The New York Herald Newspaper, April 29, 1862, Page 10

™. 10 NEWS FROM WASHINGTON. Important Correspondence with Foreign Governments. ¢ Whe Case of the Burning of the Harvey Birch by the Mashville Uader Consideration. Probable Postponement of the Tax Bill Tit After the Fall Elections, Debate in the House on the Contract Committee's Report. Defence of the Secretary of the Navy and Genera! Fremont, Army Appointments Confirmed by the Senate, &e., ke &e. Wasriyeton, April 28, 1862. IMPORTANT CORRESPONDENCE RELATIVE TO REBEL VESSELS AT FOREIGN PORTS—THE CASE OF THE HARVEY BIRCH. Alarge mass of correspondence has accumulated in relation to insurgent vessels at forcign ports, and par_ ticularly between the United States and Great Britain. Minister Adams, by direction of Secretary Seward last November, addressed a note to Lord Russell on the sub. ject of the outrages committed by the Nashville, she Daving captured and destroyed the American merchant. man Harvey Birch by fire, and then sought protection at Southampton. The object of Mr. Adams was to request the British government to inquire into the circumstences of this extraordinary proceeding, and expressing the hope that the British government would adopt such mea- sures as the case might seem to demand; first, as to the authority possessed by this vessel to com mit so aggressive an act on the citizens of afriendly Power, and then to claim a refuge and recog. nition in the harbors of Great Britain; and, secondly, in case the nature of that authority be deemed sufficient, at least in yiew of her Majesty’s government, as to tho purposes for which the ship is alleged te have come across the ocean, to wit:—The making of more effective Preparations in the ports of Great Britain for carrying on 2 war against the people of afriendly nation. In the former case he says the question will arise whether the vessel be or not subject to process of law, as a om mon disturber of the peace of the world; and im the second place, whether 4 recognized belligerent shall or shall not be permitted, with impunity, to violace tne terms of her Majesty’s proclamation permitting the fitting out in the ports of Great Britain of any armament intended to be used against a nation with which she is at peace. Mr. Seward, December 21, 186], approves of all Mr. Adams’ proceedings, and in the course of his despatch says:—We continue, however, to hope that this new and flagrant occurrence has arrested the serious atten tion of her Majesty's government, and that it will result in bringing about some revolution of the whole subject consistent with the great expectations of the United States, so often already expressed. The Navy Depart ment will not neglect the interest of our commerce in this now and distinct experience, whatever may be the difficulty or the cost.” Lord Russel] had sent a note to Mr. Adams, November 23, presenting his compliments to Mr. Adams, and ac quainting him that his letter should receive immediate attention. Lord Russell had already given directions that 20 infringement of the foreign eplistment act should be permitted in regard to the Nashville. uently Lord Russell wrote to Mr. Adams tha‘ ppeared to be a Confederate vessel of wa", and officers having commissions in the In these circumstanco: by the Nashville cannot be considered an act yoluntarily undertaken by individuals not vested with powers generally ac. Knowledged to be nceessary to justify aggressive warfare. Nor does it at all approximate within the defluition of piracy. All persons acting contrary to the Enlistment act shali be panighed, if necessary: and if necessary, other measures will be adopted to maintai Peutrality. It is the desire of her Majesty’s governmeut to maintain friendly relations. Mr. Seward to Mr. Adams, January 23, speaks about our government being embarrassed by the attitude of the British government, and further communicates with our Minister upon that subject. Ina despatch to our Minister to France, Mr. Dayton, February 20, Mr. Seward expresses the hope that such new regulation will be adopted by the British govern- ment as will reassure the merchants and seamen who are So justly annoyed bythe presence of pirates in Europea: waters, adding, in tho late complications of our affairs with Europe, we could only remonstrate with the British government against the shelter allowed to depredators upon our.commerce, and send out sueh of our own ves Seis as we could spare for its protection. Secretary of Legation Perry, under date of January 4 last, acquaints Mr. Seward of the Sumter just casting anchor at Cadiz. Mr. Seward, in reply, 2ist January, fays the President is favorably impressed with the Promptness.with which the Spanish government apply the principles of the royal proclamation in the case of the Somter and the American citizens whom she carried into Cadiz as prisoners, namely—restoring them to the protection.of our flag. He asks, why shall not Spain, emulous of a new, magnificent and glorious career, seize the pre.eminence of being the first of maritime Power, to retrace the hasty step of last June to close her ports against those who are exasperated against their own Government, because it wiil not lend itselt to their own evil aggressive designs against Spain and their war against human nature Mr. Seward,in another despateh to Secretary Perry, February 24 last, says:—The President expects that the States which have, jas we think, so unwisely recog- nized the insurgents, will, in view of the events which have occurred here, indicating the decline of the ineur- rection, reconsider their decisions, and cheerfully re- sume their former attitude towards the government and People of the United States. Representations in all ma. ‘terial respects similar to these, will be made by us to other maritime and commercial Powers, Mr. Seward, writing to Miaster Webb, at Rio Janeiro, November 12, speaks of the privateer Sumter having ‘Deen admitted ‘ate the port o” Maranham, and receiving coals and provisiong therein and directs him to lose no ‘time in calling \ttention to the subject, and inform his Ma- gesty’s goverpment that ce sbelter and supply of pirates, @s the Sumter is, i> the porte of Brazil, is deemed an.un- Triendly act by ‘his government, and to ask that such measures be taker. wth regard to the case as will make the Governor of Maranham sensible of bis Majesty's dis~ her command 0 styled Confederate navy, &e. he adds, the act do: Mr. Webb, in Feign Office assumed 9 ground that no breach of peu- Qrality had been comume4, and fell back upon the absurdity first invented by \o Governor‘of Maranham— ponse to Mr. Seward, says:—The Fe. mamely, that the Sumter \man-of-war, Brazil, it apponrs, recognized in the Souther. siates the righta and dutios of belligerents, io conformit> with the laws of nations, and Mr. Webb is informed Dy ihe sinister of Foreign Affairs that he confounds the reoynition of a Fact and of the rights of belligerents a8 WhO recognition Of independence aud sovereignty im bebalf of ty torr. wory rebellion. Mr. Seward, undor date of March 18, dose not affeetes