Latest from the North.
Through the politeness of the officers of the Exchange Bureau we have received New York papers of Wednesday last, the 13th inst. Gold advanced in New York on Tuesday to one hundred and seventy five. We give a summary of the news:
Excitement in the Yankee Congress — proposed Expulsion of Mr Long, of Ohio.
The following resolutions, offered by Mr. Colfax were under consideration in the Yankee House on Tuesday:‘ Whereas, On the 8th day of April, 1864, when the House of Representatives was in Committee of the Whole on the State of the Union, Alexander Long, a Representative in Congress from the 2d district of Ohio, declared himself in favor of recognizing the independent nationality of the so called Confederacy now in arms against the Union; and whereas, The said so-called Confederacy thus sought to be recognized and established on the ruins of a dissolved or destroyed Union has, as its chief officers, civil and military, those who have added perjury to their treason, and who seek to obtain success for their parricidal efforts by the killing of the loyal soldiers of the nation who are seeking to save it from destruction; and whereas, The oath required of all members, and taken by the said Alexander Long, on the first day of the present Congress, declares that he has voluntarily given no aid, countenance, counsel or encouragement to persons engaged in armed hostility to the United States, thereby declaring that such conduct is regarded as inconsistent with membership in the Congress of the United States: Therefore,
Resolved, That Alexander Long, a Representative from the 2d district of Ohio, having, on the 8th April, 1864, declared himself in favor of recognizing the independence and nationality of the so called Confederacy now in arms against the Union, and thereby giving aid, countenance and encouragement to persons engaged in armed hostility to the United States, is hereby expelled.
The galleries were crowded at six o'clock, but very few members were present, as it was known no vote would be taken till Thursday.
Mr. Cravens (Ind.) said he had read Mr. Long's speech, and was unable to discover anything in it justly subjecting him to censure or dismissal. He did not believe with the gentleman in many of his conclusions. He hoped he would never arrive at the conclusions that it was necessary to recognize the Southern Confederacy. He would not have made the declaration the gentleman did in the House, but if the issue were presented to him whether he would exterminate every man, woman, and child in the Southern Confederacy, he would have come to the same conclusion. The gentleman from Ohio, as the representative of a free people, had a right to be heard. Many of his views were widely different from those of the gentleman. He was an advocate of the war for the restoration of the Union and the suppression of the rebellion. He did not believe, however, that the measures of the Administration were best calculated to produce that result. He regretted that there was a disposition to proscribe every man who did not agree with the Republicans in their particular policy.
Mr. Harrington, (Ind.,) in alluding to the pending resolution, characterized it as a partizan proceeding, and not prompted by patriotism. His colleague, Mr Colfax, had not only descended from his high position, but had at once become the accuser and the prosecutor of the gentleman from Ohio. In the course of his remarks he said the people of New England have no stomach for fighting.
This called up Mr. Boutwell, (Mass,) who asked him what authority he had for the assertion.
Mr. Harrington replied he had judged such to be the case from the fact that Massachusetts has agents in Indiana recruiting negroes to fill up the quota of that State. Indiana would have nothing to do with negroes. She sends white men into the field.
Mr. Boutwell wished to know what proof the gentleman had.
Mr. Harrington replied that there was no doubt of it. Recruiting agents had been at work in his own town, and the negroes thus gathered said they were going to Massachusetts.
Mr. Boutwell observed that Massachusetts had less to fear from secession than any other State, because of her isolation, and having two thirds of the maritime power of the continent. The men of that State rallied to the defence of the republic without a second invitation. He knew of no act of her representatives on this floor to justify the gentleman saying that they had no stomach for prosecuting the war.
Mr Harrington--I said stomach for fighting.
Mr Boutwell replied they could draft without producing a mob.
Mr Harrington said the name of Indiana was written on every battle field. While Mr. Harrington was speaking there was some hissing in the galleries.
Mr Eldridge said they had suffered enough from New England men in the galleries, and their breach of order ought to be prevented. Some one asked how he knew they were New Englanders.
