NP, WJ 1/14A/1864

From the Wilmington Journal
 
January 14, 1864
 
Confederate Congress
Richmond, Jan. 6, 1864
   *****
   In the House the bill to repeal existing and regulate future exemptions, which the Military Committee reported on Monday, was discussed till the House went into secret session on the tax and currency bills. An important address from the Presidents of two Rail Roads was laid on desks of the members this morning in relation to the bill to repeal exemptions, setting forth that it was impossible to keep the roads running without retaining all the mechanics and skilled employees now in the country, and holding out every inducement to get all we can; and that General Grant, appreciating the importance of breaking down our Railroad transportation as the most effective method of weakening our army, had already enticed a considerable number of skillful Railroad Mechanics from Atlanta to Memphis. The address concludes by asking Congress to let not blind zeal for increasing the numbers of the army, or prejudice against Railroad Companies, who were the first to sustain the Government by transporting at half rates and receiving the notes and bonds when they had no market value, precipitate the country and armies into irretrievable disasters. *****
{see NP, WJ 1-14B-64}

Home