Cleveland morning leader. [volume] (Cleveland [Ohio]) 1854-1865, 1863-12-12
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FROM WASHINGTON.
THE QUARTRRMAsTER FRAUDS
.G ENERAL MEAD
Deficiency in the Corn Crop.
The War Department and Rose
Grams.
The Ohaplainoy of the House,
How the Message was Received in
Washington.
Probable Changes in the Army Of
the Potomac
Promotions in the Army of the
Cumberland.
no the CINCINNATI Commercial.1
WAsHINaToE. Dec. Il

WAsHIEGToE, Dec. 10.
Members Of Congress and outside poll
ticisns all consider the Presidents Mes
sage the best document yet produced by
him. It has made remarkably favorable
impression among radicals, IS well as
conservatives. Many border State mem
bers expressed themselves perfectly satis-
fed with it. Horace Greedy was delighted,
and congratulated the President last night
upon its success. Current opinion as
cribes its first part to the pom of Mr.. Sew
ard, the Presidents illness having required
his assistance, even to the intimates of the
President.
1t may be considered certain that there
will be a great change Of commanders in
the Army Of the Potomac. Secretary
Stanton talks Of an entire reorganization.
The feeling in Government circles on the
subject is very bitter.
The election Of Rev. Mr.. Charming as
Chaplsin is considered great triumph by
the radicals.
Justice will be done meritorious officers
in the Army Of the Cumberland, by nu-
merous and early promotions. General
Wood will doubtless be made Major Gen
ersl, and Colonel Harker a Nigadier.
A lavish display Of Russian hospitality
will be made next Saturday, on the occs-
sien Of the visit Of the two Houses of Con-
gress to the feet.
The members have not, as yet, troubled
themselves with the consideration of pro-
posed measures, and nothing definite can
be said as to the probability Of the Con-
soription Bill.
To the Cincinnati Gszette.l
Lovejoy's bill, Of which he gave notice
the other day, to punish slaveholding, pro-
vides that all slaves freed by the procla-
nation Of the President, Of January lst,
or by acts Of Congress, shall be citizens,
and competent to be witnesses in Courts Of
the United States. Whoever attempts to
reduce any one 80 freed to slavery, is de-
clared gully Of misdemeanor, and pun
ished in a sum not less than two nor more
than ten thousand dollars, and imprison-
ment for not less than one nor more than
ten years.
Frauds in the Alexandria Quartermas-
ter's operations continue to be discovered.
The story now is that they will reach mil
lions Of dollars. Measures are being taken
for further Investigation. The matter will
be probed TO the bottom.
1t Is known that much dissatisfaction
has been felt with General Meade since
he let Lee cross the Potomac after Gettys.
burg. 1t is known, also, that the suthori-
ties have been considering whose appoint
ment to the command Of that army would
give the greatest promise Of securing ear
nest cooperation and activity, and that
various names have been suggested and
discussed. Beyond this it is not probable
that anything is yet certain Thomas
name receive favorable mention in many
quarters. A thorough re organization Of
the army is considered certain.
The case Of the Floyd fraudulent bonds
has begun to be argued in the Court Of
Claims. Judge Thomas, Caleb Cushing,
and Judge Curtis are the counsel.
Efforts are being made TO oust J. Sher-
wood as Chief Engineer of the Navy, in
consequence Of his testimony in the Sick
les cutoff case.
By the agricultural report for Novem-
ber, just made, it appears that the defoien
cy in the corn crop, for the present year
is nearly one hundred and thirty millions
Of bushels below what is required fol
home consumption. As the wants OF the
Government for the army are so very
large, it is a question whether the late
military orders stopping the distillatisn Of
grain in Kentucky and Tennessee, will moi
be extended to the great distilling States
Of Ohio and Illinois.
The Presidents health is mach i'm
proved. He saw visitors who had special
business to-day.
It is certain that the War Department
officials are still very much exercised over
the statement that Thomas gives Roseorans
the credit for the plan Of the late move
ments. But slight contradictions have
been made, however.
Hon. B. Gratz Brown has arrived.
The House adjourned over till Monday,
to give the Speaker time to form the com
mittees.
The election of DR.. Charming as Chap
lain to-day was unexpected. 1t is a rad
icsl victory. Charming is an out-snd-ou
Abolitionist and Unitarian.
The Union Loyal League will remain il
session day or two yet It is quite
largely attended.