Newspapers / The Western Sentinel (Winston-Salem, … / Jan. 14, 1864, edition 1 / Page 2
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WESTERN SEMTISEL - . -l t ' - -i THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 1864. Sinee last week there has not been any ex citing news received from our armies. Several raids on a small scale ha vo been made upon the enemy at various plaaes. These have been quite successful, and hare injured the foe not a little. It is said a portion of Gen, Lee's force are after the enemy in the valley, otherwise in Northern ,Va., all was quiet. It seems to be generally believed that active work in the Eastern part of this State will soon begin. The enemy have been reported as re ceiving reinforcements on our coast at several points. At Wilmington heavy firing was heard from some point below, and a severe con clusion felt, like as if a magazine had exploded. Later intelligence states that a Yankee steamer had been blown up. It and seveB others attack ed one of our fortifications below Wilmington on the coast, At Charleston, iff Tennessee and at General Johnston's ariny, nothing unusual had occurred. We regret-seriously the course parti zans seem bent upon pursuing n: this State in regard to the aotion that Congress has tiken in reference to the substitute law, and to the expected action in regard to the exemption law. Congress is not "mad," but will yet act for the best. When the conscript law was first passed, it was thought by some that the country could not stand it, but subsequent events have shown that that law was perhaps the only one which could have been adapted with safety to the country ; and who knows ut that the measures so much objected to now, will yet be the means of great good. We urge upon the people everywhere to remain firm and united. Wait and see what will be done. We will be heard more fully upon this subject hereafter. . Exemption . We give below the till reported to Congress by the Military Committee of the House. It is in truth, a "sweeping" one,, so far as it relates to the exempts now carrying on civil pursuits, under the provisions of the exemption law now in force. According to reports, the discussion of this measure in Congress has developed the fact that there is considerable opposition to the enactment of so "sweeping" a law, and of pla cing so important a power as that of detailing lor special times and purposes the persons who are to carry on the necessary civil pursuits, to the discretion of the President and Secretary ef War, or to any other authority. We are told that strong opposition was exhibited to wards this elause of the bill. It is not at all surprising that this demonstration should be made, and to our view of the matter it seems right and proper. If Congress really intends to curtail the list, of exempts, let it plainly do so by direct legislation, and not commit to the hands of a few persons the authority to decide who are necessary to remain at home and who should be in the arm. This mode pf proceed ing will not give occasion for the exercise of any favoritism, partiality, or other influences which will be sure to follow the enactment of a law which places at the disposal of a few persons the fate ef so many. - In other respects the bill is in accordance with what seems to be the settled determina tion of Congress that of increasing the effec tive force of the ' army and leaving nothing undone that will tend to render it mere effi cient. It is uncertain if this measure will become a law mT ,we very much doubt if it does in its present! shape, but then Congress appears to be bent upon doing its utmost, and it is possible the bill may pass. A bill to be entitled An Act repealing and reg ulating future exemptions from - military service : " -" - The Congress of the Confederate States do enact, That from and after the passage of this not, all acts and parts of acts exempting per sons from military service be and the same are hereby repealed, except, in so far as they relate to officers of the Confederate and State governments, and hereafter no persons shall he exempt from such service than the following, to wit : All who shall be held to be . unfit for military service' under rules , to be prescribed by the Secretary of War, and such other par lous as the said' Secretary1, with the approval of the President, may deem it expedient to exempt tin view of the fact, which must be satisfactorily established, that snc'i persons can, by their, skill, labar, : occupation or em ployment, better subserve the vital interests of the country and contribute; more substantia ally to its defence outside of the army than in Its ranks : Provided, Tfuit in even such cases absolute exemptions from military service J shonld not be granted if, in the opinion of the Secretary or War, the same end can be attained bj regular en rolling and detailing, for specified times and