The New York Herald Newspaper, December 15, 1863, Page 4

4 NEW YORK HERALD. EDITOR AND PROPRIETOR. ; OPFigg N. W. COBNBR OF FULTON AND NASSAU STS. ‘Volame XXVIII ..... seeteeeeeees NO, 347 AMUSEMENTS THIS EVENING. NIBLO'S GARDEN, Broadway.—Miacic Jowe—Faiar Creous. WALLACK’S THEATRE, Broaiway.—Rossoace. WINTER GARDEN, Broadway.—Ticesr of Luave Cs Ma OLYMPIC THEATR! ‘East Saavina—Yan« Bewane— Broadway. —Lavixs Lecacr. NEW BOWERY THEATRE, Bowers—Doc or Oxp Brows Cuoss—Paur Crtrrorp—JoLLy Consixn, BOWERY TUBATRE, Bowery.—Jack Suerrann—Mis- uuToe Bougu—Ticker or Leave. BARNUM'S MUSEUM, Broadwav.—Awasian Grant, iaNt Gint, Giant Bor, Linurotian Kine, &c.. at all jours, Tickkt or Leaves Max—Txxant or tax Toma.— Afternoon and Bvening. BRYANTA MINSTRELS, Mechanics’ Hall, 472 Broad- was Beaportan bonas, Dances, BURLESQUKS, &C.—JKEMES uk Pout. WOOD'S MINSTREL HALL, 514 Broadway. —Ezmiopian Bones, Dancus, &c.—Vor H UGS MENAGERIK. GEO. CHRISTY'S MIN sLS, 683 Brondway.—Bus- ussques, Songs, Dances, 40.—Biace Srarux, AOADEMY OF MUSIC, Irving Place.—Musigat ann Ditsaagy Somes. Parnas AMERICAN THEATRE, No. 444 Broadway.—Battrts, Paytomimed, Burtesques, &c.—Inisn Tiger. BROADWAY AMPHITHEATRE, 435 Broadwav.—Gru- Nastic anp Equgsteian PaRrogMancers, HOPE CHAPEL, 718 Broadway.—Tag Srereoscorrican 08 Minnog or THe UNivERsE. SEW YORK MUSEUM OF ANATOMY, 618 Broadway. Comiositigs anv Lycrunes, from 9.4. MUNI Me HOOLEY'S OPERA HOUSE, Brooklyn.—E Boxes, Dances, BURLESQUES, 40. civ. —Femopas New York, Tuesday, December 15, 1863 THE SITUATION. There ia no news of the least importance from the Army of the Potomac. Many of the officers and soldiers are receiving furloughs to return home and visit their families. A reconnoitering party Bent out some days ago to perfect our maps in the Tegion north of Culpepper and along the base of the Blue Ridge, as far as Sperryville and Little ‘Washington, returned to camp on Friday and re- ported that they encountered no enemy in force, but fell in with several small squads of partisans, ‘all belonging to the Sixth Virginia cavalry. We have intelligence from Key West up to the 2dinst. The British schooner Maria Alberta, while attempting to run the blockade into Bay Port, on ithe 27th November last, was captured by the ‘schooner Two Sisters—tender to the flagship San Sa 0. The prize was brought to Key West in ‘charge of Acting Master's Mate A. P. Montague. ‘The Maria Alberta had cleared from Havana for Matamoros. The nature or value of the cargo is mot stated. A meeting of Union citizens has just ‘been held at Key West for the purpose of electing ‘Municipal officers for the ensuing year. For ‘Mayor, the present incumbent, Col. Patterson, ‘waa unanimously nominated. Four Aldermen iwere at the same time nominated—Messrs. Pert, ‘Von Phiston, Rawson and Campbell. The weather fat Key West was boisterous and very cold. { The news from the South which we give to-day very interesting, comprising the details of the proceedings in the rebel Congress and the fierce Menunciations of Jeff. Davis by Senator Foote. It is recommended that tri-monthly sessions of Con- ‘Gress shall be held, as the business to be attended to it of so urgent a character. The proclamation of Mr. Lincoln, offering an amnesty, is regarded by the Richmond Sentinel as intended to make capital in Europe. It does not see very clearly ‘the mode by which the proposals of Mr. Lincoln can be carried out; whether, for instance, he is Boing to suspend the war while the South is con- Bidering the question, so as it may come to a con- The figures of the reasury report are given in our columns, showing ‘the condition of the rebel finances for the past ‘year. Despatches from Chattanooga to yesterday state that Colonel Walker made a successful recon- Moissance as far as Lafayette, and captured a Yebel signal station, six forty privates. The remaining force of the rebels fled. It was rumored that General Longstreet lost four thousand prisoners and nearly all his cannon and trains in his retreat from Knoxville. This is a much heavier loss than that already reported. CONGRESS. The atanding committees of both houses were announced yesterday. Those of the Senate do not vary much from last session. The House commit- fees appear to give satisfaction to all sections. In the Senate resolutions of thanks to General Hooker and General Meade and the Army of the Potomac, for their skill and valor in repelling the rebels at Gettysburg, and to General Banks and hisarmy for their success at Port Hudson, were presented and referred. The resolution of thanks to General Grant and his army was also referred. A bill striking out the three hundred dollar clause from the Enrolment act, and increasing the pay of the rank and file of the army, was introduced; aiso & bill increasing the bounties to volunteers, In the House @ large number of propositions re- lating to the army, slavery and the Canadian Re- ciprocity treaty were introduced. Several resolu- tions regarding the rebellion, peace and recon- atruction were presented—one by Fernando Wood, providing for the appointment of commissioners to Proceed to Richmond with the view of arranging for the termination of the war and seouring peace. It was laid on the table by a vote of ninety-six to ffty-nine. MISCELLANEOUS NEWS. The European mails by the Canada reached this oity from Boston yesterday morn Our files Bre dated in London and Paris on the 28th of No- yember. It appears that the betting at the latest mo ment in London on the great fight between Heen ‘and King was coming rather in favor of K London Globe sa: King, although he was ich later in going strict training, will not exceed thirteen stone two pounds, while Heenan be at least more than half a stone heavier ‘clusion without intimidation. officers and hia antagonist. . The Board of Aldermen met yesterday at one m'clock. Alderman Ryers, cliairman pro tem., red @ resolution donating the sum of $250 to fohn Brown, assistant foreman of Hose Com- No. 30, for his heroic aud de rescuing o child from a recent fire in Sev