The New York Herald Newspaper, May 17, 1862, Page 4

4 NEW YORK HERALD. JAMES GORDON BENNETT, EDITOR AND PROPRIETOR. OFFICEN. W. CORNER OF FULTON AND NASSAU STS, TERMS cash in advance. Money sentby mail will be at the isk ofthe sender. None but Bank vills current in New York THE DAILY HERALD, two cente per copy. $T per annum. PHE WEEKLY HERALD, every Saturdiy, at six cents per . oF $3 per annum; the Luropean Edition edery Weduesdiay, a a eats er copy Fer onan to,any prt of reat fra or $6 12 touny parto’ the Continent, both to iuclude postaye; the fornia Edition on the Ist, Mth and 21st af each month, at siae cents per copy. 0° per anuum. THE FAMILY HERALD, on Wednesday, at four cents per copy. or. OLUNTARY CORRESPONDENC. ining important news, used, will be Uiberal! r. Bar OuR Foreic SPONDENTS AKE ParricvuaRiy Rugumsrep To Susi at Lerrens anp Pack- ‘AGKS SENT US. : NO NOTICE taken of anonymous correspondence, We do not return ri nanunicutions, ADVERTRACENTScncsed every days advertisements in- sorted in exkny HERALD, FaMity Heratp, and in the California and Eur Kuitions, JOB PRINTING executed with neatnees, heapnees anh dev pate No.133 AMUSEMENTS THIS EVENING, LAURA KEENE’S THEATRE, Broadway.<Saa or Ice. NEW BOWERY THEATER, Bowery.—Zaxraz—Jack Sonran>. BOWERY THEATRE, tom Bripg—Srxizxx S11 Sma Kinc's Vow—Puax- Jaoi BARNUM’S AMERICAN MUSBUM. Brosdway.=Com. Nurr—Living Waaus, Doc Suow, 40., @t all bours.— Fiowgns OF ime Foxes, afternoon’ and evening. BRYANTS' MINSTRELS, Mechanics? Hall.—t72 Broad- way.—Kugaxp Wats. GAIRTIES MUSIC H. 616 Broadway. : ALL, way.eDRawing PEOPLE'S MUSIC HALL, 45 Bowery.=Sezact Concert Phi na MUSIC HALL, 616 Broadway.—Somezz Mvsi- PARISIAN CABINET OF WONDERS, 0 - Open daily from 10 A. M. til9P M. bic aloes CONTINENT. —! 7 ° Mon 5 ‘AL HALL, Paterson.—Bueecerr’s Woon's New York, Saturday, May 17, 1862, THE SITUATION. The extraordinary proclamation of General Hun- ter, declaring all the slaves in Georgia, Florida and South Carolina free, has made a great sensation in Washington, and is said to produce a probable split in the Cabinet. President Lincoln has ex- preased the utmost dissatisfaction and indignation at the course of General Hunter, while at least four members of the Cabinet sustain that General. The President, however, is reported to be deter- mined to meet the issue thus forced upon him in the spirit which has governed him all through the war; and, whether supported by his Cabinet or aot, will act consistently with his previously ex- pressed opinions and intentions. It is confidently stated that General Hunter will be recalled, and his proclamation will be ignored forthwith. ‘The President, ina proclamation issued yeater- day; returns special thanks to General Wool and the forces under his command for the gallant movements which resulted in the surrender of Norfolk, the evacuation of the rebel batteries at Sewall’s Point and Craney Island, and the de- struction of the formidable rebel gunboat Mer- cimac. This honorable recognition of the mili- tary services of General Wool in causing the destruction of the most powerful naval force of the enemy, while there was a naval officer in command on the waters of Hampton Roads, must be as gratifying to the veteran soldier as it is unusual in the history of warfare. In addition to this acknowledgment by the President of Gen. Wool's services, comes, most opportunely, the confirmation by the Senate, at the same moment, of hig nomination as Major General of the regular army for his gallant conduct on this occasion. The occupation of Corinth by the rebels in large force is still confirmed by the information received from deserters to General Halleck’s army. Seve- ral skirmishes between the pickets of both armies took place on Friday. It appears, from a state- ment made by Colonel Jacob Thompson, who is now on the staff of General Beauregard, but was formerly Secretary of the Interior under Buchanan, that Pensacola has fallen into the hands of the Union army. This he admitted while in communi- cation, under a flag of truce, with some officers of Genera! Halleck's command. A despatch to the War Department from General Mitchel, dated at his headquarters, Huntsville, * Ala., contains the encouraging intelligence that a portion of his force, under General Negley and Colonel Little, had driven the rebels across the Tennesace river, taken possession of Rogersville, captured a portion of the ferry boats, and, having proceeded to Shad creek, seized the bridge and ferry below the mouth of that stream. General Mitchel continues to say:—‘No more troops will enter from that region, and we have now upon this side of the river twelve or fifteen hundred cavalry of the enemy, in bands of three or four hundred, whom we will endeavor to hunt down, destroy or capture. The gunboat which I have extemporized will be ready for service to-day, and I will soon bé ablo to pay my respects to the enemy on the eastern side of the region under my command.” ” We give im full to-day the proceedings of the great Union meeting held by the citizens of Ten- nessee in the Hall of Representatives at Nash- ville, om the 12th instant and succeeding days. We have before published the substance of the resolutions adopted on this important occasion, but the particulars farnished by our special re- porter in our columns to-day will give a thorough insight into the Union sentiments existing in the State of Tennessee. CcOnGRES In the Senate yesterday, Mr. Sherman, of Ohio, made a personal explanation, to the offect that neither the Kansas Investigating Committee nor the Naval Investigating Committee, upon both of whioh he served, ever charged or received a cent of compensation or mileage for their labors. A memorial from merchants and others of New York, urging the speedy passage of the Pacific Railroad bill, was presented and referred. The resolation that the bills of both houses of Con- ress be engrossed on paper