conceal (hat thie decision seems to him to be ineonsiat. font ith the very friendly relations which have hereto. fore existe! between Brazil and the United States, and 4s therefore in @ high dogroe unsatisfactory The government of Brazil, in the cource of the corres. Ponlonce, declares its friendship for the United States, and fervently hopes the elvil war will soon be brought to @ termination Mr. Minister Pike, Feb, 27 taat, instructs im tw lore no time in calling attention to the subject of Insurgent piratical American vessels seeking shelter in Aho ports of the Netherlands and her colonies. if you Pannot, he says, obtain a decree excluding them alto. ether, \t is thought the government will have no besita. ero in *saieliba Mig TOUAE/SNIYe policy which waa Reopieg \ eward, \ NEW YORK HERALD, TUESDAY, APRIL :29, under the representation of its foreign affairs by Baron Von Seniler Mr. Seward adds, in conclusion:—This domestic war has Deen protracted long enough. It is the interest of hemanity that it should be closed as speedily as possible. It would come to an exd to-morrow if the Furopean States should clearly announce that expectations of favor from theron must be renounced, THB CULTIVATION OF THE SEA ISLANDS ON THE SOUTH CAROLINA COAST. It is understood that the mission of Mr. Pierce to Port Royal, to look after the cotton crop, is @ failure. It is believed that he has paid more attention to the nigger than to cotton, Ome statement is made indicating the way things are managed in that section: There wasa large quantity of cotton seed on hand on the plantations, about which the sgent neglected to ascertain anything. ‘Wanting seed, orders were sent to New York for a sup- ply, with bundreds of busnels within @ stone’s throw of the place. Other stances of want of capacity, or something of that sort, are told, which has caused this charge to be made. It is decided that hereafter the care of these plantations shall be taken from the Treasury De- partment and given to the War Department. It is not doubtea that Mr. Stanton’s practical mode of doing busi- ness will soon get this matter arranged, and that we shal! have no more trouble there. It seems that mis- sionary labors-conflict with tho practical labors of the day. Sentiment don’t keep the run of cotton seed. ARRIVAL @F PRIZES FROM THE RAPPAMANNOCK RIVER. The steamer Jacob Bell has arrived at the Navy Yard, towing up five of the schooners lately captured by our flotilla in the Rappahannock. They consist of the foilow- ing —The Lookout, of Baltimore, about seventy-five tons, with three thousand bushels of corn which is put up in bags marked “Confederate States,” and the remainder marked with the name of the captain; the Sarah Ann, of Newbern, North Carolina, with sixteen hundred bushels of corn; the Sidney A. Jones, of Baltimore, unladen; the Falcon, of Tappahannock, unladen; and the Monterey, of Tappahannock, with the cargo of a pungy which had been cut adrift, consisting of oil, saltpetre, bone dust, dry goods, &c. The Jacob Bell bas the marks of a shot or two, which she received from some of the rebel pickets on her trip to Fredericksburg. THE RADICALS IN CONGRESS NEARLY USED UP. The struggle between the conservative and radical elements in Congress is conceded to promise now the en- tire defeat of the radicals. The conservatives are much encouraged, and many of those who have hitherto been classed among the ultras are beginning to fail away from their radical associations. The action of the conserva tives in the New York Legislature, in preparing for the approaching canvass and making common cause in sup- port of the efforts of the administration to suppress the rebellion, has produced a marked effect. It gives heart to the loyalists of the border States, and assures them that the masses are with the constitutional party, and as bitter- ly opposed to the insane radicalism of the North as the hellish treason of the South. The same spirit is stated to be active in the Northwestern States, and finds ut- terance through the members of Congress, who are con- stantly advised by their constituents. Intellignce from Mffnois leaves little room for doubt that Owen Lovejoy will be succeeded by a conservative, notwithstanding the immense majority by which he carried his district in 1860, when his professed sentiments were identica) with those of the President. Mr. Aruotd has also been admouished that the welfare and existence of the govern- ment of white men is paramount to the social condition of four million of blacks; that the disease by which the government is attacked is vital and requires skilful treatment, promptly applied, while the blacks have a chronic affection which can only be overcome gradua'ly and by the utmost care both in the remedies employed their application. Gen. Logan will soon be succeeded by a regular Union democrat, and it is believed that few if any of the extreme radicals of the Lovejoy, Hickman and Stevens school, in the present House, can be re elected. Their system, applied to surgery, would amputate the head of the patient to prolong his life. On the other hand, such men as Speaker ‘ow, of Pennsylvania; Mr. Fenton, of New York; Mr- asetts, and others who have been and Chicago platform men, opposed to the exten- lavery into tne Territories, and algo to Congres- sional interference with it in the States, warmly ap- prove of the New York constitutional Union movement, and encourage its extension into other States. THE TAX BILL AND THE POLITICIANS. ‘The signs of a speedy passage of the Tax bill are not very promising to-day. Indeed, some observers of pokticians and political movements predict that it will not be passed at all until after the next fall elections. Western men say that no party, however strong, could sustain the responsibility of such taxation in the West, where large portions of the domain are now taxed to death at home, and they desire some ubstitute te be devised in order to save the party, for the present, at least. On the other hand, the Eastern members declare that no political party could survive after refusieg to pass the bill,as the capitalists of the great commercial cities must have some basis furnished of the credit.of the country. The President makers are as much puztled as the financiers in regard to this ndispensible measure, and it would not be surprising if much unnecessary delay should be caused by mere politicians. THE SELECT COMMITTEE ON CONFISCATION. The Select Committee, to whom the subject of confis- cation is referred in the House, is almost evenly balanced between conservatism and radicalism. Mr. Olin, of New York, having declined to serve, Mr. Sedgwick will be added. It was considered, when Mr. Olin was excused, tbat three radicals and three conservatives were left. Mr. Sedgwick is at most a mild republican, apd the committee will hardly report an extreme measure. MILITARY APPOINTMENTS CONFIRMED BY THE SE- ‘NATE. The Senate, In executive session to-day, confirmed a jarge number of military nominations, including the fol- lowing named to be Brigadier Generals of volunteers:— Colonel