Mr Holman said there was ample power for the Chair to suppress such disturbances.
Mr Eldridge said he would move that the galleries be cleared if any further disturbance occurred.
The Speaker pro tem. (Mr Rollins, N. H.) directed the doorkeepers to remove from the galleries persons who might repeat the disturbance.
Mr. Harrington resumed and concluded his remarks, advocating the right of free speech, for no force could overcome the mind, however it might oppress the body.
Mr. Broomall (Pa.) offered an amendment to the pending resolution, declaring Alexander Long to be an unworthy member of the House, and that the Speaker read this resolution to said Long during the session of the House.
Mr. Eldridge raised a point of order, that Mr. Long's speech was made in Committee of the Whole on the state of the Union, and no exceptions having been taken in Committee, the proposition could not, under the rules, be entertained in the House.
The Speaker overruled the point of order, on the ground that it was proposed in the amendment not to censure Mr. Long for words spoken in debate, but for the publication of his speech in Washington and New York, and his giving evidence of disloyalty, and aid and comfort to the enemy.
Mr. Eldridge appealed from the decision.
Mr. Holman also raised a point of order that Mr. Broomall's substitute was not germain to the original proposition.
These questions were reserved for future action.
Mr. Broomall said he offered his resolution of censure because, from what had already taken place, they could not obtain the requisite constitutional two thirds to expel the member, and as he could not be gratified in having him expelled, must be content to get a resolution of censure. The Democratic party had drifted to the position of Mr. Long, of Ohio, and Harris, of Maryland. They had been so used to running in the old Democratic harness, on the Democratic track, that all the Republican side could urge failed to switch them off. President Buchanan laid down the same doctrine as the member from Ohio, and so said Jefferson Davis. He was glad there had been some improvement, for many Democrats do believe there is power to coerce evil doers to good behaviour under the Constitution. This discussion showed where the dividing line is to be drawn.
Mr. Winfield, (N Y,) said there always had been and always would be War Democrats. When assailed in the past they had always been on the side of the country to the extent of the last dollar and the last available means. This war had not been precipitated on the country by the Democratic party or any of its members. The Democrats have stood by the country's honor by precept and practice. He spoke of the rebellion as unjustifiable, unlawful, and unholy. Considering the readiness with which the Democrats had rallied to the cause, it was too late to say that there was no War Democrats.
It was right to resort to arms to bring back the rebellious citizens to their allegiance to the Constitution. If he thought there was a prospect of peace by negotiation he would leave no means untried to bring it about. But before he would agree to sending commissioners it must first be shown that peace overtures would meet with a corresponding spirit, and because he would not pursue that false light he was to be told by his colleague, Fernando Wood, that he had ceased to be a Democrat. He said that colleague, who had risen in Democratic Conventions to give the law, had expressed his willingness to let the reins of power remain with the present Administration. He was sorry his colleague had himself proclaimed his separation from the Democratic party. In this his colleague would seem to be in unison with those on the other side.
The Democratic party had not lost confidence in itself and its principles. He knew that the war had not been prosecuted on the principles at first declared, but that should not separate them in the common effort to bring the war to a close. It had become a common threat to speak of Democrats as sympathizers with the rebellion and say that after the enemy has been crushed in the front attention will be paid to the enemy in the rear. These things had a tendency to divide the people and protract the war. The unity of the people was more important than a party triumph for four years. Mr. Winfield referred to the unjust remarks frequently applied to Gov. Seymour, and defended that gentleman, showing that he had always advocated force to put down the rebellion, and that on every call of patriotism he was always in the right.
Mr. Grinnell (Iowa) referred to the Democratic party as the sick man of 1864. It was too far gone for any medicine yet discovered to cure it. He protested against Mr. Winfield turning over Fernando Wood to the Republican party. They had done nothing to justify such a terrible infliction. The gentleman from Indiana (Mr Harrington) had said the soldiers of Massachusetts had no stomach for the fight.