instead of parchment was then taken up, and Mr. Sumner spoke in its favor. The consideration of the Indian Appro- priation bill was resumed, and several unimportant amendments were adopted. Mr. Clark, of New Hampshire, moved to take up the bill reported by the select committee providing for the confisea- tion of the property of rebels, which was agreed to by ® vote of twenty-three to nineteen. Mr. Trambull, of Mlinois, said the first section, which proridep fog the forfeiture of the property of rebel NEW YORK HEKALD, SATURDAY, MAY 17, 1862. office holders, was merely intended to lighten the | the press, and it breathes very thuch the same punishment of treason, and was unconstitutional. | spirit that Secretary Stanton displayed a short He therefore moved it be struck out. Mr. Davis, of | time ago, before President Lincoln took the Kentucky, moved to amend the first section by striking out the clause freeing slaves, and adding a provision for imprisonment at hard labor for not less than five nor more than twenty years. Both propositions were rejected, the latter by a vote of seven yeas to thirty-one nays. Mr. Howard, of Michigan, moved to strike out the second section, which frees the slaves of those who incite, engage in, or aid in the rebellion, as the clause was sim- ply @ mitigation of the punishment of treason. This was yejected—yeas five, nays thirty-three. Mr. Clark moved to amend the second section so as toleave it discretionary with the court to im- prison rebels for a term of not less than ten years, or forfeit their property. Pending this motion, Mr, Sumner offered a substitute for the bill, which was ordered to be printed. The Senate then went into executive session, and afterwards adjourned. In the House of Representatives nothing of pub- lic importance transpired. Mr. Benjamin Wood, of New York, obtained leave to print a speech on the war question, and several private bills were considered. Both houses adjourned till Monday. MISCELLANEOUS NEWS. The Great Eastern, it is now reported, did not leave England till the morning of the 7th instant, If this be go, she is due at this port to-night or early to-morrow (Sunday) morning. The United States steam transport Oriole, Cap- tain Manwaring, arrived at this port yesterday from Newbern, N. C., 12th inst., via Hatteras Inlet 13th inst., having on board sixty-three discharged soldiers from the @ne Hundred and Third regiment New York Volunteers; also several soldiers on furlough, and the bodies of H. Southworth and Charles Beman, both of Deep River, Conn. The health of the troops at Newbern remained good, and they were still engaged in fortifying the place. The United States transport Haze was going into Newbern when the Oriole left. The report of the Committee of the Law Insti- tute, in the case of Mr. Edwin James, was pre- sented yesterday by Mr. Lord to the Supreme Court, general term. Its purport is not yet known; but strange developments, we understand, will be made at a meeting to be held at two o’clock to-day at the Astor House. The stock market opened weaker yestesday morning, but soon rallied, and closed withgreat strength. Pacific Mail rose 3.8.3%{ percent, and was im active demand at the close. Money was very easy at 3a 4 per cent. Foreign exchange closed at 113% a 113%; gold at 1034 10334. ‘The tables of the trade of the port for the month of April will be found in the money article. The cotton market was firmer and more active yester- day. The sales embraced about 1,100 bales, closing stiff on the basis of 2734c. a 28c. for middling uplands. Some the military department over which General duced. great excitement and confusion here at the North. Everybody here has been persons appeared to think, whether justly or otherwise, that Gen. Hunter's proclamation was not without some influence on the market. Flour was in good demand, and tolerably active, but without change of importance in quotations. Wheat was heavy, and easier for common and medium qualities, while prime to choice grades were scarce and prices sustained. Corn was rather firmer, while sales wore to a fair extont at 52c.a $334c. for Western mixed, in store and delivered. Pork was heavy and lower, with sales of moss at $12 50 | $12 623, closing at the inside figure, and at $9 75a $9 873; for prime, Sugars were steady and active, with sates of about 1,800 hhds. at full prices. Coffee was quiet and prices unchanged. Freights were less buoyant for Liverpool,and engagements less active. Corn, in ‘bulk, was taken at 83;d., and wheat, in bulk, at Od.,and flour at 2s. 10d. To London flour was engaged at 2s. 3d. Rates to Havre were steady and unchanged. The Bombshell of General Hanter. It is @ very old and wise maxim that every one should mind his own busi- ness. Obviously the business of our generals and that of our politicians, though devoted to the same end, are by no means of the same character. At’ the beginning of the war our political generals caused us a great deal of trouble, and led us into all sorts of de- feats and disasters. Our military politicians, however, have done quite as much harm. Fre- mont, with an eye on the next Presidency, in- jured the Union cause and himself by an aboli- tion proclamation in Missouri. Phelps, in a fit of insanity, read a diatribe against slavery and the Pope of Rome to a small but select assem- blage of contrabands at Ship Island. The Pre- sident squelched Fremont, Phelps squelched himself, and their proclamationsalike the Tri- bune’s war correspondence, amounted to nothing. We can now place in the same category, it seems, General Hunter’s order declaring that, “as slavery and martial law in a free country are altogether incompatible, the per- sons in these’ three States—Georgia, Florida and South Carolina—heretofore held as slaves, are therefore declared forever free?” Whatever may be the effect of this order in Hunter has command, it has certainly pro- wondering and debating how