Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1868-01-04
FROM WASHINGTON.
NAsHIHGToS, January J, 1865.

NAsHIAGIoS, January J, 1858.
The old year stormily closed in s furi-
Gus fall Of snow, which commenced at
noon yesterday, and has continued with
out intermiasion up to the present time.
The President vas visited by the diplo-
matte corps and army and navy Off
GERS this morning and will receive the
general public all the afternoon. The
snow-storm has not prevented a very
general observance Of the days fes-
tivities.
The diplomatic corps was also received
by.Sscretsry Seward.
The legality Of the reconstruction acts
will certainly be tested in the Supreme
Court, and ex-Attorney General Black
and Hon. Robert S. Walker will be the
counsel employed to argue the iIlegality
Of ali these acts.
The subcommittee on WAYS and
Means have held almost daily sessions
during the Congressional recess, in pur.
suing their Investigations into the ques-
tons arising ia the collection Of evenus
from distilled spirits. To day they had
another important meeting on the me-
tiers. The full committee will be able
when Congress meets to go at once to
work to modify the tax law on the basis
Of the Information elielsed by the sub
Committee.
Gen. Swsyne, who has made himself
so obnoxious in the Observation-Disclosures
Of affairs in Alabama, it is understood,
will be ordered to the plains, along with
his negro regiment nov at Nashville.
The last Cabinet meeting Of the old
year was not well attended, and no i'm
pcrtsnt business was transacted. Gen.
Grant was not present.
Gen. Steedmsn asked the President
by telegram to reinstste Gov. Wells, Of
Louisiana, yesterday, 50 that he Nigh.
sign the levee bonds before the close Of
the old year. But the telegram was re.
ferred to Gen. Grant, and no action was
taken on it.
Parties are here from South Carolina
who represent the restitution 10 that
State as sven greater than last winter.
and declare that there must be immedi-
ate relief to prevent famine.
Gen. Grant, Lieut.. Gen. Sherman. his
brother Senator Sherman, and Gen.
Harvey, visited the theater here last
night, and were received with enthusl-
asm.
Senator Howard, Of the Senate Military
Committee, is preparing an elaborate
report on the ease Of ex-Secretary Stan
ton, In which he Will defend the latter
from the charges preferred against him
by the President. 1t will be presented to
the Senate next week.
Special Revenue Commissioner Wells
writes TO this city that he will lay his re-
port before Congress sometime aoout the
middle Of January. 1t is understood that
with respect to the tariff he urges the
substitution OF specific for advalorem
duties wherever such a thing is possible.
and that he does not think It advisable 10
make many material changes in existing
rates. what recommendations hs will
make relative to internal e taxa
lion are not known, though in a general
way he declares himself favorable to a
reduction Of rates on raw material. His
is looked for by members OF Con-
gress with great interest.
The Maryland Legislature assemblies
The first business ofImportancs
will be the election Of a United States
senator to succeed Rsverdy johnson,
whose term expires in 1859.
Senator DOollttle, Of Wisconsin, will
make an elaborate speech in opposition
o the reconstruction acts soon after Ae
assembling Of Congress.