and
that England is guilty of great neglect Of duty
in not break ng it. But surely that must be a
most extraordinary paper blockade a0hich has cap
tured thousand and tortyJf ve blockade runners,
of which SAT we're schooners, 179 steamers, l3l
sloops, 80 brig,, 26 barques, Is ships, and III
smaller craft. Mr. Davis had better declare his
paper blockade of Northern ports, at which he
hints He would then discover tho virtue Of such
a blockade -Erpress
Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1863-12-17
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,.

The SPEAKER announced to the House the Standing
Committees of that body, list Of which will be found
below
large number Of bills and resolutions on variety OF
subjects including the repeal of the fugitive slave law;
the repeal of the three hundred dollar clause Of the
roment act the establishment of Bureau of Emanci-
pation to give force and effect to the emancipation
proclamation of the President &c. introduced and
appropriately referred.
Mr.. FERNANDO WOOD introduced a resolution pro-
vdng for the appointment Of three commissioners to Rich
mond by the President of the United States, with view
of arranging for the termination Of this bloody desruc-
tive, and inhuman war and securing peace under the
Constitution on terms Of justice and equality.
Mr.. WASHBURNE, Of Illinois, moved to lay the resou-
ton on the table; which motion prevaied-yeas %,
nays SO.
resolution adopted that (the Senate concurrng)
when the House adjourn on Friday it be till the 9th OF
January. Psssed-yeas 80, nays a..
The House then adjourned.
Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1863-12-17
DEATH OF GEN JOHN BuFoRD.

1t is with sincere regret have to the death
of the gallant Major General JOHN BUFoRD, Of the army
He died in this city yesterday at the residence Of Gen.
Stoneman, after illness of four FIVE weeks contracted
10 his recent arduous duty 10 the Army Of the Potomac
commencing with diarrhea and followed by typhoid fever
Gen. Buiord native Of Kentucky He graduated ct
West Point in 1S4S and has been in active service
SINCE distinguished in every field by bravery and every
diery quality. His rank 10 the regular army that
Of Assistant Inspector General and was Bgsdier General
Of volunteers but had the commission Of Major General
placed his hands yesterday just before he died. the rank
having been bestowed him by the President a. mark
of his distinguished services in the Army Of the Potomac
Of Christian.
We learn that the funeral arrangements will not b.
until the arrival Of Mira Buford who was telegraphsd
two days ago at Rock Island and may be expected bore
ko-Ia
Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1863-12-17
SALE ,r LANDS IN SOUTH CAROLINA.

The Free South of the 9Th instant gives the result
Of the tax sale Of lands hilton Head Island the pre-
vious Tuesday Nineteen parcels Of from three hundred
to two thousand EACH eighteen thousand
in ALL purchased by the United States aggre-
gate price of $4,000 Six other parcels sold to
divduas the highest at less than three dollars an scre
The Free South says:
Most Of the valuable locations were needed.for mill
ary and naval purposes, woodlands needed for
fuel and timber by the army. The island 10 inferior for
agricultural purposes and it's liability to incursons from
the enemy made residence isolated plantations not
very desirable consequently prices did not range high
az might have been expected"
Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1863-12-17
MONDAY, DECEMBER IA, 1868.
IN SENATE. !

Mr.. DIXON presented the petition of large number
Of and assistant asking for increase
of compensation He also gave notice OF bill amending
the CONSUMPTION act in such to exempt all
clergymen
Mr.. SUMNER presented resolutions Of the Massachu-
sets Legislature in favor OF increase of pay to SOL
ders and concerning the enlistment of soldiers in the naval
service.
On motion of Mr.. FOSTER. the Senate Standing Com
mtees were elected. list Of them is inserted below.
Mr. WILSON introduced the following joint resolution,
which was read twice and referred to the Committee
Military Affairs:
and the thanks Of their Representatives in Congress
due and hereby rendered to Major General Joseph
Hooker and the officers and soldiers Of the Army of the
Potomac for the Skill energy, and endurance which first
covered Washington and Baltimore from the advancing
and powerful army of the rebels led by Gen Robert f.
Lee; and to Major General George Meade and the Of
vaor which Gettysburg repulsed defeated, and drove
back broken and dspirited bevond the Rappahannock
the veteran army Of the rebellion.
Mr. WILSON also introduced the following joint
luton which was also referred to the Committee Mill
tary Affairs
Rsoued, That the thanks Of Congress hereby ten
dered to Maior Gen. Nathaniel p Banks, and the officers
and soldiers under his command for the skill courage
and endurance which compelled the surrender OF Fort
Hudeon and thus removed the last obstruction to the free
navigation of the Mississippi river
Mr. WILSON introduced bill proposing several i'm
portan alterations Of existing military laws. Itproposes
to the pay of private soldiers to sixteen dollars
and of non-commissioned officers proporonaly, and to
pay bounty of four hundred dollars for re-enstments
and three hundred for volunteers for which purpose it
proposes to twenty millions Of dollars It also pro
poses to enact the provisions egar pay equip
men and in other respects for the negro recruits for
the white volunteers
Mr.. LANE, of Indiana, introduced bills to amend the
enrolment strike out the three hundred dol
lar communication and to increase the pay Of the rank and
e of the army fifty per cent over the present rate.
Mr.. HALE introduced bill more efectuay to repress
the rebellion This bill proposes to declare all men in the
United States equal in the eyes of the law subject to
claim Of service except by contract in penalty for crime
the laws constitutions Of any State to the contrary uo
withstanding 1t was ordered to be printed.
Mr.. GRIMES introduced bill to encourage enlistmeots
in the naval service This bill proposes to give the
bounty for entments in the navy that is paid to voun-
teers the army and to exempt engineers and other
nor officers serving board ships in the naval service from
the military draft.
The portions of the Presidents Message referring to
foreign affairs and to naval ai referred to their
appropriate committees
The Senate then adjourned.
Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1863-12-17
THE PROVOST MARSHAL GENERALS REPORT