Mr. Holman (Ind) remarked that his colleague did not say the soldiers, but that the representatives of Massachusetts had no stomach for the fight.
Mr. Boutwell having been appealed to, Mr. Grinnell said that Mr. Harrington first said that the soldiers of Massachusetts have no stomach for the fight, and next the people, and in the third place the representatives on this floor.
Mr Grinnell repelled the base slanders on New
England, and remarked that the Western soldiers think that the soldiers from that section fight as well as any others. He referred to the action of the House in 1842, when Joshua R Giddings was censured for offering resolutions declaring that the slaves of the Creole had a right to rise and assert their native freedom. The Democrats voted in a solid body for it, and he reproduced the case as a Democratic precedent in regard to an Abolitionist.
We do not hear so much of the crack of the slaveholder's whip as we did four years ago. The gentleman, from Maryland, (Mr Harris) said that he was willing to take all the sins of slavery. Every one of the slaves of that member had a note against him with compound interest. Mr Lovejoy, the Abolitionist, had a seat in heaven, but the gentleman from Maryland would not have one near him. I would, remarked Mr Grinnell, rather say a thousand times, let the country be divided, the South go their way all slave, and the North all free, than to see the country once more under Democratic rule.
Mr Holman demanded that this sentence should be taken down by the Clerk.
There was much merriment on the Democratic side, when.
Mr Smith (Ky) expressed the hope that the House would keep quiet. [Cries of order.]
Mr Eldridge trusted the House would hear the gentleman from Kentucky. [Cries of order.]
After some further noisy proceedings Mr Grinnell said he was merely attempting to quote the remarks of Representative Conway.
The Speaker pro tem said — Under these circumstances the gentleman from Iowa was in order.
Mr Grinnell concluded his remarks.
Mr Rollins (Mo.) said his heart had been filled with sadness at the notes of party sounding here. It seems that all was for party and nothing for the country. But for the resolution introduced by the Speaker of this House the speech of the gentleman from Ohio would have been forgotten like many others. Now, however, it would be read by thousands who otherwise would never have heard of it. He relied on the discriminating sense of the country, and did not apprehend that the speech would produce harm. If the country was to be stricken down by such a speech as that it ought to perish. While he disavowed the sentiments in that speech, thinking it was improper, if not unpatriotic, at a time like this, he would not censure the gentleman for its delivery, being in favor of the liberty of speech.
’ He concluded by making strongly patriotic remarks.
The House then proceeded to the consideration of the following preamble and resolution heretofore offered by Mr. Finck, (Dem, Ohio,) namely:
‘ Whereas, in the opinion of this House the Federal Government is invested by the Constitution of the United States with the necessary power and authority to suppress any resistance to the due execution of the laws, and to employ the army in aid of the civil authorities to disperse all armed resistance to the rightful power and jurisdiction of the United States; and
Whereas, in the judgment of this House the army and navy cannot be rightfully and lawfully used to subjugate and hold as conquered territory any of the States of this Union: Therefore be it.
Resolved, That in this national emergency Congress will forget all feeling of mere passion or resentment, and will recollect only its duty to the country; that this war should not be urged on our part in any spirit of conquest or subjugation, nor for any purpose of overthrowing or interfering with the rights or established institutions of the States, but to defend and maintain the supremacy of the Constitution and preserve the Union, with all the dignity, equality, and rights of the several States unimpaired; and as soon as these objects are attained the war ought to cease.
Mr. Ashley (Union, Ohio,) and Mr Wilson (Union, Iowa,) generally moved to lay the resolutions on the table.
Mr. Cox (Dem., Ohio,) unsuccessfully appealed to the House to take a direct vote on the resolutions.
The question was then taken on the motion to lay the resolutions on the table, and carried by yeas 81, nays 64.
’
Matters in the Army of the Potomac--the late Rains —— active operations soon to be Commenced.
