The Charleston daily news. [volume] (Charleston, S.C.) 1865-1873, 1868-02-22
THINGS IN WASHINGTON.

CoLoRED SOLDIERS AND AFRICAN COLONIZATION
NEW SCHEME OF 1R. PHELPS, MARYLAND-DE
ocRAT1c EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETINa-ALA-
BAMA QUESTION AND PENDING BILLS.
The Washington correspondent of the Balti-
more Sun writes under date of February 49,:
A bill is to be introduced in the House in O
few GAYS by Colonel Phelps, of Maryland, pro-
vlding for the speedy disbandmcnt of oil the
colored regiments now IN service, and for re-
organizing the same number Upon terms which
will secure their ultimate colonization in Llbo-
ria. More efficient provision is to be made for
their instruction while in the service, and q
sufficient amount OF their monthly pay is to be
reserved to secure both thoir fulflmcnt of The
contract and q comfortable outfit for thenl-
selves and families upon their landing in Libe-
ria. AS there is no expenditure oil money from
the treasury required by this plan further
than that already incurred, the idea is conSid-
cred feasible one.
It is thought by those acquainted with the
condition OF Africa that struggle is lmpenu-
ing between the antagonlstic types of African
civilization and religion, represented on the
one hand by the Christian and republican COM
monwealth of Liberia, and on the other by the
despotic Mohammedan powers Of the intc-
rior. Educated and disciplincd Veterans from
our army would, in view OF such conflict,
republic, and might ultimately bear tho cost
OF an expedition which, in the moment OF
danger to the existence OF tho American colony
on the coast Of Africa, our government would
probably feel bound to send to its rescue from
destruction.
1t 10 confidently asserted that no difficulty
will be found i'll recruiting the colored rcGi-
ments upon the terms proposed, or oven q
much greater number if required. The Ameri-
can Colonization Society, Under tho presidency
of John II. B. Latrobe, Of Baltimore, hos been
compelled since the war to buy tho largo ship
"Golconda," which has already colonized
fifteen hundred colored cmigrants and the
society has now over two thousand applications
for passage. This revival of the colonization
spirit among the blacks has takon place. Spon-
taneously, and without special effurt on tho
part of the society, and it is believed thai a
system OF recruiting, such as proposed in
Colonel Phelps bill, would effect even more
surprising results. The plan OF Colonel Phelps
has been submitted to the President, and
meets with the latter's approval.
From present indications the meeting Of tho
Democratic National Executive Committee in
shls city, on the 22d instant will be quite large.
ly attended by active and influential members
OF the party, from the West and North, " hose
main object is to secure the meeting of TIC
proposed Democrat: Convention in the city oil
| their choice. A large number of those tout
siders" arrived hero tonight from the West
and some came also from Philadelphia and
New York. vigorous effort will bo made tc
secure the meeting OF the convention in Gin
cinnati, but New Yorkcrs in sufficient strength
are expected hero to make strong struggle tc
have the meeting in New York city.
At the session OF the Reconstruction Com
mittee to-day, the Democratic members iaerc
of, Messrs. Brooks and Beck, voted together
with Stevens, Boutwell,, &c., on the proposl!lor
10 adopt either the Bingham or Sherman bill:
for admitting Alabama. These bills wcr,
voted upon separately, the Democrats and ex
treme Radicals, Stevens, Boutwell,, etc.. voting
against the plan of the former, opposing tn,
project iE toto, the latter because they arc no
willing to make speciality OF Alabama, bu
desire all the Southern States to be governed
by exactly the same laws. The Alabama blu
were rejected.
General Grant had an interview with Mr.
Stanton to-day OF about all hour, and was ai
terwards upon the floor of the House in con
sultation with members.
| NATIONAL BANKS.
In the House to-day Mr. Butler introduced
bill 10 amend the several acts establishing tn