davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Bradford reporter. [volume] (Towanda, Pa.) 1844-1884, 1865-01-26

calities where they are needed, to make up
for the withdrawal of the capital of the L
S Bank, and its branches. This advice
was SO promptly, and so extensively acted
upon, especially in the Western and South
western States, that in eighteen months af-
forwards, three hundred and sirty,fre neoc
banks had been chartered by the Legisla-
lures of the different States. Three years
after the advice we have alluded to, was
given, only eleoen of these banks were in
existence, all the rest having failed, and
thrown upon the community a loss of
about three hundred millions Of dollars This,
of itself, is enough to condemn the State
Bank system; but is only small part OF
the gross amount out of which the people
have been swindled, since it went into Oper,
alton. We repeat therefore, that we rejoice
that there is prospect of a speedy relief
from the State Banks; and this qualification
is not little enhanced by the fact that the
law has secured the people against frauds
in the National Banks, which are taking
the place of the old ones. In the new
banks, the issues, which has mostly been
the source Of trouble, are furnished by the
government, and are limited to the amount
of the banks capital, this being govern.
ment securities This makes all reasonably
safe. In the old system, the officers of the
banks have the entire control of the issues
and may order, and put out as many as they
like, and they often like to put ont toe
many. Thirty, OF more years ago. bank
was started in one of the lower counties OF
the State, with three thousand dollars for
capital in the vaults, and in twelve months
! afterwards, had circulation of its bills OF
three hundred thousand dollars. This bank
is still standing, and in good repute, but il
is marvel that it is So We mention this
case, in order to show more clearly the diff
ference between the old and the new sys,
TEN and if the republican party leaves
nothing else of its administration of the
government than this constitutional bank
ing system, it is enough to ensure it tho
lasting gratitude Of the American people
Bradford reporter. [volume] (Towanda, Pa.) 1844-1884, 1865-01-26
THE BLAIR MISSION.

Mr. BLAIR returned from Richmond last
week. Nothing has transpired as to the
results of his negotiations" On Friday
last he again returned to the Rebel Capt.
tai. The Tiibune-which ought to be pos
ted-says of this latter journey =
ave learn from Washington that Mr.. F
p. Blair has again gone to Richmond on the
United States steamer Don The Presi-
dent, it is said, declares that he has no
faith that any good will come of his mis-
sion, but has no objection to his efforts to
bring about peace. He could hardly give
stronger evidence of his entire acquies-
cence in Mr.. Blair's movements than the
fact that a United States steamer is put at
his disposal. How apprehensve the war
party in Richmond is of the Influence of
this talk Of peace upon the popular mind,
is shown in the continued depreciation OF
any discussion Of the subject"
Bradford reporter. [volume] (Towanda, Pa.) 1844-1884, 1865-01-26

Congress having organized banking
system for the country, there is no longer
any need of the State Banks. We rejoice
at this, and think our entire business COM
munity should. These State institutions
have always been an homogeneous anomaly
in our finances The Constitution of the
General Government expressly declares
that Congress shall have power to coin
money. and regulate the value thereof "and
as expressly 'forbids the States from coin
ing money, and emitting bills of credit :"
and we wonder what State bank note,
which promises 70 pay in the future, is, if it
is not bill of credit? The truth is, that
from the beginning, some of our best, and
Cearest headed statesmen, questioned the
legality as well as ,hs propriety, of the
State Banks But, in the absence Of anv
substitute for circulating medium-coin
being too scarce, and inConvenicnt, especi-
ally in the early settlement Of The country
they were allowed to grow into common
use And that they have been Of immense
advantage in building up the country, and
developing its resources, is admitted by all.
Nor is it denied that the large majority of
these institutions have been honestly man
aged Yet, with adj these admissions, the
system has been sad infictlon Oh the peo-
pie. The corruptions in our State Legisla-
l. i L. Z Al L. L
engendered, is not the least of these evils :
and wheG we add to this the enormous los
ses which the nation has sustained at diff
ferent times, through their failures, the
question Of the utility of the system, be-
comes more than probametical. In General
Jackson's message vetoiag the bill re-char-
tering the L. 5. Banks, encouragement is
given to the creation of State Banks, in 10.
Bradford reporter. [volume] (Towanda, Pa.) 1844-1884, 1865-01-26
EDWIN NJ STANTON, Secretary of Wa
FROM ADMIRAL PORTER
NORTH ATLANTIC SQUADRON,
FLAGSHIP MALVERN, OFF Fort FISHER,
January l6 1867


