Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1865-12-27
LETTER FROM RICHMOND.

RICHMOND, y a., Lee. 20, 7Iobo-lnS the
midst Of the festivities Of the season, there is
not much Of interest occurring to communi-
cate !; besides, Richmond is SO flooded with
newspapers. and newspaper correspondents,
that it's dificultto pick up an item. except
through these sources. l.'5'
The Legislature is, or rather has been, hard
at work. The body is a working one, and IN,
der existing circumstances there is not likely
to be much political gassing, as Of yore.
Politics, it is evident, are to be escheWed. Mr..
Robertson S resolutions will not even be called
up as it is thought they might give rise to
something unpleasant, and while Mr.. Joynes
is censured, in many quarters, for his course,
vet paciication and conciliation are to be the
principles upon which all action will be based.
Nobody wants military rule again-and while
it is whispered that in the event Of the throw
ing overheard of all Governor Pelrpoint's
officials, that functionary would resign, and
Military, or Provisional Governor be appointed,
vet it is thought, it is more than probable that
clear sweep will be made Of the present III
cumbents; but no further cause will be given
the United States government to lntertereEln our
state matters, and an acqulescence IN the laws
passed by Congress- and the Proclamatlons OF
the President, may be surely counted upon.
There seems to be no doubt that bill Chow
ever modifed), allowing negro testimony, Will
be passed speedily.
The financial condition Of the state being in
such dilapidated way, no appropriation
j for internal Improvements Will be made, but all
roads that desire to borrow money will be grant
ed that prigilege-as was the Central. The
fredericksburg and Gordonsyille road ask that
q the state give up her interest in that work
8 Some 100000 or m5e) il order that it may be
put into private hands TOR completion, snd
q while it seems ard that such large interest
q should be abandoned, yet it is difficult for the
q state to place herself in the position of the
3 Dog in the Manger- being unable to do any
q thing herself and yet not allow any one else to
d do-however so stands the case. The aban-
81 donment will be urged strongly.
81 A prooosition to fund the back interest due
q will probably fnd favor Many widows and
q orphans will suffer otherwise, and the "cry OF
81 the orphan never fails to have its effect.
81 Gov Peirpoints endeavors to have the COZ
81 lection Of the government tax stopped and tor
Ss the state to assume the debt; meets with
M tavor in many quarters, but, by some. IS looked
81 upon unfavorably 1T is thought the state
3 would be the loser-yst IN these times when
a the people want every cent they can rake and
81 scrape this tax falls very heavy.
Sd The Amended Charter of Alexandria has
81 been brought up, and, by Mr.. English, referred
81 the appropriate committee, where 1t will re-
q main until your delegates learn the views and
Opinions of their constituents upon the SUBJECT.
MOne proposition is to give back to to the city
M the old charter another is to adhere to sever
al of the amendments in the new charter-the
abolition Of the Board Of Aldermen-not al
Mbwing the city to 90 into further debt-grant-
ing to the Mayor the appointment OF the Night
@ @Watch-the appointments to be confirmed by
the Council and holding the Mayor response
.8Ole for the conduct of the watch. The views
Mot the citizens Of Alexandria should De had
and communicated to their delegates, as the
legislature will grant almost anything OF a
oca character, where money IS not. lnSolSeu'
8 Gen. Hugh W. Mercer, late Of the Conied-
srate army, who was recently puton trial before
IS Military Commission at Savannah, 6a., ana
Whose trial was suspended on the ground that
Hee was paroled prisoner, and by the terms OF
Nsihat parole was not to be molested SO long as
Sae faithfully keptit was ascharged with shootlng
Even soldiers as deserters, IN violation or the
avs and customs Of war. General ~; IS
S:landson of the Revolutionary General mercer
Efho fell at the battle Of Princeton, and was
Ilucated at West Point.