Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 24, Number 3666, 20 December 1862 — LETTER FROM NEVADA TERRITORY. [ARTICLE]

LETTER FROM NEVADA TERRITORY.

[From Our Special Correspondent.] Carson (N.T.) Thursday, December 18, 1862. Your correspondent, "my boy," is very nearly swamped by the outrageous hurry-skurry manner in which the legislative business is conducted, and yet it is a fearful certainty that the bustle and confusion is going to be worse, to-morrow, and worst on the next and (fortunately for "this people") last day of the session. Your correspondent has been compelled to divide himself by two so many times within the past twenty-four hours, in order to report proceedings occurring in both branches at the same time, that he feels conscious of having been transformed into a conglomeration of compound vulgar fractions, out of which nothing short of an intricate mathematical operation can ever extricate his identity. Consequently he submits his record of the progress of the manufacture of franchises with some misgivings on the score of correctness—as to the public measures, their number is so small relatively that he finds not much difficulty in keeping track of them. In the Council, at its last evening's session, in the first place an indispensable resolution was passed empowering the Secretary to employ another enrolling clerk at not more than $8 a day. The following bills were passed: Act granting a, toll road franchise to Robert J. Hawkins and others: Act to amend the school law so as to provide for a Board of Education in Storey county [in advocating this bill Van Bokkelen expressed himself warmly in favor of "good schools and good schoolma'ams," upon which depended the safety of the nation, but was called to order on the ground that a bachelor had no business with schoolma'ams]; Act to issue bonds and coupons with the blanks filled up. Bonds issued for $20,000 at ten per cent., payable in one, two and three years. Three citizens of Carson appointed as Commissioners, at $250 each, to negotiate sale of the bonds, at not less than ninety per cent. of their face; $250 appropriated for engraving. In the discussion, Hannah said the Commissioners could probably go to California and get greenbacks in exchange for the bonds at par. "Steele said he called the gentleman to order; he understood that the corporation bill was passed expressly to cut off San Francisco, so that San Francisco should not be King. The President brought down his hammer with vim, saying, " Gentlemen will come to order;' the corporation bill, is not under consideration." Pugh opposed the bill because it was a bung-starter, and if it passed the bung would come out and f-sh-sh the lager beer would go; he was only using illustrations which would be familiar to the Council. The vote on the passage of the bill was ayes 9, noes 4." The Revenue Bill was further read by sections in Committee of the Whole, but the sparkling and vivacious young wife of one of the Councillors was present, and engrossed so much ou the attention of members, that the Secretary's mellifluous reading could not be attended, and the Committee rose on the eighty-first section, the "gross proceeds" bone of contention not having been reached. Steele introduced an Act removing the Capital to Silver City, which, on motion of Roop, was amended by substituting Susanvllle, and referred. Pugh gave notice of an Act to establish a ferry on Walker lake. The House, at its evening session, was more industrious, remaining in session till 12 o'clock, and clearing off the entire calendar, so far as the Committee of the Whole is concerned. The list embraces forty or fifty bills, chiefly franchises, many of which were rushed through without reading, in order to save time. Fisher, Minneer, and some other extra conscientious members protested vigorously but unavailingly against this "indecent haste." It is not necessary to enumerate the bills acted upon, as they all came up for further action this morning. ln the Council to-day the following bills were passed: Act supplementary to an Act to provide for the election of Probate Judges and District Attorneys (giving present incumbents the increased rates of salaries); Act allowing claim of T. J. Mormon ($300 for assisting in running the California boundary line). On motion of Roop, the Council took up the Act amending the Territorial charter of the Central Pacific Railroad Company. Lewis asked for an explanation, which was given, after which the bill was passed unanimously. It reads thus: AN ACT to amend an Act entitled an Act Granting to Certain Persons the Right to Construct a Railroad from the Western to the Eastern Boundary of the Territory of Nevada, approved November 26, 1861. Be it enacted by the Governor and Legislative Assembly of the Territory of Nevada, as follows: Section 1. That the time limited in said Act to locate, stake and survey the western portion of the railroad provided for in said Act, and to file the plat of such location and survey, as provided for in the third section of said Act, be and the same is hereby extended for the period of one year from the passage of this Act, and all the rights, grants and privileges therein granted are hereby confirmed and continued to the parties named in said Act, their associates, successors and assigns. Roop next called up an Act to aid in the construction of a Pacific Railroad, by the issuance of bonds for half a million dollars. Lewis moved to amend