this slavery question was to be treated, and all at once General Hunter throws this bomb- shell of a proclamation from his headquarters at Hilton Head, and attempts to settle the whole affair by the axiom that “slavery and martial law ina free country are incompati- ble.” Unfortunately, this axiom is not an axiom, and Hunter’s corollary, that slaves are “therefore forever free,” falls flat to the ground. What a pity it is that the gallant Hunter did not avoid giving his reasons for his general order. Ifhe had simply declared all the slaves of the South free, we might have admired him, or attacked him, or advised his confinement in a lunatic asylum. Now, how- ever, we can only laugh at and pity him, and wonder where he obtained his bad logic, and whodmpelled him to lay down the sword to bik his fingers and his reputation by writing such a silly document. In and out of Congress, therefore, every one is discussing this puzzling order. The crazy Tribune thinks it hits the rebels “right between the eyes.” But this opinion is prejudiced, because poor Greeley sees a chance to sell more guns from his manu- factory to the freed slaves. The World, after arguing all around the subject, finally con- cludes that Secretary Stanton is at the bottom of it all, and hits him several heavy blows. The Times says that Hunter is trying to rival Fremont in the favor of the abolitionists, and has “transcended the sphere of his duty.” The old fogy Jounal of Commerce believes that either the order is @ forgery or Hunter insane. The obscure little Sun approves of the procla- mation, and thinks it was ordered by the Presi- dent. The Express calls General Hunter “‘a military dictator,” and predicts that the Presi- dent will rebuke him. The Evening Post fol- lows the lead of the Tribune, and thinks Gen. Hunter has “cut the Gordian knot.” The old lady of the Commercial agrees with everybody. Now, these newspapers pretty fairly repre- sent the various and conflicting opinions of the people; and if the careful reader will mix these ideas and conjectures well together he will pro- bably arrive at something very near the real truth of the case. There is indeed some reason to believe that Secretary Stanton dictated this order to General Hunter. Its style is very like that of Secretary Stanton’s war bulletins avainst starch out of him by interfering in favor of McClellan’s plans. We know that Secretary Chase has been trying to manage the contra- bands at Hilton Head, on the plan of making them educated saints, fit only for colleges in this world and glory in the next. This plan having failed, and Chase’s man Pierce having been hit “right between the eyes” in a personal rencontre with another officer of the Treasury Department, it is very likely that Chase handed the contrabands, just as Seward handed the press censorship, over to Stanton. Besides, Stanton is generally believed to be more or less under the control of the abolitionists, while Hunter is not; and this order looks very much like an abolition anchor thrown to windward to counteract the effect of Andy Johnson’s con- servative administration in Tennessee, Governor Stanley’s expected conservative administration in North Carolina, and the conservatism of our fighting generals—McClellan, Halleck, Burnside and their subordinates—whom, with the Presi- dent, this proclamation: roundly abuses for al- lowing ‘slavery and martial law,” which are “incompatible in a free country,” to coexist in their departments. If Stanton concocted this loosely worded order, then it was probably sent down some time ago, with the red flannel trowsers and Tribune muskets, to supersede Chase's educational policy and aid the abolition party. This proclamation of freedom to the slaves resembles the bulletins against the press, not only in its style, but in its impracticability. Give it the best possible interpretation, and say tliat the writer means that slavery is subor- dinate to—not “incompatible” with—martial law, and still it effects nothing practically. Martial law can only supersede slavery during the time we hold military possession of the States named, and not “forever;”’ and it can only be put in force over such parts of the States as are occupied by our armies. General Hunter, therefore, can but free the slaves with- in his own lines; and they are, in point of fact, free already; for their masters are either killed or absent. What, then, is the use of issuing a general order to accomplish what is already done? Or suppose that Georgia, Florida or South Carolina should suddenly take the alarm, and come back into the Union for fear of losing her slaves, what would then become of MHunter’s proclamation and the freedom it bestows? Of course they would march off with our troops and their martial law, and the State laws would resume theirformer force. It is a well established con- stitutional doctrine, to which President Lincoln has repeatedly given his assent, that no power except that of a State itsélf can abolish the in-” stitutions of a State. The military authorities, therefore, can only interfere with slavery while martial law supersedes the civil law; and when 8 State returns toits allegiance the institution of slavery returns with the other civil enact- ments assoon as the military is withdrawn, This has been the doctrine and the practice of the government everywhere throughout the war, and General Hunter or Secretary Stanton cannot alter it by any general order whatever: Consequently, the President could not do less than our Washington despatch announces that he is determined to do—namely, to order the recall of General Hunter, or the instant with- drawal of this proclamation by the official who authorized it. Any popular excitement about’ it, therefore, is unnecessary. Tue Temvxe’s Guy Mansvracrory.