The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1864-03-05

WASHINGTON, March 4.
1t appears from letter of the Commission
er of Patents that only twelve of the reyolu-
tionary soldiers are now living, whose ages
range from "a to los years, and whose pen
sions only amount to from S24 to 500 per an
mum.
The report of Hon. Chas. b. Sedgwick, the
codifler of the laws for the government OF the
navy, upon which final action is yet to be
taken, states that the ancient rules have been
retained where they have been found sufficient
and plain. No provisions of law have been
added, except in cases where necessity has
proved their advantage. The most important
changes and additions have been made in
what relates to naval supplies, naval discipline
and court martial. Many frauds have been
practiced in purchasing material for the navy.
Therefore additional safeguards were required
to insure reasonable economy and ordinary
integrity.
The President having approved and signed
the bill amendatory of the loan act of 1863.
and the joint resolution extending the boun-
ties to the LIST Of April, they have become
laws.
Representative Alley, of Mass, to-day re-
ported bill for steamship line between the
United States and Brazil, to perform twelve
round trips yearly, the vessels to be not less
than 1000 tons, and the expense to be borne
in part by Brazil, our own share being limited
to 100000 per annum.
II appears from official data in possession of
the War Department, that since Feb. 18th,
1862, the Illinois Central Railroad has received
for transportation of troops and supplies
$30,S00, the Burlington & Missouri River
Railroad $500, and the Mississippi & Mis-
souri, Railroad only $40, making a total of
1911 600. The accounts of the Illinois Cen
trail prior to March Sd, 1862, were settled on
the basis of the tariff of the road, when such
rates did not exceed those of the Scott tariff
of 1861, and one third deducted from the
amount thus found due subsequent to March
1862. The accounts accord with the regula-
tons Of that date made by the Quartermaster
General, in accordance with the suggestions
OF railroad managers convened in Washing
ton by the Secretary of War.
The whskey bill as it has now passed both
Houses of Congress and awaits the Presi-
dents signature, imposes tax of 60 cents
per gallon on all spirits which may be distill-
ed and sold or distilled and removed for con-
sumption or sale previous to the 1st of July
next. Any tax after this time is to be pro-
vided for by future legislation and will doubt
less be inserted in the Supplementary tax bill
now under consideration by the Committee of
Ways and Means. The Whiskey bill proposes
an additional tax of 40 cents per gallon on
imported spirits on hand. The sliding scale of
duties on both domestic and foreign spirits,
and the tax on the stock on hand OF domestic
spirits, have no place in the bill.
1t is ascertained from an official source that
orders requiring the draft on the 10th inst are
suspended. A subsequent day for commenc-
ing the draft will be announced in time to
make all necessary preparations.
One hundred contrabapds of both sexes ar
rived here this morning from the front; they
brought their bedding with them and guam
tity OF provisions. Cen. Custar's expedition
opened the way for them.