so as to issue five hundred million dollars in bonds. ["This Is lronnykle."] Hannah expressed some doubt as to the ability of the Territory to pay the interest on half a million, having recently examined the Territorial accounts, and moved to amend by making the amount quarter of a million. Lewis moved to amend the amendment by making it one-eighth of a million. Van Bokkeles said the interest on these bonds would be ten per cent., which would be, according to the original bill $60,000 a year, and that was more than the whole revenue last year. The Territory could not stand such a big thing, however desirable the Pacific Railroad was. They would have to double their taxation, and the people were already overburthened. If the Territory had credit they had better lend it first to railroads to bring wood from the mountains. Sturtevant fully concurred in these views, while conceding the importance to Nevada of having this railroad put through the mountains. Hannah said he was aware that the bill required material modifications, but insisted on the importance of doing something at least to encourage this great undertaking. He referred to the enormous sums now paid for teaming over the mountains, mentioned one firm in Sacramento who paid $900,000 a year for freight, and contended that the road would benefit the Territory more than the whole amount of the bonds before half the time had arrived for their redemption. This enterprise was in the hands of men who would push it through to completion. Lewis said the gentleman was over sanguine. But he could not see how the Territory could afford to be taxed any further. Storey county would have to pay $180,000 for county and school buildings, besides the regular city, county, Territorial and National taxes, and the rest of the Territory was in no better way. If the State organization scheme should be put through then taxes would be nearly doubled. Pugh said he was as friendly to the Pacific Railroad as "any other man;" but he was still more friendly to the people. Now were they going to farm out the interests of the Territory to California? He was opposed to any legislation that would take a cent from the treasury till it was there. If this bill should pass, the Territory of Nevada would not reap the benefit of a single "soumarkee " from it. It was all in a nut shell, and they wanted to crack it and get the kernel over in California. They could not do it by his vote. Hannah moved to refer the bill to the Committee on Internal Improvements for amendment. Pugh moved that the bill be postponed indefinitely, which was done by this vote: Ayes— Geller, Lewis, Pray, Pugh, Sturtevant, Thompson, Van Bokkelen— 7. Noes — Ford, Hall, Hannah, Luther, Roop, Steele— 6". A motion was made to reconsider the vote by way of a clincher, and on Pugh's motion the reconsideration was also postponed indefinitely. A motion to reconsider a vote to indefinitely postpone is not in order, but it was entertained and carried on, the same principle that the long eared animal kicked the dead lion. I understand that no attempt will be made to bring the matter up again in either branch, on account of a prevailing undercurrent of hostility to everything Californian (except the Sacramento Union and its correspondent,) which would render any such attempt abortive.! House amendments to the Dayton and Desert Creek toll road bill were concurred in. The Carson Gas Company bill was reconsidered and a message sent to the House to get it. R. H. Brown's toll road bill amendments were concurred in. House amendments to the Mongolian capitation tax bill were non-concurred in, the vote being ayes 6, noes 6. House amendments to Lyon & Wllbourn's bridge bill were concurred in. House amendments to Van Sickles' & Rawetsky's toll road bills were non-concurred in, which very likely slaughters those invaluable franchises. House resolution relative to preparing a bill to pay the attaches was adopted. House bill for the incorporation of religious, charitable, literary and other associations, was passed. The Union Resolutions, or platform, from the House were taken up and read as far as "we love our Southern brethren," when, on motion of Lewis, they were summarily tabled. Act for the relief of William H. Henderson (for overpaid taxes) was passed. A message from the Governor announced his approval of Myron Lake's, Alfred Helm's, and Roberts & Armstrong's toll road bills; also, Act amending charter of Virginia City and Washoe Railroad Company ; also, the Washoe City water bill. Act changing the name of Union (to Buena Vista) and incorporating said town, was about to be rushed through without reading, when Lewis objected and, on motion of Sturtevant, the bill was referred to Lewis "for his benefit." House bill authorizing certain parties to construct a railroad (from Lake Blgler to Virginia, with branches to Carson and the Truckee), was rushed through and passed. Van Bokkelen gave notice of reconsideration to-morrow. House bill amendatory ef the Homestead Law was discussed, amended by striking out what is called the "stag homestead," or bachelor provision, and then laid on the table by ayes 6, noes 5. There it will probably remain to the "bitter end" of the session. The Revenue Bill was considered in Committee of the Whole, after a statement from the President that unless the Council passed it to-night, the Speaker of the House informed him, it could not be enrolled before final adjournment. Various amendments