—The Tribune says that it has “explicitly contra. dicted and thoroughly refuted” our charges that its editors and proprietors were engaged in the contract business. This is deliberately un- true. The Tribune has never dared to reply to our charges, or allow its readers to see them. Our information was based upon official docu- ments, on record, in the proceedings of Congress and at the War Department, and it is as useless for the Tribune to “contradict” as it is impossi- ble for the’ Tribune to “refute” these,accusations. Why does poor Greeley persist in assailing the Heraxp, pray, when bis own leading editor, Mr- Gay, declares in the letter we published yes- terday that “the Heratp is constantly ahead of us?” Why not owmup at once and eat hum- ble pie quietly? Tur Newro Question In Tennessee.—In the Nashville Union of May 11 we find two col- wmns of advertisements devoted to fugitive slaves arrested and detained in prison, chiefly in Davidson county, and in regard to whom the owners are requested to “come forward, prove property, pay charges and take them away.” These advertisements are published under the eye of President Lincoln’s Provisional Gover- nor, Andrew Johnson; so that the local arrange- ments of Tennessee in regard to slavery re- main practically undisturbed by Governor Johnson. We know that he is acting under the advice and instructions of the President; but how is it, then, with General Hunter, in South Carolina? Another Fremont case, no doubt. Ricamonp anp Contrts—Ovr ADVANTAGES.— Deprived almost entirely of the provisions of the border slave States, the two great rebel armies of Richmond and Corinth, hastily mus- tered and badly provided for a long campaign, are reduced to the alternative of an early battle, or a retreat without battle, for the means of subsistence. On the other hand, every day passed without a battle strengthens McClellan and Halleck, and more and more consolidates their forces. We are not impatient, therefore, for a decisive battle, either near Richmond or at Corinth, when every day’s delay operates to strengthen us and to weaken and demoralize the enemy. Tue Evexina Post AND TH! Evening Post charges that the in jured the Union cause by exaggera’ the num- ber of rebel troops in the field, and then goes on to say that Beauregard’s cypher despatch reveals the real rebel force. Well, the Hx- ished Beauregard’s despatch exclu- sively, and believed it reliable, even when the Post pronounced it a forgery. So the Post contradicts itself, and had better confine its at- tention in future to its own offences against the Union cause, its attacks upon General McClellan included. Weak Devices—The air is filled with flying rumors of all sorts of disasters to our armies East and West, including the untimely decease of some of our bravest generals. Our informa- tion, however, from responsible sources and from all quarters, the latest on hand by the mails or the telegraph, is perfectly satisfactory; ats and The" | | go that these id'e rumors of Union def | disasters of all descriptions may be set down as among the weakest of the weak devices of tho enemy. Sexaror Witson anp Genera, MoCientan.— In another column we publish a card from Senator Wilson, of Massachusetts, in which ho denies the very things which are notoriously true ofhim in referenee to General McClellan. It is true that he did go about the hotels and the newspaper offices running down General McClellan and his plans and movements, and that, in consequence of such representations, several of the republican journals have assailed that General and published articles to bring public opinion to bear upon him, in order to compel a change in his plans. The case is too strong against Mr. Wilson to permit his present denial to be of any avail. The best thing he can do is to make a clean breast by confossing his error, and amend his future conduct by ab- staining from intermeddling in campaigns or the conduct of the war. Such matters are en- tirely out of his sphere. He evidently does not understand them, and his proper course is to leave the art and science of war to the geno- rals in the field, and attend to the legislation of the country, in the best manner of which he is capable. The Tax bill, for instance, demands all his energy and attention, and by exerting himself to have it passed at once he will render his State and the Union at large better service than by indulging in foolish criticisms about what he cannot comprehend. Tue Jerr. Davis Forcep Despatca.—The confidential circular purporting to be from Jeff. Davis, in which he expresses himself despair- ingly of the Confederate cause, turns out, as we felt it to be, a forgery. Ithad so much of a “counterfeit presentment” on the face of it that we did not care to publishit. Our contem- poraries, more credulous, have been giving it extensive circulation. They ought to know Davis better than to suppose him capable, un- der any circumstances, of thus frankly commit- ting his thoughts to paper. Tue Unton Reaction In Tennessee. —Read the account, which we publish to-day, of the late great popular Union demonstration in Nash- ville. If such things come in the green tree, what may we not expect in the dry. IMPORTANT FROM WASHINGTON. Effect of General Hunter’s Emanci- pation Proclamation. THREATENED DISRUPTION OF THE CABINET GEN. HUNTER TO BE RECALLED. Consistent and Conservative Course ef the President. ‘ENFORCEMENT OF THE FUGITIVE SLAVE LAW Treasury Regulations Relative to Trade with the Reopened Ports. Action of the Senate on the Con- fiscation Bill, Kee ken ke. WAR GAZETTE. OFFICIAL. ORDER THANKING GEN. WOOL FOR THE CAPTURE OF NORFOLK. Wasuincron, May 16, 1862. ‘The skilfuiand gallant movements of Major Goneral John E. Wool and the forces under bis command, which resulted in the surrender of Norfolk and the evacuation of the strong batteries erected by the rebels on Sewall’s Point and Craney Island, and the destruction of the rebo} iron-clad steamer Merrimac, are regarded by the Presi- dent as among the most important successes of the pre- sent