Sir: | wrote you yesterday We have
all the forts. The army have captured one
thousand eight hundred men and a large
number of officers including General Whit,
ing and Colonel Lamb.
The gunboats are now in the river. and
Wilmington is hermctically sealed against
blockade runners
The rebels have destroyed the works on
Smiths Island, and if they don't DESTROY
Fort Caswel it is of no use to them. We
will get that after little while You must
not expect too much Of us at one time
These works are tremendous | was In
Fort Malakoff few days after its surrcI.
der to the French and English The con.
bined armies Of these two nations were
many months capturing that stronghold and
it wont compare either i'll size or strengtl
to Fort Fisher.
The fort contained seventy-fve guns. and
many of them were heavy ones.
have not yet learned what our casual.
ties are in killed and wounded but think
three hundred will cover them all. We hal
bad explosion III the fort this morlIing
which killed and wounded a number of men
about one hundred. Some of our scancl
were blown up, and Acting Assistant Pay
master R. H. GiIlet, Of the Gettysburg,waq
killed.
l will send detailed report as soon as
can get off the wounded and arrange mat,
ters generally. The world never saw such
fighting as our soldiers did.
am, very respectfully, your obedient servant
ID. d. PORTER, Rear-Admiral
Hon. Gideon Welles, Secretaryof the Navy, WasL.
ington, d. c.
Bradford reporter. [volume] (Towanda, Pa.) 1844-1884, 1865-01-26

GLooMY.--The Richmond Eran.iner of q
recent date makes the following sombre re
Elections upon the rebel situation. If there
is scintilation of comfort or consolation
to be derived from it, we hope it may dc
those whom it may concern good; but we
don't see it,
There is sach a thing as heart-break for
nations, as for individuals. There are such
things as hopelessness and despair, lethar-
gy and apathy A conviction that all that
1t will do must come to naught, all sacrifices
it can make, be rendered vain, by an IT,
redeemable cause-a conviction resting on
rational grounds, both of reflection and ex.
pertinent, will produce this state of feeling
in any nation, however heroic and however
ObStinater
Bradford reporter. [volume] (Towanda, Pa.) 1844-1884, 1865-01-26
FROM WASHINGTON.

WASHINGTON, d. c. Jan. 49, 1866.
Since the reassembling of Congress after the re-
cess for the holidays, the House has had under
consideration the joint resolution of the Senate,
an amendment of the Constitution to
abolish Slavery. 1t was taken up on Thursday, 5th
inst, and made the special order for every days
session until otherwise ordered, and the discussion
Bradford reporter. [volume] (Towanda, Pa.) 1844-1884, 1865-01-26

The peace and order prevailing at Savan.
nah since its occupation by Gen. Sherma,,
could not be surpassed Few male inbaIi
tants are to be seen in the streets. Ladia.
and children evince sense of security
No instances of disorder or personal injury
or insult has occurred. Laboring men and
mechanics, white and black, are seckipo
employment
The troops are cheerful and respectful
toward every one, and seem to feel them.
selves much at home and on good behavior
as if in their native towns
TRADE WITH SAVANNAH.
Trade is restricted at present to actpal
military necessity, Many ships with mcr.
chandise from the North are waiting At
Hilton Head for permission to go to Savan.
nah, but Gen Sherman has admitted ONLY
limited number of supplies required by
his troops.
A mistake prevails at the North as to the
present inducement for commerce at Savan.
nah. There is not yet any large popula.
ton to be supplied, no credit or money, no
commodities OF exchange, and there can be
no great amount for a considerable period
All the cotton and products now within
Savannah belong to the Government as
captured property.
Stringent precautions against supplies
that might go to the enemy, have been
made, and will be enforced by Gen Shcr.
man.
The cotton captured in Savannah, Of
which there is a good deal of Sea Island
has been turned over by the Quartermastcr
to Mr.. Draper, special agent Of the Treas
ury. The Quartermaster-Gener remains
at Savannah to execute the arrangements
for shipment
EDWIN N STANTON. Secretary Of Mar
Bradford reporter. [volume] (Towanda, Pa.) 1844-1884, 1865-01-26

Our PRISONERS has been represen-
ted that nothing has been done by our Gov
ernment to carry out the arrangements for
taking care of prisoners, agreed upon by
Generals Grant and Lee. We now observe,
by Richmond papers of the 9th, that $500
blankets have been sent to our men in that
city, the first instalment having reached
them soon after Christmas.
Bradford reporter. [volume] (Towanda, Pa.) 1844-1884, 1865-01-26

women sold for tobacco, were they who
reared the lordly aristoeracy of the South,
who now turn up their noses at the greasy
mechanics and small-fsted farmers of the
North"
Bradford reporter. [volume] (Towanda, Pa.) 1844-1884, 1865-01-26
RUFFIANLY ASSAULT ON JUDGE KELLEY
Special dispatch to the n. Y. Tribune.

