Cleveland morning leader. [volume] (Cleveland [Ohio]) 1854-1865, 1865-02-06

The Worlds Washington special says that
the news Of the occupation of Branchyile
and Augusta BY Sherman was looked for
hourly, as well as the sYaeuation of Charles.
: ton. The enemy. .sdmitsthat thew cannot
hOldit.
TAX ON PETROLEUM.
The same special says that the Ways and
Means Committee, to-day, decided definite
ly in regard to the tax on petroleum. Upon
crude oil the import tax is ak cents per
gallon; the tax on the manufactured ar
ticle as it now is, twenty cents per gallon.
Cigars are to be taxed BY the pound and
not by the thousand. Tobacco is not to be
taxed in leaf.
TIE PEAoE RUMoRs.
The Herald sWashington special describes
the peace rumOrs as absorbing all the public
attention. II says q great change has taken
place in the tone of peace Democrats in
Congress. Heretofore they have secuted
the idea that the rebels would negotiate on
any other basis than recognition. To-day
they say they have been mistaken, and
that there is good prospect Of a settle
ment without recognition, and without fur
ther fighting,
Military operations are not delayed or
relaxed, but all has been pushed forward
as rapidly as possible. Should peaceful
l----~---- -I-;a ~ F5Ss11, sfe army ana
navy will do it without unreasonable or
unnecessary delay.
It is well known that Secretary Stanton
has heretofore not only been strongly op-
posed to negotiations with the rebels on
any basis other than unconditional surreu-
der, but has had no faith in the possibility
OF obtaining settlement on any admissi-
BILE terms. To-day, in conversation with
an ex-member of Congress, he said there
was probability of an early and AMIGA
bic termination of the war.
Another dispatch says a climax in the
peace negotiations is at hand. Davis has
made temporary alliance with General
Lee, but fears that the fight upon him
Davis at Richmond will soon loree Lee
to break loose. BE is therefore determined
to agree upon terms at once to save him
self.
The Herald's Army Of the Potomac cor
respondent says: There can can be no mis-
taking the fact of the wide spread desire
and expectation in Lees army that they
have fought their last battle, and that with
in short. though Indictment space oftime,
terms ofpesee will be agreed upon. and
all military organizations will be disbauded
and the men allowed TO return to their
homes.
FROM WILMINGTON.
The Heralds Fort Fisher letter of the
sOth, says: For two days vast volume of
black smoke has been seen rising in the
direction of Wilmington. The impression
is that the rebels are burning the cotton
known to be accumulated. there.
A reconnaissance, on land and water,
made this afternoon, tailed to disclose auy
particulars as to the strength of the enemy
in our front.
THREATENED TANIEE IN RICHMOND.
A Fortress Monroe letter says Accord
idg to the stories of desertsrs from the
enemy, the damage done to the DanvilIe
Railroad threatens to become more serious.
They say that there were only three weeks
supplies in Richmond at the time of the
accident, and that famine is threatened.
The DanVille Road is the only one that
carries supplies to Loe's army, to any
extent, and with its loss General Lees
army may soon suffer for provision.
The country back of Richmond is filed
with teams delivering rations. Even the
cavalry have been stripped of their horses
to facilitate transportation. As all rations
that can be brought to the city are needed
for the army, markets are completely de-
nuded of all provisions, and everything eat
able commands fabulous prices. Unless
something can be done soon, the people of
Richmond viii starvs.
LIE GOING SOUTH.
Dessrters also report that Lee is TO 20
South himself, for the purpose of heading
force operating against Sherman.
Davis orders that Sherman must be de-
feated:by all means.
FAILURE OF TIE PREsInExT's PEACE MISSION.
WAsH1EeToS, Feb. 4.
Much surprise was occasioned this morn
ing by the early return of President Lin
coin and Secretary Seward, and it was not
long before many conflicting reports weye
circulated in regard to the result of their
mission.
The sntagOnistical positions of the two
Governments were known on the return of
Mr.. Blair from Richmond-one desiring
peace on the basis of unconditional sub
mission, and the other on the basis Of sop
aration, Independence and recognition. It
was clear that the rebels themselves did
not anticipate a ready compliance with
their demands, while there was an earnest
desire on the part Of the President to do all
that was compatible with honor and public
sxpediency in the premises, and who evil
deneed not little anxiety to induce its
accomplishment.
Il was announced by telegraph this
morning that President Lincoln and secre-
tary Seward had returned to Washington
after conference with the rebsl commits
sioners, which resulted in no change of
the attitude Of this Government or that of
the rebels.
Private kilograms have since been re-
eeived, making inquiry as to the truth of
this statement, because the truth had not
been stated with regard to the prospective
and immediate results from Richmond.
It is now thought that the brief telegram
sent this morning is reliable, as it was OBJ
- - 4ha hast auIhnritY. No details
have yet been made Known nor Is 1t proDa~-
ble they will transpire, the President and
Secretary Seward being the only parties
present on eur side, and the conference be-
ing entirely informal, and more in the
character Of a general conversation to elicit
the views of all who composed it There