Max Weber, of New York. George 8. Greene, of the Sixtieth New York regiment. Colonel Jobn C. Caldwell, af the Eleventh Maine regi- ment. Captain Traman Seymour, of the Fifth artillery. Colonel Isaac P. Rodman, of the Fourth Rhode Island regiment Henry Bablew, of Pennsylvania. Paymaster Henry Prince, of the United States Army. Captain Quincy A. Gilimore, of the Corps of Engineers. Major Absolom Baird, Assistant Inepector General. George D. Bayard, First regiment Pennsylvania ca- vairy. Colone! Thomas B. Crittenden, of a regiment of Illinois volunteers. Coloneis Alvin P. Hovey, Wm. P. Benton, Jeremiah C, Sullivan, James C. Veatch and Pleasant A. Hackleman— the last four of Indiana. Daniel Holmes, of Pennsylvania, bas been confirmed as Brigade Sergeant of Volunteers. THE CONFIRMATION OF GENERAL FITZJOHN PORTER'S APPOINTMENT. The Senate, in executive session to-day, made a final disposition of the confirmation of Brigadier General Fitz- john Porter. His nomination was coniirmed several weeks ago; but there was something in the fence, and a reconsideration was had. To-day the vote was conclu- sive in his favor. NAVAL ORDERS AND APPOINTMENTS. ‘The following orders and appointments have been made at the Navy Department:— ACTING MASTERS APPOINTED. Chas. B. Bunker, Jno. 8. Gordon, Jas. F. Alcorn, Henry Porter, ordered to Port Royal; Geo. A. Smith, of New York, ordered to the New York yard, THE CASE OF GENERAL STONE. A strong appeal bas been made by the friends of Gen. Stone to procure bis release from arrest and permission for . \ participate in the expected fight at Yorktown. ‘They acenit that it is altogether improper that his trial should be ordered immediately under existing circum- stances, as the exigencies of the service will not allow the detail of officers of the requisite rank from duty in the field to attend s court martial. They ask, however, that General Stone shouid in the meantime be released from arrest, aod permitted to take any position that may ‘be assigned by General McClellan, even that of a private ) ‘a the ranks, to prove his freedom from any “int of treason, and is willingness tw give Lif \ife if necossary in the maintenance of the UMi00 and the constitution against the revellion of traitors. The President regrets that he is unable to grant tis Fequent, aud refers the applicants to the Secretary of War, There remains Dow no anubt that certain Senators have T ut (her office to minister 1 private 8 well a8 10 pariican onde, Instances aro cited where the confirmation or reection of nowiness for ex olted military positions has been. made contingent vpon their truckling to these men. Among these Senators are those who qere last in the Geld, a00 mony urgent for a Hop ud cain mda Le ON. Tare stances cited where one of these Senators has apenty bargained that the confirmation of @ nomiuation should depend upon the retraction of personalities applied to him. It is unfortunate for the country at this crises that the public service should be deprived of the usefulness of good officers to gratify the matice or frenzy of mere politicians, who feat to fase the enemies of their country and use their post tions only to disparage brave and patriotic men who are willing to shed their blood ex give their lives for the do” fenco of the Union ACCURACY OF THE HERALD’S REPORT OP THE BAT- TLE OF PITTSBURG LANDING. Aprivate letter has been received in this city from the West, in which the writer, a gentleman with exten- sive means of information, asserts that the first report of the battle at Pittsburg Landing, as telegraphed to the Herp by its correspondent, was very nearly correct, and that our actual loss was eighteen to twenty thou- sand. It is also stated that General Price has brought thirty thousand men to reinforce Beauregard from Ark- ausas. THE ILLINOIS AND MICHIGAN CANAL, Mr. Arnold, from the Committeo on Roads and Canals, has reported in favor of the bill for the enlargement of the Iliuots and Michigan Canal. The report-states that the work has been more than half completed by the State of Illinois having expended thereon over $6,000,- 000. The canal has been in operation since 1848, and now yields an annual revenue of about $200,000, This will be greatly increased by the enlargement of the Illi- nois river as propored. The State of Dlinois offers this canal and its revenues to the United States, en condition that Congross will provide the means of enlarging it so as to pass gunboats from the lakes to the Mississippi. This will place us upon an equality with Great Britain, that Power being able by her canals to pass war vessels from the ocean to the lakes. Tho report, in view of the fact that by treaty the United States is prohibited from building or maintaining armed vessels on the lakes, urges the necessity and importance of the immediate enlarge ment of this canal, by which the gunboat fleet on the Mississippi could be passed through to the lakes. Had this medium of communication been open at the bogin: ging of the rebellion the 1,200 vessels and 15,000 sailors now shut up on the lakes would have been at the disposal of the government. The saving to the Treasury during the past year would have been rathor more than the cost of the contemplated work. The com- mittee believe its income will more than pay the interest On its cost, and ultimately pay the entire investment. TUE RAILROADS AND THE MAILS, Mr. Colfax, from the Postal Committee, reported a bil! that all railroads shall take the United States mails, when required to do so by the Postmaster General, at a fair compensation, under a penalty of five thousand dol. lars for refusing. This bill is deemed necessary to prevent any singly corporation or combination fof railroad companies from breaking up the schedule of the Postal Departm ent or ex” torting exorbitant prices for mail transportation. POST OFFICES REOPENED IN TENNES: The following post offices in ‘Tennessee have been re, established:—Nashville, Gallatin, Sumner county; She! byville, Bedford county; Lebanon, Toa corny. vannah, Hardin eounty; Franklin, Williat county. RESTORATIOwW or THE HARPER'S FERRY ARMORY. Au attempt is being made to resuscitate the Harper’, Ferry Armory. The Secretary of War has been requested to inquire into the condition of the government works there, the authority by which they were destroyed? the amount necessary to repair the damages done there and theexnediency of restoring the armory to be used as heretofore. It is probable that Secretary Stanton’s report will put at rest the subject of rebuilding this armory. SLAVE STATISTICS OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, The Secretary of the Interior, in transmitting to the Senate to-day a list of slaves, and persons ‘holding slaves, in the District ef Columbia, makes the fol lowing suggestions:—‘‘As this record, after the lapse of twenty months, may not present a correct statement of the present or very recent relations of the free popula. tion to that of the slave, and as it exposes the private affairs of individuals, to publish which would be incon. sistent with the