Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1865-02-03
The Latest News.


department. by order Of the President, because of
his inability to sign his name in consequence of
severe attack of neuralgia in his right arm and
hand. The President is still confined to his room,
and may not recover the use Of his hand for some
days.
Gen. Breckinridge will enter upon the duties of
Secretary of War on Monday next
Application was made on the 29th by the Peace
Commissioners to pass through the yankee lines
At late hour in the afternoon of the 90th an an
swer was returned and on the 3lst they passed the
lines of both armies and greetd by the troops
of both sides with vociferous cheering. They were
to be entertained at Grants headquarters that night
and next morning, February 1st were to leave Tor
Washington, accompanied by Col. Hatch, assistant
agent for exchange of prisoners, as Commissioners
secretary.
A general truce was observed along the lines on
the 90th.
Congressional,
Hon. VIM. A. Graham was elected President pro
TEN, of the Senate, Gd interim during the a5seuee
of Vice President Stephens and Mr.. Hunter, PreSi-
dent pro tenn.
In the House Mr. DeJarnette of Va, submitted
the following preamble and resolution which he
supported in an able and elaborate speech:
WHEREAS, all nations have ever witnessed, with
alarm, the establishment of any formidable power
in their vicinity; and whereas, the people of the
Confederate States as well as the people of the
United States, have ever cherished the resolve that
any further acquisition of territory in North
America by any foreign power would be incOnsis-
tant with their prosperity and development, and
whereas the invasion of Mexico by France has re-
suited as alleged in the establishment Of Govern
ment founded In the consent of the governed nev-
ertheless we have reason to believe, ulterior designs
are entertained against California and other Pacific
States which we do not regard parties to the war
now waged against US, as they have neither furnish
ed men nor money for its prosecution, therefore the
Congress Of the Confederate States do
ReSOLrs That the time NAV not he distant when
we will be prepared TO unite on basis of the in.
dependence OF the Confederate States with those
most interested in the vndicaton of the principles
of the Monroe doctrine, to the exclusion of all
seeming violations of those principles on the conti-
nent of North America Referred 10 the committee
on Foreign Affairs. The House then resolved itself
into secret session.
Mr.. Smith, of Alabama resumed his seat On the
3lst, after publishing card to his constituents in
which he says the question of opening informal ne
gotiatons for peace with the enemy having assumed
shape agreeable to his own as he believes, to their
wishes, he shall waive all personal considerations
and resume his seat in the House of Representa-
uveS this day.
Northern News.
There was q rumor current in Richmond, but not
credited, that the French Minister at Washington
has demanded his passport Ofenc5 was supposed
to be taken from the fact that both Houses Of the
U. s. Congress had passed diplomatic appropra-
ton bill, with an amendment virtually ignoring
Maximillian.
Northern papers of the 24th and 25ta received in
Richmond. The main building of the Smithsonian
Institute at Washington, was destroyed by fire on
Tuesday morning. Numerous paintings and docu-
mentS were consumed The Museum and Library
were saved-origin Of the fire accidental.
San Francisco kilograms of the 23d, announce the
arrival there of Capt Beauregard, brother of Gen.
Beauregard in the capacity of private secretary to
Ex-senator Gwyn. He reports that Gwyn has ben
MI
over five States ceded to France in payment for
troops furnished by the French government The
story is not believed further than that Gwyn has
obtained certain land grants and authorized 10 en-
courage emigration from the Confederate States.
The steamship AtlantaA from Mobile Bay with
1000 bales of cotton, from the rebel government
arrived at New York on the 24th. General Dix
has suppressed the rebel personals in the New York
Daily NsUS.
Washington telegram says the entire subject
of the exchange of prisoners is now in the hands of
| Gen. Grant and there is reason to believe that
| full exchange will soon be expected Sumner and
| Wilson both opposed tie measures of retaliation
| proposed by Congress- The Toronto gunboat story
| is pronounced to be q canard.
Gold unchanged
| The nomination of Gen. Lee, Us Commander in.
Chief, confirmed by the Senate the 3lst, ult.
Gen. Lee has issued an appeal for the surrender
Prompt compliance with this call will greatly pro-
mote the efficiency Of the army, and especially the
cavalry.
Reports from the Valley represent that troops
! from Thomas army are passing over the Baltimore
| and Ohio Railroad This looks as if much danger
| is not anticipated from Hoods army.
Our Commissioners passed the enemy's lines on
| the Baxter road at p. m on the 3lSt They were
received by Col Hancock of Gen. Grants staff and
conducted by Especial train of cars waiting in the
rear to Grants headquarters. Mr.. Stephens SER
want was permitted to accompany him, also Col
Hatch as secretary. During the passage of the
Commissioners the breastworks of hostile lines were
crowded with troops witnessing the novel event.
| Congressional.
The representation from the North Carolina Leg.
islature arrived in Richmond on the 3lst and had
an interview that night with the Congressional del
egation from this State. -
In the House. after debate, the Senate BILL au-
thOrizing the transmission of newspapers to the
soldiers free Of postage was again passed. notwith
standing the objections of the Presdent-yeas 63,
nays Is, thereby becoming law.
| Resolutions were adopted cordially thanking the
officers and men of the 9th, 14th and 57th regi-
rnents Virginia infantry for their patriotic deter
minaton to dedicate themselves anew to the sacred
cause Of liberty and independence.
Mr. Ewing submitted resolutions relative to the
State Representatives of Missouri and Kentucky,
which, after debate, were laid upon the table. The
House then resolved into secret session.
I The Senatel0greed to reference Of the CONSOLE
dation bill tothe committee of conference.
The House bill for the sequestration of the prop
erty of persons liable to military service, who have
departed. or shall depart from the Confederate
States, without permission psssed-yeas IL, nays 7.
large public meeting on the night of the 3lst
held in the House of Delegates, was addressed by
Hon. Thomas S. Fourney and several members Of
Congress from Virginia and Georgia. Great en-
thusasm prevailed. The meeting broke up at a
late hour. All the speakers declared in favor of
the prosecution of the war until independence was
achieved
From Charleston.
a telegram from Charleston ofthe S1st says there
has been some skrmishing along the line of the
| Onmhahee hnt that M ndvantane was GAINED nm