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A Republican State Convention met in Alexandria in May, Hon. John M. Botts presiding, and adopted the following resolutions:

Resolved, That no reorganized State government of Virginia should be recognized by the Government

of the United States which does not exclude from suffrage and holding office, at least for a term of years, all persons who have voluntarily given moral or material support to rebellion against the United States, and which does not, with such disfranchisement, provide for the immediate enfranchisement of all Union men, without distinction of color.

Resolved, That the doctrine of the right of secession was the principal issue of the late civil war, and that no policy of reconstruction is safe which does not provide against the possibility of that issue arising again.

Resolved, That while the late rebels affect to accept the situation, they not only hold the same opinion still in regard to that issue, but openly advocate their views in that respect as the basis of party action in the future, as we believe, for the purpose of accomplishing with votes what they have failed to accomplish with bayonets.

Resolved, That the Union Republican party of Virginia, believing that "knowledge is power," and that an enlightened and virtuous people can never be enslaved, and that the maintenance and perpetuation of republican institutions depend materially upon the education of the masses of the people, therefore

we are in favor of a system of free schools, whereby

universal education may be disseminated.

With regard to the legal status of the Virginia Legislature, a special committee reported the following resolutions:

Therefore, inasmuch as the present so-called State Legislature, now elected and assembled together under authority from a body which met in June last in Richmond, and which assumed to be the Legislature of Virginia, but which really consisted of not more than twenty members; and inasmuch as it is further a notorious fact that many of the members of the present so-called Legislature have held military and civil offices under the so-called Confederate and State governments, in rebellion against the United States, among whom we may cite the present Speaker of the so-called Legislature; and inasmuch as the members of the so-called Legislature have not taken the oath required by the said constitution; now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That we declare the body which assumed to be the Legislature of the State an illegal and unconstitutional body, elected, assembled, and organized contrary to the law and constitution of the State; and that all acts, and parts of acts, resolutions, appointments, and other proceedings assumed to be passed by them, ought to be regarded as null and void.

those against whom they were arrayed in the me unfortunate strife, and whose feelings are too violen and vindictive to accord them those rights prescribed by their own pretended laws.

They further represent that the executive, legs lative, and judicial branches of the Government, with a few honorable exceptions, are in the hands of those who were false to the Government in the late struggle for its life; that the judges ap pointed by the executive are, without exception composed of those who were notorious in their sup port of the rebellion. The executive, in appoin ments consisting of directors of public institutions, railroads, adjutant-generals, inspectors, officers of the State militia, etc., has, so far as we know, selected none save those who have been consistently disloyal. The Legislature has, in all its actions, manifested its injustice toward Union men.

For these, and many other reasons, they request the revocation of the power hitherto exercised by Governor Peirpont; that a provisional Governor be appointed to reconstruct the government upon a loyal foundation, and that Congress grant such other relief as may seem fit.

They further request that the Hon. John C. Under wood, the faithful patriot and distinguished jurist, who has always adhered to the Government with a fidelity which no flattery could seduce, no bribery corrupt, nor fears intimidate, be selected as said provisional Governor.

imports of the port of Richmond for the year
Appended is a statement of the exports and
ending December 31, 1866:
Exports of domestic produce...

Imports of foreign merchandise...
Imports free of duty..

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A petition, as follows, was subsequently cir- Liverpool, 700 barrels flour. culated through the State:

To the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States:

The undersigned, citizens of the State of Virginia, loyal to the Federal Government, and cordially indorsing the action of Congress in refusing admittance to those claiming to represent this State in the national councils, respectfully petition immediate action on the part of your honorable bodies, to give that protection to the Union men and the Union interests of this State which justice and policy alike demand, and which Congress alone can provide for. They respectfully state that they are actuated by an earnest desire to see the Government reconstructed as early as possible upon a loyal and permanent basis; that they are influenced by no spirit of revenge or hostility, when they solemnly declare that their dearest rights and liberties are in the hands of

1,854 bales cotton..

66

716 hogsheads leaf..

153 boxes manufactured. Bremen, 563 hogsheads stems. 1,033 hogsheads leaf.. Havre, 830 Bordeaux, 700 Halifax, 76

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2,733 barrels flour.. Venice, 619 hogsheads leaf.. Brazil, 17,541 barrels flour.

Austria, 160 hogsheads leaf. Other ports...

