The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1867-02-27
DOMESTIC MISCELLANY.


james Rtcer CttaaL-Information having
been received from MeSsrs Belot deS Minieres
and Co., of Paris, that the maximum amount
of SIC, 900, 900 has been made up in France,
the Legislature of Virginia, has promptly re-
newed the Charter Of 1861. West Virginia
will no doubt do the same If this scheme
goes into effect, it will involve the expenditure
of not less than S5,000,000 per annum for the
next eight years in making and repairing the
Canal 1t will complete the great scheme OF
opening incomparaby the best highway be-
tween the Atlantic and the Valley of the Mis-
siSSippi It's immediate effect upon Virginia,
especially the whole James River country, will
be great, and its speedy effect will be the start
ing of Norfolk with its magnificent harborl
towards its destination as a great commercial
city, and Richmond as great manufacturing
city.
Congress- Sherman's Military Bill has
passed both houses of Congress. A veto is
expected to-day from the President, but there
is no probability it will defeat the measure.
The purport Of it is thus characterized by the
National LRteUjgcRcer.
The Blacklist record ever made by an as
sembly of the representatives OF tree people
stained yesterday the proceedings OF the House
of REPRESENTATIVES Never, In the most tyran-
nous hour of the Long Parliament miSrule 4;
never. amid the utmost subServience to the
royal mandate of an English king; never, in
the most boodthirsty epoch of French con-
vention, did the representatives of the people
stamp themselves with greater ignominy. The
bill, which passed by vote of 100 to 90,
hands one-third of the people of this country
over to military government. For the rule OF
law. it substitutes the will of an officer: For
the tribunal Of judge, it furnishes drum
head courtmartial or military commission
For the process of court and the peaceful
visit of a sheriff, it protfers the order OF a
nettv satrap and the presence of a squad OF
bavonets. 1t ignores the Chief Magistrate OF
the United States. 1t invests General with alb
solute mower over one third of our countrymen
In ereets subordinate dictators, armed with
unbridled power, from the Potomac to the
Rio Grande.
Throughout this broad domain, comprising
the fairest and most fertile section of the Re-
nublie, no man is to have secure title to his
nropertv; no man house is free from search ;
no mans chattels exempt from seizure; no
mans liberty unexposed to assault no man S
life safe from peril. An army officer, soldier,
exalted above the law, msHruthlessly invade
citizens home and drag him from the bosom
of his family. Such bill makes mockery of
free institutions. 1t deSptes all the great safe
guards of popular liberty. 1t tramples upon all
the freedom Of the press ltannihilates the right
offree assemblage. 1t siences the lips of free
speech. 1t infringos the right of the people to
bear arms. 1t wipes out the guaranty Of a
grand jury presentment. 1t abolishes the ex'
emption of freedom from seizure and from
search. 1t abrogates the right of trial by a
jury of ONE peers in the vicinage of the COM
mission of the alleged offence 1t tramples
upon the prerogative of the President it makes
war upon the Constitution, it rebels against the
authority OF the Supreme Court. 1t invades
the sacred constitutional rights of the citizen.
1t is treason enyeloped in the forms of law. 1t
is rebellion wearing the garb of Legitimate