stated1 purposes,- the persons- whose skill, labor, occupation or employment may stake their services more valuable out of than in the actual ranks of the array. , ' The aboys bill has been referred back to the Committee that .originated it; this would . seem tor intimate that it cannot pus. in its ' present snape, ujuga new raw ou xnis suojeot will dauntless be enacted. Habeas Corpus. There is a proposition before Congress to suspend the habeas corpus in cases f those who have put in substitutes. This is a very important measure. It would seem to be ren dered necessary t give full effect to the law which has passed Congress to place in the serviee all those who have been exempt by reason of having furnished substitutes. The right and power of Congress to suspend the writ, depends upon this paragraph of the. Consti tution of the Confederate States "the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus shall not be suspended, unless when in cases of rebellion or invasion the public safety may require it." The authority thus conferred by tha Constitution seems to our mind clear and explicit. Congress may believe that the public safety absolutely re quires that the writ be suspended, and it may shape its legislation accordingly; but at the same time it is questionable, whether such action would not create discord and diasentions among the peo ple that would far out-balance the good which is likely to flow from a suspension of the writ. Al ready we see mutter ir.gs and complaints "uttered, that if such action is taken our liberties are lost the dearest rights of the people trampled upon and. military dei potism will rear its throne upon th eir ruins. Now we are no advocate of the above mention ed proposition which Congress has nndsr consid. eration ; but if our representatives with all the lights before them, should see cause to take the step proposed, we do not believe that our liberties or any of the rights possessed by the people will be endangered. If a cordial and united support were rendered to the government by all our citizen?, there would be no need of any such measures be, ing enaeted. Bat instead of this unanimous sup port which is due to the government situated as it is, we see a prominent faction ceaslesslv engaged iu stirring up animosity against it, and op posing every and all means taken to maintain its integrity. Ihis is too true. Congress is doubtless more fully advised ef the true wants ol onr armies, than any set of outsiders can be, and in its endeavors to render them effi cient, it should have the hearty support of all, for upon the military organization of the Confederacy and it alone, the entire hope of all that we possess depends. This is conceededby even the most vio lent opponents of the authorities in power. Then why this grumbling and fault finding at every meas ure taken by them for the public good. T?e fear that, the motives whieh prompt such a course are anything but what they should be. ; Enrollment Commenced. The Adjutant Gen eral of the Confederate States has issued orders for the enrollment, as rapidly as possible, of persons liable to military service by the reeent acts of Congress. Thi applies principally, we presume, to the principals of substitutes. uThey are required to report as volunteers or conscripts without delay. All who delay beyond the 1st of February, will be considered as having renounced the privilege of volunteering and be held for assignment according to law. Previous to en rollment as conscripts, nil such persons will be al lowed to volunteer in companies in service oa the 16th t Arpil, 1862; provided the company chosen does not reach the, maximum, but must not be re ceived except on a certificate of an enrolling , offi cer that tbey have so volunteered. Persons who report to Enrolling officers may be allowed a fur lough of 10 days before leporting to the camp of Instruction." EST" Tho Currency question, Exemption, and other matters are the principal subjects now under deliberation in Congress. But little other impor tant business is before that body. We have seen nothing raliable in reference to the previsions ,of the tax law, and the mode for restoring the cur rency, further than what we gave last week. e expect to place this matter when finally acted apon by Congress, prominently before our readers. ; Confederate Bonds sold at auction , in Rich mond last week at 112 to 117. The bonds of the 15,000,000 loan brought 183 to 185." This don't look 'like people ! jwere losing faith in our Peace. The Western Democrat speaking of and ad eocating the appointment of commis sioners for the purpose ef proposing terms ef peaee to the Lincoln government on the basis of separation and the independence of the Con federate States, says truly, "that such commis sioners should be appointed by the President with the corcurrenee of the Senate, they beiBg the only treaty making pewers