| 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} |
|