war. He therefore orders that his thanks as Com- mander-in-Chief of the army and navy be communicated by the War Department to Major General John E. Wool and the officers and soldiers ef his command, for their gallantry and good conduet in the brillisat operations mentioned. By order of the PRESIDENT. Made at the city of Norfolk,on the 11th day of May, 1862. Epwin M. Sraxrox, Secretary of War. GENERAL NEWS. ‘Wasmnotox, May 16, 1962. EFFECT OF GBNERAL HUNTER'S EMANCIPATION ORDER. ‘The Hunter proclamation has presented an unavoidable issue, which it is believed will result in the breaking up of the Cabinet. The President has expressed not only dissatisfaction, but indignation. It is asserted that four members of the Cabinet sustain the course of General Hunter ; but one, at least of those thus estimated is known to entertain different views. It is stated positively that General Bunter will be im-~ mediately recalled, and that the characteristic firmness of the President will be extibited in the manner in which he will meet the issue thus forced upon him, and that he will, whethor with or withont the support of the Cabi- net, act consistently with his formerly and repeatedly expressed opinions and intentions. ‘The emaneipation proclamation of General Hunter has occasioned much astonishment and earnest consideration here. Many refuse to believe it genuine. It so far transcends the proclamation of General Fremont, which elicited a prompt rebuke from the President, that speou- lation is loss to determing how this wilt be treated by the administration. Thore are many, even among the most conservative, who recognize the justice of this retribution upon the chief instigators of the re. bellion and first actors im it, but it is urged that a resort to such extreme mea- sures will give more strength to the robellion than aid to the cause of the Union. Those who regard the war as an intervention of Providence for the aboli- tion of slavery, look upon the proclamation of General Hunter as simply the beginning of an inevitable result of the desperate attempt of the people of the South to over- turn the government and trample upon the constitution, ENFORCEMENT OF THE FUGITIVE BLAVE LAW. ‘As a corollary to the Hunter imbroglio, it is stated hat the United States Marshal of the District bas been directed to execute the Fugitive Slave law by the return of a number of fugitives from Maryland, ‘his isan in- dication of the course of the President. ‘Tho Fugitive Slave law is being quietly enforced in this District to-day, the military authorities not interfering with the judicial process. Theroare at least four hun dred cases pending. It is said that some of the negroes, whose owners or agents from Maryland are here sceking their recovery, mysteriously disappeared this morning. GENERAL WOOL'S PROMOTION CONFIRMED, The Senate to-day confirmed the nomination of Brevet Major General Wool to be Major General of the army, for gallant conduct on the 10th of May, im taking the city of Norfolk, and for other gallant services. WHO FIRST HOISTRD THE UNION FLAG AT YORK- TOWN. Hon. Henry Wilson has received @ letter from a field officer of his old regiment, claiming for the Twenty. second Massachusetts the honor of raising tho first national flag upon the rebel works at Yorktown, at six o'clock in the morning of that day, and the Twenty | second relieved Col. Black and the advance guard. Soon after the rebol works were occupied by Col. G iva, who | planted tho national flag belonging to his regiment upon | the ramparts, whore it remained during the day, being tho only flag raised pon the works, or in tho town, | squtit the Forty-fourth Now York camo up in the after. Boon, Tho officers of the regimont claim that the olcial record will prove this fact. . ‘TREASURY INSTRUCTIONS RELATIVE TO TRADE WIT BKAUFORT, N. Co, PORT ROYAL, & 0., AND NEW ORLEANBs ‘The Secretary of the Treasury has issued full inatrue- tions to the various collectors respecting clearances to Ports opened by proclamation of the President. These instructions authorize clearangas at any time before the 1st of June, but vessels so cleared are not to enter such ports until om or after that date:— ‘Treasury Derartxanr, Moy 16, 1362. ‘Sir—I transmit herewith for your information a copy of the proclamation of the President of the 12th of May, 1862, opening the ports of Beaufort, N. C., Port Royal, 8. C., and New Orleans, La., witb the rogulations of the Secretary of the Troasury governing the trade with the said ports. In view of the said proclamation, and in pursuance of the regulations refer- red to, you are hereby authorized to grant clearances aud license to vessels to proceed to any of said ports under the following restrictions. Before granting any such clearance and license, you will roquire the master of each vessel to exhibit to you ® manifest or descriptive statement of his cargo and list of the passengers and crew, and to verify th by his oath or solemn affirmation, and you will fully satisfy yoursclf that said vessel ig intended in good faith for a lawful trade, and will in no wise divactly or indi- rectly violate the provisions of the aforesaid proclama- tion and tho regulations referred to. ‘You will insert in such clearance the following:— Master of the of , having exhibited to me aman- ifest or descriptivestatement of his cargo, anda listof the pas. sengers anderexe, and having verified the same by his oath or solenyn atirmation; and I having satisfed myael ‘aaid vessel is intended in good faith for a lat le; now, therafore, by the authority of the Secretary o! ry, and in pursuance of a proclamation of the President of the Treastry, tented May 12 1080, perminsion. ish a mis here! te for the shld vessel to ed bo the pork ve wanes State of ———~-, and to leave said for an; nation on the conditions heretnaftef mentio! the said vessel will convey no persona, tion contraband of war, either to or from