Special dispatch to the n Y. Tribune.
WASHINGTON Jan. 81 1865.
The question of the admission of Louis.
lana got settled i'll part last night very eff
fectually. While Judge Kelley, member OF
the House from Philadelphia, was at Viii
lard's at supper, near midnight, Field, )ue
of the applicants for admission from Louis
lana, bawled at him with an oath, from an.
other part Of the table, that he was afraid
to show his hand on the question of admit
ting the Louisiana delegation
The Judge made noreply to the man, who
was a stranger to him. Field became loudly
profane and abusive. Kelley then quietly
said to him. When my name is called ii
the House on that vote, it will not take me
long to decide on your case, Sir
Field. with slave-driving fury, shouted
% you, you Northerncrs want us back
in the Union bad, and you Congressman
dare not face your constituents if you don't
let us in,' and then stalked out of the din
ing-room swearing that he would take care
Of Kelley and all Northern Congressman
like him, and laid in wait fer him in the
hall
AS Kelley passed "a few minutes after
ward, Field a powerful, tall man, throttlcd
him and drove a bowie-knife at him. Kelley
is said to have wardcd the blade with an
upward motion of his arm, which caught
the knife on the back of his hand and laid
it open to the bone.
Bystanders threw themselves on the ruff
fan from Louisiana and stopped a murder
DR.. Stone was summoned and dressed Kel-
ley's injuries. \ police officer took Field to
the station-housc, but he somehow got back
to Wizards and to his comfortable bed.
This morning he has been refreshing
himself in Willard's lower rooms with pro-
claiming his ability to whip any id mem
Der of Congress that insults him
Bradford reporter. [volume] (Towanda, Pa.) 1844-1884, 1865-01-26
EVACUATION OFPOCOTALIGO BY TIL
REBELS.
(From Rebel Accounts. }

Qrom Rebel Accounts
CHARLESTON, Jan, u. 1865.
A heavy force of the enemy advance.
from Beaufort yesterday morning againl
Pocotaligo, which place was evacuated las
night by Gen. McLaws.
Refugees from Savannah report one corps
OF Sherman's army gone to Wilmington
and that the cotton in Savannah has bee
or will be confscated
CHARLESTON, Jan lG
After abandoning Pocotaligo our force,
took position behind the Combahec Rive
No further movement was made yesterday
The enemy is believed to be arriving at
Branchvile.
Two monitors were sunk last nipht IN
this harbor, probably by torpedoes. They
lie about eight hundred yards from For
Sumter toward Sulhvan's Island Thef
smoke-stacks only are visible.
CHARLESTON, Jan Il.
Deserters and prisoners report the foro
that advanced from Beaufort to consist Of
the Fifteenth and Seventeenth Corps. with
little artillery or baggage trains, and that
Sherman was moving by railroad with the
remainder Of his army, artillery, trains, &c.
lhey reported also that Charleston is thelr
destination.
The enemy advanced within two miles o.
Combahee yesterday, and then retired.
CHARLESTON, Jan It
We have nothing direct from Genera
Wheeler.
One of the line officers who left from be.
low McBride's brigade yesterday morning,
reports that the enemy arc still below De
serters who come in report that corps
had crossed at Port Royal
The courier says there We're cavalry ar
tillery and infantry coming from Coosa"'
hatchie The forces of the enemy are be- .
lieved to be concentrated above McPhersol'
vile.
CHARLESTON, Jan. Is. 1865,
The enemy made a move in the direction
of the Combahee River yesterday. 1t Is
believed to be nothing but a feint All rs
quiet there to-day. There is nothing from
any other point.
Bradford reporter. [volume] (Towanda, Pa.) 1844-1884, 1865-01-26

SOUTHERN MERCHANTS PAYING Their DEBrs
AT THE NoRTH.-We hear, with pleasure that
number of the leading merchants of Sa-
vanah have already forwarded to this city
funds for the part or whole payment of
debts they owed in this city when the war
broke out, and which they were then pre-
vented from paying Some who have made
but partial payments this time, have, we
understand, given notice that they intend
to clear off all their obligations as quickly
as possble.-Ne1c York Post.
Bradford reporter. [volume] (Towanda, Pa.) 1844-1884, 1865-01-26
HEAVY FIRING IN FRONT OF PETERS
- BURG--DESERTERS COMING INTO
OUR LlNES--GREAT REJOICING
AMONG THE REBELS. Nc-

