The Norfolk post. [volume] (Norfolk, Va.) 1865-1866, 1866-02-09
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WASHINGTON NEWS.

On Tuesday, delegation of cOlored
men-headed by Frederick Douglas and
X. III. DOwiiing-called on President
Johuson at the White House, for the
purpose of expressing their ideas on the
questions now being considered, affect
ing their interests, and also to learn the
views entertained by the President in
the same connection. He wasaddressed
by both Downing and Douglas, who
strongly urged that the oolored race
should be endowed with all the rights,
| privileges and immunities of citizens of
| the United States, and desired that the
| right of suffrage be given to them, not
only in the District, but all over the
land. The President responded, saying
if his present course was not evidence OF
his good will to the cDlOred race, he
could say no more. He had said, and
repeated here. that if they could find no
other Moses to lead them to the Land of
Promise and liberty, he would be that
Moses; but he was not willing to adopt
a policy which would result i'm danger to
the colOred man, and possibly lead to u
war of races. Nothing but evil would
result from forcing upon the people of
this District or any other section prin-
ciple in direct opposition to the express
ed will of the majority. At the conclu.
sion of his remarks, which were of
considerable length, Douglas said the
question would have to be settled by the
people, tQwhich the PRESIDENT expressed
his assent, saying he had faith in the
people.
1.-THE recommendation OF the military
council be followed, the minimum num-
Der of the regular army will be about
1900 men, which the President is
authorized to increase, whenever he may
think 1t necessary, by adding two COM
paniea To each regiment, and also by
increasing the number ip such company
until the maximum be one hundred
thousand, 1t is believed that the army
thus constituted will be sufficient to
garrison the South till the insurgent
states are admitted. The council strong
ly opposed the present system of arning
the militia at the South, and urged that
it be at ONCE discontinued.
Several northern gentlemen who had
made preparations to 60 into the cottoli
planting business in Alabama and Mis-
sissippi, and were driven away, arrived
In Washington on Monday evening, on
their way North. They say it il folly
for Northern man to attempt to engage
in business in any locality in the South
from which the troops are Withdrawn.
The establishment of military posts in
Virginia, and more latterly in Mississippi
pi, win, II ID said, be followed hY taking
Similar action in all the southern states.
These posts will be garrisoned by United
States regulars, who will act, it Is
understood, in conjunction with the
Freedmens Bureau.
The release of Mosby from confine-
ment was made on the order of General
Grant, who, though Mostly did not
actually surrender (he disbanded his
forces), nevertheless considers him en-
titled to the same protection from "mo-
lestation" as was accorded to tho armies
of Lee and Johnston.
The House Military Committee voted
on Tuesday to report the bill creating
the grade of General in the army of the
United States, with an increase of one
hundred and thirty dollars pay month
over that pQW fxed for the Lieutenant
General, without any increase of allow
aHces or combinations of any kind.
In the Senate, on Tuesday, Mr. Fes-
sender, of Maine, made speech in sup
port of the representation amendment
to the Constitution. Freedmen affairs
engrOssed the House of Representatives