The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1864-01-23
THE SITUATION.

Il III IL SIA ~ AIlON.
Desertcrs from the rebel lines continue to come
into the Army Of the Potomac, and although it ap.
pears that the enemy had established double line
OF pickets to prevent deserton, tho men continue
to escape by various plans, and reach General
Meade's lines in spite of all precautions. The Pre-
sident's amnesty proclamation ia said to be work
ing wonderfully among rebel soldiers, who have
nothing to lose either in property or social status
BY accepting the terms of the proclamation. The
weather in Virginia for the past few days has
been mild and genial, and the comforts of the
army are consequently increased.
II appears from news received from Newbern
that the North Carolina people have called con.
venton for the purpose Of seeding from their al
legiance to The Southern COME leracy.
The steamers George Washington and Creole
bring US some very interesting news from the Gulf
The expedition sent to the Matagorda peninsula
had brisk time in combating the attacks Of the
rebels. The Thirteenth Maine regiment was
hoty pressed by the enemy, and was saved only
by the timely arrival Of the gunboat Granite City,
which shelled the enemy, and forced them to fall
back. The rebel steamer John F. Carr was sent
down to assist the rebels, but ran aground and
was burned by her crew. The Texan coast sp-
pears to be strongly fortified by the rebels.
Our files from the Bahamas arc dated to the 10th
OF January. The blockade running and cotton
trade between Nassau and Wilmington, N. c., was
exceedingly brisk. The blockade breaking steamer
Hansa waschased by Union cruiser for four hours
and half between Abaco and Nassau. A quantity
Of cotton was thrown from her deck, which was
Immediately picked up by an English schooner.
The Nassau papers complain of the violation Of
British neutral waters by the United States cruis.
ers.
CONGRESS-.
The Senate was not in session yesterday having
adjourned over on Thursday till Monday.
In the House Of Representatives the bill to in.
crease the internal revenue was taken up the
amendments agreed to in Committee Of the Whole
adopted, and the bill finally passed by a vote of
eighty-seven against sxty-eght. From the syn.
opsis Of the provisions OF the bill given in our
report of the Congressional proceedings It will
b. seen that the tax on spirits is fixed at
s-y cents PER gallcn-an increase OF forty
csats-ara that al domestic spirits on hand
arc subject 10 taxation The act Of July 1862
acted prospecnveJ but this bin taxes the entire
stock on hand. and when it is considered that the
dstilleries have for the past year been driven to
their utmost capacity in anticipation OF an increase
Of the spirit tax the effect of the action Of the
House on the whiskey spectators may be easily
imagined The bill also levies tax Of two cents
per pound on cotton. The joint resolution amend.
atory of the Confscation act was debated for
awhile. and the House adjourned till Monday.
TIN LEGISLATURE
In the Senate yesterday several bills received
She order for third reading, none of which, how
ever, had any general interest. Among the bills
receiving favorable reports were those to incor-
porate the Niagara Ship Canal Company to ncor.
porate the Roosevelt Hospital in this city, and for
the preservation of historical manuscripts in the
Office of the Secretary Of State. bill was intro.
dnced providing that every bank shall be entitled
to one notary public. Among number of intro.
auctions mostly for matters only Of local interest
were bills for railroad In lie xngton avenue and
other avenues and streets In this city, relative to
CorpOThtOn5 III tnis CITY anu w uppchls from JUS
tees courts, and to amend the Brooklyn Water
act. The Senate adjourned 10 Monday evening.
In the Assembly the annual reports Of
The Metropolitan Police Commissioners, the
Canal Commissioners and the 0nondaga
Salt Springs Superintendent. were pre-.
scnted. The resolutions for submiss.;.. 20 the
people Of the proposed constitutional amendment
to enable soldiers to- vote were referred back to
the Judiciary Committee, with power to
report complete. Reports were made from CON-
mittees on the bills to enable soldiers to vote.
relative 70 the Brooklyn Police Justices, to
punish the sdulteration Of milk, and IN reference
20 the seamen's Friend Society. An adverse re-.
port was made on the claim Of General Ward b.
Burnett. report was made from the special
committee having the investigation Of affairs on
Riker's Island in charge. They state that the
matter requires personal investigation. After
some discussion the subject was referred to the
Federal Relations Committee, with isstructions 10
report within week.
MIBcELLAEroUs NEWS.
The Board II Aldermen met yesterday. A reso
AItisn wac adopted calling upon the Commiite,
on National Affairs 10 make the necessary arrange
vi nts for the public reception OF the returning
A