Daily union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1865-1866, 1866-02-09
ITEMS OF GENERAL NEWS.

Very great preparations are beng made by
the Joint committee Of the two Houses. Of which
Hon. Solomon Foot. Of Vermont. Is chairman, for
passing an appropriate Congressional tribute to
the memory Of Abraham Lincoln, on the coming
anniversary Of his birthday-which win be Sun
day, the 18th Of this month. II Is known that
Hon. George Bancroft of New York. has consent
ed to pronounce the oration. Mr.. and Mrs. Ban
croft win be the guests Of the Presidential man
sion during their stay in Washington. in accord
ance with the invitation Of the President himself
The Joint Committee on Reconstruction has
A. previously stated been divided into Eve sub
committees Of three members each. These are as
follows;
let. Senators Fcssenden and johnson. and Re-
preventative Stevens. 10 whom Is intrusted the
general business Of the committee. and the nom
ination Of persons on the condition Of the South
ne n whole.
ID. Senator Grimes and Representatives Bine-
ham and Grider. who make the required invcsti-
cation AS TO Tennessee.
3D. Senator Howard and Representatives conk-
lin and Blair, who collect evidence respecting
Virginia. South Carolina and North Carolina.
9Th. Senator Harris and Representatives Nor
rim and Boutwell,, 10 examine witnesses regarding
the situation in Georgia. Alabama, Mississippi
and Arkansas
sth. Senator Williams and Representatives
Washburn. and Rogers. who are making the ne
ccssary inquiries about Florida. Louisiana and
Texas.
Mr.. Sumner concluded his much-talked Of
speech on Thursday. In a political point Of
view. the speech did not seem to meet public ex-
pectation Tor It did not refer to the President or
policy OF restoration. Senator Fessenden replies
: The House on the same day proceeded to vote
on the Freedmen's Bureau Bill, and finally passed
IL With only thirty-six members voting in the
MIGHT'VE. amonE whom were Messrs. Rousseau and
Randall. Of Kentucky. and NOEL, of Missouri.
The bill does not differ much from the Senate bill
II declares the President may divide the country
within which the privilege Of the writ Of habeas
corpus Is suspended. containing freedmen and
refugees. into districts. each containing one or
more States. not exceeding twelve In number The
President Is further authorized by the bill to re-
move from sale or settlement. under the home
stead or presumption law. and to set apart for the
use ofthe freedmen and loyal refugees. unoccupied
lands in Arkanaas. Florida, Mississippi Alabama
and Louisiana, not exceeding three millions Of
acres Of good land. which is to be rented to freed
men 1t so much per annum by the Freedmen's
Bureau.
The following is, In full the section relating to.
the occupation Of the South Carolina cotton
islagds. The proviso il the amendment acded by
the House 10 the Senate bin.
"fEc S. And b. Il further enacfcd That the
occupants Of land under Major General Sherman's
special field order, dated at Savannah, January
ls. 1866. arc hereby confirmed in their possession
for the period Of three years from the date OF said
order and no person shall be disturbed in or
ousted from said possession during said three years,
unless a settlement shall be made with ssid occp-
pant satisfactory TO the Commissioner ofthe Freed
mems Bureau; provided, that whenever the former
owners Of lands occupied under Gen. Shermans
field order shall make application for the
hereby authorized. upon the written consent of
said occupants 10 procure other lands for them by
rent or purchase, not exceeding forty acres to
each occupant 20 set apart Tor them. out of the
public lands assigned for that purpose'in Section
Of this bill, forty each upon the terms and
conditions named in said section.
The 5th section provides that the occupants Of
the South Carolina lands under Maj. Gen. Sher-
mans spccial field order, dated at Savannah, Jan.
1G 1866 are confirmed in their possession for three
years. unless settlement shall be made with the
occupant or occupants satisfactory TO the Com
missioner of the Freedmen's Bureau.
An amendment to exempt Kentucky from the
operations Of the Bureau, only received thirty
four votes
There Is good deal Of opposition to the bill
renewing the graQc OF Ocnerul, ana lts success n
doubtful. unless Il is made permanent rank in
tie regular army. The originators Of II are op-
posed 10 this as Il was intended for Gen. Grant.
The House committee on contested elections
have decided against Mr.. Voorhees,, Of Indiana.
and In favor Of Washburn. The indications are
thRs they will get rid Of Mr.. Brooks in the same
way.
The Paris correspondent Of the london
Daily Nces says that IL has transpired in court
circles that the Emperor Napoleon is greatly dis
pleased with the Emperor Macmillan on very
many grounds; especially on account Of the bad
reception given to the French Councillor Of State
sent TO Mexico TO take the finances in hand. and
Il l. surmised this Is one reason for the withdrawal
Of the French troops.
"A disastrous Ere occurred in Memphis on the
morning Of the 7th. on the east side Of Main
street, between Washington and Poplar. The FIRE
originated in the dry-goods store Of Bestof x
Lehlineer. north corner Of Poplar, and rapidly
spread 10 the building on both sides, including
the four brick stores belonging 10 Mr.. Levi. The
buildings were used by Mr.. Lehlinser. dry-goods
store Mr.. Miller boot and shoe store; N, Brecker.
dry-goods store; and Blumenthal. Friend & Co..
clothies. The are. however. at the same time
destroyed several smaller business establishments
adjoining. There was only small part of the
property insured. The furniture Of several fami
lies residing above the stores were also well as
the stocks Of goods. almost entirely destroyed.
The loss is eitimated at over 100000.