Col FAY the Provost Marshal General says in his re-
port that n making up the quota for each district he
took into consideration the number of available men, not
of the population and drafted oneh of those enrolled in
Glass No. /. The Communication money received at the
date of the report November H. amounted 0OO
paid by IS $50 men.
Col Fry recommends that the three hundred dollar
clause" it is called be abolished or limited to the
Quakers will not permit them to bear arms but who GER
tainy cannot be conscenousy opposed to contributing
in this mode to the support Of the Government which pro-
tects Them though it may be to take up arms.
Col. Fry thinks it probable that large reinorcements
will be obtained under the Presidents call Of October IT,
1853 for 100000 volunteers II Congress should at an
early day amend the enrolment act, proposed the
prospects for getting volunteers will be greatly improved
and the certainty of getting by draft if volunteering
should fail will be established"
1t s recommended that $500 bounty be paid to
cruts for old and $500 for veterans The
present pay and bounty of the soldiers do not compete
with the paid throughout the country. Procuring
volunteers will be better effected by increasing the bounty
than by increasing the pay.
Eghty-three thousand two hundred and fortytwo vo-
luneers received into the United States service be-
tween January and November /, 1866 943 Of them
being for three or the Nearly absentees
and deserters have been apprehended by the officers of
this Bureau between OF May and LIST of November
but is probably less than in September Assuming, how
that it s the it found that the number who
deserted and absented themselves in September and Octo
Der is but oDe-haf great the number in May and
liabilities of arrest and to the punishment recently nfct
cd upon deserers Continued in the of de-
serers and adequate punishment will he thinks reduce
the evil of desertion to small proportions
Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1863-12-17
THE PRESIDENT TO GEN. GRANT.

The President the 9th instant sent the suboned tee
graphic despatch to Gen. Grant complmentng him and
his army for their late victories Chattanooga The
General Immediately embodied in general order" this
expression of the gratitude Of the Executive and placed it
before the brave whose heroic deeds it recognises
and exalts:
WASHINGTON, DECEMBER 8, 1862
Major Gen. GRANT Understanding that your Judgment
tender you and all under your command my more than
thanks-my prooundest grattude-for the skill courage
and perseverance, with which you and they great
dificulties have effected that important object God
bless you all A. LINCOLN"
Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1863-12-17
GEN. BUTLER AND MR.. ouLD.

correspondence has just taken place between Gen.
Butler and Mr. Ould the Confederate Commissioner for
the exchange Of prisoners 1t appears that smallpox has
broken out among the Union prisoners at Belle lse and
that Gen Butler has forwarded quantity Of vaccine mat
ter sufficient to vsccnate thousand persons which
has been received and acknowledged by Mr. Ould who
says:
Permit me- in response to the friendly tone Of your
letter 10 you that it is my most anxious desire and
will be my constant effort TO do every thing In my power
to alleviate the mseres that spring out Of this horrible
Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1863-12-17
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER l6, 1868.
IN SENATE.