nth avenue, and restoring it to the arms of its ‘The paper was laid over under the rule, ut will be passed at the next meeting. Alderman ‘ox offered a resolution directing the Street Com: | to remove forthwith all the buildings ‘This ng conduct erected on the Battery without auth as adopted. The bill of Mr. Stetson, for $6,750, Gor the roception of the Russian oflivers, #4s ov posed by Alderman Mall, a8 cxorbitant. Aldermen Jeremiah and Fox also voted against it, and the paper was laid over. The bill of Mr. Atetson for $36,290 for dinners to returned volunteer rogi- ments was also laid over. A resolution waa of- feved by Alderman Parley authorizing the Harlem Railroad Company to lay tracks in Fourth ave nue, from Thirty-second street to Forty-second stecet, and also permitting them to extend a track through Thirty-fourth street to the Bast river, and, if the grade be impracticable on the upper portion of Thirty-fourth street, the track to run through Thirty-second street and Lexington ave- nue to Thirty-fourth street, provided the company notify the Mayor of their acceptance of the per- mission within tea daya. The Board will meet again to-day at one o'clock. The Board of Councilmen met at four o'clock yesterday, A number of bills for fitting up elec- tion places, resolutions to provide new locations for engine companies, and other similar papers, were appropriately referred. Morgan Jones pre- sented the the bil! of the Kighty-fourth regiment, amounting to $84, for expenses incurred at the reception of the Russian officers. Referred. The resolution offered by Alderman Farley, expressing respect for the memory of the late Col. T. O’Mea- ra, ef the Seventy-ninth Regiment Mlinois Volun- teers, who was killed at the battle of Chattanoo- ga, was received and laid over. Morgan Jones offered a resolution that the Mayor be requested to have the various Gre alarm bells strike the hours of nine P. M. and 12M. on week days, aud 9 P.M. onSundays. Mr. Hayes stated that the telegraph was at present out of order, which was the reason the striking had been recently omitted. The resolution was adopted, and the Board, af- ter holding a secret session, on motion of Mr. Hayes, adjournedd antil Thursday ext, at one o’clock. The Surrogate yesterday rendered a decisionas to the legal construction of James Robinson's will, holding that inasmuch as both Mr. Robinaon's daughters have died since his death tho estate goes to the executor of the will of the last sur- vivor. n accounting of the executors of Her- man Gerfen’s estate was ordered. A motion that the Surrogate reconsider his conclusion in the matter of the two wills of Francis Callam was ar- gued. The Surrogate reserved his decision. The fourth annual festival of the New York So- ciety of Ann Arbor, Michigan, was celebrated at that city on Tuesday evening last. After a busi- ness meeting and the election of officers for the ensuing year the company sat down to a splendid dinner, where, amid the many patriotic toasts drank, their native State was not forgotten. The nomination of Mr. Charles Franks as one of the Brooklyn Water Commissioners was confirmed last evening by the Board of Aldermen of that city. The vote stood twelve to aeven. A fire occurred yeaterday afternoon at No. 128 Maiden lane, caused by the accidental ignition of petroleum oil. A very extensive conflagration was prevented only by the extraordinary exer- tions of the firemen. The storage of large quanti- ties of these oils ought not to be permitted in the heart of the city. If the Common Council do not enact a law restricting the storage of this danger- ous article we may expect soon to have a block or two of valuable property laid in ruins. It is stated that, for the first time since the presi- dency of Gencral Jackson, the administration hes been able to organize in its interest the Congress elected for the last two years of its term. There was cousiderable excitement in the stock market yesterday afternoon, which was caused by the favorabic statement of the agssoctated banks of this city, and prices run up one and two per cent. Tho gold exchange was without animation, and prices raaged with smal! sales be- tween 149% and 160%. Government ’stocks aro wory drm , with an upward tendency, influenced by a report that large orders have reached the city from foreign capl- talists. Five-twonty coupon bonds are quoted atone por cent premium, The bank statement has added increased ease to the money market, and it is thought the legal rate of interest cannot much longer be obtained. Yoaterday was decidedly the dullest day, take {t alto. gether, that bas been experienced in business places for many a day, The talk about tariff aod toternal tax changes has a tendency to unsottle the markets, and thereby restricts sales. The weather also operated to restrict business. At the Produce Exchange thero was no great change. Flour and gratn were about steady at Saturday's prices, Provisions were stoady. Pork was Father lower but steady. Groceries wore quiet. Cottoa was rather firmer. Kreights were Armor with a fair busi- ness. The Next Presidency—General Graat as the People’s Candidate. While the managing politicians at Washing- ton are dispensing their offices, preferments jobs and contracts, and arranging their schemes for the next Presidency, the opportunity is of- fered to the independent people of the loyal States to take the initlative, bring forward their ticket, cut out the politicians, and walk over the course. The republican party, in the elections of the past year, has been merged in the Union war party, while the late Northern democratic party has been pretty effectually demolished and dis- persed by the malign influences of the copper- head peace faction. The competing parties for the Presidential campaign remain to be organ- ized or crystalized. The elements on both Sedes are afloat, and have as yet assumed 00 fixed or definite shape. By May or June next, the usual season for our national party nomina- ting conventions, the war, we expeot, will be ended, and