were adopted before the 99th section was reached, and thereupon a spirited and long debate sprung up on a motion by Hannah to tax "net proceeds" of the mines 80 cents on the $100, Instead of gross proceeds 80 cents. After it became apparent that the debate was likely to be endless (the rapid approach of the fleet little horse prevents my reporting it), Hall suggested, that on account of the lack of time to properly consider the subject, the bill be passed without further amendment, leaving section 93 and the twenty or thirty, following sections just as passed by the House. It had been urged that the 80 cent tax on gross proceeds was illegal but rather than have no revenue bill they had better pass it. The Council adopted the suggestion, rose, and passed the bill — only Lewis voting no. The House bill providing for the erection of school houses in Storey ($80,000) was passed. Sturtevant presented a memorial to Congress relative to Indian depredations and the expenses incurred is protecting infant settlements of the Territory, facing

the same memorial which was indefinitely postponed some weeks ago, but modified so as to ask Congress to appoint a Commission to adjust claims. Hannah opposed the memorial strenuously, but under the previous question it was "rushed through" and passed—ayes, 9; noes— Ford, Geller, Hannah and Pray. Recess till evening. In the House but fifteen members were present at the roll call. The (Winters) Corporation bill was reported correctly enrolled, and directed to be sent to the Governor. Bets are about even here as to whether he will sign or veto it, but he has pluck enough to do either. The Printing Committee reported in favor of printing 8,000 copies of Professor Blake's report on the geology, mines, etc., of this Territory. Adopted. The Virglnla City Scientific and Literary Association was spoken of as the proper parties to supervise the filling of the numerous blanks. If they do their work well the book will be a valuable one. The following bills were passed, including those perfected in Committee of the Whole, last night: Act granting Job & Penrod a toll road franchise; Act allowing J. W. Greer's claim; Act chartering Silver City Water Company; Act to authorize certain parties to construct a railroad; Act to authorize certain (other) parties to ditto; Act to ditto Brooks & White to ditto; Act to ditto Hiram Mott to ditto; Act to ditto F. Brown to ditto; Act chartering Virginia and Silver City Rail road Company; Act amending Civil Practice Act (amended on Clagett's motion in respect to the redemption of mining claims); Act allowing S. Wittgenstein's claim; Act chartering W. R. Parkleon's toll road; Act allowing Harrington & Kincaid's claim; Act chartering a toll road from Como to Carson river, and a bridge; Act chartering Virginia and Truckee Railroad Company; Act amending the Census and Apportionment Law (relative to United States Marshal taking census); Act allowing Sarah A. Blackburn's claim for services of her late husband as Sheilff; Act chartering Frank Perkins' toll road; Act chartering a toll bridge across Carson slough; Act chartering railroad from Washoe City to north end of Lake Bigler; Act chartering Walton & Lambert's toll road; Act amending Lien Law; Act chartering Isaac H. Stith's toll bridge; Act chartering a plaak and turnpike road from Carson to Empire City; Act creating Aurora Gas Company; Act chartering a bridge over Humboldt river. Council bill to issue bonds and coupons was also taken up, rushed through and passed. Mrs. M. A. Ormsby's toll road bill was ungallantly rejected. The Council's Insolvent Act was also rejected. Act supplemental to an Act for election of Judges of Probate, etc., was postponed indefinitely. Williams introduced an Act to audit the claims of certain persons and provide for the payment of the same (supposed to mean the old "Utah claims.") Referred to Ways and Means Committee, and subsequently reported favorably. Council bill repealing census and apportionment law was rejected. Many more bills were perfected in Committee of the Whole, after which the House took a recess till evening. I am requested by Councilmen Ford and Steele to say they did not vote to suspend the rules for the passage of the Corporation Bill, as reported in my telegram, or if they did they did not intend to. They changed to "aye," supposing the vote to be on the passage, and desiring an opportunity to move a reconsideration. The full report in the Union will probably afford them "food for reflection," but in the meantime they desire me to say that they were opposed to the bill. I should have mentioned before that the Supreme Court is in session here. It met yesterday, adjourned till to-day, met again to-day and adjourned till Monday. Some important questions are to be brought before it this term, I understand, but the Judges probably want to get as much legal light as possible out of the existing Legislature. The outside event of to-day is the semi annual examination or exhibition of Miss Clapp's High School. I am informed by "a reliable gentleman," just returned from the spot, that the examination was more brilliant and successful than any other school examination that ever occurred in this or any other country. The proceeds of the Ladies' Sanitary Ball on Thanksgiving evening have just been handed over to Wellington Stewart, Treasurer of the Nevada Sanitary Fund Association, and he reports that the amount is $571 46. Behold the Pony cometh! TULE.