reooguized by the Constitution." This plan is also endorsed by other leading journals and is practicable. It would force Lincoln to receive or reject our proposals for peace, and thus satisfy some of our people who seem to think that "an honor able peaee" can be had by asking for it. The Democrat truthfully asserts that : Peace can be secured only by the action ef our National authorities. Movements for that purpose by a State Legislature or a State Con vention would involve us in deeper trouble and might lead to a civil war The Raletgh Standard, speaking of the ap pointment of lion. Geo. Davi? as Attorney General, says : "Mr. Davis was elected to the Senate as a Destruetive, and the1 present Legislature de clined to re-elect him on that account, and filled his plaee with the Hon. Wm. A. Graham a tried Conservative, And be was appointed 'to his present place by the President because hois a Destructive, and because he was rejected bv the Conservative Legislature of N. Carolina." The Standard is entirely mistaken. The President appointed Mr. Davis because, in the first place, he is capable and competent, and in the second plaee, because he was recommended and his appointment requetsed by Hon. Wm.. A. Graham and other prominent men of both the old parties in this State. If the Standard" is determined to find fault with every aet of the President, we huppose it will consider Mr. Graham's recommendation all right. We re peat, the appointment of Mr. Davis by the Presided as Attorney General was recommen ded by Win. A. Graham and almost every member of the "Conservative Legislature." airing ourselves. F.or instance, a State Convene-on could net s9- cure peaee for the people ef NortL Carolina i alone it would be disgraceful and traitorous I The mdicatiotas are that the only way t save to attempt such a thing, and the man who slavery iu North Carolina is through negotiations would p-opose a wicked scheme of that kind ! tov an honorable peace. Let all our people, and ought to be looked upon and treated as a dan- 1 slaveholders, think of this. The only serous enemy t peace here at home. God f ;: Z.ZZ 17" , w " (i , w m ' ii; tir l. liiili. hi l ih kiiv vrmirn rrare atwi i . . . I I J ( T . v vvivifau -lVC, ilVA VklXJ grant mat our pcopio may u savu ncim ui- i States can speak autheritively only in Convention testine feuds and wars. The war with the Yan kees is distressing enough without turmoil and strife amcn ourselves. Standard. Then we presume yon would like to have a Convention, a,nd perhaps slitls back under the pa- We are just about as anxious for an "honor- J ternal wings of the; Ameri can Buzzard now in the able peace" as any man in this world, but we j keeping of Father Abraham. These propositions are willins? to leave the matter la the hands of ! aU t5i3B ou 1119 or Lincoln's proposition to our Natioual authorities, where the Constitu tion has placed it. President Davis and his Cabinet aro as anxious for peace as we are. -Their lives their all, as well as that of any oth er true Southern man are at stake. If our cause fails we all together arc doomed to an ig -nominious fate. This being so, ought we nt to woik together, encourage the faint hearted, discourage and frown upon the schemes of bad men to divide us, and give a cordial support to our authorities and the measures adopted to save our country from being overrun by a bru tal and merciless enemy ? He who now con cocts schemes to gratify personal ambition, or spite, or malice, and with these schemes stirs up strife and quarrels among southern people, is a dangerous and wicked man and an enemy to peace. The President and the Confederate Senate are the proper sources to originate peace meas ures, and although the President has heretofore made efforts to bring the enemy toterms, and although those advances have been rejected and spurned by the Lin&oln Government, we hope he will make another effort by appointing com missioners and proclaiming the fact to the world. let one-tenth of the people form a State Govern ment, which he will uphold and recoguize, has a very strong odor of disloyalty and treason about, theiu, which are exceedingly offensive to all liber ty loving, uwm aud women in the South. Rebel. Analysis of the Tax Lav in Congress. It is known that Congress is now maturing in secret session, a bill to levy taxes for the support of the Government. This bill has come from the Special Committee on Currency. Its features may be briefly reliably stated. It proposes a tax of twenty per cent, on all agricultural pro ducts: wheat, Gorn, tobaeeo, naval scores, pro visions, eletbs, and generally, all articles whieh may be enumerated as army supplier. Slocks, coin and and all paper used as currency are taxed five per cent. All debts which have been paid in Confederate money prior to thw pas sage of the act are taxed against the party who paid them, ten to twenty per cent, according