port, that tne clearance or license shall be exhibited to the Collec tor of Customs at the sald port of imi mediately on if required, to any oilicer in charze of the wd that the and persons con. cern ‘he man: at and control of the vessel shall faithfully pgnply ith the revenue laws and ulations of {the United States, and with the conditions of this clearance The violation of any of the conditions of this clearance will involve the condemnation and forfeiture of the ves- sel and cargo, and tho cxclusion of all parties concerned from avy furthor priviloges of participating in tho trade thas opened by proclamation of the President of the United States. The officers of vessols-of'war and all other persons will respect the clearance and license, and permit the said vessel to proceed on her lawful voyage umnolested, while pr uting the same in conformity with it conditions. In clearances given prior to the rt the further proviso that the not enter any of the said ports vious to the 1st of Juno, on ponalty of forfeiture of tho v and cargo. Tam, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 8. P. CHASE, Secretary of the Troasary. THE MILITARY SUPERVISION OF THE TELEGRAPH, On inquiry at the War Department, it is ascertained that the order of the Assistant Supervisor of Telegrams at Cincinnati to the operator at Cairo was not issuod by the Military Supervisor at Washington. It was issue! by the Assistant Supervisor at Cincinnati, under a mis- apprehension of the instructions received from the Military Supervisor, which wore intend¥d to stop the forwarding from Cairo to the newspapers of false and improper military intelligence and sensation dospatches relative to military matters, such as had on several occasions created public anxiety and alarm with- out cause, and of which great complaint has justly been made, Thore has been no change In the orders of tho dopartment, and there is no intention to withhold any authentic information from the public, except such ay could not be forwarded without embarrassment to mili tary operations and dangor to our armies. EXPECTED RELEASE OF COLONEL CORCORAN. ‘The Secretary of War, upon the application of Repre- sentative Ely, has ordered the release of Colonel W. F. Baldwin, of Virginia, to be exchanged for Colonel Corco- ran, Captain Farrell and Lieutenant Dempsey, recently released as prisoners of war trom Richmond, and who have beon a week in Washington, bavereprosented tothe President and Sepretary of War the necessity and justice ofthis arrangement, on account of Colonel Corcoran’s heaith. Aided by Representative Ely, they have suc- °*3ince their arrival here Captain Farrish and Licutenant Dempsey have been sedulous in their efforts to procure ‘an exchange for Colonel Corcoran. Upon their »pplication, ‘a list of seventeem rebel colonels, now prisonors of war, was offered for their selection of one of the most likely to effect an exchange. Colonel W. F. Baldwin, of the ‘Twonty-firat Virginia militia, was chosen. He is to be sent to Fortress Monroe, and the information conveyed by flag of truce that he is there awaiting the exchange. EFFORTS FOR THE RELEASE OF NEW YORK PRISON- ERS OF WAR. Representative Kerrigan to-day received, through one of the iately rowrned Union prisoners,a letter from Richmond, dated May 12, which was hid in a piece of soap, urging him to use his political influence to effect the release of Captains Downey and Griffin, and Lieute- nants Underhill and Fay, of New York rogiments. He also received two photographs of the Union hostages as they appeared in Castle Pinckney. THE MUTINIES IN THE REBEL ARMIES. It is felt here that the disposition lately manifested br rebels to desert and mutiny, is tho best possible com- mendation of the policy pursued by our generals. REASSIGNMENT OF ARMY OFFICERS. Paragraph two of General Ordors, No. 102, dated November last, having been revoked, the officers and men transferred to skeleton regiments, under its opera- tion, will be reassigned to their original regiments as faat as vacancies occur. ATPOINTMENTS CONFIRMED BY THE SENATE. Among other minor military nominations the following were confirmed :;—First Lieutenant Wm. Kesley, former- ly & page in the Senate; Charles H. Dustan, of Now York; Captain P. T. Schopp, of Pennsylvania; Tioutenant Mont- gomery, of Rochester; Orson H. Hart and James C. Clark, all Assistant Adjutant Gener: Benjamin F. Luahbaugh, of Nebraska, was confirmed as agent for the Pawnee Indians in that Territory. Also Charles Case as Postmaster at Winchester, Va. On the 6th the United States gunboat Ottawa captured the rebel schooner ©. C. Pinckney, from Charleston for Nassau, with ninety-four bales of cotton, rosit, &c. On the night of the 8th the Alabama fan a schooner on shore at Lighthouse Inlet. Next day the Pocahontas endeavored to get to her, but could not, as she was under proteetion of the guns of the shore battories. ACTIVITY OP THE BLOCKADING SQUADRON. ‘The Navy Department has information that on the Ist inst. Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Nickels, of the Onward, despatched Acting Master Sleeper, in bis vessel's launch, in chase of the schooner Sarah, abont one hundred tons burden endeavoring to run the blockade of Bull's Bay, on the coast of South Carelina. Her crew thereupon ran her ashore and burned her, themselves esoaping. THE HOMESTEAD BILL. The Homestead bill, which has passed Congress, is national in so far ag loss to the Treasury is concerned, and is sectional as to the benefits it will bestow. Those living in the immediate region of surveyed public ands will of course have the lion's share of the advantages, while the far off poor upon the Atlantic coast cannot com. mand the means to go with thoir families to the ox. tremo West to locate a section. Two or three millions a year will bo abstracted from government revenues by the operation of the act, while the expenditure on land account will