The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1863-02-06
THE NEWS OF THE WEEK.

Gov Andrew of Massachusetts has sent 6
special message to the legislature Of that
state proposing plan by which the state
shall assume the payment Of its own troops.
The prompt and regular payment of the
troops in the service of the government is Of
vital Importance to the efficiency of our army,
and we hope such an arrangement may early
be brought about.
Arrangements are being made for speedily
exchanging about one hundred civilian pris.
oners now in the old capitol and out on pa.
role at Washington, for as many Union civ.
ilians held by the rebels.
Gen Grant has beer obliged to dig an en-
tirely new cutoff opposite Vicksburg, that
dug last year not being in the right position.
The water in the canal was running from two
to four feet deep, at last accounts, with a
prospect that the river would rapidly deepen
the new channel. A considerable force has
crossed the bend, and is now encamped op-
posite Warreaton, below Vicksburg, in order
more readily to communicate with the force
below when it arrives. Col Stewart, chief of
Gen Netherlands staff, was killed opposite
Vicksburg On the oath nit. He was destroy
ing the rebel ferry boats, and was shot by
the enemy.
The bill to authorize the enrolment and
organization of negro soldiers, passed the
House on Monday by handsome majority.
The measure can be perfected none to
soon, and the soldiers cannot be raised too
rapidly. If the negroes are willing to fight,
we can find work for all of them as soon as
they can possibly be brought into the field.
We ought to have at least 100000 in readi-
ness for next summers campaign. 1t allows
the negro soldier only three-fourths as much
pay as the white soldier, that of the negro
being limited to so per month at the out
SIDE, while the white soldier has Sl3; no
bounty is offered to negro volunteers, and
negro officers are expressly excluded from
the command Of white soldiers. Now look
out for another oSl from the copper-heads.
1t will not do for our country to be saved by
any thing but the pure anglo-saxons.
Ex-Gov Morgan was elected United States
senator from New York on Tuesday. This
is glory enough for the Empire state. A war
democrat elected speaker and an unqualiiedly
Union Republican chosen United States
senator-the ccpper-heads, Fernando Wood
& Co, are at a discount out of rebeldom.
Mr. Boi!eau, proprietor Of the Philadelphia
Evening Journal, has been arrested by thu
United States marshal and taken to For
McHenry. His paper has been filed witt
traitorous attacks on the government. On Sat
urday, the recussant editor was released am
his rebel friends gave him grand reception
He promised better behavior in future.
Gen Hooker is making his preparations
recognizing his army and otherwise gettins
into working order. 1t is not probable tina
he will be able to undertake an active cam
paign while the mud is at its present depth.
From the West there is news that Gel
Grant is concentrating his troops for another
attack on Nickshurg. He has already effect
ed junction with Gen McClernand, and thu
latter general had landed on the opposite sid
Of the river and was proceeding to open TIT
canal built last year for the purpose o
changing the course of the river. The rive
is now full and very little labor it is sait
would effect the object aimed at and leave
Nicksburg an inland city.
There is now rumor that Gen Hamilton
the military governor of Texas, has arrived
at Washington, incog. The report is that
he is there for the purpose of making charge
against Gen Banks; the latter refusing II
give him troops fo- Texas or do anythin,
Hamilton wanted. He is said to be yer,
bitter against Gen Banks. Gen Butler i
also in Washington.
A Washington dispatch to the Triban
states that {" Gen Butler has had several in
terviews with the President and secretary Q
war. who have formally renewed the PROPOSE
ton that he shall go back to New Orlean
to resume command of the department O
the gulf, Texas, and the troops which &c,
Banks will lead thither, but with additional
powers and responsibilities, including thos
attached to the organization of an African
army on the Mississippi. 1t is said that Gel
Butler now hesitates about accepting tn
command in the shape offered, fearing tia
means to be given him are altogether di:
proportionate to the end to be accomplished
The rebels are reported to be a(vancin
upon our lines in northern Mississippi an
Alabam1. as fast as the condition of II
roads will allow, their object being to q,
possession Of the Tennessee and Cumberlan
river. Gen Rosecrans' department has bee
extended so as to include Fort Donelson ar
Henry, and GAINESVILLE, Tenn. The rebe
have re-occupied Holly Springs, Miss, eel
brating their advent by hanging three co
trabands.