Mr. WADE presented petition from ladies over the
of eighteen years praying the passage of act for
the emancipation of all the slaves.
Mr. GRIMES presented petition from George w.
Riggs, of the Washington Gas Light Company, praying
the repeal of the act restricting the prices Of gas this
city
Customs in the Baltimore customhouse praying increase
of compensation.
Mr. SALISBURY presented pet ton from the Rec.
tor OF st. Thomas Church 10 Newark, Delaware for
amendment Of the enrolment act to exempt minis
tes Of the Gospe because to act as soldiers to violate
their ordination vows.
ttued their holy Office by preaching blood and carnage
ought not to be exempt and he would like to such
placed in the front rank of the army.
Mr. MORRILL, presented petitions praying that color
ed soldiers be put on the "a 1e footing regard to nav
and allowances white soldiers, and also n favor Of
general emancipation. The first referred to the
Military Committee.
Mr. WILSON presented petition from Samuel A.
Duncan and other members Of the Fourth and Sixth Uni
ted States coloed regiments, praying for the pay
and allowances as given to white soldiers Referred to
the Military Committee.
Mr.. WILSON, from the Committee on Military Affairs,
reported back, with unanimous recommendation for ito
the Joint resolution from the House voting the
thanks Of Congress and gold medal to Major General
Grant, for his distinguished services.
Mr.. FESSENDEN inquired what sum would be re-
quired under the resolution.
Mr.. WILSON said that not in the bill. As the
cost would be comparatively small the matter had been
left to the discretion Of the proper officers.
The resolution was then passed.
Mr.. WILSON reported back, from the Committee on
Military Affairs the bill to increase the bounty and pay OF
volunteers, with several amendments.
THE amendments reduce the proposed bounty for en-
stmen veterans fifteen dollars and OF others To ten
dollars and includes those only who are not now in the
service I
Mr.. WILSON introduced bill to amend the act for
enrolling and calling ont the national forces, approved
March & 1868 known az the cripton law IL
referred to the Committee Military Affairs and ordered
to be printed.
The bill permits the furnishing of substitutes and alters
the Glasses 90 ~ to make the provisions strict
MI SUMNER introduced till TO provide for the salts
faction Of the claims of American citizens by French spo
stons prior to 3st July, 1901, which referred to
the Committee on Foreign Affairs.
Mr. POMEROY introduced bill to incorporate the
Washington City Savinga Bank which referred to
the Committee the Affairs OF the District Of Columbia
Mr. CHANDLER presented petition for the repeal Of
the three-bundred dollar Communication clause Of the
rslment act; VIII oh referred 70 the Committee
Military AGAirs,
Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1863-12-17

the United States be requested TO the foregoing esoI
ton to be 70 General Hurnside In such
he may deem best calculated 10 give effect thereto
Mr. FOOT introduced, in conformity with previous
tce bill grant lands to aid in the construction OF the
Pacific railroads aud teegvaphs BY the northern route
which was ordered 10 be- printed.
Mr. HENDRICKS introduced the bill to extend the
time 10 which States may accept lands granted by the
United States for agricultural colleges and 1t was re-
ferred to the Committee on Public Lands
Mr. LANE, Of Indiana introduced bill to amend the
act entitled act to define and punish conspraces"
OF July 81 1861 and the twenty section OF the en-
rollment act of March 3, 1868
Mr.. DAVIS called up bis resolution In relation 70 the
exchange of prisoners aud proceeded at length to argue
against the policy OF refusing to exchange our WHITE sol
ders in captivity 10 rebel hands because OF the refusal OF
the rebel authorities to exchange negro soldiers ana
touched upon the various political and constitutional ques
tons connected with the status of the negro 10 this coun
try and denounced the attitude and policy of the Admin
istration on that subject.
Mr.. JOHNSON favored the continuance Of the
change aud thought that humanity required efforts for the
release Of the thousands OF soldiers while hostages
might be retained for the safety and proper treatment OF
the few hundreds of negroes in the hands of the
If employed in the service these negro soldiers should be
protected He took position in opposition to the Senator
from Kentucky upon the right Of the Executive to call
out the slave population There was an executive power
and legislative power He quoted from the Constitution
show that Congress had power to any persons,
whether citizens or otherwise While slaves pro-
perry for the purposes of taxation they also
property they should be paid for when taken We're
there army or navy existing it would still be the duty
of the President to execute the laws and provide the
therefor He had doubted the policy Of emancPa
ton unproducve Of results beyond those obtained by
the armies in the field Yet he did not defend slavery;
it could be defended on plea, human or divine. He
proceeded to conrovert the positions of the Senator OF
Kentucky 10 opposition to the Administration.
Mr. HALE astonshed at the charge of tho Senator
from Kentucky which led to his unexpected participation
in this debate to the effect that the policy Of the Admin
straton directed expressly to continue the war until
another Presidential election, to perpetuate ts party
power. 1t was monstrous charge. II true, the men
around him. supporters of that Administrator per-
ured and black hearted traitors and he would rather take
in his own the hand Of from the chane house eekng
with pestlence than take them by the hand He had
before heard the honesty patriotism of the Exc
cutive doubted He continued in imprisoned rem0n
aim was their country whose only purpose the salvation
Of that country,
After brief Executive session the Senate adjourned
Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1863-12-17

Mr.. SUMNER called up the resolution offered ~ him
yesterday directing the Committee the Judiciary 70 IN
qure into tho expedency Of appointing commission %
revise the laws Of the United States SO, and i VA
passed.
The joint resolution from the House for adournng
the holydays till the 9th Of January taken up.
Mr.. FESSENDEN moved 10 lay il on the table.
Mr.. GRIMES suggested that they take vote IT, -
he desired to it voted down orier that il may not
be called up hereafter
Mr.. FESSENDEN accepted the suggestion; and the
question taken and the resolution l0s0ny four vOt
ing for its passage.
Mr. LANE of Kansas offered the following resolution,
which was at once considered and passed
Whereas it is positively stated by respectable parties
turned prisoners from the States that the volunteers
from the State of Kansas taken prisoners by the rebels
and have been since the Of the rebellion I'm
mediaey put death when recognized sueh Therefore,
ResoOed That the President OF the United States BE-
quested TO communicate to Congress any information 10 h
possess on on this subject.
On motion. the Senate adjourned