be greater than ever before. It is stated at the Interor Department that a vast number of clerks will be necessary in the Generai Land Office, and in the office of the several districts, to register the namos of persons applying for the benefit of the act. They must first exhibit proofs at tho local-land office to show that they are qualified, and at the end of five years they must file papers to shew that their occupancy has boen continuous. Transcripi# must be sent here, where rosters will be opened exhibiting the state of things con- cerning each claimant. RESTORATION OF THE ARLINGTON ESTATE. ‘There are now @ hundred or two of contrabands at work upon the Arlington estate, Ifail the region about hero is to be restored to the condition that existed before the war, thousand of such laborers will be needed for & tod. agi THE CAPITOL EXTENSION. ‘The Capitol extension is nearly completed; but a penny wise and pound foolish policy withholds the sma!l appro- priation wanted to put the exterior in @ condition to pre- vent injuries by exposure, Almost all the needed mato- rial, marble and iron, are ready, anda strong effort will be mado to obtain, a8 @ matter of économy, the appro- priation needed for the continuance of the work. ILLNESS OF SENATOR RICE. Senator Rice is extremely ill, suffering froma severe hemorrhage. Fears are entertained for his recovery, ‘THE COMMISSIONER OF AGRICULTURE. Mr. Isaac Newton was to-day nominated as Commis. sioner of Agriculture. The whole Wisconsin delegation, including Senators and Representatives ‘x Congress, in. ten: to-morrow to apply in person for the reinstatement of General Hamilton to the command of bis division. ORNAMENTATION OF THE NATIONAL CAPITAL, The Committoo on Public boildings and Grounds bate munifested this sesst na just appreciation of tho neces: fog the tn master merchants and others of Ne: passago of the Pacific Railroad bill. in this respect during the present session than at any one former seasion. GENERAL SIOKLES ORDERED TO RESUME COMMAND OF ‘HIS BRIGADE.’ General Sickles appeared again to-day in his brigadier general's uniform, He has been ordered to resume the command of the Excetsior Brigade, and is to proceed im- mediately to the peninsula, He has been actively en- gaged in efforts to procure $he immediate exchange of the officers and mon of hia brigade who were taken prisonexs and have been paroled, Last evening he visited thos@ men, at tho Soldiers’ Retreat, and was greeted with bois~ terous enthusiasm. They gathered around him with’ manifestations of real affection. He addressed them iu & brief and spirited speoch, regretting that he was pre~ vented from leading them at the battle of Williamsburg, and promising to do so in thetr mext engagement. He was grooted with choors upon cheers, and was evidently a favorite with all. A very excellent portrait of General Sickles, by Miss Van Wycke, exhibited by Phillips & Solomons, attracts much attention, The Secretary of War has ordored the payment of the expenses incurred in the oquipment and preparation for servico of Geueral Sickies’ Excelsior Brigade, THE POTOMAC AQUEDUCT. Tho House of Roprosentatives have initiated a bill for transferring the oharge of the Potomac aqueduct com- struction from General Meigs. It is said truly that he has his hands full, as Quartermaster General, with ap- propriations for his bureau for the next year amounting: toa hundred or two millions of dollars, The main por- tion of the aqueduct is completed. But little more needs to bedone to let in the water of the Potomac, THE MAILS FOR NEW ORLEANS. Tho mails for Now Orleans will be made up at Now York, to be forwarded by sea on every steamer which may leave for that port; therofore, the communication be- twoon these cities will be froquent. Postmasteré are requested to forward all mail matter for Now Orleans to the New York Post office. DEATH OF A SOLDIER, Sergeant Charlos Irvin, Company G, Fifty-fitth New York regiment, died this afternoon at the National Hos_ Pital, from wounds received at the battle of Williams- burg. PROCEEDINGS OF CONGRESs. THIRTY-SEVENTH CONGRESS. FIRST SHSSION. Benate. Waamaron, May 16, 1862. NO BXTRA PAY OR MLBAGE RECEIVED HY THE INVESTIGATING COMMITIASS. Mr. Sugrsan, (rep.) of Ohio, made a statement in reference to a remark made by Mr. Holman, of Indiana, in the House, who said, speaking of the Investigating Committoo, that he (Mr. Sherman) was on tho committee and received eight dollars a day. Mr. Sherman said that he had been on two committees—one the Kansas Committec, and the othor the Naval Investigating Com- mittee: but neither committee ever charged or roceived: a cent of compensation or mileage. THR PACIFIC RAILROAD. Mr, Kina, (rep.) of N. Y., presonted a memorial from w York asking for the speedy PAPER YS. PARCHMENT. ‘The reaolution offered by Bir. Sumner, that the bills of tho Sonate and Hines, bo engrossed on paper instead of rchment, was taken up. rr. Sumxgr, (rep.) of Mass., spoke in favor of the adoption of the resolution. ‘THR INDIAN APPROPRIATION RILL. A resolution was adopted that the Indian Appropriation bill be takon up. Mr. Deourrrie, (rep.) of Wis., offered an amendment authorizing the President to apply the appropriations to certain tribes; a'so authorizing the President, where tribal organizations have taken up arms against the government to abrogate all treaties with them. ‘The amendment was adopted. rae ODNFISCATION BI1.L~ Mr. Ciara, (rep.) of N..H., moved to take up the Cons fiscation bill reported from the 8, ecial committee. Mr, FRssexprN, (rep.) of Me., said he was going to asit the Sonate to take up the Tax bill. He was in favor of both bills, but his position omthe committee made it bis duty to urge the passage of the Tax bill. Mr. Wank, (rep.) of Ohio, was in favor of trying to make the rebels pay part of the cost of the war before proceeding to tax loyal men. Mr. Haxpmnsox, (Union) of Mo., thought there woul@ be no very great revenue derived from the bill as re- ted. He supposed the burthens of the Tax bill woul@ Be imposed ‘on some of tho rebel States as weil as the loyal States. He should, therefore, vote to take up the tax dill. ‘The Confiscation bill was taken up.