The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1867-01-15

Freedmen UNWILLING TO Work by Con-
tract-.-French Troops Leaving Mex
fcO.--SenatOr stevens Enabling Act
ex-senator Ashley 10 Present n SUBJ
sIItute for IL.
New YORK, Jan 13.-The Herald's
Richmond dispatch says, the freedmen
are almost all unwilling to work by
contract during the present year. This
is also the case throughout the South
ern States, laborers preferring to share
in the crop.
The Herald's Savannah correspon-
dence of the seventh says, the whole
capital of Banco and Pagnal has been
disposed of, and one million, three
hundred and seventy thousand dollars
over and abovei it. There are two million
dollars in circulation besides.
The Tribune's Washington special
says, the Government received infor-
nation from Vera Cruz that several
French troops had commenced en-
barking. There are twenty-four large
transports, which will be sufficient To
remove all the troops. 1t is expected
that all will have embarked by the first
of March.
The Tribune's special says that on
Tuesday; Mr.. Stevens will call up his
enabling act, and will endeavor to press
it to a vote on Wednesday, Petitions
received from a large number of loyal
lists in the South prefer this bill to any
other.
On Tuesday Mr.. Ashley will present
the bill agreed upon by the Territorial
committee as substitute for Stevens
bill. 1t abolishes the present Southern
State governments, and all laws made
in pursuance thereof; it calls upon all
male citizens over 81, who can swear
they would not have aided the rebellion
after the 4th of March, 1861, and would
~ n
proclamation of December, 1853, if an
opportunity had been offered them /;
who can swear they never ill used
Union soldiers, and will henceforth
give allegiance TO the government; to
organize constitutional governments in
their respective states it calls for those
who can swear they never voluntarily
aided the rebellion in any way.
These conventions shall determine if
they will accept the terms proposed by
Congress, and if so, shall appoint a
Commissioner to provide for holding
elections, adopt new constitution,
elect State officers, and prepare for adj
mission into the Union. Each consti-
tuition shall provide n law against sla-
very; all laws to be impartial regarding
race and color; the rebel debt shall not
be paid, nor compensation for slaves;
free schools, without distinction of
color of pupils, shall be established:
AO BSASOh IhsAS AC4O a ClNlLS
naval Office in the confederacy shall be
allowed to hold any Office, except by n
two-thirds vote of the Legislature.
In case of rebellion Congress shall
have the right to declare cessation of
its relations with the rebellious State
until the State is thoroughly purged of
it's disloyalty. These constitutions
must be ratified. by a majority of the
people of the States, who can take the
oath of loyalty. After the ratification of
the constitutions Senators and Repre-
sentatives shall be elected, but not adj
mitted until Congress declares the
States entitled to representation. 1t is
further provided that in case the States
decline to accept these terms, they shall
submit to Congress a plan of restora-
ton, provided said plan recognizes the
Constitution of the United States as the
supreme law of the land; that State con-
stitution shall guarantee to all freedom
and equality before the law; suffrage as
impartial, without regard to race or
color. The rebel war debt and compen-
sation for slaves will not be assumed
by the States, or claims be brought
against the United States for them;
all laws recognizing slavery, or which
exclude the testimony of persons of
color, or deny the right of trial by jury,
or which makes color distinction.
The Government may suspend the writ
of habeas corpus, in case of resistance
to the authority, and call on the Gov
eminent for aid.
A proposition is made to divide
Texas into two States before its read
mission to the Union