Secession Women in Virginia.— A correspondent of an Eastern paper, writing from Warrenton, Virginia, very happily describes tho character of secession women in the South, as follows :

I called at a stylish in search of accommodation. Fine ladies in shabby black dresses made their appearance at the door — one about twentyfive, and the other, perhaps, about thirty-five years old. No, they could not accommodate me. They very squarely told me they hoped the Yankees would all get killed. Oae'of them ■aid she would shoot old Abe if she could get an opportunity. They were very jubilant over the election of Seymour. Now they would have peace. The Black Republicans had brought on the war, and now they were put down. Before many days we should have war at the North. She wanted our women and children to be robbed, and outraged, and insulted. She hoped we should feel all the horrors of war aB they had felt them, for which Christian meekness I thanked her, and informed her that we would try and take good care to keep the rebels from the North. Assuming the pious strain, I received a lecture upon the judgments of God : " He will punish you for all this, you are thieves and robbers ; you steal our chickens, cur ducks, pigs and negroes ; you will call down the righteousjudgments of Heaveu upon yourselves. You ought to think of that !" A South Side divine could not have been more divinely denunciatory. When I first came into the State I was tenderhearted. It is trying to one's better feelings to see a beautiful land made desolate, to hear complaints of women and children ; but. amid all this distress there is no compunction of conBcience — no acknowledgment that they aro in the wrong — that they have brought the horrors of war upon the land. I have apologized for the excesses of our troopp, have cried out against their pillaging, recommended some punishments, but conh'dence is thrown away. I have adopted a new method. When a woman begins her complaint, and says we cannot subdue them, cannot restore the Union, and denounces the Yankees, I reply in words which mean something, and endeavor courteously to inform them that if needs be the entire South — city and country — shall be made a desolation rather than that the republican institutions, elaborated by suffering, by blood, by heroic self-denial through all past ages, be given up, and supplanted hy a despotism founded on negro slavery. It has an excellent effect. I recommend all hands to try it, and yon command respect and are well treated. The Southern people are starched with the idea that they are a superior race. It requires only firmness and determination to make them like a linen collar or cabbage leaf on a hot July day.

Falhocth. — The inhabitants of Falmouth, Virginia, where General Burnside is now stopping, are mosUy sympathizers with Secession. Most of them are very poor, and eke out a miserable existence. Flour sells at $22 a barrel, salt, 75 cents a pound, and other necessaries at like rates. Little children's shoes, f 6 per pair. These prices make it almost impossible for the poor to get anything to cat. There is no work for them, as the factories are all stopped. Their sufferings are intense, and it is hard to tell how they are to get through the Winter if the nar continues. The people there are sick and tired of the war, many of the men being deserters, having just come out of the " bush," where they have been hiding from the rebel conscript agent. The Mayor of Fredericksburg.— Mayor Slaughter, who figures ib the correspondence with General Sumner as Mayor of Fredericksburg, in the refusal to surrender that city to our forces, was released frem Capitol Prison in October, where he had been confined since the occupation of .Fredericksburg by General McDowell. Then he was arrested and held as ft hostage, as one of twenty-four, for Union men who had been carried off from Fredericksburg. Previous to his confinement he had the privilege of passing backward and forward between Washington and Fredericksburg, and was instrumental, before his arrest, in Laving a guard placed over a large amount of rebel property, which has since found its way South. The Defenses of Richmond.— Henry Demey of the Eighth United States Infantry, a paroled prisoner, who escaped from Richmond, reports that he saw early in November, in that city, the conscripts going out with tools to work on the fortifications ol the city ; four hundred went out at one time. He atao saw fifteen siege guns on their way out of the city, on trucks drawn by ten or twelve horses each, passing through the street he was on. People said they were prepared there in front and rear to receive us. He left Richmond on the 16th of November, and gaw about twelve thousand infantry between Culpepper and Rappahannock, and the railroad trains full of provisions coming from Gordonsville for Culpepper. Secession Literature. — In a rebel mail intercepted by Colonel Graham, of the Fifth New York Artillery, stationed at Fort Marshall, there was found a letter written by a Secessionist woman of Baltimore, moving in upper-tendom, in which occurs the following elegant passage : " General Wool, he is a gentleman, General Morris is a beast, but General Dix is a thief." Tejwessee Monet. — On the 18th of November, the Louisville brokers were buying good Tennessee money at one per cent, discount. In St. Louis, the brokers were paying three per cent, premium. This description of currency is available for the purchase of cotton at the South, The same influence has raised good Southern funds to eighty cents on the dollar. IxjrßED. — Reverend Mr. Babbitt, a Presbyterian clergyman of Hoboken, N. V., was severally cut in the head and arm, by a late steam boiler explosion in that place.