The telegrams from the Army of the Potomac say that the orders recently issued by Gen. Grant are regarded as significant of early and active operations. A letter from the army says Generals Meade, Humphreys, Ingalls, and Patrick, visited Lieutenant General Grant at Culpeper on Friday. The army has been considerably strengthened, and "the men are anxious for active operations." A dispatch, dated the 10th, adds:‘ The rain yesterday and last night was the most destructive to the railroad of the season. The streams between this place and the Army of the Potomac, which were already very high, were swollen beyond all precedent. Old citizens along the line of the road say that they never before saw such a flood.
The railroad bridges are very badly damaged, and the communication with the army by rail has been broken. The bridge over Bull Run, near Union Mills, is entirely gone this morning. This structure was one hundred and fifty feet long, and some thirty-five feet above the bed of the stream. Its loss is a gain to the Government, as a new one is already framed, and ready for raising as soon as the water subsides.
The bridge over Broad Run at Bristol Station is but slightly injured, and will be easily repaired.--The bridge over Kettle Run, two miles west of Bristol, has moved down stream about two feet.--This structure is about eighty feet long and sixty feet high, and is an ugly customer.
The Rappahannock bridge is safe as yet, though large quantities of drill wood have accumulated above it, and great fears are entertained that it will have to succumb to the pressure. The army will not be inconvenienced by these breaks, as sufficient supplies are at the front to subsist it until the roads can be repaired.
An army correspondent of a New York paper says that Gen. Sheridan has assumed command of the cavalry corps of the Army of the Potomac.--Gen. Kilpatrick has been relieved of the command of the 3d division, and Gen. Wilson, recently of the Cavalry Bureau, assumes command. Gen. Tolbert has also been ordered to relieve Gen. Merritt, of the 1st division. Gen. Merritt will have command of the brigade of regulars. It is rumored that Gen. Kilpatrick will also command a brigade in the 1st division. The 2d division, commanded by Gen. Gregg, remains the same.
’
The War in the Southwest--the reported Fights in Louisiana.
The news of the Shreveport disaster seems to hang fire in New Orleans, the authorities there having closed the avenues of intelligence immediately upon the receipt of the first rumors brought down the river by the steamer Illinois. Shortly afterwards the steamer Alice Vivian came down and "confirmed" the rumors, though the reporters were afraid to say what rumors were so confirmed. After some hours elapsed, the following account being thought the best face that could be put on the matter, was issued from the office of the New Orleans Era, an ultra Abolition sheet:‘ The transport steamer Illinois, arrived at this port from Alexandria, and the steamer Alice Vivian also arrived from the same place this morning, with nine hundred contrabands — men, women and children.
Passengers by these boats bring the report that a battle had taken place between the opposing armies in Western Louisiana, of which we glean the annexed interesting details: The Union forces consisted of eight thousand infantry, belonging to the Seventeenth army corps, under General Mower, and Dudley's brigade, of Gen. Lee's cavalry corps, the whole under the command of Gen. A. J. Smith. On the 28th ult., this force encountered the rebels under Dick Taylor, estimated at twelve thousand strong, posted in an advantageous position on Cane river, some thirty-five miles above Alexandria, and a fight ensued of nearly three hours duration. The infantry thrown out as skirmishers did the greater part of the fighting, and inflicted quite a heavy loss upon the enemy, who were concentrated to resist an anticipated assault from our whole force. After the position of the enemy had been well ascertained, a general advance was ordered by Smith, and made with a cheer. The rebels wavered at this demonstration, and after a few volleys began to retreat. The rebels fell back in very good order, and the nature of the ground was such as to prevent a coup de main by our troops had an opportunity offered. After the retreat began the cavalry brigade of Gen. Dudley made a gallant charge on the enemy's flank. The column was crossing an open field, when the troopers swooped down upon it like a hawk upon its prey, and captured over 300 prisoners. The confusion created by this charge was such as to disorganize a portion of the rebel force, and a number of additional prisoners were afterwards taken as stragglers. Our whole loss is said to be but 18 killed and about 60 wounded most of them slightly, while that of the enemy is known to be much greater. It is estimated by some as high as 300 killed and wounded, and we captured over 500 prisoners, and others were yet being brought in, in squads of twos, threes, and half dozens. Our troops did not halt at the battleground, but pushed on, Dudley and his cavalry in the advance, and it was supposed no rest would be given the enemy. It was the design of Gen Smith to force the rebels to stand, and to defeat them in a pitched battle if possible. This would tend to disorganize the rebel army, among which considerable dissatisfaction now exists.
