The New York Herald Newspaper, January 17, 1862, Page 1

| THE NEW YORK HERALD. i WHOLE NO. 9259. NEW YORK, FRIDAY, JANUARY 17, 1862. PRICE TWO..CENTS. NEWS FROM WASHINGTON. INTERESTING PROCEEDINGS OF CONGRESS. Mr. Trumbull’s Bill Confiscating Rebel <> Property and Freeing Slaves. ‘Prolonged Debate on the Appointment of Mr. Cameron as Minister to Russia, | eee Revelations Relative to the Frauds in the Army Contracts. : Important Information Respecting the | Cultivation of Cotton and Sugar i . in the Free States, &., Pp ‘Waemxoron, Jan. 16, 1862. “GEN. M'OLELLAN AND THE CONGRESSIONAL WAR . COMMITTEE. General McClellan has continued to improve in health. ‘His interview with the Committee on the Conduct of the ‘War yesterday was mutually fatisfactory. Without entering into any details of his pians, he convinced the members of the committee that the reault which all de. ssiro—the suppression of the rebellion and the end of the ‘war—wiil be attained with certainty, and even more despatch; than the most sanguine were inclined to be- lieve. THR WAR DEPARTMENT. Mr. Stanton will assume the duties of the War Depart. ‘ment on Monday next. PLANS FOR RAISING REVENUE. A proposition hasbeen made to the Committee of Ways ‘and Means, which is intended to avoid the necessity of imposing direct taxes for the purpose of raising revenue: “This proposition looks to the raising of a revenue of two hundred and twenty millions of dollars a year—one hun- and fifteen millions on excizes, and one hundred and ‘five millions on imporis, levying high war duties on lea, coffe, sugar, tobacco, liquors and other luxn- | vies, and allowing only thirty-five millions of reve- wue from ordinary importa. It is proposed to issue three hundred millions of demand netes, and one thou ‘wand millions of six per cent bonds, redeemable aiter ‘twenty years, the demand notes to bo convertible into ‘the bonds at pleasure. It is ulso proposed that the govern- Ment shall receive specie on deposit, sud issue certifi- | ‘cates, payable at any one of its depositarier. It is argued | that by this proccss the coin of the country will be drawn } ‘into the Treasury and the certificates wilt circulate in the | place of specie. Astrong array of facts and statistics | ‘Ws presented, showing the ability of the Uniied States, | ‘or the twenty-two millions of inhabitants of the loyal | States, to rais2 the two hundred and twenty millions as ‘@asily ug the twenty-nine millions of inhabitants of Great Britain raise annually from two hundred and filty to threo hundred and Sfty millions of dollars of revenue. ‘The propoeition meets with favor, and wii be considered seriously by the committee. AFFAIRS IN THE CAMTB. No war news of any interest has becn received to day ‘Stany of the departments or headquarters. The snow and sleet have suspended drills ia the camys, and all is Feported quiet throughout the army of the Potomac. ‘BUR APPOINTMENT OF MR. CAMERON NOT YET CON- | FIRMED, ] ‘There was a protracted executive session of the Senate | to-day. It Jasied three houre and « half, A formidable | ‘opposition was manifest d to the confirmation of Gencral Cameron as Mivisterto Rwsia, The whole time of the | @xocutive sexsion was cocupied with a debate on thissub- | Ject, and resulted in an adjournment without final action. | ‘The objections made to the confirmation of this ap- “pointment were chiefly on the ground of alleged mix ‘Wianagement of the War Department, and favoritism in ‘the appointment of military officers and the award of | ‘eontracts for war supplies, by means of which it is ‘eharged that vast amounts have been unnecessarily ex- pended. It is bolieved that (ie ucmination will be ulti mately confirmed. Alter the « ~cs+ion of the causes of ‘opposition, Senatore will forego their objections, but the ‘erray against the nommation will deprive the confirma. tion of-any complimentary complexion, and amount to a ‘eefisure of the conduct of the War Department. } THE APPOINTMENT OF GENERAL SICKLES. ‘The nomination of General Sicxies was not reached in . “executive session to-day. It has not yet been reported by the commitice. It is vaid that grave doubts are en. tertainea of his confirmation, Strennous efforts are Doing made by his friends to recure it for biw, but the officers of bis brigade are avxious to have in his place a } man of military experience, as well as energy and } vability, GENERAL LANE ABOUT 70 TAKE THE FIELD. ‘The contested election case of Frederick P. Stanton ‘against Genera! Lane is considered one of the most in- terosting that ever came before the Senate. General “Lano’s right tobis seat was confirmed by a vote of twenty- ‘four to sixteen. It is understood that he, together with his staf’, will shortly leave Washington for the purpoxe of asuiming command of his division. ‘There is perfect harmony of views between him and Gonera} Hunter, who i in command of the Dopartmentof Kansas. His frieads to-night complimented him with a serenade. AFFAIRS ON THE LOWER POTOMAC. _ On Tuerday the rebel batteries on Ue lotomac fred twenty-six shots at an oyster pungy, but did not hit it, | ‘Vertorday a sleet of similar voacle ran theblockade without being greeted with such salutes, and arrived safely at Washington. i PROOREDINGS OF THE CONTRACT INVESTIGATING COMMITTEE—THE FRAUDS IN THS Wank DEPART MBNT. The government contract investigating commitiee are smow engaged upon the subject of the aleged fravds in this vich ity. They discover that (he same Lorses have Deen twice sold to the government, superintendente and inspectors have been bribed to certify to .horses—some- time selling thom to private individuals; that the cenor- mous amounts paid by the War Department fr trans- portation has induced strong competition among railroad Companies, ro that many colovels in whe West, in removing their regiments east, have received exch from $1 ,00 to $2,000 bonus; that some sutiergare making 18,000 profite per month; that nearly all dhe sutlers “outh of tho Potomac sell tiquor, with the knowledgo.of thie officers; that it is smuggled in boxes maxked ‘'Go- ‘yornment.and bospital stores,” or packed in barrels and. marked “beef.” Major Jourdan, of the Brooklyn Four- feenth regiment, having been appointed Lieutenamt Colo- nel of the Tenth legion, enaties Representative Van Wyck, who ia its colonel, to give much of his time so the ‘Dusitiess of the Investigating Committee, which wilt.soon. proceed to the examination of the coptracts for wintering Aigadled or sick horses, as proposed by