the great work of the restoration or reconstruction of the Union will be fairly and fully before the country. Upon this issue, notwithstanding the temptations offered the radicals by Presi dent Lincoln in his annual Message, it is pro- bable he will be overslaughed by Mr. Chase as the administration party candidate, on account of the powerful financial and fanatical influ- ences controlled by the Secretary of the Trea- sury. But we mag well apprehend that an ad- ministration of the extreme radical tendencies and affiliations of Mr. Chase, instead of restor- ing the national harmony and lightening our heavy burthens of taxation, would bo apt oaly to make confusion worse confounded, and to create additional demands upon tho pockota of the people to meet the lavish expenditures of the government. Against these possible con- tingencies the peopie have the remedy in their own hands. They bave only to bring forward 4 popular man, upon a pepular conservative platform, and in advange of the juggling poli- ticians on either side, in order to be complotely successful Of all men, in this view, General Grant ia the man for the occasion What military avail- ability is experience has taught us. The battle of New Orleans (a amall affair, and of no con! sequence whatever in shortening that war, inas much as peace had been agroed upon before the battle was fought) made General Jackson a political dictator by the will of the people; he battle of Tippecanoe, a paltry Indian fight, carried General Harrison into the White House in a popular whirlwind which swept away all ns before it The supposed killing of an Indian chief made “Old Dick Johnson,” of Kentucky, Vice President. The little bat tles successfully fought by General Taylor in Vovico, culminating in that of Buena Vista, in hich his whole force was less than sic thou obstruc’ ¥ sand men made “Old Gack” President over the Lead of Hoary Clay, aud im opposition to General Cass, who reputation as @ soldier N&W YORK HERALD, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1863. was of an older date ed aemaller pattern ‘True, Gen. Scott failed aa a Presidential candi- date; but he was defeated by his supposed abo- lition affiliations. His nomination, bhewever, over the head of Dautol Webster is another case which shows that military glory is strong- ec for the Presidency than tho highost repu- tation of atatesmanahip But what wore the military achievoments, in their magnitude, of Jackson, Harrison, Tay- lor and Scott, compared with thoae of General Grant? Mere molehilla at the foot of a great mountain. What is th) summing up of Genenal Grant's battles? More than a dozen victories, forty thousand rebelt killed and wounded, ninety thousand priapnera captured, ocarly five hundred pieces of artillery, one hundred and fifty thousand amall arms, over one bua- dred railroad locomotives, over a thousand cars; and horses, cattle, cotton, contrabands, towns, cities, forts, magazines and all sorts of military stores om the game grand scale No military successes of modera times will com- pare with these, except those of the campaigns of the great Napoleon, And the beat of it is that General Grant, of all mon, haa tho moat modest opinion of his services. Ho ta, perhaps, in every respect, the most .ugprotend- ing man in the army. So little fans he had to do with politics that ao other,man can say poal- tively what are his opinioas on the parties and party questions of the day. All that wo knew ia that bis antecedents are democratic, and that his views and inclinations are ufficiently con- servative for the purposes of an independeat conservative movement for the Presidency. Let the independent oaasses of the people, therefore, who have cut themselves loose from the machinery of the corrupt and dismantled political parties of the day, take this Presidea- tial business into theic own hands, and being General Grant at once into the field. A fow town and county meetings, aa in the caso of Genoral Jackson, will put the ball in motion; aad, once fairly in motion, it cannot be arrested. Brought forward thus by the people, Geuoral Grant will be triumphantly elected; and, thus elected, we may reasonably count upon a new order of things at Washington, inoluding a speedy and satisfactory restoration of the Union, retrenchment and reform in the public expenditures, a general clearing out of the Augean stables, and some practical steps to- wards the reduction of our overshadowing mountain of public debt. Genera! Grant is the man for the people, and now is their time to bring him out upon the course. Napoteon’s Dit Proposed Huropean Congress @ Fizzle. England has positively and categorically ce- fused to attend the European congress pro- posed by his Majesty the Emperor of the French. To all the good and valid reasona yrged by Napoleon’s Foreign Minister in favor of a oon- gress, Karl Russell, che Foreiga Minister of her Britannic Majesty, responds with equally good and valid reasons why the meeting of such a congreaa és not feasible. The Karl's answers are dofinite, and settle the affair beyond all question as faras England is concerned. Sho positively refuses to accept Napoleon's invita- tion. It may justly be asserted that the acoep- tation in principle of the Congresa by a majority of the Powers of Europe amounts to nothing more than the refusal which England haa bold- ly made. Austria, Russia and Prussia all ap- prove of the Emperor Napoleon’s idea; but one and all desiro explanations and guarantees ere they accept, which is tantamount to a refusal, aa they are well aware that the conditions they impose would invalidate the congress; in fact, wender it an absurdity. It is evident that the outspoken refusal of England will influeace those Powers who have hesitated and bargained. We aball see them now fullowing ngland’s course, and lengthy and polite refusals will be showered upon Napoleon. Some time must pasa in the exchange of diplomatic notes; but at last it will be known that all, save the secondary Powers of Europe, bave refused the