authorized representations of the census takers, I would respectfully suggest the inquiry whether it would be proper to print it for pubtication.”” ADULTERATED LIQUORS, Mr. Pomeroy, of Kansas, introduced in the Senate to- day a stringent bill to prevent the importation of adul- terated liquors, It provides that all spirituoue and malt liquors, wines, cordials, &c., shall be testo’ by sworn examiners before they pase through the Custom House, and if foand impure shall be forfeited and destroyed. Every package of liquors shall bear plainiy the name of the manufacturer or be seized aad forfeited. The owner or consignee of any liquors con demned may cause, at his own expense, an analysis to be made by an analytic chemist, and if the sworn report cf such ¢liimant shall not sustain the exarminer’s report the liquors may pass the Custom House. If liquors are con. demned the owner or assignee may re-export them within six months, on executing a bond that he will not se them in the United States. THE HORSE RAILROAD QUESTION. Tho horse rajiroad contest has been transferred from the hatls of Congress to the chambers of the City Council ‘The various parties whose antagonistic efforts have pre vented the passage of any bill authorizing the construc tion of a horse railway from Georgetown to the Ni Yard had abandoned all effort for this session but, as indicated in this correspondence months ago, a8 the only practicable means of get ting’ such a road, the Corporation of Washington has made 1 bargain with the Baltimore and Ohio Rai road Company, by which the latter transfers to the Corpora- tion alt its rights, under existing laws, to construct horse railroads through Pennsylvania avenue and other streets for the privilege to be accorded by the Corporation to tho Railroad Company of making a rail connection by steam with the river and another with Georgetown, by some street otber than Pennsyivania avenue. If the lobby gang that have so long prevented this improve. ment by their mutual struggles do not follow it into the City Council, this great want may soon be supplied. BRITISH MEDIATION IN THE AFFAIRS OF ECUADOR AND PERU. By despatches recently received at the Consulate Gene- ral of Ecuador here, it is stated that the ministers of her Britannic Majesty at Quito and Lima, in pursuance of tn. structions from their government, have severally ten_ dered ite good offices as mediator in the amicable sottle. ment of the difficulties between Peru and Ecuador, which have been cordially accepted, and peaceable relations are bow happily re-established between those countries. THE PILOT LAWS IN OREGON. Mr. Nesmith, of Oregon, presented a petition in the Senate from the Board of Pilot Commissioners of Oregon, praying for an act declaring that seagoing ships, though navigated with steam and carrying pilots, under the act of 1852, shall not by any construction of that act be ‘exempted from the operation of the State laws reepecting harbor pilotage. BURIAL OF UNION SOLDIERS. ‘The proposition of the military committees to provide not only for the decent and carefui burial of our soldiers who may die in this District, but to allot to each Stato a space sufficient for the temporary or permaneut inter- | ment of its citizens, has excited a very deep interest, and commanded the warmest approbations of the Presi- dent, Cabinet and Congress, this being almost the only nal capital without a national cemetery for heroes, soldiers and citizens. The gentleman to whom the coun- try is more indebted for the conception and maturing of ‘the plan than to any other person perhaps, is Colonel Robert G. Nellis, of New York. PROCEEDINGS OF CONGRESS. THIRTY-SEVENTH CONGRESS. FIRST SESSION, Senate. Wasniaton, April 28, 1862, SLAVE STATISTICS, ‘The Presipeyt pro tem. presented a communication from the Secretary of the Interior concerning the num- ber and azes of the slaves, &c.,in tho District of Co lumbia. The Secrotary said the statistics were compiled some twenty months ago, and were perhaps not available now. The communication was referred to the Committes on the District of Columbia. ‘TUR NEWSPAPERS AND THR MAILS, Mr. Coutawen, (rep.) of Vt., presented a petition from citizens of Vermont, aeking that certain mewspapers have the same privileges as other newspapers, EMANCIPATION PRITTIONR. Messrs. Kino, (rep.) of N. Y., and Sumven, (rep.) of Mase, , presented pottions in favor of emaneipating tho slaves, ‘THe PROPOSED TAX ON TORACOO? Ms. Dang, {Ualep) ot Ky. prvapied mpstions Sopp | ease, 1862.-TRIPLE SHEET. ; tee. withou interference on their part, that appro- priation was hung up for two months in the Senate, while these vessels should have been preparing for service. ‘The interests of the government were thus jeopardized, because the national legislature would not promptly give to the department the means of putting these vessels afloat. If the contracts for building these fron gunboats could have been at the time the louse voted the appropriation of ten millions, the department, instead of having one iron gunboat, would have had twenty to take care of the Merrimac, or any other vessel that could have been put afloat by the Southern confederacy; and before this day we would have had every city on the whole Southern coast: inour possession. It is an unfortunate thing for the coun- try that the nepartment had not the meaus to build these iron vessels, and have them atloat at the time they were wanted. It is very easy to cry out against the depart- ment for want of promptness. It is very easy to get up acry of fraud agaivst the departmont, It makes the people, through the newspapers, cry out, and inquire who itis that has made such terrible ‘denunciations in this House of fraudulent contracts. 1 would say, im re- lation to all this matter, that I will vote, and de- sire to yote, in support of the resolution offered this morning by Mr. Colfax, for I desire to see brought forward'a Dir Whiten shall punish fraud on any cepart- ment of the government as a crime—a bill which will make the penulty so severe and so certain that no man iN or out of oflico, who engages in a frandulent transac: tion, shail ezenye the responsibility of his acts. 1 put no shield before any victim who is justly amenable to anishment or censure. If the Secretary of the Navy ns Deen guuty of any base, secret, fraudulent transac- tion with anybody, with either a relative or a stranger, let the axe fall. ido not stand here as his shield or his protector. But if he has managed the affairs of his de partment with skill, with activity, with industry—if he has brought about him, in theadministration of the Navy Department, men whose practical knowledge, whose energy, whose devotion to the service—such men as be unquestionab!: i has ds his assistant, such men as he bas as his counsellors, advisers and assistants: and if, also, the attire of 9. departinent have been managed with integrity and honesty, do not indulge in this criticism, do not.atsempt to injure him in the estimation of the country, do net cripple him in his efforts to serve the country by any unjust