Representativo ‘MoPhersop’s recent resolution. @ENERAL CAMERON AND THB ARMY CONTRACTS. General Cameron, in replying to tho resolution of the . Senate calling for information relative to army contracts and payment of troops, cays:—I take occarion to state ‘that T, myself, have not made # pingle contract, for any (purpose whatever, having always interproted the lawn of Gyngress as contemplating that the beads of bureaus, « ‘Who are experienced and able officers of the regular ‘army, shall make al) contracts for supplies for tho Branches of the service under their charge respectively, ARRIVAL OF A DESEBTER FROM THE REBELS. A Philadelphian, who had been impressed into the ‘rebel Hervice in North Carolina, came into General Han- Cock’s brigade yosterday, from Contreville. He was on foot and armed with a Mississippi rifie, He occupied ‘three days in making his way through the enemy's Pickets, and brings important information. EXCHANGE OF PRISONERS OF WAR. he So far, about ond thousand prisoners on each side have jan exchanged, nearly five hundred of whom wore eon- ‘nectd with the army of the Potomac. The eystem of ‘ aiteurated by our tig POY ree) ay eee ee oe eet PRESERVATION OF THE AVLANTIC FISHERIES. ‘Mr, Collamer, from the Committee on Foreign Rela- tions, reported yesterday in the Senate the following bill for a joint commission for the preag smtion of the Atlantic fisheries, providing that “the #® uhdent of the United States is hereby authorized to appoint a commissioner to meet such commissioner as may be appointed on the part of Great Britain, and also one on the part of France, to- gether to form a joint commission to frame measures to Protect the fisheries off the coast of Newfoundland and North America against detention and destruction by means of set lines on the spawn Banks, and like destruc. tive practice, and that to enable the President to carry into effect this act the ‘sum of three thousand dollars be, and the same is hereby, appropriated out of any money in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated.” MR, TRUMBULL’S BILL CONFISCATING THE PROPERTY OW REBELS AND FREEING SLAVES. ‘The bill to configeate the property and free the slaves of rebels, reported in the Senate by Mr. ‘Trumbull, pro- vides as follows:— "That the property, real and personal, of every kind whatsoever, and wherasoever situated within the limits of the United States, belonging to any person or persons beyond the jurisdiction of the same, or to any person or persone in any State or district within the United States, how ina state of {nsurrection and rebellion against the ‘autbority thereof, so that, in either case, the ordinary process of law cannot be served upon them, who shall, durtag the present rebelli «{ States, or giving aid and comiort to said rebellion, shail be forfeited and confiscated to the United ‘States, and such forfeiture shall take immediate effect upon the commission of the act of forfeiture, and all right, title and claim of theperson committing such act, together with the right or powor to dispose of or alien- ate his property of avy and every description, shali in- stantiy case and determine, and the same shall at once vest in the United States. ‘Yhat. every person having claim to the service or labor of any other person in any State under the laws thereof, who during the present rebetliou shall take up urms against the United States, or in any manner give aid and comfort to said rebellion, #hall thereby forthwith forfeit ail claim to such service or labor, and the persons from whcm it is claimed to be due, commonly called slav.s, shill, inso facto, on the commissicn of the act of forfeiture by the ‘party having claim to the service or labor as aforesiid therefrom and become forever thereafter free persons, any Jaw of any State, or of the United States to the con- trary notwithstanaing. Apd whevever any person claim- ing fo be entitled to ube service or labor of any other per son declared to be discharged from such labor or service under the provisions of this act shail eck to enforce such caim, he sha'l, fu the first instance, and before any order for tho surrender of the person whose service is c'aimed, establish not only his tite to such service, as now provided by Jaw, but also thathe is and hes been during the exieting rebellion Iryal to the government of the United States: and no person engaged in the military or naval service ef the United States shall, under any pretence whatever, assume to decide on the validity of the claim of any persen to the service or labor of any other 2rson, oF to surrender up any guch person to the claimant. That. it shali bo the duty of the Presifent of the United States to make provision for the transportation, colonization and gottlement in some trop'cal country, beyond the limits of the United of seh persons of the African race made fi povisions of this act a8 may be wil/iog to emig: having first obtained the consent of the government of raileountry to their protection and sottement within the same, with al! th ig and privileces of freemen. ‘that it rhall be the duty of the President of the United opmiion the military ne cess y, ety, jaterest and we'fure of the United in regard to the suppresgion ef the rebeilien, eball roquire, to order the geizive and appropriation by such officere, military or civil,as he may designate for tho porpess, of any and all property confiscated snd forfeited under and by virtue of this act, siecated and being fh any distriet of the t States beyend the reach of civil process in the ordinary course of jodicia! proceedings by mo ite of sa as he shall « gub'o. ‘That it shall be the duty of the eficer make tothe President full reports of ui der such orders, witich report shail be thed sn the cff.co ‘of the Secretary of the ‘Treasury, and al ved on the saleof the confirented proj aforesaid eba'l be deposited in the United y ‘That for the purpoze of enforcing the forfeiture specie. in the Lret section of this act, of property sitvate and be- ing in loyal States or districts in which the ore course of judicial preceedings is not obstructed by the rebellion, proceedings in vem may be iustitled in the name of the Uniced States, in any District Court of the United States within which the estate or property so fe feited, or any part thervef, me) ings shall copform as nearly as in prize cases, or to cases of forfei jaws; and in 1 or perso ted as provided That the several Dis hereby invested with power to issue al! process, w :¢ oF final, including