proposed congress. This failure will detract much from the already waning prestige of the Emperor of the Freach, aad his opponents will bave all the better gamo in dostreying his ia fluence throughout his empire. The leading in- tellects of France are pitted against the impe- rial government in the Corps Logislatif They were preparing to attack the policy of the gov- ernment as regards thia country and Mexico, to say nothing of the anaoyance they would have caused the Emperor by probing the [tatian question, when be sprung upoa them this congress coup d'etat. The boldness of the move gave the Emperor’s policy a momentary and moteorlike brilliancy which quite dumbfoynd- ered the opposition, and they were forced to re- main quiet and await the course of events. [f Europe accepted the congress, Napoleon at once became the great man of the day, and his away in France would be more than over pow- erful; if Europe refused the congress, Napo- leon had one more failure to account for, and the opposition a atill more formidable weapon to wield against him. [tis now evident that ho will fail, and we shall soon bear of the ce- newed vigor of the opposition Louis Napoleon has mado strenuous efforts to gain by diplomacy that lead in Europe which his uncle, the great Napoleon, gained by military successes. Like his illustrions predecessor, he has been at first vastly success. ful; but at last a change in his good fortune ia apparent, and he has kately suffered some terri- ble diplomatic defeats. Lis failure to persuade Europe into a coalition against this country was his Leipsic. His present failure apropos of the congress must be doemed a scathing dofoat—a very Waterloo —from which, diplomatically, bo will never recover. His only, bis last resource is a great war, in which be can engage with the sympathy of the French people. A struggle in favor of Poland, or a great and deadly war with England, are tho last arrows in the quiver of the “Man of Destiny.” He will have to make a choice, and a speedy one at that, if he hopes to escape the fate which is impending over bim. Beoapwart avy Im Pavement —Broadway is one of the great thoroughfaros of this city; it is one of the most beautiful streets in this city; it is one of the greatest nvisances in this or any other city; and it i# a place of public torture more cruel than any ono of the Seventeen Hells that the Hindoos believe in Between the Battery and Union square there are in that single street constantly, at all hours of the day, not less than tou horses down, or falling down, or engaged in the most intense and painful atrugglo to getup. Bul when there is a slight frost on the street (his naw . creases te auch an extent that the ty to the horsea ia simply frightful. bows v been killed in one hour betwoen the Battery and Cortlandt street, having broken their legs in their fall and ia their attempts to get up. Hua- dreds of valuable horses have received such in- juries in this way 44 to render them worthless. All this ia on account of the barbarous Ruas pavement, and it is quite time that public at- tention was seriously directed to the aubstite- tien of another in its place So far, the best pavoment we have had is the Belgian; but that can be improved upon Let tho city authori- ties be called upon for a change is the pave- ment of Broadway MEWS FROM WASHINGTON. INTERESTING PROCEEDINGS OF CONGRESS Peace Proposition of Fernando Wood Laid oa tho Tabio. Rosolations Regarding the Rebellion and Beconstracti Tae Btanding Committees of the Senate and House, &e., &., &a, Wasumaton, Dec. 14, 1868. ‘Tam Pba0s BoMORS. ‘Tho peace commisaionor atory has diod.a aatural deata, and the report ia now rogardod aa having boom originated and circlated for offect in Wall atroet. ‘THE FRENCH INVASION OF MEXICO. Sonator McDougall wil! introduce a joint resolution in tho Sonate declaring the French invasion of Mexico an un- friendly aot towards this country, and inquiring if it be not the duty of the United States to dociaro war againat France tn cousequogce. TH BROLPROOITY TREATY. ‘The roference of Senator Morrill’s joiut resolution giving notice of tho abrogation of the Canadian reciprocity treaty t0 the Committee oa Commerce ia undorstood to indicate tho modification, 00% abrogation, of the troaty. PROOBEDINGS OF CONGRESS. Tho segaion of the House to-day waa very quist, aad aftor the announcemont of tho committees a very large number of bills, resolutions, &c., wero introduced. ‘Tho rosolution of Fernando Wood, proposing tho ap pointment of three commissioners, to proceed to Rioh- mond, with @ viow to terminating thia ‘bloody, dostruc- tivo and inhuman war,’’ created aomothing of a senaa- tiom. It waa charactorized by Mr. Lovojoy as “‘outrage- ous.’ It was quickly tabled; but the largeoosa of the vote in ita favor oxcited some gurpriso, the democratic vote generally boing cast for it A number of bills aad resolutions wore also tatroduced to oarry out the Emancipation proclamation, aa also amoeodinenta to tho constitution to abolish s'avery in all the States and Yorritorica, aliof which wore promptly referred to Une appropriate committees, Thus far everything bas worked harmouionsiy, and there sooma to bo @ gonoral good fooling pervading tho diferent sections of the House, Tho appointment of the committees seems to Givo gonoral satiafaction, Tho Wostern mombors aro quite jubilant over the number of important positions beld toy thom. i {t is probabio that oo friday both bouses wili adjourn over until January 6, to onable the mombars xonerally to spond the holidays at thoir homes, and in tuo meantime 20 important business will be accomplished Tho Sonato bold a brief sossioa Tho committees vary but Little Crom those of last year, and have already a largo amount of labor on hand. Tho bill atriking out the taree bundrod dollar clause of tho Rnrolmeut act, and incroaaing tho pay of the rank and file of tho army will be among tho Grat acted upon A oumber of important military Dilla are being propared for introduction this wook, aod fa probablo