The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1863-01-27
BY TELEGRAPH.
ToTHE
Portland Daily Press.
FROM WASHINGTON.
CONFISCATION OF REBEL
PROPERTY.
No Appropriation Required for the Nail
Service.
Senator Wilson's Militia Bill.
The Mcdowell Court Of Inquiry.
Preliminary Report of South Carolina Tax
Commissioners.
CONFISCATION OF REBEL
PROPERTY.
Senator Wilson's Militia Bill.
The Mcdowell Court Of Inquiry
Preliminary Report OF South Carolina Tax
Commissioners.
Combinations by the Senate.

WASHINGTON, Jan. &c.
The Secretary of the Navy has asked for an
appropriation of 100000 to establish Navy
Yard at League Island
In reply to the resolution inquiring in rela-
ton to property seized by the Military Govern
or of the District of Columbia as the property
OF the rebels, the Secretary of War encloses a
communication from Gen. Martindale, detailing
the circumstances OF the conflict between the
military and civil authorities with regard to
the property of Judge Campbell, which, afterits
seizure by the military authorities, was subse-
quentiy turned over to the Marshal of the Dis
trict on a writ of replevin. Gen. Martindale
suggests further legislation by Congress to
embrace two points: First, authorizing the
seizure of rebel property by military authori-
ty as though martial law existed, but to be
transferred to the civil authorities for con-
demnaton and sale in those districts where
the civil courts are in operation, and to courts
martial where the rebellion has interrupted
the civil courts. Second, continual absence
aud general reputation for disloyalty to author
ize condemnation and sale, unless the owner
OF the property shall appear and prove his
loyalty.
The bill passed by the House to-day appro-
PIRATES Sl2,0O0,000 for the Post Office Depart
ment for the year ending June Both, 1854
For the first time for many years no appropri-
required, there being enough Of last years APP
preparation unexpended to cover the small de-
felt Of the coming year.
Senator Wilson's volunteer militia bill pro-
vides for a force, to be called the National
Guard, comprising two hundred regiments of
twelve companies each, every regiment to be
divided into three battalions, commanded by
a colonel, lieutenant colonel, three majors, and
twelve captains, to be appointed by the Gov
M fat tl. fxra l.
be distributed pro rata. Any portion OF this
militia may be called by the President into SER
vice during war of invasion or rebellion.
The Mcdowell Court of Enquiry sat with
closed doors to-day. 1t is understood they
we're awaiting the arrival of Gen. Milroy and
Lieut. Col. Locke, formerly of Gen. Porter's
staff, who are the only two witnesses yet to be
examined.
The United States Tax Commissioners for
South Carolina have made preliminary re-
port in which they say. 1t must be obvious that
the system OF free labor has not had fair trial in
any part of that State. Under the United
States control, scarcely any system has been
put to a practical test, and owing to casualties
and the shifting circumstances of military oc-
cupation no permanent labor policy can be
inaugurated. The great impeachment to pro-
gress is the uncertainty which overhangs the
future Of the colored people. 1t Is great
utSt"HS W ohppOSc bitht vi Tic CtI-
tainty of their condition. Nevertheless they
are but tenants at will or the grace of the gov
eminent, subject to military caprice and neces-
sity, with strong desire to obtain permanent
and free homes where they were born and
reared. This class of people, the commission
ers say. are daily thronging their doors, anx-
iously nquiring about their destiny when the
lands shall he sold for taxes. They feel the
necessity ofguiiing their minds TO direct them
into new state of existence, the immense
magnitude of which they appreciate, but the
details of which they are unable TO compre-
hend The males especially are anxious to
continue in or return to their former labor,
provided they and their families can be assur-
ed Of their freedom, moderate compensation,
freed homes and permanent employment.
James Mcbride, of Oregon was to-day NOM
mated by the President as Minister resident
to the Hawaiian Islands.
The Senate to-day confirmed the following
nominations: Fred. Eckieldt OF Pennsylvania,
to be melter and refiner Of the branch mint at
Denver, Colorado. Capts. Chas. Stewart and
VIM. B. Shubrick to be Rear Admirals in the
Navy. Capts. Geo. s. Blake, Cadwallader
Ringold, Henry w. Morris, Jas. l.. Lardner,
Henry r. Hoff. Charles Henry Davis, Henry
II. Bell. WIN. Smith. John W. Livingston, II.
r. Thatcher, WIN. ID. Porter, John S. Missron
and Robert B. Hitchcock to be Commodores
in the Navy on the active list, and Capt. Jos.
Lamar to be a Commodore in the Navy on the
retired list