garnishee proves, as ih cas aud to do every other matter and eseary OF proper to carry ont the purperer vl e proceeds tion of this act thing ne this act, THE CARRIAGE OF PRINTED MATTER CUTSIDE OF THE MAILE. The bill reported by Mr. Colfax, from the Committee on Post Offices and Post Roads, to regulate the carriage of printed matter cutside of the mails, provides as fol- lows — ‘That frem and after the Ist day of April, 1862, it ball not be jawful for any railrom’ company, ex- press company, common carrier, of other company or persou, to carry for hire, or for sale or distribacion, upon along any post read or postal Toute, on which the mails of the United States are now or shall be transported, any mowapapers or periodicals net centained in the mails of the United States, and on which it carried in such mails postage would be charg: able by Jaw; and any person or corporation #0 offending shail for- feit and pay to the United States for each offence the sum of cue hundred dollars, wo be ered bey of one-half for tho ‘we gui tam of former and the cther half for the use of the Post Office Department; provided that this prohibition shall not apply to any company, person or agent: who shal! have at any time iathortty from Uh Office Department to carry such matter ovtsic United States mai's upon specified routes; and provided, further, that euch license may be granted by the Post master General under regulations to be by bim pre feribed and cowditioned upon the due ebservanve thereof, providing thereby for the payment of rates Of postage thereon not exeecding the rates now fixed by law; and provided fur- ther, ‘shat this prohibition shall not apply to any mail Toute upon the reas to foreiyn eountrirs, and provided further, that any package carried otherwire than herein proviees, m: mek bY aby authorized agentor offi ver of the M paitment, and dixpesed of ax the Vostmaster cdivect, and Unat the Postunaster Gene: ai is zed in bis diseretion to provide suitablo #8 to be used in carry ing this law imto.eifect e thereof and to pay fer the same out of the Pest Oftce Department. Any, person using or aiding in the \ st labels otherwise than shall by euch regutat: = vided shall be hable to the peanities in the Gret rection of this act provided, and to be reecvered in like manner; aud it shall he the duty of postmasters to receive, bold and dispose of such stampo and labels when and ‘ae re. quired by the Postmaster Genoral; and that all acts and parts of dets incouilict with the foreign provieione are hereby repeales, Bot wothing herein contained rhail:be coustrned to interfere with the rights of any traveller to have and take with him or her, for his or her own uso, any book, pamphlet, magazine or newspaper not intend ed for gale, distribution or Gelivery to others. ‘The bill is likely to meet with a tremendous opport tion from publishers, periodical dealers, newsmen, news- paper readers and paper makers, If Mr. Colfax-were Able to resist such a combjnation of forces he would.de sorve an important commend in our army THE SALE OF POSTAGE STAMPS AND ENVELOPES. Mr. Colfax, from the Committee on Post Offices and Post Roads, has reported @ bill nexpecting the sale af postage stampa and enyeloper, aud which provides that from and after the lst day of July, 1862, the Postmaster Genera) shall be euthorized to require payment fromany post - marter at the time of delivery for stamps andetamped enyeloper, and rnay require sueh postmasters we be may designate 10 act as stamp agente, and adopt euch segula. tions a8 he moy deem necessary to carry this act int, effect; ana that all acts and paris of acts inconsistent herewith are hereby repealed. SHE CULTIVATION OF COTTON AND 8UGAR IN TOR NON-BLAVEHOLDING 6°) ‘The Commirsionor of Patents has isseed a cireular, in which he says:—The cultivation of cotton in the middle portions of the free States is beginning to attract general attention, To prevent failures in ite cultivation, it ie proper to remark that jt ie 4 principle in vegetable phy- siology that tropical plants can never bo acclimated in the North, except by a repeated reproduction of new ‘varieties from seed. The attempt to grow sen IMand cotton, such as is now brought from Hilton Head, would prove ® failure in any portion of the freo States, The only varieties capable of successtt! cul- tivation in thoge sections now secking ite introduction is the green seed cotton, such as is now being raiged exen- sivoly in Arkansas, Missouri, Topnessee, and ions of Kentucky, and which produces the white fi Boed should be obtained from these localities. The modifica. tions of soil and climate will influence the size of the plant, she length and fineness of the fibre, and the pro duct of tlie crop. No reasonable doubt is entertained of eucoens of the culture in all mild portions of the Middle Blates, and offo'te are pow making by this division 10 prooifre the proper eed for distribution, Fhe Commiesioner forther eayesThe results of the cultivation of sorgho the past year settle the question of its entire practical success, and that one of the difficul- ties presenting itself is the want of puro seed. To meet this want this division has ordered seed from France for 4istripation the ensuing spring. It must be borne in mind, however, that the same causes which have pro- duced deterioration here exists there, and well grounded apprehensions are entertained that seed thus imported may not be free from suspicion. Farmers interested should secure pure seed from among themselves when it is possible, as the season is so far advanced that direct Been: from Africa or China would be impracti- cable, RAILROAD COMMUNICATION BETWEEN NEW YORK AND ‘WASHINGTON. The following ia the resolution reported by Mr. Baker— not Mr. Van Horn, as erroneously stated—from the House Committee on Roads and Canals, and which was agreed to in the House yesterday :— Resolved, That the Secretary of War be directed to ascertain and report to the House, as early as practica- ble, what arr ts can be made, and the terms of the same, with the railroad corporations on the Noaee tween Washington and New York, by the way of more and Philadelphia, for the construction of a sido track between Bristol and Chester, in Pennsylvania, through West Philadelphia; and also for the construction of @ side track from Back river to the Relay House, in Maryland, through West Baltimore; and aleo for the struction of another track vetween tho Relay House ‘Washington, xo as to form open, speedy and direct com: munication between tho sald. cities of New. York and Washington; and furthermore, that he be directed invite propositions for the construction of # distinct direct road from New York to Washington. BOMBSHELL EXPRRIMENTS. es An exhibition of a Greek fire bombshell took place to night, on the grounds between the President’s house and the Potomac, in presence of several thousand persons, ‘The bombshel! was exploded, and scattered fire which burned upom the snow and ice several minutes. Tho crowds wifo witnessed the affair wore evidently disap Pointed, having expected to ree a grand display wget works. ARMS FOR THB SHARPSHOOTERS. Sharpe's rifiex aye been ordered for the sharpshoot ers, at Colone) Berdan’s request. i TRE ARMY. Dr. G. D. Beebe, of Chicago, has been appointed 4 | brigade surgeon. SWORD PRESENTAT/ON. A sword, sash, belt and siiver spur were presented to- day to Captain Brown, of Company B of Major Barker's McClellan dragoons, by the men under his eomfhand. THIRTY-SEVENTH CONGRESS. FIRS? SESSION, Senate. Wasusnctox, Jan. 16, 1862. NAVAL DEPOT AT GRAND HAVEN, MICUIGAN. Mr. Cnaxpier, (rep.) of Mich., presented a memorial from the Legislature of Michigan, asking that an appro- priation be made for a naval depot at Grand Haven; on Lake Huron. Roferred. ARBITRATION ERTWEEN NATIONS. Mr. Lowe, (rep.) of Ind., presented a memorial from the Society ef Vriends (at their yearly meeting) for !ndir apa and Eastern Wiinois, asking that hereatter all diffe- renecs with foreign Powers be referred to the arbitra- ment of some forcign Power. Referred. THR WAR DEPARTMENT CONTRACTS, Acommunieation was recoived from the Secretary ef War, in answer to the resolution of Mr. Poweil, (Union) of Ky., directing an answer to the resoistion yeseed at the last session in regard Lo contracts, &e. ‘The answer states that the firet resolution wae re- ccived at the department just after the battle of July 21, and that since then he has not had sufficient elerieay force to properly anewor the regolation, ‘The answer also siates:—'I myself haye not made a single coutract for any parpese whatever. The heads of barcaus have made all the contyacts.”” The subject was referred, eOROUS PETITION. Mr. Kina, (rep.) of N. Y., presented a petition that the Jands of convicted traitors be awarded to soldiers, and also to aboligh all fees and perquisites of office. Referred, ARMY MATTERS, Mr, Witsow, (rep.) of Mass., introduced a bill to amend certain articles of war. Mr. Wirson algo introduced a bill for the better organi- zation of the cavalry forces. Referred. THE CASE OF MARSHAL. LAMON. Mr. Tatm, (rop.) of N.i., effored a resolution thag Ward H. Lamon, Unite! States shal for the District of Columbia, by his recent order communicated to the Senate, excluding members of the Senate from the jail without a pass from bin (Lamon), bas been guilty of a breach cf the privileges of the Sonate and of contempt of the rightful authority of this body, and that the Secreta ry of the Senate be directed to communicate a copy of thie resolution to the Presidegt. Laid over. TH PRAD LRITER 1. PASPKD. Mr. Coitamar, (rep.) of Vt., moved to take up the bill to promote the eflciency of the Head Letter Oiice. ‘The Dill was taken up and passed. © NERNNENT TRINTNG. RYAN, (Fep.) 0: Obio, from the Felect committeo ., Introduced a bill in relation t the printing for the goverment, NAVAL MATTERS, Mr. Hae offered a resciution asking the Secretary of the Navy {© inform the Senato whether or not the ship A'abama, ut the Portsmouth Navy Yard, and the ship Virginia, can be taken to pieces and the material used in the construction or repair of other veesel, Motion agreed to, ARMY TRANSPORTATION. Mr. Pearce (opp.), of Md., called up the resolution asking the Secretary’ of War what amounts bave boen paid by the goverment to the raileads of Virginia, Maryland, Penurylvania and New York, and for the oat! sanding acconnts with these railroads. ’ Agreed to, PROTECT.ON OF OVERLAND EMICRANTE. On motion of Mr, Nes, (opp.) of Orcgon, the Dill for the protection of overleut emigrants to California and Oregon was taken up and passed. THR ARKRAT OF PUGITIVE SLAVES BY ARMY OR NAVAL OFFI. eens, On motion ef Mr, Wrsoy, (rep.)of Mase. tho bill in relation to thearrest of persons claimed as held to er taken up. at any ofl.cer arresting per to labor etiall be discharged from t ne gervice. Mr, Couamen offered an amendment, or,as a substi- tute, that no ollicer of the army er navy, militia or volun- tecr, shall agsume to exercise any aathority to arrest, detain, hold or ecutro! any person held to service, and that any vfficor so offending be diemisxed from tho’ ecr- vie. Agreed to, Mr. Saviapony, (opp.) of Del., offered the following amendment as a bew section Nor shali any soldier or off any way enticd, decoy or re his or hor master or owner. Mr. Saviswory said that he thought that the oflicers or soldiors of the United States ought to have nothing to do with the guostion at.all either way. Dir. Kice, (opp.) of Min., moved to ad after the words ‘master ar owner,’ the words “who may be a loyal citizen of the United States.”’ Agreed to. Mr. Wuaox opposed the amondment. He was against any kind of justifiention of slavery. What he wanted was to prevent officers of the army from returning slaves. Some officora have already Wiegraced the service in this wey, and, God willing, ho (Mr. Wileon), if be had the wer, meant to prevent their confirmation by the naie. Mr. Pear x anid the effect of the bill without the amend- ment wouldbe to invite the slaves of Maryland to come vo the army, whore they woul bo ae Tromuthe legal rights of their owners. He thought thee demand- od that the bil! should be amended. ” ‘THR KANSAS CONTESTED SRAT CAMP. The morning hour having expired, the unfinished bus! ness of yesterday, whioh was the contested reat of Kan- eas, was taken up, the question being the motion of Mr. CLARK to strike outshe word ‘not’ in the resolution of the Committee on Judiciary, that Mr. Lane was not.en itr MeDocesus of Cal. , opposed Mr. McDovasis, (¢ 5 tho amendment. Be contended that ) prea had aw to suppreae insurrection. Kansas Lattempted to exercise military and legis- lative power at the sametime, and, in fact, he bad no right to @ seat in the Senate, ir. Lawn, (rep.).of Kansas, enid he had refured to ac- cept ihre offive on the 22d ef July. Bo referred to the copteg! in Kansas with Mr. Stanton for the Senatorahip, and said that four after he was elected, the Goy- overthrown, and hia contestant, Mr. Buant of