—Yeas 23, nays 19. Mr. CLanx said the Dill had been carefully prepared by the committee, who ‘had tried to barmonize the different opinions, and hoyed the bill would meet with the appro- bation of the Senate. ‘Mr. Tacusvts., (rep.) of fll., movod to strike out the first section, which he said was merely to mor the punishment of treason, and was unconstitut He contended that this was not a Confiscation bill at He claimed that Congress bad to take the property of a rebel and his life, in war, but cannot bring him into -court and take his property longer than life, under the constitution, which prov idee against sttaunder ‘and the taking of the property of a traitor from eirs; yet first section ‘as punishment for treason te take the property of rebels forever. ‘Aftor further discussion Mr. Davss, (opp.) of hs moved to amend the first section by striking out all Clauses troeing the slaves, andto add a provision for im- prisonment at hard labor not less than five nor more thrm twenty years. Mr. Davasesid he had no objection to the confiscation of slaves if thoy were treated like other property, and the proceeds pit into the Treasury. ‘Mr. Cuarx asked if Congress could allow a house to go free if it were confiscated ? a Mr. Davis thought not. He thought it the duty of Com- gress to appropriate property and use it. Mr. Crakk said—Suppose Cor thonght it its duty to let it go free, who was to be the judge of its duty ? ‘Mr. Davis said the legal definition of forfeiture implied that you must take the property and use it. ‘Mier further discussion Mr. Davis’ amendment was re- jected. The yeas wore Messrs. Davis, McDougall, Pearee, Powell, Saulsbury, Stark, Wilson, Mo.—T. Nays, 31. The queation then recurred on Mr, Trumbuli’s motion to strike ont the first section. (rep.) of Kansas, thought if it was wanted to teat, it would be better to offer the original bith a ‘ystitute and not try to mutilate this bill. He was: in favor of the original bill, but if the Senate was de- termined to have this bill ho wanted to take it as it was. Mr. Trumbuli’s amendment was rejected. Yeas— Messrs. Davis, Howard, Pearce, Powell, Saulebury, Trumbull, Wade, Wilkinson, Wilmot, Wilson, Mo.—1 Nays, 29. Mr Howarp, (rep.) of Mich., movod to strike ont the second section, which provides for the forfeiture of the property and frcedom of the slavos of those who incite, ‘engage in or aid in the insurrection against the United States. He spoke at some length against this section of the bill as simply mitigating the punishment of treason. Mr. Chanx moved to amend the socond section by im- serting “ by imprigonment not excooding ten years,”? or so a to make it forfeiture or imprisoument, or both, at the discrotion of the court. Adopted. Mr. Howard’s amendment was then rejected. Yeas— Davis, Howard, Powell, Saulsbury, Wilson, Mo.—5. ‘Nays, 33. Mr. Scuner offered a substitute for the bill. Ordeved to be printed. EXECUTIVE SESSION. Un motion of Mr. Grimes, .(rep.) went into executive session. Adjourned till Monday. House of Representatives, Wasmxatox, May 16, 1862. 14 HOMICIDE OF MESSRS, SCOTT AND MATHEWS IN VIRGINIA. ‘Tho SrmamuR laid before tho House a communication from the Seeretary of War, enclosing a report from Gen. Geary concerning the homicide of Robert EB, Scoww 4 a man named Mathews, recently in Fa::quier county, Virgiuin, Trom which it appears they were killed by twa privates o( a Wisconsin regiment, as they, with arms im their hands, were entorin, house where the soldiers had takon sheltor, to capture them. Oue of the latter was shot and the other |. Mt ie added they had been guilty of marauding Ja the section through which they while seeking to join their regiment. ‘SPEECH OF MR. WOOD ON THE AYFAIRS OF Mr, Bexsamix Woop, (opp.) of N. Yy consume the time of tho House in deliver speech om the condition of the Union, obtained permisstn to print it, Hesays that it has been left to him to speak the first conciliatory word in behelf of bis suffering country- mon. There were gentlemen within his vision whose sworn porpose and first dagire, paramounteven to the pre- servation of the republic, is emancipation. ‘They first ap- piled the torch and are now more busy than ever witt throwing fresh fuel to the flames. Should history ever trace (which God forbid) the record of this country’s ruin, that pogo will seem tho stringest to those wha read that whic! ‘of Iowa, the Senate shall teil of the madness and wicked~ ness of the arch-fanatics of abolitionism. In the darke recesses of the temple of infamy the gloomiest niches will bear the inspiration of their names. In the lace of making the negro question the subject matter of ebate, Congress should take into earnest and sciemm consideration some expodient for securing peace. Me be~ Heved success would crown thoir efforts. An hovgrabie peace was within their grasp, and when the people shall Fealizo that it is only the infamons design to staengthem. anti-slavery movements which prevents an offeet to ob= tain , woe to the chiefs of the abolition party, Bat words are thrown away on stubborn fanaticasm. / He ap- to tho loftier feelings which shou'@ pervade hu- manity,, to the lovers of our common couAry, Wo want ‘a union of soversigns, not of subjects. dn conclusion he urgos and ontreats Congress to adop's some measures which may bring about cessation of / hostilities with @ tiation. swletane PRIVATE BIL. Private bills wore const Adjournod til! Monday. Sail ig of tlhe America, Vaauirax, N.8., May 16, 1962. ‘Tho Amorien arrived bro from Boston at half-past four ‘ y | this morsing, and s@ ced again for Liverpool at a quarters rovomenus of he city, More bag Yeon dune | past Hix,