censure of his conduct and his motives. The head of that departmant has produced an administration of the Navy Department worthy of its history and of its olden glories. Hitherto its achieve- ments have been conflued to the broad ocean, where its fing has been unfurled to the breeze; but it is now thune dering at the gates of citics in the very heart of the Con- tinent. tbose traitors who vainly strive to interpose between their treason and its punishment the Alleghanies and the great mountains that rib the continent. ‘The navy ha participated in every glorioug contest of the war, and is now levying its contributions on the chief commercial city of the South, And now it is proposed to strike it tohaced manufacturers, asking a reduction of the pro- Posed tax on tobacco, ‘THR ARMY SIGNAL CORPS. Mr. Wusow, (rep.) of Mags,, from the Military Com- mittee, reported back the bill for the erganization of the Signal Department, and moved its indelinite postpone: ment. Postponed. WAYAL CADETS. Mr. Dixow, (rep.) of Conn., offered a resolution that the Cominittee on Naval Affurs be instructed to inquire into the propriety of providing by law for the appoint- ment of acting midshipmen at the Naval Academy from the District of Columbia. Adopted. THR HARRIS FERRY ARMORY. Mr. Wison, (rep.) of Mass., offered a resolution that the Secretary of War be roquested to inguire into the condition of the Harper’s Ferry armory, what damage has been done to it, what is the value of the property of the United States there now, and what amount is neces. sary, and whether it is expedient to restore the armory and re-employ the workmen. Adopted. PONISHMENT FOR ADULTRRATING LIQUORS. Mr. Pomeroy, (rep.) of Kansas, introduced a Dill to prevent the importation of adulterated liquors by pro- ‘viding & punishment therefor. SLAVES AT CAMP CHASE, O10. On motion of Mr. Wuson, (rep.) of Mass., the resolu- tions of the Ohio Legisiature in regard to rebels keeping their slaves at Camp Chase were taken up. Mr. Saran, (rep.) of Ohio, had read a letter from a member of the Legisiiture concerning the rebel prisoners being allowed to go about the city of Columbus, lounge at the hoteis, and abuse the government with perfect liber- ty; alsoan article in the Cincinnati Commercial to tho same effect; also another article in the Cincinnati Gazetie showing that Gov. Tod was taking measures to have the negroes at Camp Chase liberated and the rebel prisoners removed to proper quarters. ane resolutions were reerred to the Military Commit- 2. ENFORCEMENT OF THE LAWS. On motion of Mr. TruaBext, (rep.) of U., the bill for the more convenient enforcement of the laws, for se- curity to keep the peace and good behavior, was taken up. After some discussion the bill was passed, by yeas 35, nays 3. THE TAX Hn. Mr. Wave, (rep.) of Ohio, presented soveral petitions asking for a uniform system of taxation. according to the population of aState, and protesting against the pas- sage of the Tax bill from the House. On motion of Mr. Kina, (rep.) of N. ¥., the Senate then went into executive session. Upon the reopening of the doors the Senate adjourned House of Representatives. Wasinxcton, April 28, 1862. THE SPECUL COMMITTEE ON THE CONFISCATION OF REBEL PROPERTY. ‘The Srgaxer announced the following as tho special committee on the confiscation of rebel property -— Messrs. Olin, of New York; Eliot, of Massachuset Noel, of Missouri ; Hutchins, of Ohio, Matlory. of tucky; Beaman, of Michigan, and Cobb, of New Jersey. a censure on bim for a fraudulent management of its af- fairs. is rev! is entitled to contidence and not to censurivus and cap- tious criticism, It is willing to be fudged by its results. It 1s making unsafe the most secret recesses of down by a vote of want of confidence in its head, or by I protestagainst that injustice. While the navy ing the names of its old heroes on new fields, it bp erence NEWS FROM FORTRESS MONROE.. GREAT EXCITEMENT AT NORFOLS, Fears of an Attack from Gen, Burnside Expected Reappearance of the: Merrimat, Rev Rory Foxrness Mongo, April 27, 1862. ° A Bost coptaining four biack mep and ove while mas: arrived here this morning from Portsmouth. They repor. that the Merrimac wall come out soon, But few troops were ut Norfolx or im the vicinity q. it. It was rumored that Commodore Tatnall had been ret moved from the command of the Merrimac. A despatch in yesterday’s Richmond papers, received) by a flag of truce, dated Mobile, Friday, says tha, the Union gunboats passed Forcs Jackson and St. Philip» at four o'clock on ‘Thursday morning, and at one o’clucls the same afternoon were before New Orleans. Arumor was current in Norfolk last night that New. Orleans had surrendered, T send extracts from the Richmond Enquirer of the: 26th, in which the appeurance of the Union gunboats bes fore the city is announced. The contrabands inform mo that the most intense exs citement exists around Norfolk, and great fear is felt off an attack by Burnzide. Nearly all of the troops have been sent from Norfotk, Portsmouth and Suffolk to South. Mill, to report avy advance that Burnside might make. ‘The current rumor around Norfolk was that the Mery rimac would come out to-morrow, and try to pass up York river, to destroy our shipping now there. They state that steel wedges have been prepared, with a view of boarding the Monitor and tightening her turret so tha’ it cannot revolve, and for cutting loose her sheathingy. Her prow or cuttor is now twelve feet long, made of wrought iron, and steel-pointed. The citizens are evis dently becoming very uneasy, and many are leaving fox more secure localities, It seems to be generally com ceded by every one, they say, that New Orleans had fallen. Mr. Ouw, (rep.) of N.Y., remarked that he had here- tofore asked to be excused from serving on the commit- teo, and he repeated the reasons for the request, which was now complied with. OFFICIAL REPORTS OF THE RATTLE OF SMLOB. On motion of Mr. McPuEssox, (rep.) of Pa., it was ro- solved that the Secretary of War transmit to the House copies of the reports of commanders of regiments, bri- gaces and divisions engaged in the battie of Shiloh, It is willing to give an account, in honest returns, for every dollar entrusted to its management. Look at the results which this navy has produced in the war from the moneys furnished to it. I know that Congress has be: eral, that it has not shut its fist against the fair deruands of the Navy Departinent, and I NEWS FROM GENERAL BANKS’ CORPS. Skirmish with Ashby’s Rebel Cavalry Position of the Encmy’s Forces, &c. say that resultshave been produced worthy of all its Mberality. Ido not say thatthe departmont, or any of Harvisonaurc, April 27, 1862. its officers, are perfect, that they have not beende- | Yesterday afternoon the pickets of Coione! Donnolly’® frauded or imposed upon, for no vigilance can secure a department {roi fraud; but I say it chalienges respect | brigade, stationed eight miles hence on the Gordonsville and contidence for integrity, for zeal, for industry, for patriotism, for an hocest desire to subserve the public