ind. thought ie querilon pure . ” , ueet a legal one. NPP cteanbbertag apyorciet bien’ to ob office not created, the Senator from Kausae could not ac- Gopt it, and therevore did not wacate bis peat in the er ron by Morwrs. Lane, Stan- lor. A vote was taken on Mr. Clark's motion to strike out the word ‘‘not,’’ and reguited as follows: — ‘Yess—Mesers, Bright, Browning, ng Howe, king, Lane (ind), M Pometo, Mere Eire inne (ins), dathamy Hecrette Humnner’ roeabally Wal fon. . Anthony, Bayard, Onsliele, Davis, Dison, ry, Tew Byck, Wademic. ‘Sie. ino, (rep. oF Conn. offered @ recohution tint the usta! mileage be allowed the contesting momber. teen Sonale Went into executive ReeMON, Ane Afrerwar’ adjocrned ir, under like penalty, in many wuch person from House of Representatives. Wasmnaron, Jan. 16, 1862. ‘RELIEY OF UMON PRISONERS OF WAR. ‘Mr. Domm, (rep.) of Ind., from the Military Committee reported a bill authorizing and directing the Secretary of War to furnish the prisoners of the United States in the revolted States with clothing and other necessaries of Ife, and for'this purpose that he employ such agents as may be necessary, Passed, ATTENDANCE OF WITNERERS. Mr. Wuson, (rep.) of Iowa, from the Committee on the Judiciary, reported back, with amendments, the bill ‘amendatory of the act of 1857, to enforce the attendance of witnesses. Passed. It repeals that part which exempts witnesses, who have testified before any examining committeo of either House, from being used as evidence in a court of justice. THE COLONIZATION EOCIETY. On motion of Mr. Spavipina, (rep.) of N. ¥., ‘it was Terolved that the use of the Hall of the House of Repre- sentatives be granted for the annual meeting of the Colon- izing Society on Tuesday next. AN AGRICULTURAL BUREAU. Mr. Lovasoy, (rep.) of Ill., tatroduced a bill to establish a bureau of agriculture, which was referred to the Com- mittee on Agriculture, COLONIZATION OF NEGRORS. Mr. Bram, (rep.) of Me., askéd Jeaye to present a me- ‘morial of 140 colored persous of California, asking that besptagn beg = ae of that class and where color wi a \egradation. = said the Masoorial ‘could be presented Mr. Bian asked that it be printed, to which the House agreed, THE PENNSYLVANIA CONTFSTED SEAT. Mr. Loomis, (rep.) of Conn. , of the Committee on Flec- tions. called up the contented electior Sapromionel, election district of Pennsyivamia—Jobu M. Bat jor against W. E. Lehman, the latter the sitting mem- er. ‘After a debate of several honrs’ duration, the House adjourned, with tho understanding that the ‘question be taken up to-morrow at one o'clock, Meeting of the Geographical Society. OUR PUBLIC TAXATION CANVABSED. ‘A meeting of the New York Geographical Society was held at Clinton Han last evening, for the purpose of tak” ing into consideration the proposed individual taxation, and the beat method to be adopted in the raising of funds tocarry on the present war, Mr. Heury Grinnell ia the chair: The minutes of the Inst mecting were read and approved. An exceedingly !engthy report was then read from the committee who drew up the same, relative to the proposed taxation and present financial condition of the country. The report opened with the reading of a pasenge from the writings of Thomas Jefferson in relation to taxation, as follows:—MTt is a nice rule, and should be fundamental in a government disposed to cherish Its credit, and, at the same time, to restrain the use of it witin the limits of its faculties, never to borrow a dol” Jar without lev ying a tax in the same instant for paying the interest annualiy, and the principal within a given term, and Lo consider that tax as pledged to the cred.tors onthe public faith. On such apledge as this, strictly observed, 4 government may always command on iw reasonable intercst, all the loanable mouey of its citizens,"” &c, Whatever might bave becn the merit of the past fivaccial measures of the present adminirtration of the Prenemy, it was a fact, as alarming as plain, that the re stocks, securities and’ promises to pay of the United States couid be negotiated or sold only under par. ‘That clearly demonstrated that there had hitherto been de- weloped no satis actory plan for paying the large and rapidiy increasing indebiedness of the nation. It was ciear tht the era. of bankruptey and op. pression was sure soon to arrive unless feme system bo #peediiy inaugurated which should reconcile the apparent incompatibilty betweer a rerey aud a secure and well-founded credit. {not issue acingle Cemand note if we wish to yom rain. No mere declaration ma ie by any government could give vaixe to its issue of in- terest pay mg etocks, or of its notes payable on demand, he experiine: tof issuing io quantities au unredoemable paper currency bad been tried in this country and othr, nbd proved a failare. ‘The revort also. epoxe, at length, inst tho issuing cf an unre: « je currency and unsec.red iesue.s ‘The annual expenses of the government after the war was C#tmatod to be $260,000,000. No Trearary es shoul be in cireulation other than the uncollected deursent year’s tax wou'd absorb and caneel, The report hon sp’ ke of the issuing of reveune notes and the pro- cae themet the name. The remainder ef the fined quite @ lengthy dissertation on the taxes per method of collection. taxation was also real, with lengthy details ticles upou which money could be raised. jon was made that the report be received and report'col ‘and their Rroonsoop was opposed to the adoption of the re- ‘A historical seeisty have no right to meddle with or Mr port. financial matters. M moved, as an amendment, that the re- ithout being adopted, Several others a Jagainst the report. Mayor GroveR, who had © after the commencement of business, rose and gai i that he would like to make an objection to ono part of the report—that which aljuded to the amount vecessdry for the expenses of the government—{260,060,000. “This amount, in bis opinion, was (oo much, He would not like to see such an amount go ont as the opinion of the eeeiety. It would be well for then» to look to this point Mr. Cv fered the room shortly of the report. ‘urther dieccssion the report was ordered printod, to be aeted upon atthe next meeting of the society, when an adjournment was bad, Parade of the Left Wing of the Seventh Regiment New York State Militia. Pursuant to orders the left wing of the Seventh regi” mont (National Guard) New York State Militia assem. bled last evening at their armory, over Tompkins market, for the purpose of