Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1869-02-19
WASHINGTON. Feb. d 1890

NASd1NGION, IoD. Il, 1863.
Dear Journal A bill was introduced IN
the House two days ago by Col. Dockerv
which makes provision for the repayment
of amounts illegally collected from the
distillers of brandy throughout the couD.
try, under misconstruotion of the law nv
the Commissioner Of Revenue. AS con.
strued by Mr.. Rollins, the law imposed n
tax of $400 on all distillers of brandy
which was exceedingly burthensome upon
the smaller grade, many of whom did not
net greater amount than was required of
them for taxes. Many paid the tax under
protest, and such a stir was created among
them generally, that the matter was refer
red to the Attorney General, who decided
that the Commissioner was in error in re-
gard to the meaning of the law, and the
amount enormously required of them will
be refunded as soon as the bill introduced
by Col. D. shall become o law.
am informed by the Commissioner OF
| Agriculture that he has no seeds for gen
erat distribution, as was the case in former
years, in consequence of the limited APP
preparation made by Congress for that De.
partment. What seeds they have are very
choice and are furnished In small quaint
ties to members of Congress for dlstribu.
ton in their districts He has, within Il
day or two, ordered number of packages
of the rarest flower and garden seeds to be
put up, which will he sent to leading Agri-
cultural organizations and Agricultural
newspapers throughout the country, on
application. The Cape Fear Agricultural
Association and Editor of the North Caro-
lima Farmer will take notice. These seeds
we're collected in Europe by Agents Of the
Department, and are the very best Of their
kind.
The committee on Reconstruction have
not yet reported upon any of the many APP
plications for restoration TO civil and pu-
litical rights presented during the present
session, except in few special cases. The
bill reported by them some days ago and
passed by the House, was before them last
session. By the way, it contained the name
Of one North Carolinian casper Etheridge,
of Onslow). The Virginia, Mississippi,
Texas and Georgia cases have engrossed
their attention to the exclusion of these
other matters.
While upon this subject may mention
that it is said to be the intention of Col
Dockery 10 introduce q bill during the
coming week, if he can get the floor for that
purpose, for the relief from political Gsa-
bilities of all the citizens of North Caro-
lima, and he will be heard on the subject.
The prospect of success is regarded in
quarters generally we'll advised, rs very
fair as the proposition would meet with
but little opposition, even among tho
Radical party of the State, as only few, and
they OF the weakest intellects in the party,
are said to oppose the relief proposed
The passage of such bill would tend to
restore the era Of good feeling in the State
and her people would feel that they were
indeed restored to the Union.
It is reported here that Gov. Holden,
with numerous retinue, is about taking
up the line of march for this city, for
what purpose has not transpired, tho it
is suspected, with the intention Of pressing
his claims upon Grant for seat III his
Cabinet. Of this VIC shall know more, per
haps, in few days.
have had the pleasure to meet here
within day or two, your former fellow
townsman, Duncan X. McRae, The gallant
Colonel of the gallant 5th orth Carolina.
He is here attending to some business be-
fore the Supreme Court of the u. S., and
is looking in excellent health. He is now.
as you know, an honorcd member OF the
bar of Memphis, Tenn.
The city is filing up very fast with lob
byists and office seekers hUL cry looking
crowd, [ assure you, all bent upon getting
something from the powers 5000 to be-
There are many propositions for the IN
crease of offices, but 1t Is feared that even
a ten-fold increase would not be sufficient
to give all these patriots place, and many
must, of necessity, be disappointed.
ST. TOP.