that for some time to come the atteation of tho Senate will be devoted principally to afairs concora ing our army and nayy THR BNROLMENT AOT Several amendmenta te the Earolmont act bave alesady been introduced in the Senate and Mouse From what oan be gathored of the disposition of mombers thoro ap poara to boa probability that the oxomption upoa pay mont of a commutation will be retained, although tho sum may be raised to five bundred dollars. The m pression now 1 that the claaies will he abolished, and all ablo bodied eas from twenty to forty-five years of ago wil! be included in tha next draft, avoid oe be a9cesuary, (NORBASBR OF BOONTY TO VOLUN TRB. Senator Wilson's vill to increase the bounty of volun teors, gives to thon who aball re-entiat, having sorved nino months and be norably discharged, of to those who may bave tesa thaa og year yet to servo the sum of four hundred dollars, aad to all othors thres bupdred dollara. It authorizes a preuaum of $2 for the enlist mont of veterans and $15 for any otbor voluateer, ap- propriatos twonty million dollars for such paymenta makes tho pay of sergeant majora of each arm of the Aorvice $33, quartermastera’ sergoants of caval and of artillory and infantry, $29; frat sergoa aorgeants, $19, sappors and minora and pootooniors, $34 rat corporals, $29, corporals, $17; chier bugier of cavalry, $23, bugiors, $15, farriora aad blacksmiths of cavalry and artificera of artillory, $18; privates, $16, principal musiclans, from $14 to $22—nogro soldiers to bo equipped and paid the same aa othor soldiers, All drafts from tho militia of tho States aro to be proportioned every whore to ths aumber of porsoas liable to do military uty, taking into account the aumbor previously fur. avahed WAVAL GNLIGTMENTS Sooator Grimes’ bill to facilitate enlistments in the Navy proposes t give the same bounties as rece ved by volunteers io the army, aud exempta Crom military draft engineers and other minor officers engaged in the uaya! service BRRORS (NW ORNARAL MALLECK'S aaro.tT Goooral Halisck, in bis report, does great injustca to Qovoral Dix whore ho saya that tho operations on the ponivaula, conducted by General Dix iaat summer, fatiet in overy object they wore designed to accomplisa. Tha direct coutrary of this ia the fact. General Dic was ordered to foterrupt communication between Les aad Richmond, and did go for the space of Aftesn daya, Goatroy ing bridgoa, tearing up and bending rails. burning ties, fc. As his whole force consisted of but eightosa thousand mon, whils there ware in Richmond (according to intercepted despatches from Jef Davis and other souresa of authority) over twenty thousand veteran troops, Genoral Dix cannot be biamed for having heal. tated to rush with his inferior force against defences whieh bad buried back McClellan's army. He did, bow. ever, do all bo was ordered to do, capturing © vast amount of robel transportation, supplies and prisoners (Gonoral Fitzhugh Lee among tho latter), and would have done more but for the withdrawal of hia forces, undor peremptory ordora from Goneral Halleck, who nected thom to reinforce General Moade Betwoon twenty thou sand veteran troopa and a landful of raw militia’ there is quite @ difference ABOLITION OF BLAVERT Tho bill of Sonator Hale “moro offectually to suppress tha robollion,”’ is to tho effect that hereafter all persons in the United States of America aro equal before thy '’ and all claims for porsonal service, exoapt thoes founded on contract and the claim of « parent to the serviogs of @ minor Child, and service tondered tn purawance of @ soatence for the punishment of crime, be forever abolish. ed, aurthing in tho constitution or laws of any State to tho contrary notwithatanding SRORATART CHASE AND THN AUCCRSATON ‘The Cabinet war for (he succession continues with un- abated fury, growing hottor as it progresses Mr. Chass claims to bave ail the republican machinos with bim, ox copt those tn tho States of Now York, fliinols and Now Jorsey. Mr. Seward, by bis noparation from Mr. Weed, thas loat contro! of New York The Now England States have Banks for their Orat choice, but ‘are content with Chase, if they can do no better’ This moans that they ‘are for Chae all the tine Outaide of the politicians, bowever, Mr. Lincola belioves himself very strong with tho poopie, his fricuts say that the fact thas ho caught his rocont ilineas while visiting the military bospitals, to satisfy bimaell by persoual inspection that ym wore properly caro’ for, will do him mo harm is tho army Thero aro maar whe bolievs that ovory candidate now troiiod one Tego wu Reales ont (a only trotiod out te be knockod dows ab a low Azure te @omo greeukorn purchaser, and tp this viow 4 proma ture start for tho Prosidoacy is rogarded with (avor by the poittical enomies of ovory promincat candidate Koen your Calcous om the wrist, goutlomou, aad don’t (ot thom foar unti! tho quarry is ta full view. UNION OF THE GAKMS AND THOS MIagiaaIPPE Tho ontiro deiogation (rom Miinoia, Vuien aad democrat, aro united in favor of tho ovlargemeat of che caaal uniting tho lakes with tho Misslsaipp!. THY UNEMPLOYED BTRAM TRANSPOUTS. Aa inquiry baa Dove raisod hero concerning what di- position the goverumoat will mako of tho groat number of ateam transporte romainiag comparativoly idlo on ita anda. There aro now im tho Potomac several that havo Performed tittle or ne service aiuce Juno last, aad for whioh tho governmoat 1s paying from tared 0 six hun- drod deliara por day VIAIT TO THE @USSHAN PLAST. Ceaoral Martindals, (amily aad staff, visited the Rusaian oot to-day ARMe? S9TLSRd. Arrangomonta are being mado by General Patrick for oatablishing im Washingtom a branca of bis dopartmoat, {a odor to moro offootually check the abuaos practiaod ky Gotlors and the admission withia the camp of um. proper poi y a OARGTIAN COMMISSION. Goorgs A. Stuart, President, and Josoph Patterson, Troaauror, of the Chriatian Commission, have just rotura- 4 from a tour of inapeotion in tho Army of tho Potomac. ‘Teo contributions for the work are liberal, about sixty thousand dollars having boom received during One week. ‘With this assistance operations aro to be oxtendod b all tme eorpa and divisions, for tho temporal aa woll as tha spiritual welfare of tho soldiers, THIRTY-HIGHTH CONGRESS. PRAT BBISION. S te. Wasurxatom, Dec. Lf, 1363. Mr. Dcxoa, (rop.) of Coun., prosonted tho petition of a largo oumber of Assessors and Aasiatant Assessors, ask- ing for an inoreaae of compensation. Mr. Dixon alse gavo notice of a bili amoading tho Coa- acription act tn a such a mannor aa (0 oxompt all clergy: moa ‘TIRE STANDING OOMMIETRER. Ou motion of Mr. Fossa, (rop.) of Coan., the Soaate Procoeded to the eloction of tho followiag Standing Com- mitteoa— Foreign Relations —Mossra. Sumoer, chairmaa; Foster, Doolittle, Harris, Johnson, McDougall Finance.