The Portland daily press., 1864-01-22
From Washfu0fos,.

WASHINGTON, Jan. u.
There is authority for stating that the great
hve-twenty loan closed to-day the entire
amount of S500,000,O00 having been SUBJ
scribed. The absorption during the present
week has been very rapid, subscriptions hav-
ing been made of over sl3,OOo,OOu. No sub
scriptions made after to-day will be received
1t appears from a communication of the
Commissioner OF Agriculture to the Senate.
presented by Senator Sherman to-day, that in
his opinion the proposed tax of twenty per
cent. on leaf tobacco would destroy the ex-
port trade, which now produced $4,000. 900
OF revenue. II estimates our average stock
at less than one third of the produce of the
world, and shows that more tobacco Is grown
In Europe than In this country, andDthat sub
stitutes for the growth of this country are al
ready driving il out Of European markets
Ii Is shown that the article is grown through
out South America Northern and Southern
Africa, the East and West Indies, Asia, all of
Europe, excepting Britain, aud the northern
portion of the continent, ia every State and
Territory 10 the United States and in Canada.
The export of Brazil has increased seven fold
in two years. Holland and Belgium have in
creased their products several hundred per
cent. In two years, and other European States
have made advancement, while France has
absolutely restrained the cultivation by refus-
ing to give permits. The report concludes
that the United States does not control the
tobacco trade, and that the capacity of other
countries to grow all they need is ample.
The following bills have passed both
Houses, and now only await the Presidents
signature TO become law Articles of cloth
ing being manufactured, and wool, cotton and
linen compressed in a package not exceeding
two ounces in weight, addressed to any non
commissioned officer or private serving in the
armies of the United States. may be trans
mitted in the mails of the United States at
the rate of eight cents, "to-be in all cases pre-
pared !" for every four ounces, or any fraction
thereof subject TO such regulations as the
Postmaster General may prescribe.
The Committee on the Conduct of theWar
just authorized to be appointed consists of
Senators Wade, of Ohio Chandler, of Michi-
gan, and Harding of Oregon, and Represen-
tatiyes Gooch, of Mass, Julian. OF Indiana,
odell, of n. y, and Loan, of Missouri. The
committee is similar to the one heretofore in
existence, the only difference being in the
substitution of Messrs. Harding and Loan in
the places Of Ex-CoDgressmen Andrew John
son and Covode.
The old committee was appointed In Dec,
1851, and closed its labors in 1868. The new
one, in addition to its duties of inquiry into
the conduct of the war, Is instructed to exam
inc into all contracts and engagements with
any department of the Government, and is
authorized TO sit during the recess OF Congress
at any place which may be deemed proper
Besides this every facility Is provided for a
thorough investigation, including the sending
for persons aud papers.
The Missouri contested election cases are
now being considered by the House committee
on Elections. Mr.. Bruce who contests the
seat Of Mr. Loan, addressed the committee
yesterday and to-day, and viii continue his
argument tomorrow. The committee wa
full. There are five such cases from tina
State, aud several of them will depend for their
decision on the result of the contest now I'M
der consideration.
Gen. Blair, Of Missouri, has been appointed
on the House Military committee In place OF
Mr.. Loan, excused from service thereon.
The Military Commission, for several weeks
past in session here, has concluded its labors.
c. G. Spaulding tried for running goods across
the Potomac into Virginia, has been honorably
acquitted.