intorests. dishonor under its present administration. Now stand- ing at the head of new inventions, with its iron boats tested in actual contest, with its mortars seven thou- sand pounds heavier than any used at the famous siege of Sebastopol, and for the first time launched on ocean veescls, it has goue through the delta of the Mississippi, retieving the blockade which has bound the highway of the empire in the Great West. It is opening the channels of commerce—it is doing its whole duty t the country. [ ask that you shail not cripple it by declaring that it lacks the confidence of the House of Represeutatives. If the department has made a mistake, you have corrected it by legislation. If there was a mistake in not limiting the commission paid to an agent, you have corrected that by legislation. You must recollect the circumstances of the country when that trausaction took place. You must extend to your public servants the justice, not to say the charity, which you would extend to auy of your agents or employes in public life. vote which shail imply 2 censure on the administration of the Navy Departmeat—a department which, in its conduct throughout the whole war, bas been worthy of the praise, instead of the censure of this Hous Tennessee. RECOGNITION OF BAYTI AND LIRERIA, On motion of Mr. Goocn, (rep.) of Mass. , tho Senate dill for the recognition of Hayti and Liberia was referred to the Committee om Foreign Ailairs. ALLEGED DISLOYAL JUDGE IN VIRGINIA. On motion of Mr. Portex, (rep.) of Wis., the Secretary of War was requesied to inform the House whether Jndge Fetts, who sentaletter to the rebel Legislature at Kichmend, declaring his loyalty to that cause, contin- ues to hold his court for Ace inac.and Northa:npton coun- ties, Virginia, with the Koowtedge and consent of the federal military commandant of that district. PUNISHMENT OF FRAUDS ON TIE GOVERNMENT. On motion of Mr. ©uvax, (rep.) of Ind., it was re- solved that the Judiciary Committee be instructed to i quire into the expediency of reporting a bill for punis! ing all contractors guilty of defrauding the government, with penalties similar to those for grand larceny. NADIAN REOPROCITY ""REATY, (rep.) of N. Y., introduced a joint re- solution, which was referred to the Committee on Com- merce, authorizing the appointment of commissiouers to negtitte concerning the Reciprocity treaty , and author- izing the President to give the necessary notice for ter- minating the present unfair treaty. FORSIGN OFFICERS INVITED TO JOIN THE FEDERAL ARMY. ‘the history of our gallant navy will sulfer no Task thin House to pause before it pusses a road, were attacked by a largo force of Ashby’s rear guard and driven back. One man, named Isaac Zelly, of the Forty-sixth Pennsylvania regiment, was killed and three others wounded. ‘The reserve of the Forty-sixth and a section of Hampton’s battery then advanced and repulsed the rebels, ‘They retreated to a wood, where several of our shells burst in their very midst, and « wagon was seen gathering up and carrying off their dead and wounded. Owing to the horrible state of the roads between the town and Donnolly’s encampmont, and _ the impossibility of forwarding him supplies, Donnelly has been ordered totake up @ new position nearer the town, until the Toads get in a better condition. Jackson’s forces arc mainly encamped near the east bank of the Shenandoah. The bridge over the river is strongly picketed by him, and is underlaid with inflam- mable material, ready to be ignited on the approach of our troops. ‘i Captain Bowen, of the Twenty-eighth New York regi« ment, is performing the duty of Provost Marshal in the CHARDSCN, (0p).) of M1. asked, Dut failed toobtain, leave to introdace a resolution setting forth that Secre- tary Seward, in July, 1361, wrote to a certain Italian ollicer, saying that if he should come to our shores our government would tako pleasure in assigning him an hon- orable military. posit ‘The officer, under this as- suravee, at great ther,acd has bees waiting foar months withvut receiving ‘any official re- ‘Mr. Sevens said the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Dawes),on a former occasion informed the House that he (Mr. Dawes) had notified him (Mr. Stevens) ho was about Lo call up this report; but that, notwithstand- Ing, he (Mr. Stevens) had deemed it proper to absent himself. He (Mr. Stevens) had expected that the gentle- man (Mr. Dawes) would have, as rejuested, made the further remark that he could not be present here on that town. The orderly doportment of our troops is convine- ing proof to the population that our object is but a mis= sion of peace, and that the secession leaders have beep guilty of gross misrepresentation and duplicity towards them. government have, in vain, sought for contracts, and this cognition, The resolution concludes by requesting tho Sceretary of State (ifr. Seward) to furtish the number and nawies of all officers who have been so invited, to- with the date of the same, the disposition of such and the expense the goverment has thereby in- curred, &e. day for the reason that he had an appointment with strangers about leaving Washington. The gentle- man from Ma: etts did not mention this fact. The gentieman from Indiana (Mr. Colfax), how- ever, supplied this deficiency, and, therefore, no’ harm was ‘done. He (Mr. StevenS) would make ‘good his charge. The cominittes have not conducted their busi- ness with fairness. They had not given notice to those whose honesty they impugned, nor furnished them with acopy of the evidence against them, aud when request- ed to issue subpoenas they had omitted to do 80. PUNISHMENT OF POLYGAMY. Mr. Asmy, (rep.) ef Ohio, reported back from the Committee on’ Territories the bill to prevout and panish the practice of polygamy, and to annul certain acts of the Legisiature of the ‘Verritory of Utah establishing the same. ; ; Sari ha ; Mr. Festox, (rep.) of N. Y. (interrupting,) said—With Mr, Moremi (rep.) of Vt.» aid this bill was thesame | 4 ruil knowlédgo of the investigations at York, Har ae introduced by him two years ago, with the exception | righurg and Washing‘cn, the committze had scrupulously of the omission of its applicability to the District of Columbia. ‘The bill was parsed, DERATE ON THE REPORT OF THE OONTRACT INVESTIGATING pursued a course contrary to what the gentleman had condemned. Mr. SIEVENS, responding, Said the documents did not Mr. Davis, (rep.) of Pa., in explanation, said the com- mittee had sent word to General Fremont to state his own time when it would appear agreeable to him to ap- re them. government contracts. them was postponed tor snus ays be et mee i . Suanke, (rep.) of Ind.,stated that no notice had steamboat Cs ntof the charter of suid vessel | Dean given to —— a See by the United Oth of April, 156! nined. Mr. Stevens said that such was the course generally of the committee. In order to censure ox-Secretary Caine- ron it was necessary to impeach tho character oi two of his agents, Governor Morgan and Alexander Cummings. Contrary” to what the committee charged, Alexander