Daily union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1865-1866, 1865-12-27
NEWS AND RUMORs.

WASHINGTON NEWS ANb NJ
1t is reported in Washington that Senator |
Doolittle will succeed Secretary Harlan m the |
Cabinet, If the latter gentleman rctres
Gen. Logan declines the Mexican mission,
and Lewis d. Campbell, Of Ohio. has been appoint
cd.
The President communicated to the House OF
Representatives before its adjournment an
answer to the resolution asking whether any in
formation was in possession Of the Executive De
partment in relation to a so-called decree of the
French Agent in Mexico" establishing slavery
OF peonage in that Republic.
The Government had received copy Of that
decree through Mr. W. II. CorWin. the charge
lFaFaires. and Mr.. Seward submitted il TO Attor
lney General Speed for his opinion. The latter has
BIO hesitation in saying the regulations ''eonsti
lutte a law which deprives workingmen Of rights
which we in this country regard. and which in
every well Organized community should be re-
garded as inestimable, inalienabe. and indie
structible. and certainly make them slaves.
Secretary Seward wrote 10 Mr.. Bigelow, our
Minister nj Paris, on the 10Th Of November, say
ing If the decree should be carried into operation
IL would inevitably result in reducing TO con-
dition Of peon slavery workingmen of the African
race and Of course such of the freedmen with or
eithout their intelligent consent may be brought
within the jurisdiction Of Mexico"
Mr. Bigelow has in accordance with Mr.
eeward's instructions laid the subject, including
copy Of Attorney GeneralsSpeed's written opin-
fon before NJ Drouyn de Lhuys requesting the
attention Of the French Government to the ques-
tion. but no reply has yet been received to this
Communication.
"A delegation Of prominent gentlemen belong
ing 10 the Society Of Friends, representing thir-
teen different States paid their respects to Presi
don't johnson recently, and were received in a
frank and cordial manner, the interview being Of
the most agreeable and satisfactory character. In
the course Of free conversation upon the condi-
ton Of the country, the President was assured by
the delegation that they had not sought the inter
view for the purpose Of suggesting, and much less
debating n course Of action in the existing emer-
gency On the contrary they came to signify to
him their admiration Of his character and conf
donce in his wisdom, and to assure him Of their
hearty support in the just and merciful policy
which was guiding his Administration.
The Secretary Of State has, by direction Of
the President addressed letter to Provisional
Governor Holden, Of North Carolina, relieving
him from his trust. and expressing tho Presidents
acknowledgment of his fidelity, and tho loyalty
and discretion which has marked his administra-
ton. copy Of the letter has been sent to the
Governor elect OF North Carolina, with the tender
of tho cooperation Of the Government Of tho
United States whenever it may be found necessary
in efecting the carly restoration, and the pcrma-
nent prosperity and welfare Of the State, over
which he has been called upon to preside
"A communication from the Secretary Of the
Treasury in responsst TO the Sonates resolution Of
the 18th ins states tina. the records Of the depart
ment do not show that any persons have been ap-
pointed TO any Office not authorized by the existing
law. but admits that persons have been appointed
TO Office who have not subscribed TO the oath refer
red to under the customs and revenue laws in the
lntoly insurgont States. but that nc salaries had
been paid, with one exception.
Tho Secretary says no sought for persons
for such Offices who could take the oath literally,
but failing 10 find them, 10 select those who gave
no aid TO the rebellion until the government of
the United States had failed TO give them the pro-
lection 10 which they were entitled He believed
that very few person not belonging to Of these
two classes. arc holding positions under his de-
partment, and that in most Of the Southern States
nearly evey man ft fora revenue officer was at
some time either engaged in hostilities against
the government of the United States, or holding
State or Confederate Office either willingly or un-
willingly. lilo acted upon the presumption that
Congress would modify the oath and not subject
the South 10 this humiliation, or tho revenue sys-
TEN 10 the odium which would result from the en-
ploymont Of Northern men rs tax igatherers He
suggested the absolute necessity of immediate &C
ton on this subject rs valuable services have
boon rendered. No payments have yet boen
made for snch services and the safety and eficicn
Al. 80
such modification.
The Commissioner Of Customs reports that
most Of the officers OF customs appointed since
the adjournment Of Congress have taken the oath,
while some have not taken it entire, more or less
being stricken out or omitted, according TO the
feelings or circumstances Of the appointees.
Others have taken the proclamation oath. swear
ing thereafter to defend tho Constitution and
TO support all laws and proclamntions which have
been made during the existing rebellion with ref
crenco to the adjustment of slavery"
- Tho Hon. John Minor Bolts is in Washington
and very strongly opposed to the admission a
member Of Congress Of any man who has had any
thing to do with the Rebellion.
Jacob Barker Member of Congress Oloct from
Louisiana, left several days ago for home. Others
from the South are following his example, and
questions pending regarding tho political status
Of the States lately in Rebellion.
A delegation of Missippians. being the com
mittee appointed by the Legislature Of their state
TO petition the President for the pardon of JEFF.
Davis called at the executive mansion recently
and the petition was presented, but no formal re-
ply was given by the President.
The work of thorobuilding:of the lOveos on |
the Mississippi River, under military authority, |
will be commenced at an carly dag. The effect Of
this measure upon the national prosperity and the
public credit by the addition Of the products of |
cotton. can hardly be ovorestimatcd. Atamoder- |
ate computation. hundreds of acres of The best |
cotton land may be reclaimed.
The argument of Revcrdy johnson, in the |
Suprome Court in the case of Garland, denying the
of the test oath, is attracting
good deal Of attention among legal circles, and /
Is universally pronounced one Of the finest efforts |
ever delivered before the bench. Tho closing ex
tracts in reference to the restoration Of the Union.
are considered specially admirable.
Tho Washington Republican declares that
secret treaty exists between Louis Napoleon and |
Macmillan, by which the former is at liberty to
withdraw the French troops from Mexico when
ever their payment becomes two months in ar
rears.
- Senator Sprague. Chairman Of the Commit
tee on Manufactures, some days since sent com
munication TO all the leading manufacturers
throughout tho country 10 ascertain their views in
regard 20 the present tariff and also as to the in
ternal revenue tax manufacturers. Quito
number Of responses have been received They
all breathe one sontimont-that the internal re-
venue is so heavy they arc compelled to raise the
price Of manufactured articles to such an extent
that the imported article can be sold cheaper than
the domestic article. Therefore they maintain
that higher tariff must he imposed on foreign
articles or the tax reduced on tho domestic article
This Wow Of the matter will be laid before Con-
grcss by tho Committee at an early day.