The Lacross was destroyed by guerillas on Tuesday evening last, about twenty miles this side of Alexandria. At this time she was lying in the centre of the river, and was surprised, captured and burned by a few guerillas, who floated down to her on a raft from a band a short distance above. The officers were carried off and the crew paroled.--The Lacross was burned to the water's edge.
The following night the Mobile Stephens was fired into probably by the same gang. But little damage was done to the boat.
’
The speculation in New York.
A letter dated New York, the 12th inst., says:‘ This has been one of the most exciting days in Wall street and business circles within the memory of the oldest inhabitant. Gold, foreign exchange, breadstuffs, and nearly every other description of
merchandise, indeed, have experienced an enormous advance, under the influence of which people seem to be growing absolutely wild. Almost every man you meet in the street or on the corner is a speculator — that is, an "operator for a rise"--for the time being; absolutely carried away with the one great idea, how to get rich all of a sudden, without reaching the grand result in the regular way, by the sweat of the face.
’
Raising the "siege" of Mobile.
The siege of Mobile by Farragut's iron-clads is definitely announced to have been raised. The following is the distribution of the fleet, recently employed there:The gunboats and mortar vessels have been withdrawn and are now at Pensacola. The Cowslip and Metacomet are blockading in the Sound. The rebels are building docks around the Tennessee for the purpose of lightening her over Dog River Bar. The Nashville is nearly completed. She will not be such a formidable appearing monster as the Tennessee.
On Sunday, March 29, a picket boat belonging to the enemy, was captured by the Jackson. In it were five men and an officer, (master's mate.)--The boat, officer and men belonged to the rebel gunboat Selma.
A letter thus explains the withdrawal:
Although Admiral Farragut remained with his fleet after it was known that Sherman had returned to Vicksburg, engaging Fort Powell with his mortar vessels and gunboats, there was perhaps no glimmer of hope in the breast of the old veteran that with these he could capture Mobile as he captured New Orleans. He could not pass the forts as he passed Forts Jackson and Philip, owing to the shallowness of the water and the nature of the obstructions placed in the channel in every direction.
Mobile must be taken by a land attack, or Admiral Farragut must have two or three iron-clads, if for no other purpose than to guard his fleet from the attack of the formidable rams Tennessee and Nashville.
Report of Official Corruption by Gov. Pierpont.
Gov. Pierpont, the Union Governor of Virginia, says a Washington letter, is now engaged upon a report, to be presented to the President, Congress, and the world, in which will be shown up some of the most nefarious transactions of the Federal authorities in Alexandria, Norfolk, and Portsmouth, which ever disgraced the history of any nation.--The report will be accompanied by documentary evidence as damning as it is conclusive, and as conclusive as such evidence can be.
A picture of the condition of Yankeedom.
The New York Herald, of Monday last, in an editorial article, draws the following picture of the drunken war carnival in the United States:‘ What is the present condition of the country?--In the midst of a gigantic war, draining the loyal States of hundreds of thousands of their most vigorous men, and thousands of millions of money, we are enjoying a carnival of unbounded prosperity. On every hand extravagance, prodigality and speculation prevail. Delirium reigns in Wall street, and among the giddy throngs of Broadway, and amid the splendors and the surging multitudes at the great Fair, in a word, from the Atlantic to the Pacific, the madness of unlimited treasures rules the hour. Glorious spectacle this, and yet a most fearful delusion. It is like the feast of Belshazzar, while the legions of our irresistible enemy are gathering under the city walls.
’
Drumming in the Federal troops.