—Moasara. Fessenden, ohairmaa, Howe, Cowaa, Olark, Van Wiakte, Cennoss, Gommerce,—Messra. Chandler, chairmaa, Morrill, Tea Eyck, Morgan, Sprague, Bowdon, Saulsbury. Agriculture —Moasra. Sherman, chairman ; Wilson, Lavo of Arkansas, Powell. Military Affairs ana the Milstia,—Mossrs. Wilson, chatr- man; [ano of Indians) Howard, Neamitu, Morgua, ‘Sprague, Brown Naval Affairs.—Mosara. Halo, chairmaa;, Anthony, Willey, Ramsey, Harding, Hicks. Judiciary.—Mossra. Turnbull, chairman; Foster, Tea Eyck, Harris, Howard, Bayard, Powell. Post Office and Post Roads.—Mosara, Collamor, chair. man, Dixon, Ramsey, Henderson, Bowden, Conaess, Buckalow, Public Lands.—Mosera, Hartan, chairman; Pomeroy, Foot, Harding, Carlisle, Hondric! Private Land Clavms.—Mosers, ner, Howard, Bayard, McDougall. Indian Affairs. —Moasra. Doolittle, chairmaa, Wilkio- son, Lane of Kanssa, arian, Nesmith, Brown, Bickalow. Pensims —Mosars. Koster, chairman, Lang of [a diana, Pomoroy, Bowden, Van Winkle, Saulabury and Buckalow. Revolutionary Claims —Mosara. Wilkinsoa, chairman; Chandler, Wilaon, Neamith and Wright Claims.—Measr3, Clark, chairman ; Hows, ?omero7, Anthony, Morrill, Hicks aad Hendrioks. District of Ce —Mossrs. Grimes, chairm an, Dixoa, Morrill, Wade, Willoy, Hendoraon and Ric! Patents and the Patent 0 —esars, Co man; Ten Kyck, Sherman, Ramsay and Sania Prblic Buildings and Orounds.—Mosara wan, Trumbull, Grimos, Hoadersoa and Hendricks, Verritorics. —Mossrs. Wado, chairman, Wilkinson, Halo, Lane of Kansas, Carlisle, Davis of Missouri, aud Richardson. To Audit and Control the Contingent Expenses of the Senate. —Moasra, Dixon, chairman; Clark and Harding. Engrowed Bills —Moaara. Lang, of lodiana, chairman, Sumner and Willoy. Joint Commitice on Printing on the part of the Senate.— Meaara. Anthony, chairman, Morgan, Powol! Joint Committe on Enrotled Bills om the part of the Senate, —Mosars. Howe, chairman, Cowan, Hicks. Jownt Commuter on the Labrary om the part of the Sen- ate, Messrs. Collamer, chairman, Foasendea and Jobo ou Harlan, right Garris, chairman; bum MR. Ro GRATA BROW N'A CRADENTIALS. Me. Moxaan (rop.), of N. ¥., presented tae eradoatials of Mr. B. Gratz Brown, of Missouri, aud be was qualified and took bis Boat THANKS TO GIYKRALA HOOKKR AND MEADE AND TUR Aka e OF ‘rte PoromAD Mr. Wison, (rep ) of Maas, introduced the Collowtag ceaolution — Tat the graticude of the American people and the thanks of thoir Representatives in Congrosa arc due and are boreby tondersd to Major General Joseph Hooker and the ollicers and woldiers of the Army of the Potomac, for tha @kill, energy and endurance wotch firat covered Washington and Baltimore from the meditated blow of the advancing and powerful army of the revels, led by General Robert B. Lee, and to Major General George G. Meado and the ofticers aud ao laters of for t st Gettysburg, repulsed, and disperse’, beyond the La of the reveilton The rosoiution waa coad twice, aad referred to the Military Comaittes, TNANICS TO GRYRRAL RANKS AND HLA ARM Mr. Wirson ala introduced a jolnt resolution that the thanks of Congress be hereby teadored to Major Goueral Nathaniel P. Hanis, and the officers and soldiers under hia pahaanook, the velerau army command, for the ‘sill, courage and endurance which compalied the surrouder of Port Hudson, aod thus re- movod tho last obstruction to the (ree aayigation of the Missiaaippi river Rolorred to the Military Committes PORT OF RYTRY AT PORTLAND, ORRGOW (r. Neswrt, (Opp) of Oregon, praseated a potitioa Cor io establisbmoat of a port of antry at Portland, Oregon, and gave ootice of @ bill to establish a branch mint at vortiand AGRICULTURAL COLWIGK Lams Mr Gxnncas. (opp) of ladiaua, gave aotice of a bill to oxtond the time in which States may recotve laada for tho establishment of agricultural colleges THANKS TO GENERAL GRANT sat, (Tep.) of Wiaconsta, called up tho jolat m the House voting agold medal and the thanks of Congress to Goaara! Geant. {5 waa coferred to the Military Committes. ‘THY MAROLMANT AT. Mr Lava, (rep.) of Ind., introduced a bili co amead the Kurolment act, ao ax (0 strike out the three hundred dol lars commutation, aod to toerease the pay of the rank | and file of tho army, of which he bad giveo previous 4; atica TH8 PREMDAYT'9 MRSAON Oo motion of Mr. Sumer, (rep.) of Masa, that portion of the President's Mossage referring & foreign affairs was olerced to the Committes oa Foreign Ail On motion of Mr. Haus, (rop.) of N. H., t portion of tho Progident's Message referring W naval aTairs wag re terrod to the Committes oo Naval Affairs. NAVAL RNELIT MANTA Mr. Gannes, (rop.) of Iowa, introduced bes bill to ea courage enlistments in the | service and give credit for the same oa tho military quotas of tho respective States OVORRAT OF PAT OF SOLDIERS Mr Wrtaos, (rep.) of Maas, presented resolutions from tho Maaaachusetts Logwiaturo in (avor of an iacroase of pay to the aoldiors ANLSTHRNTS YOR THR NAT. Mr Wiaon also presented resolutions of tas Massachu- sotta Logisiatare, concerning persons gniiated (a 1ue naval servics of the United States, PROMMITION OF LAVERY Mr Maca, (rop,) of N.H_, baving obtained the uoan- mous consent Of the Senate, introduced @ biul mors aifect ually to ropreas tho rebellion by