Cummings Mad not_adollar in his hands. They accused him of retaining $140,000 in his possession, when it was expressly stated by him in bis note that the amount was inthe hands of Messrs. Dix, Biatchford and Opdyke, where it was originally placed by the Secretary of the Treasury. ‘The report, as to Cummings, was founded on an assumed mistake of the printer, which Mr Stevens said was founded on a fa'sehood. This was fraudulent misrepresestation. Fraudulent mistepresentation No. 1, No. 2, is the case of the agent Zacchi. The committee fiad that such 4 man made a large contract for horses, but he failed to appear, and they censure it as a fraudu- lent transaction, made ‘under General Fremont, aud say that the newspapers say that this Zacchi was in Genoral Fremont’s statl; but ali this turns out not to be true, and the Zaechi on the staff never knew anything about the horse contracts. Mr. Wasunvrne asked where he got his information? Mr. Stevens said from an affidavit of the real horse contractors. Mr. Wa-iecrne said he knew nothing about the cxse, ution in the series was then taken up. It is as follows:-— That the Secretary of the Treasury be requested to adjust the claim of the government for thé five thousind Hall tar- Diner, pu by General ting all other deman: archase of wud ar That nothing has occurred to lessen our confidence in the sty, integrity and patriousin of Mayor General Fre- i Mr, Wasnncrse, (rep.) of that ihe substitute was hot germain. Mr. Srevess mamiaiged tae the py sed censure ou General Fremout. The Sraakek maiutaiued Mr, Waslburce’s point of order. Mr. Sepawiex, (rep.) of N. ¥.,reviewed the the committee, wl ures the Secri Navy for employing Morgan to purchase a ia go number of vessels instead of employing responsibie ‘vicers of the government. He said the old, rotten, red tapo system raised the point of order ginal resolution im- could not be sustained fora moment. The education, Mr. Stevens supposed not. That was like w good many Profession and hapits of life of naval offir | other things in the report of the committee. They ought cers co not qualify them for such duties. | to have known that, That was what he complained of. The department. at the commencement of the purchases, employed an officer of age aod skill in the profession, whose honesty and integrity no one would doubt. Ho referred to Commodore Breese, who was as incompetent 8 a child respecting the purchase of vessels, as experience lad shown. He gave several in- stances to show that, notwithetanding the responsibility of naval officers, they do not save the government from imposition and fraud. Inthe course of his remarks he said that 150 vessels had been purchased by Mr. Mor- gan. Whileother vessels had been found ineflicient, not one of thore purchased by Mr. Morgan, and examined in the mode he had directed, had failed to perform what wae expected, and this was bays) from the economy in- volved in the transaction. He (Mr. Sedgwick) believed that the Select Committee would do the Secretary of the Nawy the justice to say that there was nothing to show any want of integrity or the least appearance of ais- honesty on his part in these purchases. The agent em- ployed by the Secretary of the Navy (Mr. Morgan) saved the government over $900,000, an amount less than was at first asked for the vessel If Mr. Morga> had Yielded to the amounts asked he would have put 20,000 in his pocket; but he honesty performed his duty in the premises. As a geveral rule, voluntary agents will cheat you out of interest and principal wo, and many of those who come out of this war will have = Jong ana fine fleece adhering to them. He believed in hiring competent men and paying them reasonable com Ppousation for their services. As to the Secretary of the Navy employing a nephew (Mr. Morgan) to purchase these vessels, the charge of impropriety would have an exhibition of justice if the agent were incompetent, but it was not so in thie case. it waa not considered impro- per for the Secretary of State or Secretary of the Inte- rior to employ his own son in important or confidential business. He spoke with a knowledge of the fact, that Mr. Morgan’s appointment was not a thing dono in a cor- ner; it was open to all, and with the consent and advice of high officers of the government, If the Secretary had adhered t the time-honored abuses, in pur- chasing. the Select Committee would have passed over the whole transaction, hite washed, or rather red washed, him with red tape. Yet because the Secretar has profitably ventured out Of the routine, he is chary in and out of this House, with impropriety by the chair- pony, tn committee, who, it appears, has aever spent ten Case No, 3 was the contract of one Simon steveus for carbines. Simon Stevens was in no way a relative of his, but he was @ constituent of his, aud of as high character as apy man in the House. Hie never heard Simon Stevens attacked before the speech of the gentle- man from Massachusetts, The committee iufer and in- sinuate that this was a purchase by General Fremont through Mr. Stevens, wheu they have direct evidence exactly to the opposite, This was not the way in which characters should be destroyed by committees of this House. The committee complain that they are charged with bes He had proved that their report was faise aud fraudulent, and he now pro togall living wit- nesses, He read a letter of General Fremont’s to the Com- mittee on the Conduct of the War, saying that many things in the report were false. Mr. Dawns, (rep.) of Mass., said that Gencral Fremont nover offered any testiimony before that committee. Mr. Jursay, (rep.) of Ind., said that Gen olfered @ list of names by which he statements. Mr. Wasuscrse said the Committee on Contracts did not refuse to receive testimony or suppress any testi- mony, and such assertion is false. He wanted to know how General Fremont’s testimony got out? Mr. Gooci, (rep.) of Mass., said he supposed General Fremont had a copy. Mr. Wasiwvawk wanted to know if that was the way the committee did business? Mr. Coirax wanted to know how the abntract of tho proceedings of the Committee on Contracts against General Fremont went ali over the country? Mr. Wasiuvrne denied that any such abstract went from the committee. ‘Srevane said it was probably all a mistake of the printer, as in the committee's report. The gentieman from Massachusetts criticized his conduct in regard to Mr. Cameron. He, with some of his colleagues, had pro- tested against his appointment, though the protest was. not of much avail. Afterwards Mr. Cameron took a dif- ferent course from what he expected, and, other things, wrote these remarkable words to General Sher- man:— You will assure all persons held to involuntary labor, who may be received into the service of the go- verument, that they will, under no circumstances, again be reduced to their former eondition, unlees they freely choore to retarn.”