WASHINGTON, Saturday, Jan. 81, 1863,
Information from the army of the Poto,
mac states that considerable firing took
place in front Of Petersburg, near the Ap-
pomattoX, on Friday morning. but wifi
what result is not known.
About 40 deserters came into our lines Oh
Thursday, many of them being IN a sad
state of destitution
An arrival from City Point YESTERDAY
morning states that a great deal of pickle
firing took place iii front of Petersburg %
Thursday night and some reports of the
evacuation Of the place were current. bur
yesterday morning matters remained as
usual.
The Rebels seemed very iubilant owe,
something on Thursday night, as they in
dulged extensively in cheering ,helEringing
Tor hours.
Bradford reporter. [volume] (Towanda, Pa.) 1844-1884, 1865-01-26
FROM GEN. THOMAS'S ARMY.
NO PRESENT MOVEMENTS-ARRIVAl
OF REBEL PRISONERS.

Carlo, Saturday, Jan.4l 1850
The present Indications are that zen.
ThomaSs Army will not soon move fronts
present position on the Tennessee River. is
Winter quarters are being constructed.
Adj.-Gen. Thomas and Staff have passed
down. the river on the steamer Rocket.
Over 200 Rebel prisoners have recently
arrived from Rock Island destined Sout.
to be exchanged.
Bradford reporter. [volume] (Towanda, Pa.) 1844-1884, 1865-01-26


Gen. Sherman renewed the movement OF
his forces from Savannah last week. The
Fifteenth and Seventeenth Corps went in
transports to Beaufort on Saturday, the
l4th. The Seventeenth Corps, under Maj
Gen. Blair, crossed Port Royal ferry, and
with portion of Gen Fosters command
moved on Pocotaligo Gen. Howard, com
manding that wing of the army, reported
on Sunday that the enemy abandoned his
strong works in our front during Saturday
night. Gen Blair's Corps now occupies a
strong position across the railroad, covering
all approaches eastward to Pocataligo.
All the sick of Gen. Sherman's army arc
in good hospitals at Beaufort and Hilton
Head, where the genial climate affords
advantages for recovery superior to any
other place.
The daily Gate City. [volume] (Keokuk, Iowa) 1855-1916, 1865-12-30
WASHINGTON. Dec. q

WASHINGTON. Dec. 20.
An order has been issued by the War De.
partment revoking one heretofore issued on
the same subject, providing that military Di-
vision and Deputy commanders will reduce
the number Of civilians employed in the sew
eral corps and staff departments of the army
within their respective commands to the low
est possible number, at all points. stations
and places where troops are on duty in sufii
cient numbers to furnish details to take the
places of the civilians without iniuriously af.
fecting the efficiency of the troops for the
strictly military duty required of them. The
civilians. except clerks, will be discharged.
and extra duty men substituted for them.
When civilians are retained, preference will
be given to persons who have been honorably
discharged from the military service, those
that are disabled by wounds being first pre-
ferred. All civilians who have not been in
the military service will be discharged as fast
as they can be replaced by those TO whom
preference is given in this order Deputy
commanders viii see that no unusual or un.
necessary numbers are retained. aud tha,
every facility is given for properly and eff
ciently guarding and protecting the public
property.
The daily Gate City. [volume] (Keokuk, Iowa) 1855-1916, 1865-12-30
Pardon-seekers hard On Carpes--Ea-
tional sorgh um Convention.
WASWYycToy Dec 90

Attorney General Speed, in asking for an
appropriation for contingent expenses. saws
the carpets and furniture OF his Office have
been subjected to a largely increased amount
of wear and tear from usage by the large
number of applicants for pardon who from
day to day frequent the Office, so that much
of the carpeting is tattered and worn into
shreds and new carpets are needed now more
than ever.
The National Sorghum Convention is now
IN session at the rooms of the Department OF
Agriculture William Cloah, Of Ohio. is
Chairman, and Prof 7. Glover Secretary.
Delegates are from the Middle and many OF
the Western States. The Convention has de-
cided upon definite classification OF the
different varieties of cane, which will be pub
lished with accurate botanical aud peculiar
descriptions and carefully executed engra
wings.
The daily Gate City. [volume] (Keokuk, Iowa) 1855-1916, 1865-12-30

