Weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1858-1865, 1865-03-22
THE LATEST NEWS.

sign numberless different positions and lines of
march both possible and impracticable to the enc;
my's troops and ours. The excitement and alarla
in this city is subsding as the impression becomes
more general that there is no immediate danger ofa
successful, advance Of the enemy in this direction,
and this is strengthened by the confidence all re-
pose in the skill and resources of the able general
to whom our defence is entrusted |
From Petersburg.
recent dispatch from Petersburg states that
the situation there is still unchanged Some slight
skirmishng occurred on the 18th, with no impor:
tant result There has been considerable activity
in the enemy's lines since the commencement Of
good weather, and it is thought that hostilites
will soon commence.
Conversational.
The Senate On the 18th passed the appropriation
bill for the last six months of the present year.
J. A message from the President of some length was
received, stating his objections to the exemption
bill recently passed. The messagese same referred to
the Committee on Military Affairs.
Mfr. Wigfall made personal explanation relative
toa recent editorial in the Enquirer, in which he
admitted that he was the Senator referred to in a
vor of inducing the President to resign.
In the House the Presidents message relative to
the exemption act was read.
Mr.. Miles introduced bill to amend said act in
accordance with the Presidents recommendations.
The bill was considered and passed 1t authorizes
the President to detail such persons for employment
the Heads Of Departments shall certify to be in.
dispensably necessary, not to exceed one hundred
in all 1t limits the exemption of skilled artizans
and mechanics to service in the field, but not from
| service in local defence.
In the House on the night of the 18th, resolu-
ton was adopted to adjourn on the l4th-yeas IS,
nays 19.
In the Senate the resolution of adjournment was
concurred in-yeas 8, nays 6.
The Senate passed House bill relative to the i'm.
pressment Of slaves.
The bill abolishing the Office Of Provost Marshal
was returned with the Presidents objections there
to, but the consideration Of it finally rejected.
The House bill diminishing the number ofexemp-
tions and details was passed
The House passed bill granting free transporta-
! ton to disabled soldiers.
xSaepsIs L PRESIDENTS Message to Congress-
- The President addressed an important message
to Congress on the 13th which was read in secret
session. He says the country is now .nvifoned
with perils which it is our duty calmly to contem-
plate Recent military successes ofthe enemy have
had the natural effect of encouraging our foes and
dscouragng many of our people. The Capital of
the Confederate States is now threatened and in
greater Danger than it has heretofore been during
the war; The fact Is stated without reserve as due
to the people, in whose constancy and courage en-
tire trust is reposed, and in Congress, in whose
wisdom and resolute spirit the people have con-
fded, for the adoption of measures required to
Guard them from threatened points The President
states his deliberate conviction that it IS within our
power to arrest the calamity which menaces us, and
secure the triumph to our sacred cause. This re-
suit is to be obtained by a prompt and resolute
devotion of the whole resources of men and money
in the Confederacy to achieving our liberties and
independence. We need for carrying on the war
successfully, men and supplies for the army. We
have both within the country sufficient to attain
success. For the purchase Of supplies the Treas
ury must be provided with means.
He recommends, for reasons stated, that Congress
devise means for making available the coin within
the Oonfederacy for the purpose of supplying the
army with two millions dollars income. The army
of Virginia and North Carolina can be amply sup
ported Tor the remainder of the year. The law
should be amended to authorize. the impressment
Of supplies without paying valuation at the time
of impressment. This power is admitted to be OBJ.
jectionable but all objections must yield to ne
cessty He also suggests the valuation of supplies
impressed at specie rates. the obligation Of the gov
ernment to be given for payment of the price in
coin with interest," at the option of the creditor
returnable in kind. The President says the meas
ures passed during the present session for recruit
ing the army insufficient and he is impelled by
profound convictions of duty, and stimulated by
the peris which surround our country, to urge ad
ditionaI legislation on this subject. The bill en-
: ploying negroes IS soldiers had not yet reached
him, though the printed journals inform him of its
t passage. Much relief is anticipated from this
measure, though it is feared less than would have
resulted from its adoption at an earlier period
The President recommends the repeal Of all class
exemptions so as to strengthen the forces in the
field The measure most needed however, for affor.
ding effective increase Of our military strength is
a militia law, providing not only how, and of what
persons the militia is to be organized but also the
mode for calling them out the States reservng the
appointment of officers. The President sternly
urges the suspension Of the writ of habea' corpus.
He says the time has arrived when it is not only
advisable snd expedient, but almost indispensable
to successful result Of the war. With prompt
! adoption of the measures above recommended, and
united md hearty cooperation of Congress and
the people in the execution of the laws and the
, defence of the country, we may enter upon the
present campaign with cheerful confidence in the
.. .. result. Whatever resource remains available to
be free, nothing but an updying concurrent reso.
, luton can save US,
We must continue this struggle to successful