? But all know how his report was emasculated. He (Mr. Stevens) felt proud of the man he previously opposed, and declared he would suj him, Mr. Cameron had cut his acquaintance, but after- wards renewed it. He determined to support Mr. Came- Ton #0 long a8 he supported the country, and he with- drew bis protest. therein, Mr. Hotman, (opp.) of Ind., reminded the gentleman that the chairman Of the commitvec was now at the head of his regimont at Mr. Senawnx koew that his col Wyck) had assailed the Secretary of the Nav: ive had gone to gather laurels a0” less henorabie forviees he had rendered at the Capitol. As lant When he had concluded the House adjourned, yok) PRR soldier he bad no doubt his colleague (Mr. Van had been tried and not wanting. Mr. Sedgw ivic then referred to the able manner in which the Navy bao. partinent bad been administered , and to the vastamount of money saved to the government by its juuicious purchases, &c. Tho Secretary of the Navy bad been assailed in newspapers whowe te at the seat of the Soxpay Liqvon Deareas.—The Fifth ward police were very energetic on Sunday in suppressing tho rum traflic, and the consequence was not a drink could be had for love of money. In the Ninth, Fifteenth, Sixteenth and Twonty- nmth precincts the authorities wero equally stringent, but a large nuraber of artests were made before tho police could enforce the law. No less than fifteon cages were heard before Justice Quackenbush yesterday, i every one of which (he doalers wore required to give hail to answer, Already 162 violations of the Sunday law have beon brought before this magistrate. In Tully soven-eights of the oases the defertdants bave been held to bail or iaipritoned. may, possibly account for the conduct of the journak at He defended the department from yarions con plaints, and showed the efficiency which the navy has attained, beth in the purchase and construction of ves- sele—eixty Of the latter class having been added to whe servive. history of the navy will euffer no detriment or dishonor under ite present management. In concty. sion, he asked the House to pause before they gave a vote which would imply censure on the head of the Navy Department In his closing remarks, referring to the action of the Navy Department, Mr. 'Sevcwicx said —An appropria tion of ten millions of dollars was voted by tas {louse at an early dayof this session, and in advance of tho as to how these experiments would termi- eb iq sue sepert oF Wan ay eahicehing Comgayy Fire in Hewanee, m1 nee, til., April 28, 1862. Afire san destroyed six siores; Joss $12,000—in. All the churches whose pastors are not in the secession army open to-day, and the town wears the appearance of a Northern country Sabbath, IMPORTANT FROM THE SOUTHWEST. General Halleck's Army Still Advance ing—The Pickets of the Hostile Armie Only Half a Mile Apart—Continued Bombardment of Fort Wright—Island No. Ten Put in a State of Defence—Ine teresting Accounts trom Memphis—De= velopement of Union Feeling Among the People, &c., &e. Camo, April 28, 1862. ‘The steamer Isabella, from Pittsburg Landing, has: arrived. The army is still gradually advancing, but every thing was quiet. A reconnoigance on Friday discovered that the enemy were strongly posted at Pea Ridge, three miles beyond our line of pickets, but we did not advance to attacy them. There is news from Fort Pillow. The mortars still fire occasionally. Refugees from Memphis report a strong Union feeling existing there, and that the majority of the people are- anxiously awaiting the arrival of our forces to take pos. session, It was not believed that the erty would be burned, but all the cotton, sugar and molasses will be destroyed, Van Dorn, Price and Jeff. Thompson were at Memphis, with about six thousand miserably clad troops. They re” ain there to drive the people into submission. tho conscription act is being enforced hu a the inhabitants are loaving daily to avoid impressment, Most of the twelve months men, whose term of service js about to expire, refuse to enlist under any circum- ‘stances, and are deserting in large numbers. Cicago, April 28, 1862. Pittsburg advices of Srnday night say that the roads: are improving, and preparations for the coming battle are progressing steadily. Tho pickets of the two armies are now only half a mite apart. ‘There is much sickness among our troops, the result oF fatigue and exposure, and unhealthy climate, Refugees report that General Villipigne is stil) in com mand at Fort Wright and has a force of six or eigh, thousand men, The guns from Fort Randolph have been taken there. A large number of nogroes are constantly at work strengthening the fortifications. There is a report, which is deemed reliable, that the: rebel gunboat fleet is coming up the river to attack our flotilla, and then will make a bold stroke for tho posses. sion of the Mississippi. On the reception of this report, & steam tug was despatched to Island No. 10, having om: board gunners sufficient to man the batteries there. ‘ Refugees report that a despotic censorship is enforced in all parts of the Southwest, and public prints dared to~ utter nothing derogatory to the rebellion. They say that the Union men there are as firm and loyal as ever, and rejoicing at the near approach of the federal army. Union clubs meet nightly at Memphis, and are holding: correspondence with similar clubs in nearly every largo city of the South, General Prentiss and the other Union prisoners who had been at Memphis, received marked attention from Union people. He was taken to Tuscaloosa. Fort Harris, just above Memphis, has been overflowe@' by acrovasse, and much damage caused to the surround. ing country. ‘The Chicago Tribune's Cairo despatch says that rebe®. cavalry had appeared in considerable foree on the rivers. twenty miles below Savannah, anda gunboat had been sent down the river to watch their movements. All the: ‘Tennessee river boats now carry brass pieces on their bows, and each side, is also armed, with afguard on the: hurricane deck, to return any fire from guirilla bands, ‘Wounded from Pittsburg Landing. Pritsnvra, Pa., April 27, 1862. ‘The steamers Marengo and Hartman, sent from this city~ to Pittsburg Landing, returned today with seventy ‘wounded, who were placed in the Marino Hospital. Tho» boats started with nearly 600, all of whom were left xs points on tho river near their homes, Among the wound~ ed aro two rebel prisoners. whe Prize Cases, ‘The United States, cbe., es. the cargo of the whooner Joseph WN. Toone.—Necreo, on motion, allowing the claimant, Jove Maria Avendins, to forthwith file his claim to the cargo captured; omitting from his claiin, as inappropriate, ‘he. ‘third clause Theis being objected to by the United States District Attorney ‘The United States, de, v8. te, Joteph N. Toone and her cargo.—Ordered, that ihellants have leave to amend libel fled in this canse, a8 peoposad in the notice to the proctor of the claimant, and that claimant be por. mitted to arnond his claim, now on filo, according to (he gestions shaped in the aiidavit of hts wivocate, or, at his ion, file by Tuesday wext anew olaim to tho libel, ifse ded ae abors pormittor, aris aa and others wt. the echomer Sereh De Aparkte label Giaaiigyv® 7108 cont -