Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1866-02-14
MAsHrNaroS. Feb. {

4 suirited debate took place in the SEN
ate to-day on a resolution by Garrett
Davis for an investigation OF. alledged
frauds. Sherman demanded specific
charges. Davis was not prepared 10 fur
mish these, but pledged himself 10 pro-
duce abundant evidence on the subject
should the committee be appointed. The
subject was not disposed Of The propo-
siti0n viii probably he voted down on
Tuesday.
Reverdy Johnson's speech attracted a
large crowd. Ii was a very strong aTgu-
Enent for the COnservatives-mu the
best vet in either House. lie shows that
the effect of the pending reconstruction
would be 10 reduce the representation Of
the Southern States and leave New Eng
land untouched. He did not believe il
would be ratified by the requisite num-
ber Of States. In the course Of his re-
marks he pronounced the bill lately
passed for the protection OF civil rights
clearly unconstitutional. he said ne
would be willing 10 vote for sn amend
ufent basing representation upon the
mum Der Of voters.
Mr. Henderson, Of Missouri, viii speak
on Tuesday in favor Of his proposition to
prohibit disqualification in political rights
an account Of color.
The House cOucurred in the Senate
amendments to the Freedmen's Bureau
bilT. 70 that il is 8 lsw with the eXcep-
ton OF the signature Of the President.
The hiu, as il finally passed, provides
that its operation can be extended 10 al
parts of the United States. [ nder il the
President is authorized 10 reserve from
sale or settlement under the homestead
or pre-emption laws, and to set apart for
the use Of freedmen and loyal refugees, /
male or female, unoccupled public lands
in Florida, Mississippi, Alabama, Lou
isiana and Arkansas, not exceeding in all
Ehree millions Of acres, provided that not
more than fifty acres IS given 10 each 4
freedman or refugee. The latter are TO I
nav such annual rent for said land a. may 1
he agreed on. With regard 10 the South I
Carolina cotton lands the bill provides I
that Gen. Shermau's orders giving freed /
men the lands shall be confirmed Tor three /
years from January sixteenth, eighteen I
hundred and sixty-five. The owners can /
make application for the restoration OF 1
their lands, provided the occupants con- /
senu 70 be removed 10 other lands, either I
public or private. In other respects the /
bill is nearly the SAME as the law now in .
force.
The Internal Revenue Commissioners
Report was taken up this morning by the B
Ways and Means Committee, who VIII
continue its consideration from day TO
day. The result to-day appeared 70 be
that the committee were 50 far pleased I
with the Recommendation Of the Com
misslOners that they will undoubtedly
adopt many of the recommendation for
improving the system Of enforcing the
Internal revenue Law. The committee
10 not seem impressed with any desire
70 change the rate OF taxation. especially
on distilled spirits for in this latter re-
spect they are OF the opinion that 8 bet
Ter enforcement viii produce the amount
Of revenue from it that has been esti-
mated. The proposed charges in the
rates OF taxation, however, xii be left
until some OF the subjects are disposed Of
Dnrfng their recent visit here, the
Z lanadi&n officials minated there would
doubtless be some trouble with the fish
cries. They declared in so many words
that they would not allow our people TO
fish in their waters. The American fish
cries are within a very small margin,
and if our men 90 beyond il the Cana
dians threaten 20 drive them back.
The Military Committee Of the House
came 70. no conclusion to-day on the
Army bill The committee have a large
number Of memorials before them from
Maryland and Kentucky, praying for APP
for damages sustained by
he war. The committee have taken the
sanle action a. the Claims Committee,
and have decided 20 report in favor OF
none OF them.
The House made good progress to-day
With the bin 20 establish uniform ma
io1al system Of bankruptcy. A good
many amendments. were offered and
here seems to be an evident disposition
among members TO pass il. A great deal
II time has been spent on it, and the bill ,
las been prepared With great care.
Committee Of She Virginia Legislature ,
ar a Visit 10 TsresidenI Iohnson-Sou5h
Carolina Freedmen's AIairs Rail
Given BY the French Hinister-
wAsHEsr0S, Feb..a. I
Tbs committee appOinted by the Nir-
.inia Legislature 10 convey 10 the Presi-
lent the resolutions adopted by that body,
bis policy in reference 90 the
Of the Union, visited the
White House this afternoon. The com ,
nittee consists Of three on the part OF the .
senate, and five on tie part OF the House. Z
They were unable 10 obtaiTran interview. /
The President designates, however, ten !
,'clock a. the time when he VIII be able !
% receive them.
Reports received from South Carolina !
tate that Gen. Scott, OF Ohio, who has I
'eceutly been appointed Assistant Com
Of the Freedman's Bureau, 70 !
elieve Gen. Rufus SsXton, has taken /
lecided stand on the ground that con- .
racts shall be made fair for both parties, !
md carried ont by each in good faith. ,
He has criticised many contracts already
made, and caused them to be changed in
avor Of the freedmen. Numerous com
llaiuts have been made by the planters !
lf that district OF Gen SaxtOn's partial 7
IS 10 the freedmen, or what they termed !
lis "impracticability as an agent be I
.ween whites and blacks, and il was !
partly 10 satisfy these people that Gen. :
Scott was appointed.
A magnificent ball was given this r
sveniBg by Count de MOntholOn, French ,
Minister. II has created a great sensa- :
ton in the fashionable world Of Wash I
.ngtOn. :
The Committee on Reconstruction .
have been taking evidence as 10 the way +
pardons have been obtained for leading /,
'Oniederates.