HENRY J. RAYMOND, in the New York
Times, does not anticipate any division in the
Union party in Congress on the question oi
reconstruction. Regarding the admission OF
Southern Representatives, the Times says:
at is perfectly natural and proper that
those who have given their money to the pro-
secution of this war should hesitate about
putting in rebel hands the power TO repudiate
the debts thus incurred; and it is equally
proper tha. they should demand evidence that
the recent rebels are prepared toact in loyal
temper and a national spirit, before they re-
admit them to seats of power in the councils
of the nation.
And upon the question Of differences be-
tween Congress and the President, the Times
says:
Meantime the differences between the
President and Congress are greatly exagge.
rated Both agree that the restoration of the
Union is grestIy to be desired: both agree
that it ought to be effected at the earliest pos
sible moment consistent with the. public safe
ty. and both agree that members from the
rebel States should not be admitted to Con-
gress except upon conditions which will be
satisfactory as guarantees for their future 10y
atty and the permanent peace and integrity Of
the Union. The only difference between them
is Is to the extent Of these guarantees and
thst il purely difsrsaos Of degrees"
The daily Gate City. [volume] (Keokuk, Iowa) 1855-1916, 1865-12-30
Disastroas Firs.

PROVIDENCE, R. l.. Dec. 29
A fire broke out in the Railroad depot at
Groton, a, about clock this A. NJ. which
destroyed the building and thirty long empty
cars aud SIX loaded ones. The flames spread
rapidly to the steamboat Commonwealth.
Just arrived from New York, which was heav-
lily loaded with freight, and so grounded at
the wharf that She could not be moved she
was burned TO the waters edge Nothing
was saved The flames spread SO rapidy and
furiously that the men on board the steamer
barely escaped with their lives Loss estima-
ted at 81. SOC. .OoO.
The daily Gate City. [volume] (Keokuk, Iowa) 1855-1916, 1865-12-30
NEW YogK. Dee. 29

The Post Washington special says it is ru-
mored the French aud United States Govern
ments haze arrived at definite understand
ing in relation to Mexican affairs, that the
Emperor Napoleon has agreed to withdraw
the French troops from Mexico. and that ON
Government engaged to prevent any interfe-
renee with the Arch Duke while he remains
in that country By citizens of the United
States. or other persons on American soil.
According to this arrangement. Maximil.
ian is to be left to his Austrian body guard
and the Mexican people, to make such head
as he can against the opposing forces of the
patriots.
1t adds these rumors are not aut henticated,
but there is general belief Of its truth.
The daily Gate City. [volume] (Keokuk, Iowa) 1855-1916, 1865-12-30
washfngton News.

NAsHIsGroS, Dec. %.
Captain NJ. II. Ellis, formerly OF the l75,h
\. \. Volunteers, was admitted to practice
in the Supreme Court to-day.
Assistant Secretary Chandler left Washing
ton this evening, to be absert several weeks.
The steamer Desotc, of the Gulf squad ron,
is expected to leave the Navy Yard TO NOR
row for the Gulf
Gen. Sickles is abroad on l..ave of alb
sence, and is not known here TO be in any
way representative Of the Executive De
part'nent of this Government, hence his
presence in Paris is not entitled 10 the politi.
cal significance attributed i, by writer, at that
capital.
The daily Gate City. [volume] (Keokuk, Iowa) 1855-1916, 1865-12-30
From Nashville.

NASHVILLE, Dec. %.
River still rising; probably S5 feet on the
Shoals.
A fleet of coal barges from Kentucky, fif.
teen in number, from Cumberland coal mines,
arrived here to-day
No means of crossing the river at this point
except by skitfs. Active preparations are in
progress Tor reconstructing the suspension
bridge. One cable of bridge was thrown
across yesterday.
Cotton firm. with increased demand. Prices
ranged from 30 to 42k cents, an Improvement,
OF about one cent per pound on all qualities.
Shipments and receipts light.
The daily Gate City. [volume] (Keokuk, Iowa) 1855-1916, 1865-12-30
.From Georgia.

SAVANNAH, Dec %.
Christmas passed off without disturbance,
and the usual quiet and order prevailed.
The trial of &. B. Lamar, charged with an
attempt to bribe the u. s. Treasury Agent
having charge of cotton, commenced to-day.
The steamer Lucie, from New York, bound
to Mobile, sprung leak in the gale south Of
Hatteras, and put in for repairs.
AUcUsrA, Dec. 2a.
The Alcony and Yellow River bridges on
the Georgia Railroad, and the Chattahoochie
bridge on the State Road, we're washed away
by the heavy rains last Friday. II is still
raining.