The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1863-11-13
Ihe Relation OF the General Govern
nhent to the City of Memphis.

The Memphis papers publish cores
pOndence between Alderman HUBERT of
Memphis, Secretary STANTON and Presi-
dent LINCOLN, which contain matters of
National importance. 1t refers to the
status Of city property in Memphis, Ten
nessee, which has been seized and now
held by the General Government, and on
which the authorities of the city of Men,
phis claim that the Government is re-
sponsible for certain taxes and assessments
levied upon the property named. The
decision Of Secretary STANTON, although
evidently made without due consideration
Of the subject, will stand as law, at least
for the present, as it is virtually agreed to
by President LINCOLN.
Henry T. Hubert, President of the
Board of Aldermen of Memphis, went to
Washington to bring the matter to the
consideration OF the President aad Secre-
tary of War. He first visited the Presi-
dent, who gave him card to the Secre-
tary of War. He stated his case verbally
to the Secretary, who p remptorily re-
fused to enter upon the subject, for the
two reasons that the corporation had no
power to tax the United States; and that
the people of Memphis, city in rebellion,
were entitled to no favor.
MIR. Hubert deeming that Secretary
Stanton had taken very erroneous view
OF the subject, addressed him commune
cation in writing, with letter from Maj.
Gen. Hurlbut, approving the application,
in which he states that
Since the occupation of Memphis by the
army, it has from time to time taken into its
possession q very large proportion of the pro-
perty of the city. Some of this property is
used for military purposes, but a very large
part OF it is held simply for the collection of
rents. of which Il considerable sum is now in
the hands of the Quartermasters Department.
In no instance has any of this property been
confiscated by the laws of Congress. Mean
while the city authorities have carried on the
usual improvements for the beietit Of the popu-
lation; and sometimes, by military orders, they
have been compelled TO expend large sums and
to impose heavy taxes on the citizens for OBJ
jects thought to re of public utility by the Off
GERS in command.
Under the above circumstances, the
Mayor AID Aldermen OF Memphis think
the government ought to contribute a sum
equal to the taxes due from the owners of
tho property. In regard to the charge of
Secretary Stanton, that Memphis is re-
bellious city," Mr.. Hubert replies that
''the present population have been re-
CURED to take the oath of allegiance, and
having cheertu'ly done this, have been
received and treated as loyal citizens
No reply having been received from
Secretary Stanton by Mr.. Hubert to the
communication, he again called ON the
President. when the latter informed him
that the Secretary of War was unwilling
to enter into this matter of account du-
ring the pending of the war, and that he
did not feel inclined to override the Sec
retary's decision. Mr.. Hubert asked the
President to give him his views in writing,
which he did in the following words:
WAsHfNGToN, Oct. 10, 1868.
Henry 7. Hubert, Esq, Memphis, Tenn:
SIR: Assuming the within to be a true and
full statement of facts. the claim seems to be a
fair and just one. On consultation with the
Seere' airy of War. however, he declares that to
enter upon the adjustment of all claims even
as meritoriOus as this, while the war continues
In its present proportions, is more then his de-
partment can bear. Knowing, as I do, how
nearly overwhelmed he is, am unwilling to
force him in the natter. A. LINCOLN.