military instruction and drill. Lovg before the hour set apart for the parade every avatlable spot in the spacious drill room was occupied by visiters, the majority of whom were ladies who bad assembled to see the “bold soldier boys’ go through their manual of arms. ‘The left wing if composed of the first, recond, fourth, sixth and ninth companics, which numbered about three hundred and twenty five men, and are under the ‘command of Colonol Lefferts, The wing was prineipaily drilied in the manual of arms, marching by the lank and platoons, and the usual company drill; after which they were insiructed in t begie dri which they seem to have atiained great proficiency, af Uiey answered the ealis with tho utmost faciiity. Nutwithstanding that this regiment hae given to the Union army seme threo hundred olticers, their number now amounts to seven bundred and fifty men. ‘AS they went through the diiferent evolitious they were grected with loud applause by the fair damseis present. The drill room is one of the finest in the city. Indeed it is without a rival, ‘ihe arms and accoutre- mente of the corps are kept in. bright and splendid order, and at tho cloge of the drill the indies and others visited the various departments, where they met with @ hearty aud sokiierly reception. PROOKLYN ACADEMY OF Mcaic.—Twelve months ago the Airectors of this establishment refused to allow the per. formance of the ‘Traviata.’ At the same period Chit. tenden made the famous apeoch which rendered him and his colleagues #0 ridiculous, Since then matters have changed a little. ‘The morality of the Paritan members of the board has.either backelided or carried them clean out of it. Shakspere, Sheridan and Congreve have been formally installed amongst the deities of the temple which was to bave been kept eacred for the amusement of theelect, and ob, horror, the “Traviata” was last night admitted 40 their company. And to crown this decline in the morality of Brookiyn, the sacrilege wus marked by the presence of one of the most briiMant and crowded audiences ever aseombled within the walls of the Academy. Amongst them we observed several parsans, and three of the seven directors who signed the colebrat, ed appeal against the introduction of the drama. Thoy slunk into obscure corners, it is true, but we are, never- ‘theless, compelled to record the melancholy fact tha, they were present. ‘To the romake made by us yesterday on Miss Kellogg’s performance of Violetta we have but little to add. she displayed more nerve, and consequently imparted stil! greater force to the character thar on the previous even- ing. She is an artist of rare intelligence, and the proof of this is, that as she progresses she developes new traits of merit in her acting, whilet ber voice is continually gaining in roundness and volume. Her succes last night was vory great. She overcame the coldness of an audience proverbially chilling, and carried'them away with her: There can bo no better test of her genius—for such it must be called—than the way in which she won their sympatmies. The triumph was agenuine one, and we congratulate this meritorions young artist on a result eamed by auch persevering efforts. Brignoli and Mancusi also did excellently well, and the opera was, if passible, better played than on the previous oveniny ‘Tonight thaPano in Maschera”’ will be given at the Now York Academy swith Kellogg, Hinkley, Mme. Stra. kosch, Mancuel and Bari), ' the principal parts, This will bo positively the inst mance for the present of the Grau troupe in New York, .0 Saturday they play in tbilade!phia, anc on Monday, Tiw*day and Wednesday in Worhingtor THE RESIGNATION OF GEN. SIGEL. Great German Mass Mecting—Enthusi- asm of the Germans of the Mctropolis— Vote of Confidence in General Sigel, dic. ‘The great dewonstration of the Germans of New York, infavor of General Franz Sigel, which took place at the Cooper Institute last ovening, was very numerously at- tended, and was characterized by most enthusiastic Speeches and resolutions. As is well known, the object ‘was to give expression to the feelings* of the Germans of this city and its environs on the resignation of Genera) Sigel, and to take measures for bringing his claims pro- minently to the notice of the government. On the platform we noticed number of the leading citizens of New York, among others Mr. Jellinghaus, of the Commissioners of Emigration ; Colonel Burger, Wil- liam Aukormaun, D. Gercke, William Radde, Aaron Franke, Sig. Kampfman, Dr. Lighthill, of St. Mark's place; Dr. Henschel, Dr, Krakowitzer, Jacob Windmuller Fug. G, Ballin and several others. ‘The meeting was called to order at half-past seven o'clock, and R. A. Witthaus, Esq., unanimously called to the chair. On opening the proceedings Mr. Witthaus spoke as fol lows:— Fxiiow Crrizens—Permit me to express my deep appre- ciation of the honor conferred upon me of presiding over this mass meeting-of patriots, congregated here to-day in order to support one of their countrymen, who, imme- ‘at the commencement of this unholy rebellion, his life and property, promptly aud fervently, to the administration for the maintenance of the constitu- tion aad the just cause of the Union. We are not here as democrats of republicaus, but as men who love liberty, justice and the Union. We desire to retain in tho service of our adopted Fatherland the eminent talents of a General who, by his energetic. perseverance since May, 1861, probably prevented the secession of ong of the brightest stars from the Northern constollae tion. Genera! Francis Sigel—crowned with the twin Jaurels of the Oid aud the New World, Baden aud Mis. souri—is @ name which Gills with irresietible power each patriotic heart, whether native or adopted, with tbe (uil- st confidence and most ardent enthusiasin. In July, 1861, he covered the flag of our Union with inefabic glory at Carthage; there history wrote his New World certificate of the most emincné generalship, while the rebel banner was biting the dust. When Jackson, rice, Hains and Parsons acted the traitors to their country, we find Franz Sige) ic:ming German regiments and odu- cating them defenders of this beloved land of our adop- tion, Jn reading General Sigel’s report of the batile of Carthage, to General Sweeney, dated 1ith July, 1861, we cannot help esteeming bis modesty, for not lis, but the heroic deeds of his oflicere, are portrayed with justice aud impartiality, In Springiied wo do not admire Franz Siel as the commander only—uay, he shines especially 4s a man—for, with the greatest seif-sacrilice, he there cared for the wives and children. of those Urion men who were abseut and in the ranks 6f thé federal army. Gentiemen, to sustain Frauz Sigel in his patriotic work; to procure’ for him trom thatad- ministrathon for whom he labored to this day with each unfinching patriotism, due attention and a well merited support, and.to obtain this for him in an honoreble, ro- spectful and reliable manor, is the purpose of this mass meeting. ‘lo understand the’ resotutious, prepared by a committee, and im order to be enabled to vote on them own Iwill permit myself to mention a few facts: from er ble authority, When General Huntr took command in Mizsouri it was resolved, in @ council of war, toadvance upon the enemy. General Sigel was placed in comiaand of the adyaice div.sion, with the order “to attdek the enemy wherever he found him, and to engage him until the arrival of the prineipal or peneval army.’ In the meantime, however, the yenera) army re- treaied, of which Sigel’ received infor merest acc.deat, and this accident only saved division, General Sigel immediately teil back upon Springtiold, and, as before moutioned, he fouad there a grout number of women and children, whose husbands aud fathers were absent serving ‘in tho feceral amy. Helpless and unprotected, they were exposed to the savage fury of the pursuing enemy. In the same position he foukd thousands of loyai men who, conddiag in the mgu of the federal , badreoly expressed their Union sentiments. Nothing hat been done to protect.a!l of these, ‘he retreat of the geueral ariny was ordered without any necessity, againxt all rules of wariare, aud to the destruction of thousmnds of confiding citizens. At that period General Sigel itended to resign tur he con- sidered it dishozcrab-¢ to seve under @ command which could betiay in so shameful a manner such a prosperous country and thousands. of confiding citizens, but the re- portof the removal of Ge nier from tliat command, and the hope of yet being useful to Miseouri, made him reeonvider that intention, Afler General Halleck bad en tered upon the command the porsecutions towards General Five! became systematic. He was chicaned, ignored and nogiected: his ‘division was never completed. Otlicers under the influence of Sige!"s name formed regiment after regiment, but when completed they were dotaited other commanders. The complaints of Ceneral s\ have never met with a reply. His troops suffered for ‘want of the most necessary supplies, and his requisitions for them remained unattended toand wnexecuted, and »pportunity to aid Missouri has been designedly denied him, At last the mbabitants of Southwestern Missouri pelitionod the President to grant thera military protection, and designated General Sigel as the person in whom they bad the most confidence. Hie Excellency President Lincoln referred that petition to General Hul- nid recommended General Sigel especially to him. his, on the 24th of December, Genera! Sigel was placed in Command ef the troops in and abont Rolla, com- prising from 15,000 to 20,000 men; but four days after, on the 28th of December, by order of Genoral Halleck, General Sige! was superseded by General Curtis, whese commissicn bvare the same date as that ef General Sige:’s. This left him no alternative but to tender his resiga ‘tien, which he did on the Sist of December, 1861. Whatever may be your opinions of his Exceliency President Abra. hat Lincoln, 1am sure you all share with me the fulle convietion that he has shown to os his sincerest endea- vork to be just, and while t opted citizens of German Dirth have placed more than sixty thousand men in the field for the supportof the adimintstration and the re- ectabsishment of the Union, we may truly and surely pect that tho resolutions offered by the committee, framed in the spirit of tho purest patriotiem, when ac- copted by this mass meeting, will be met and promptly acted upoa in like spirit by all to whom they are ad- dressed. Processor De CLaAvrENsRiE® was then called on to read a jong listof Vice Presidenis and Secretaries, who were accopted by tho unanimous vote of the meeting. Mr, Hvco Wreeypaxex was next introduced, and read the resolutions, as follows:— Whereas, it has been reliably reported that General F- Sigel bas been superseded in the command of a part of the aimy of Missouri, and that he has been compelied, by systematic negicct, to tender his resignation, and whorcas, it i# the duty of all these who are well ac- quainted with his emincnt abilities as an officer and his pure character a8 a man, to endeavor to retain bis ser- vices for the country in this its hour of trial; therefore Resolved, by the citizens of New York, in’ mags me ing assembled, that among the many patriots now sa ficing their lives and their fortunes for the integrity of the Union, they do not know of any one animated by purer motives atid more officient as an officer thau Gen. Franz Sigel. at he was among tho firet who rose for the suppres- sion of the infamous rebellion which now lacerates our beloved country, aud that a large portion of the army of Migsouri was called into existence by Lim ‘Phat without his efforts and the eforta of thore who asaisted hima, the State of Missouri would now be out of the Union, and that no ether commander has dove more for the preservation of one of the most brilliant stars in our flag than Gen. Franz Sigel ‘That be has shown over Lowen § of the first order, and that the battle fiolds of Missouri are everiasting mo- raments of bis valor and his superior tactics. ‘That hie character jg unstained by any reproach, and that bie patriotism ie pure and above cavil, ‘Phat he is dearly beloved by al under his command, and that he enjoys the unbounded confidence of a large portion of the army as an officer of the first rank, ‘That the country caanot dispense With tho services of ‘Acommander who is equally great in conquering the ene- my and in preserving ‘those under bis command from de- struction ‘That we have not the slightest doubt that his resigna- tion was dictated by the principles of honor and 4 his nense of justice, and was entirely conmmtent with his duties as & soldier. m ‘That we notice with indignation that low jealousy and narrow minded nativeism, even in such times as theso, are trying to drive away true merit, and that the spirit of caste and chariataniam are prevailing where tried military ability and upright honesty should reign su- me, Prnod that we earnestly