Des Arc citizen., 1866-04-14

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 teresting Chapter. | Washington dispatch of the 27th says: 'sThe Joint Committee of Fifteen reported to- day, to both houses of Congress, the evidence 1 of Gen. Robert E. Lee, of his views on the Southern situation The following is full extract of all the important points. On Feb ruary l7th he was sworn, and examined by Senator Howard. as follows
 | Question. Where is your presentresidence? Answer. Lexington, Va. h. af gsiian 1 Q. How long have you been in Lexing gton? 4. Since lst of October last-nearly five months. fs+ s | Q. Are you acquainted with the state of feeling among what we call secessionists, at present, in Virginia towards the Federal Gov ernment? A. I do not know that am ; | have been living very retired, and have shad but little communication with politicians know nothing more than from my own obser- vation and from such facts as have come to my knowle dge aaas1 5 aW ! O. What is your opinion from observations among the secession people of that State of the feeling toward the Government at this time 1? A. So far as came to my knowledge l do not know of a single person who either feels or contemplates any resistance to the United | States Government, or indeed, any opposition to it; no word has reached me to either pur- pose. 9#
 O. From what you have observed is it your opinion that they are friendly towards the Government, and they will llsco-operate to sus- tain and uphold it in future A. l believe they certainly will acquiesce in the Gov ernment, and, so far as I have heard any one express an opinion, they are for cooperating with President Johnson in his policy.
 O.. In his policy in regard to the restora- ton of the whole country? A. I have heard persons with whomI have conversed express great confidence in the wisdom of his policy ofrestoration, and they seem to look forward to it as hope of restoration.
 0. How do they feel in regard to that DOT tioneof the people of the United States who have been forward and zealous in the prosccu- ton of the war against the rebellion A. We'll, do not know ]; I have heard nobody ex- press an opinion in regard to it. As I said before, I have not had much conversation with politicians in the country, if there are any. Every one seems to be engaged in his own affairs, and endeayoring to sustain the civil government of the State. I have heard no expression of sentiment towards any particu- lar portion of the country.
 Q. How do they (seeessionists) feel in re- gard to the payment of Federal debts? A, have never heard any one speak on the sub ject I suppose they must expect to pay the taxes levied by the Government. have heard them speak in reference to the payment of taxes and their efforts to raise money therefor, which suppose is for their share of the debt. Ihaye never heard any one speak in opposi- ton to the payment of taxes or of any resist ance to their payment. Their whole effort has been to try and raise money to pay the taxes. && & NY ~
 |o 0. From your opinion and knowledge oi the people of Virginia, would they, if the question was left to them, repudiate and reject that debt? A. I never heard any one say ol speak on that subject but from my knowledge of the people, believe that they would be in favor of tie payment of all just debts. o'9a9g 2. I' Q. Do they, in your opinion, regard that as a just debt A. Ido not know what their opinion is on that subject; have never heard any opinion expressed contrary it. Indeed as said in the beginning, have had very little discussion or intercourse with the peo- pie. Ibeleye the people would pay the debts iI.they are called on to pay. say that from my knowledge of the people generally.
 K O. Would they pay that debt or their DOT ton of it with as much alacrity as people or Ildinarily pay their taxes to the Government IA. I do not know that they would make any | distinction between the two taxes laid by the Government. So faras l know they are pre- s pared to pay to the best of their ability. Al never heard them make any distinction. 2
 Q. What is the feeling ofthe people of Vir- ginia toward the payment of the so-called Confederate debt A. Ibelievc so far as my opinion goes q have no facts to go upon) that they would be willing to pay the Confederate debt too aeysa sosa gda
 O. You think they would? A. l think they would if they had the power and ability to do SO. I have, never heard any one in the State with whom have oonyersed speak oi rcpudiating any debt. eHa s9l
 O. suppose the Confederate debt is value less in the market in Virginia? A. Entirely so far as I know. l believe the people look upon it as lost entirely. l never heard any questions on the subject.
 O. Do you recolleet when the Confederate bonds were made payable A. l have general recollection that they were made pay able six months aftera declaration of peace
 O. Six months after declaration of peace between the United States and Confederate Gnvornrncrt2 I think they ran tha