to the date of payment. Profits in trade and bu siness, made since the 1st of January, 1862, are taxed thirty three per. cent., with some ex ception?, and with aa additional tax of twenty five per cent, on the excess over twenty five of the profits of incorporated and joint stock Fkom Bet.teh to Woks a. The Petersburg Express learns from a gentlemen who re cently left Norfolk, that sundry individuals who fled from Petersburg to avoid service in the army, and made itaeirj way through our lines to Norfolk, have gained nothing by the change. Ju tact, they have jumped from the "trying pan into the fire," for it is stated that Butler has ordered every man who arrives uu der such circumstances, to be arrested and plae ed in the eumps of instruction at Newport News, preparatory to a full entrance into the yankeo army. It would be infinitely better for these timid patriots to remain and fight in th Confederate ranks, under any and all cireums stences, but siuce it seems to be-prettv well es tablished, that ihey are to be forced "into the yankee service as soou as they get under Yan kee authority, surely, no one can hesitate about the banner under which be will fight. Gen. Morgan had a reception at the City xmii, lviwmiuiiu, on j.- riuay lasi, wnen, on oe ing introduced by the Mayor, he made the fol lowing sensible speech : 4 Pellow-citizens, I thank you for this recep tion, and I hope that my future career will prove that I am not unworthy of the honor veil have done me. Not being a speaker, J wjIL give way to others who are. Again .1 thauk yu for this manifestation of your regard. " Short speeches waro also made by Gens. A P. Hill, Stuart and' others. Gen. Morgan re main at the Ballard House, but it is said he wiil leave in a few days for the Wt to r-or gauize his force and again take the field. Retaliation. The Rich. Sentinel''1 of Mon day, says :- . We learn from a gentleman just arrived from North Carolina that the 62d Georgia reg irnenl eapturned two negroes and a white lieu tenant of a negro regiment, who were indenti companies made in anv of the years since the i d?s beJng"g t4 the party who hung Lieut. war. The income tax is suspended. I iv.wa. ueiermmeu w iane me mrea to me spoil wnere poor jrriuicH was murnerea,. and "hang them in retaliation. The captures were made in Perquimans county, N. C. Rieh. Examiner. Interesting to Mail Contractors. The Bureau of Conscription, under instructions from the War Department, has determined with refer ence to mail contractors; "that the cause of ex eruption should exist at the time that military service is claimed. If a person otherwise sub. jeet to conscription, before or at the time -'of enrollment, claims exemption by reason of be ing such a mail contractor as is ment ioned in the act, exemption must not bo refused, even though the contract w.as obtained since the pas sage of the act. If the contract is obtained sub sequent to the enrollment, the party virtually becomes a member of the army, and a release from service is of the nature of a r discharge from the army, w hich is hot1 contemplated in the act of Congress. 1 - The Enrollment Soon, Commkncb. The Exaroinei of Wednt-sday says : It is expeetpd that General Orders ill be prepared in the Adjutant General's Office, in a few days, for the immediate conscription of parties; who -have I furnished substitutes, and have'recently been eonscripted l?y Congress. (t Despatches from Riehmend say the rumors of changes in the War Depahmeut are with out foundation.- r ' ' : - . , Tithes. The Confederate Senate has passed a bill defining the meaning of the Tithe Law to be that farmers shall not be required to pay a tenth of their straw of wheat, oats, rye. or bar-; lev, nor of shucks or stalks ef their cern crop The Hon. Wm. A. Graham, Senater elect te the Confederate Congress, Has resigned his seat in the General Assembly as benator from, the county 6f Orange. HillsborO; Recorder. Conjisoation.- In Alexandria, Va., the yan kees have commenced selling the property of Southern men. They drive off the owners by requiring them to take the Lincoln oath of allegiance, and then confiscate their property. A ft . . .mt-.M X ... M n A I a .1 M I Ml . .ln1 KtSM XI. 1JU11IUC1 V'l I (111 LL19 UUttl AtVAilUUiia, BUU uwu- ses and lots io the city, are advertised for sale by the vankee officers. And such will be the doom of all Southern men's property if we fail in establishing, our independence. . Bayard or Delaware. Senator Baryard, of Delevrare, has not yet taken the oath of al legianee prescribed sinee t the breaking ut - of the rebellion, and it is rumored that the ITeder- at senate win insist en nis suoscriptng to lMV oath, or expel ? bim'. ; rf';v- -;r5 9
The Western Sentinel (Winston-Salem, N.C.)
Standardized title groups preceding, succeeding, and alternate titles together.
Jan. 14, 1864, edition 1
2
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