desire to see bim placed in a po- sition in which his surpassing abilities as a commander bodies of troops may best be employed for the on of the Union. Mr, Weernpanx, in presenting these resolutions, accom- panied them with eome remarks, in which he made a full ‘exporition of affaire in Mireouri. The eouri, he said, had saved that State from ed up in thé socession, They s i $ # ¢ 3 2 H i 3 2 a Fi iff 58 H . i i i i f Z it a : : it wae proper Tn his opinion there cou more and = more effective fnd an imposing demonstration in order to do away withthe ovil reani ures of the gove-nment and certain military loadern, Ho spoke of the fact that the onemies of tho couvtr war? were not only those now standing in At, also those ’ Foi | te lalainieenel ‘The resolutions, ag read, were approved by the whole assembly. Mr. Frumpenicn Karp was then introduced to address the audience, who at drew & comparison between General Sigel General Sigel was nearly the General De Kalb fell at Camden, covered with no less it ape; General Sigel had a wo by his countrymen. Ho was, there was no question, one of the ablest and best leaders of the army. Germans in Missouri had been persecuted ever since the breaking out of the rebellion, because had remained ‘true to the “Union. ” Without them Governor Jackson suceeded in wrench- would ing the State of Missouri from ee. ‘The speaker alluded to the slave question and slaves ag contrabands, taking a radical view of the question. Peg demand for could be properly placed, to the country while this war is carried on. Mc. Wr Von Grawsnacu was the gave un exposition of the career of General Sigel. 5 farcastic | manner, the military ders and government gard to the war in Missouri, He army in this manner would become moralized, and that the free institutions would be overthrown, and, for centuries liberty, or the strong arm of the people ‘of these days raise against the i advised measures of its leaders. ‘The chairman appointed, when the speaker cluded, the committee named in the resolutions as {ol} ewe rypeom Kapp, Weil Vou Gernsbach ana Andreas: ‘illmann, The assembly were, in conclosion, addrersed by Mesarr. Reinhold Solger and Sigismund Kaufman, after which the meeting adjourned. IMPORTANT FROM KANSAS, Lxavenwortn, Kansas, Jan, 16, 1862. intelligence has been received here that 4,000 Union Indians ju Cherokee county were attacked om the 6th by a superior force of Texan rebels. The Indians were com- pelled to retreat. They are now in Kansas. Brigadier General Denver left to-day for Western Vir- ginia. A continued guerrilla warfare is carried on in Johnson and Bates counties, Mo.,by roving bands of rebels. A detachment of Johnson’s command recovered a quantity of government stock and other property confiscated by the rebels, On the 5th, in Johnson county, some Union troops were fired on from ambush and five mon killed. The Supreme Court of Kansas is now hearing, arau- ments on the gubernatorial question, ‘The attorney for the contestant filed a petition fora writ of mandamus to compel the State Board of Canvassers to count the yote cast for George A. Crawford for Governor at theJate election, INTERESTING FROM CAIRO. Camo, Jan. 16, 1862. force sent from this point to Paducab conpists of nineteen rogiments of infantry, four. regiments and two companies of cavalry, and seven batteries of ar- tillery. ‘The steamer D. A. January, with the Forty-fifth Hlinois regiment, Colonel Dave Stuart, is aground twenty miles above Cape Girardean. She cannot be reached by stcam- crs. A Ind force, with a provision train, has been dex- patched to their assistance, They will probably marcb to Jonesboro’ and come here by railroad. ‘The river is full of ice. News from Kentucky. Lovuisyue, Jan. 16, 1862, All is quiet below. Policeman Kirby, it is reported, is dying from the wounds received yesterday. Interesting from Missouri. Sr. Louse, Jan. 16, 1962. Robert Wilson, President of the State Convention, has boen appointed by Governor Gamble to fill one of the vacancies in the Senate of the United States, occa- sioned by the expulsion of Mossre. Johuson and Polk. Nothing has been heard from the expedition which left Rolla on Tuesday for Springfield. THE NAVY. ‘The United States revenue cutter Henrietta, Lieutenant Commanding J.G. Bennett, Jr., sailed yesterday morn- ing for Port Ro, The following are the names of ber principal officers:— Lieutenant Commanding—J. G. Pennett, Jr. Fira Liewenant—Charies Dickenson, Second Liewtenant—Melvin Knapp. Purier—Isuac Bar! PHILADELPHIA NAVY YARD. ‘The United States eteamer Hartford, now at the Phila- delphia Navy Yard, went into commission yesterday, with the following list of officers:— Yicer—D. G. Farragut. oa —R. Wainrishe ‘ Captain of Fleet—H. Bell. First Lieutenant and Bz-Officer—J. 8. Thornton, Lieutenant—A. Kantz. Sur _ Captain Commanding Marinct—Jobn 1. Broome. Chief Bnginesr—J. P. Kimball. Paymaster—G. Phankett. ‘Second Lieutenant Marines—-G: Heiesler. ‘Assisiant Surgeon—J. Huge. Master—E. A. Waiker. | Opicer's Seoreary—Mr. Walden. ‘Acting Moster—D. 8. Murphey, J. @. Lewis, 8. "B. : Saimes, —J. Purdy, B. A. Lateh, F. son. Third Assistant Engincers—O, J. Cooper, ©. M. Bur- chard, J. De Graif, A. K. Fulton. Acting Midchi; men—J. H. Reod, H, G. Blake, Gunner—J. Duncan. Boatswain—J. Waker. Carpenter—J. H. Conley. ed Matter’s Mates—E. J. Allen, T. Mason, A. H. Storrs. MOVEMENTS OF TRANSPORTS. The schooner C, L. Vandevoort, lying at pior No.1) North river, is now loading provisions and hay for Port Royal. The United States steam transport Thomas Spars, lying at pier No, 9 North river, is now loading for Locust Point» and will sail (his evening. She has a cargo of subsist ance, also two heavy mortars, four beds, twelve gun carriages, and ten battery wagons. The Steamship Sax at this Port—Ar- rival of Arms from Germany, ‘The Hamburg steamship Saxonia, Captain Ehlers, which arrived at this port yesterday morning from Ramburg, brings on freight two complete batteries, consisting of nixteen pieces (supposed to be twelve-pounders), sixteen ammunition wagons and ninety cases of goods consigned to Hiram Barney ; also a large number of other boxes and cases which are supposed to contain about twenty-five thousand stand of arms, together with some fifty bags of saltpetre. She also brings six hundred and seventy-Ove Any letters for the officers or men of the Burnside ex- pedition will be sent directly to them, 1f malted al Colone! Frank EB. Howo's store, No, 208 Broadway, on or before Faturdey morning.