Every effort is being made to cover up their scarcity of men by drumming in all the absentees, "new organizations," &c., that they can lay their hands on. A telegram from St. Louis, dated the 10th, says:‘ A dispatch from Provost Marshal General Fry to Provost Marshal Alexander, of this State, says Lieut. Gen. Grant directs active measures to be immediately taken to get into the field all recruits of the new organization and the old troops of Missouri. The troops will rendezvous at Louisville.
Gen. Sherman, in a dispatch to the Governor of Missouri on the same subject, says the War Department has given him the control of all the veterans now absent, and requests him to have them sent to the front immediately upon the expiration of their furloughs. No excuse will be taken for delay, and commanders of regiments will be held to strict accountability for absence of a single day. Gen. Sherman says now is the time, if ever, when the soldier should be in his place, three hundred men in time being better than a thousand too late. All regiments belonging to the armies of the Ohio and Cumberland go to Nashville, and those of the army of Tennessee go to Cairo, where they will receive further orders.
The steamer Silver Moon has arrived with one day's later news from Memphis.
The alarm lately experienced in the city was sudsiding Preparations, however, were making to receive the enemy, should he venture.
The rebels under McCrea, are reported concentrating in force at Augusta, on White river, one hundred miles above Ball's Bluff. They had driven out the small garrison on duty there, compelling them to retire to the gunboats. Measures were immediately taken to fortify Duvall's Bluff.
’
The selling of U. S. Gold certificates in New York.
The reason why Chase's gold certificates don't go off in New York is that they are not redeemable in gold — they are only receivable for Custom-House dues. The people don't want any such certificates; they want the gold itself to send off to Europe, and thereby provide against the impending smash in Yankee money affairs. Assistant Treasurer Cisco offers his gold certificates in New York at 165, when gold is selling at 169, but it won't take. The people won't buy them, and gold won't go down.
Miscellaneous.
A letter from Fortress Monroe, April 7, speaks of a gunboat expedition up the Chickahominy, and says:‘ The object of the expedition, which penetrated to within about fifteen miles of the rebel capital, was for secret purposes of the utmost importance, and was faithfully performed throughout. What ever it may have been, the officers concerned in it, viz: Capt Harris, Lieut Chambers, and Lieut Bladenhauser, deserve great credit for the prompt and fearless execution of the General's orders.
In the Coles county (Illinois) rebellion eight lives were lost in the affray, and twenty-five prisoners are in custody. Those, it is said, will be turned over to the civil authorities, to be tried for riot and murder, the circumstances not being regarded such as to justify a military trial, or a trial for treason in the United States Courts. The 54th regiment, whose members were the objects of attack, and five of whom were killed, have offered a reward of $1,000 for those at large who were engaged in the affair, "dead or alive." The citizens of Charleston have also offered $ each for about a dozen, including O'Hair, the Sheriff of the county.
The St Louis Presbyterians decided at a late meeting that the Rev Dr McPheeters could not be allowed to continue his ministerial labors at the Pine street Presbyterian church in that city. Dr McPheeters was banished from that department for disloyalty some time since, but the order of banishment was revoked by Lincoln.
The steamer J. H. Russell was burnt near Plaquemine a few days since. She was heavily laden with cotton, mules, and cattle. These, with Adams Express freight and treasure, were entirely destroyed. Several lives lost.
Eighty three steamers, carrying 40,000 tons of public stores, have reached Nashville, Tenn, making in all two hundred thousand tons of stores accumulated there.
A fire, destroying $50,000 worth of property, occurred at Harrodsburg, Ky., last week. Ex-Gov. Magoffin and Dr Smalley being the principal losers.
By a late arrival from Havana it is ascertained that the Confederate steamer Florida was recently at Canary Islands, on the coast of Africa.
The prize steamer Pet, captured off Wilmington, sold at auction at Boston on the 9th for $35,000.
Fernando Wood resumed his seat in Congress Saturday, after a severe attack of sickness.
The Maple Leaf was the steamer blown up by a torpedo in Florida. Four lives were lost.
Gen. Grant has been in consultation with Burnside at Washington.
’
