Ashtabula weekly telegraph. [volume] (Ashtabula, Ohio) 1853-1873, 1864-12-10

soldiers During the yasr ending the s0th OF
june, 1864, e4,6O46l692 have been paid TO
pensioners OF all classes.
rsR DISTRICT or COLUMBIA.
cheerfully commend 10 your patronage the
benevolent institutions OF the District Of Go.
lumbis, which have hitherto been established
or fostered by Congress, aud respectfully refer
you for Information concerning these and 10 re.
latiou TO the Washington Acqueduct the Cap.
itol, and other matters Of local interest, TO the
report Of the Secretary.
THE AGRICULTURAL BUREAU.
The Agricultural Department. under the su-
pervisiou Of its present energetic and faithful
head, is rapidly commencing itself to the great
and vital interest IL was created 10 advance.
II is peculiarly the peoples department 10
which they feel more directly concerned than
10 any other. commend il to the continued
attention and fostering care OF Congress.
THE WAR AND suRRMASs MovEMExr.
The war has continued since the last Annu
sl Message. All the important lines add posi-
tions then occupied by our forces have been
maintained, and our armies have steadily ad-
vanced, thus ioerating the negroes left in the
rear, go that Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee
aud parts of other States, have again produced
reasonably fair crops.
The most remarkable feature in the military
! operations of the year is General Shernnn's at.
tempted march OF three hundred miles directly
through the enemy's region. It tends 10 show
a great increase OF our relative strength that
our General-iu. Chief should feel able TO con-
! front aud hold 10 check every active force oI
the enemy and yet 10 detach q well-appointed
large army to move on such an expedition.
The result not yet being known, conjecture
10 regard TO it is not here INDUCED 10.
Important movements have also occurred
| during the year TO the effect Of moulding soci
city for durability in the Union. Although
short Of complete success, it is much in the
| right direction, that IL 600 citizens 10 each o
the States of Arkansas and Louisiana, have
organized loyal State Governments with free
Constitutions, and are earnestly struggling to
maintain and administer them. The move.
ment in the same direction, more extensive
though less definite, in Missouri, Kentucky and
Tennessee, should not be overlooked. Bu,
Maryland presents the example of complete
success. Maryland is secure to liberty and
union for a tee future. The genius OF rebel.
lion will no more claim Maryland. Like an
other foul spirit, is may seek 10 tear her, but
| it will WOO ber no more,
TIE ABoLIrIox OF SLAVERY BY coxsrIrurroNAI
AMENDMENT.
At the last session of Congress, proposed
amendment of the Constitution, abolsbing
slavery throughout the U. s.. passed the Seu.
ate, but failed for lack Of the requisite two.
thirds vote, 10 the House of Representatives
Although the present is the same Congress
and ne nrly the came members, without ques.
tioning the wisdom and patriotism Of those
who stood in opposition, l venture 10 recon-
mend the reconsideration and passage of the
measure at the present session. OF course, the
abstract question 10 not changed, but an inter-
vening election shows almost certainly that
the next Congress will pass the measure if this
docs not. Hence, there is ouly question OF
time as TO when the proposed amendment will
gs to the States for their action and as It is
to so 60 at all events. may we not agree that
the sooner the better 1t is lot claimed that
the election has imposed duty on members to
change their views or their votes any further
than as an additional element to be considered
Their judgment may be effected by it. 1t is
the voice OF the people, now for the first time
heard upon the question 10 great National
crisis like ours unanimity CT action among
those seeking common end is very desirable
- almost indspersuble--1nd yet no approach
10 such unanimity is attainable unless some
Difference shall be paid to tie will Of the ma.
jority, simply because it is the will Of the ma
jority. In this case the common ends the
of the Uuiou, and among the
meals 10 secure that end. such will, through
the election, is most clearly declared 10 favor Of
such constitutional amendment.
The closing paragraphs piR be given ner;
week