The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1864-02-12

exchange for q similar number and leaving In
abeyance all existing differences, with assuran /.
ces that their prisoners in our hands were well
cared for, and suggestions looking to the i'm
mediate exchange of convalescent and disabled
prisoners.
In communications of same date he asks for
the exchange of Alfred Bentley, of the SAM.
tary Commission, confined in Castle Thunder,
the whereabouts and condition of Lieutenant
Mason and private John Woolam, OF Ohio reg
iments, and inquiries into the proposition GOV.
ering the cases of the officers and crews OF the
steamers Emily and Arrow captured by the
rebels last May.
Commissioner Ould reiterates, in note to
Major Milford, willingness to exchange all
prisoners, the excess on either side to be on
parole. He says this is the provision OF the
cartel and we can accept nothing less. Unless
this is the distinct understanding, no equiva-
lent will be delivered to you for any confeder-
ate officers and soldiers whom you may here
after bring to City Point. In the hope that
such is the understanding have directed that
greater number than the total of your deliv-
cry shall be sent to you.
In another communication Gen. Hitchcock
is reminded that by the Presidential plOclama
ton General Butler is under the ban of outlaw
ry, and while his government cannot prescribe
what agents the United States shall employ,
selfrespect requires the confederate govern
ment to refuse to treat with a person so OBJ
nOXiOus and Buffers agency cannot therefore
be recognized, or his person protected by a flag
Of truce.
Butler returned the note, and said in reply
that no right of declaration of Outlawry by
those authorities of any officer or soldier of the
United States can be admitted or for moment
be regarded by the government of the United
States, as it certainly will not by the persons
upon whom such intimation is attempted.
He informs the rebel Commissioner Ould that
unless his flag is respected all further cOmmu-
nication by flag of truce between those aNthor-
tiles and our must cease.
On the 18th of January Butler again asked
for an EXCHANGE of the lists of prisoners and of
deaths, to prepare for the making up of month
ly lists.
WAsIIINGToN. Feb SIN the House to-day
an amendment to the Senate Enrolment bill
was adopted as substitute for one of the ORR
ginal sections, which forever provides that any
person drafted into the military service may,
before the time fixed for his appearance at the
draft rendezvous, furnish an acceptable substi
tute. subject to such rules and regulations as
may be prescribed by the Secretary of War. If
such substitute is not liable to the draft, the
person furnishing him shall be exempt from
draft during the time for which such substitute
is not liable to the draft not exceeding the
term for which he was drafted; and if such
substitute is liable to the draft, the name of the
person furnishing him shall be liable to the
draft i'll filling future quotas.
WASHINGTON, Feb. S.-The President sent
to the Senate to-day Il communication from
the Secretary Of State in answer to a resolution
of that body, declining to transmit the CORES
pOndence relative to the Sandwich Islands and
the Reciprocity Treaty.
Application has been made for the revival of
a treaty similar to that negotiated under Prcsi-
dent Pierce'S administration, but which was
not approved by the Senate. Some objection
is found in connection with the probable effect
upon the revenue in the present juncture of
affairs.
WASHINGTON. Feb S.-The subject of confis-
Gated lands is and has been under cOnsdera.
tlon by the Committee ON Lands. The opinions
of those familiar with the policy of the gov
eminent who have given the subject the most
careful consideration, have been obtained, and
it is probable that bill providing for the dis.
posal of such lands in legal form, and giving
clear title, will soon be introduced. The Presi-
dent approves and will sign the joint resOlu-
ton upon confiscation which passed the House
and will no doubt pass the Senate.
A caucus of representative members of both
hOuSos yvas hold tn piuht II ho CopifoI Cor,