prohibiting tha holding in servitude of any persons in tho country, except oa cou- tract Ordered to be printed rranaiows, Mr. Witxonson, (rep.) of Min, introduced a bill wo or toad the benefits of the act of be oy) of July @, 1562, granting penstons to persons wounded in the Indian wars ja Minnesota. Referred to tho Committes on Pensions. NTU TO VOLUNTRIIA Mr Wraos introduced his bill to tocreaae the bounties to volunteers, and it waa roferred to the Committes oa Military Aas Adjourned Howee of Represemtatives. Wasamarow, Dec. Lt, 1363 Ta STANDING COMMTTT ABS. The Seraaxme anaouaced the following staodiog com. mittens — Election: —Moasra Dawon, of Masaachuaotts, Voorhees, of Indiana, Baxter, of Vormoot, G. Clay Smith, of Kea- tucky, Ganson, of New York, of Ponnayivagia Smithers, of Delaware; Upsov, of Michigan; Brown, - Stevens, of Ponnaylyania of Onlo; Fenton, of New Mallory, of Kentucky; Stebbins, of New York Claims. —Mosars. Hale, of Pennsylvania; Holman, of Indi Webster, of Maryland ; Allon, of Liinoia: Hotchkiss, of Woot Virginia, Pruyn, of Now York, Commerce —Monara. Waab! Massachusotta, Ward, island, Cresswell, of Maryland, Perr; O'Neul, of Pennsylvania; Lougy eas, 0 i " nD Public Lands —Mosara. Julian, of Indiana; English, of Connecticit. Higby, of Callfornia, Allison, of tows, Wada- bs of Keatasky ; Fersande Wood, & Hew Vers; a Of Michigan: Milior, of New York. Indian Affatrs.—Moasra, Windom, of Minnesota vot Wesontia; “ot iinols: MeBr In Wisoonain, James ©. Alleo. ot Orepoe, Wilder, of Kansas; Nelson, of New York Boyd, of Missouri, Shannon, of California, Deanison, of Poaonylvan'a. Pom ice ‘and Pos Roads —Mossre. Alicy, of Massa. chusotta Norton, of Miinola, Harding, of Kentucky, Don- Doliy, of Mil , Blaine, Maino, Brooka, of New York, Cota, of california, Grianoll, of Lows, Finck, of Ubio \ Dubrtich of Cohemina.—Moaara. Lovejoy, of Thimois, Du- moat, F Indians, Stoo, Of Now York Anderson, of Obio; W. J. ‘ork; Brown, Obio. nr nary Kentucky, Patlorson, of Now Qampehiro, Morris, of Ohta, Davis, of New York, Tracy, of Poansyivania, Wheolor, of Wincengun. Judiciary. —Mossen. Wilson, of fowa, Boutwoil, of Maa sachusotts, Kernan, of New York, Thomas, of Maryland, Williams, of Pennsylvania, King, of Miasouri, Wood ‘oridgo, of Vormont, Morris, of New York, Bliad, of Obie + Kevoiutionary Claims,—Mosara. Price, of tows, Stiloa, of Ponuaylvania; Nortoa, of {llinois, Kalbilsisch, of New York, Ames, of Massachusetta: Ridridgo, of Wisconsia, | Dumont, of Indiana; Johason, of Ohio, soott, of Miasourt Public —Moasrs. Hulburd, of Now Yor Broomall, of Ponnsy!vavia, Le blond, of indiana, Lazsar, of Pennsylvania, Blair, of Woat ¥ir ginia; Rolling, of Now Hampsbira, Rogers, of Now Jor oy; Bere. of Ulinoi wate Land Claims.—Mosars. Thayor, of Poonsyivanirs Hotebkiss, of New York; Knapp, of [iinois; Gooch, Magsachusotta; O'Neill, of Ouio, Winfield, of Now York, Kokley, of Ubio; Sweat, of Maing, Harrington, of Indiana Manufactures. —Moasra, Moorboad, of Pounay!vania, Kot logg, of Now York, Ancona, of Ponnsylyania, Arnold, of Liao. ; Froeman Clarke, of New York; Chilton A Whita, | of Obio, Ames, of Massachusetts, Starr, of Now Jorsey, Harris, € Maryland Agriculture —Mossra. Clay, of Keotucky, Whaloy, of Virginia, Baily, of Pounay ivania: Hulburd, of New York, Law, of Indiana; Kolley, of Pennsylvania; Perham of Maine, Baldwin, of Michigan; Middleton , of New Jorsey Milvary Affairs. —Mesars. Schenck, of Ohio; Farnaworts, of Lilinois,; Yeaman, of Kentucky; Garfield, of Onto. Loan, of Missouri, Odell, of Now York, Deming, of Connecticut, Kollogg, of Michigan; McAllister, of Pounaylvania; Wot ater, of Maryland, Kellogg, of Now York, Morrison, of Tiinbis; Blaine, of Maing, Cobb, of Wisconsin; MeKonnay, of O19, ~ a ney Naval Affarr:,—Moaara, Ricd, of Massachuaetta, Moore oad, of Poonsylvania; Griswold, of New York; Piko, of Maino, Kolly, of Ponnsyivania; Rollins, of Missouri, Sone * Se; Brandegee, of Conaccticut, Kdgertoa, of Foreign Affairs. —Mossrs. H. Winter Davis, of land, Gooch, of Massachusetts; Yox, of Ohio, Pomeroy, of New York; Orth, of Indiana, Randall, of Kontucky, Dawson, of Pounsylyauia, Hubbard; of Lowa; Stuart, of of Ohio, Jultaa, Mitgois >: Pervtorics, —Mesars. Ashley, of Ohio; Beaman, of Michi gan, Cravona, of Indiana; Lovejoy, of 11 Rice, of Maino; Gridor, of Kentucky; Marvin, of New York; Mo Clurg, of Missouri; Johnson, of Ponnsyivania. ‘ Rewoltiy Pensions.—Moasra. Littlojohn, of Now York ; Law, of Indiana; McIndoe, of Wisconsin; Herrick, of Now Work; Spaulding, of Ohio; Eden, of Unoia; Clay, of Kentucky; Marcy, of Now Liampabiro, Ooffroth, of Pennsylvania. Invalid Pensions.—Moaara. Whaloy, of Wost Virgluia, Benjamin Woed, of New York, Porham, of Maino, McDowell, of Indiana; Washburne, of Massachusotia, Muller, of Pounsy!vania; Frooman Clarke, of Now York, Rosa, of {linoia; Cresswell, of Maryland. Roady and Canals.—Mossra. Arnold, of Iiinota, Little joan, of New York; Hall, of Missouri; Beaman, of Michi gan, Washburne, of Massachusotts; Ward, @ Now York, Wokley, of Ohio, Allison, of Lowa, Strouse, of Ponasy) vania Patents.—Mesars. Jeuckes, of Rhode Island, Looward Moyers, of Ponnaytvania; Noblo, of Ohio; Hubbard, af Connecticut, Chanier, of New York Public Buildings and Grounds. —Mosars. Rico, of Maine; Biair, of West Virginia; Randall, of Pennsylvania, Starr, of New Jersey; Rudford, of Now York. Revised and Unfinished Business.—Mesara Boyd, of Misaourt; Nelson, of New Work; McKinney, of Ohio, Upson, of Michigan; J.C. Allen, of Hlinois Mileage.—Measra. Robinson, of Illinois; Frank, of Now York, Amos Myers, of Pennsylvania; Bonjamin Wood, of New York; J. W. Whito, of Ohio. Accounts.—Mosers. Rollins, of Now Hampshire; Broom- ali, of J’onnaylyania; Stoel, of Now Jersey, A W. Clark, of New York; Eden, of Illinois. Expenditures of the State Department.—Mosars, Piko, of Matne; Robingon, of Illinois, Vam Vallkenberg, of Now York; Stiles, of Pennsylvania Expenditures of the Treasury Department.—Mossra. Amow Myors, of Faerie “bleey Kalbileish, of Now York, J. W. White, of Ohio, Eliot, of Massachusetts; Pattorsom, of Now Hampsniro. Erpenditures of the War Department.—Messrs. Deming, of Connecticut, Steele, of New York; Harris, of IMinota; Sloan, of Wisconsin; arses haart aes Enpenditures of the Navy of Vermont, Higby, of California; Herrick, of New York; Maroy, of New Hampshiro; Tracy, of Ponnsylvansa, Expenditures of the Post Office Department.—Mosere Pomeroy ,of New York; ©. A’ White, of Ohio; Leonard Myers, of Pounsylvania; Hall, of Missouri; Hubbard, of Connedticut Expenditures of the Interior Department —Monsra. Bham- af nou, of California; Middleton, of Now Jorsey; of Ponnaylvania, Dounolly, of Minnesota; Baldwin, Michigan. Enpenditures on Public Buildings —Mosara. Lougyoar, of Michigan; Lazear, of Poousylvania, Baldwin,of Mas sachusotta; Johnson, of Ohio; ey oo of Connections. Library. —Masare. Frank, o Now ’, Waahburno, of {ilinois, Wadsworth, of Kentucky. Prinking.—Mossrs A. W. Olark, of ‘New York; Baitoy, of Ponasyivania, Baldwin ,of Massachusetts. Rnrolld Bills —Mosses. Cobb, of Wisconsin, Steel, of Now Jeraey, THN RECIPROCITY TREATY WITH CANADA, Mr Mount, (rep.) of Vt., introduced a joint resoie- tion authorizing the President to give the governmont oF Gress Britain the notice required for the termination of the Reotprocity treaty of Jume 6, 1854, and movod its referance to the Committes on Waya and Means. Mr. aut WARD, (or .) of N. ¥., movod an amoad mont to retor the resolution to the Committee on Com. merce. fe remarked that it shonld take that dircotiom, faa tho subject had been fully elaborated and considered by that committee laft session. ‘Mr. Monnut said it waa time the treaty should abrogated, ag it deprived us of the priviiege of rev! our tariff or levying internal taxes according as our wis. dom or judgment directed The House refused to refer the resolution to the Com mities on Ways and Means, and sont the resolution vo the Committeo on Commerce Mr. it:zan Wan introduced a jointresolution for the appointment of commissioners Lo negotiate a mow treaty of reciprocity with Great Britain for the British prow. wnces of North America, based on true principles of reah procit : Rotsteed to the Committeo on Commerce. BURRAU OF RMANCIPATION Vir. Exror, (rop.) of Mass. roduced & bil to conta lish @ Bureau of Emancipation. Referred to a select committee, RLROTIONS IN TRYNRSSHR AND LOUISIANA e Mc Dawes, (rep.) of Mass., introduced a bill providing for the election of representatives frem tho Staton uf Tennossee and Louisiana. Referred to the Committes on Elections, LANDS TOR A PACIFIC RATLROAD. Sreveva, (rep.) of Pa, introduced «bill granting Mr pubviie laads in wid of the People’s Pacilic Railroad Cos- pany, by the northern route, ' Roferred to a aclect committes. Committee ob Military AMairs TAME OF HOLDING KLRCHIONS—HOLDIRRS TO VOTR, Mr. Sruviens also introduced a bill to fix the time for ho\iing elections for representatives to Congress, amd te ova bie aolfiera to vote for State officers. Roforrod to the Comm )ttge on the Judiciary: THY ADMISHON OF COLORADO AND NEBRASKA INTO THR UNION, / TC. , FTO. Meay other bills were introduced avd referred, im cluding 4 bill enabling Colorado aud Nebraska to form Stats governments, and provide for their admisaton inte the Union, and a bill providing @ temporary government for the Territory of Montano, both of which were referred te tho Committee on Territories , also a bill providiug for recruiting negroes in the tneurroctionary districts, Re ferred to the Committee on Military Affaira. THM CLVEL AUTHORITY IN RANKL STATE Mr. Yeamam, (Union) of Kentucky, introduced « bill for the restoration of civil authority in such Statos as aro mot uader the control of the rebellion. Referred to the Committoe on the Judiciary. TUK FUGITIVE SLAVE LAW. Several billa were iatroduced and referred to the Com- mitioe on the Jadiciary to repeal the Fugitive Slave law, and to amend the constitution #0 a8 to abolish siavory in all the States. PARDON FOR ALL BLAVRA Mr. Lovauor, (rep.) of Tilinoia, tutroduced @ bill pro. viding that all persons held to slavery in the States and ‘Torritories shali be deolarod free; all porson! declared {roe auall be protectod the same as white meno now aro by the constitution; apy one soizing such freed persons te reduce them to slavery shall be dectyred guilty of nigh misdemeanor, aud on conviction, pun shed Also a bill to protect freedmen, and to provide for pun labing those who attempt to enslave them Referred to the Judiciary Committee, THR RNROLMANT ACT Mr. Aemowo, (rep.) of TIl., introduced & bill to repeal ae much of tho Mhroiment act as authorizes the discharge of persons drafted on payment of three bundred dollars Referred to the Committes on Military Affairs SKROUTION OF THK KMANCIPATION PROCLAMATION Mr. Anwo.o introduced a bil! to aid the President te carry out the immediate execution of the Emancipation Prociamation of January 1, 1863, and probibiting ~ ensiavoment of persons designated therein Referred to the Judiciary Committee ADR OF LIRUTRNANT GRNWRAL. Mr Waausorwe, (rep.) of Il., introdaced # bill revi ing tho grade of eutenant general, and authorizing the President to coofer it on any officer not below the grade of major general, who has distinguished himself by courage and skill, &c,,and who being thus commissioned may be authorized to command the armies of the United i States Referred to the Committee on Military Affairs AMENDMENT OF THR CONSTITUTION Mr. Waaow, (rep.) of Lowa, introduced » bill to amond the constitution, declaring slavery incompatible wite free government, and is ‘bited jn the United States, and servitude is prohibited save for the punishment of crime, and Congress shal! have power te enforce this provision by ton, Roferred to the Judiciary Committes. CODIFYING THE POST OFFICE LAWS. Mr, Kasson, (rep.) of lowa, introduced a bil! to reviae and codify the laws | to the Post Office Department mond , toe end Geineoia ‘fenton, 5 Widhy. Hoops a tows, Hy! Oonnee' sitin F Holy ha ‘olan Kagan Kellowe ( Mchgso & o Seer Cart,