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Goods in warehouse December 21, 1866-value, $25,625) duty assessed, $14,525.56.

VIRGINIA, WEST. An amendment to th constitution of this State, which provided the no person who, subsequent to June, 1861, L

given voluntary aid to the late Southern Confederacy, should be a citizen of the State, or permitted to vote at any election therein, was submitted to the voters for ratification or rejection at the election for township officers on the 24th of May. The Republican State Committee, in their address to the people, said: "We look only to the adoption of such a policy as will certainly secure to us the legitimate results of the dearly-bought victory by which at the last loyalty triumphed over treason on the field of battle." The total vote given was 39,457. The majority for the ratification of the amendment was 7,217. In October an election was held for Governor, at which the total vote given was 40,960, of which the Republican candidate for Governor received 23,802, and the opposition candidate 17,158. Republican majority, 6,644. The successful candidate was Governor Arthur J. Boreman, who was thus reëlected. Three Republican members of Congress were also elected, which was a gain of two. The Legislature of the State is politically divided as follows:

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A large proportion of the population in the southern counties of the State have, by the Constitutional Amendment, been denied every civil and political right. They are excluded from the courts either as suitors or attorneys. The Governor, in his address to the Legislature at the close of the year, commended the increasing prosperity of the State, and recommended the repeal of the usury laws, as repelling capital and enterprise. The revenue reports exhibited a gratifying financial state. Personal property increased over twenty-five per cent. The new valuation of real estate shows a very great increase over the old. The Governor recommended energetic prosecution of the work on the Insane Asylum and Penitentiary. He said the report on free schools shows gratifying progress in the work of education, and he urged the most liberal legislation in support of the schools, and the provision for the Agricultural College endowed by Congress. He advised the Legislature to provide for a speedy geological survey of the State, and to encourage immigration. The message concludes with an argument in favor of ratifying the amendment to the Constitution of the United States, as it was the absolute duty of Congress to take control of the Southern States after the war, and, under the circumstances, the terms of restoration proposed were not vindictive or unkind, much less unjust. In his opinion, a greater magnanimity was never shown under like circumstances.

The amendment to the Federal Constitution, article 14, was passed in the Senate by 15 to 3, and in the House by 43 to 11.

VON DER DECKEN, Baron CHARLES CLAUS, a celebrated German explorer, born at Kotzen, Brandenburg, in 1833; killed by the natives while ascending the River Juba, in Africa, October 1, 1865. He belonged to a family of high rank, his father, Ernest Von der Decken, being one of the brave German legion in the British service at the battle of Waterloo, and afterward holding some important positions at the court of Hanover. The son received a good education, and early evinced a strong desire to travel. Having joined the cadet corps at the age of sixteen, he entered the Hanoverian army the following year as a lieutenant in the Queen's Hussars. He availed himself of his leave of absence to travel through Europe, and in 1858 made his first endeavor to penetrate into Africa, but was prevented from crossing the desert by an attack of fever, which compelled him to return. In 1860 he quitted the army, and soon after embarked at Hamburg for Zanzibar, with the intention of joining his countryman Dr. Roscher, in an attempt to reach the great Nyassa Lake. The murder of Dr. Roscher compelled him to choose another line of research, but the impossibility of obtaining guides made it necessary to return to Zanzibar. A second effort was unsuccessful, from the desertion of his men, and the mutiny of his soldiers, though he acquired some useful knowledge of the country. In 1861 he projected an expedition to examine the great mountain of Kilimandjaro. He determined its mineral constituents, in connection with young Thornton, the geologist, and made a number of important observations on its altitude, temperature, latitude and longitude, which he afterwards published in one of the British scientific journals. The following year he made a more extensive examination of the mountain, ascending to the height of 14,000 feet, and fixing its altitude at upwards of 20,000 feet. Returning to Europe in 1863, he was awarded a gold medal by the Royal Geographical Society of Great Britain, and the Guelphic Order by the King of Hanover. Thus encouraged, he employed his own private means in fitting out another expedition, for the purpose of ascending one of the rivers of the Somauli country, into the interior of Africa. The vessels for this purpose were constructed at Hamburg, and transported in pieces by ship to Zanzibar, where they were put together. After overcoming many discouraging obstacles, he had ascended the Juba about 380 miles when his ship was wrecked, and soon after himself and companion, Dr. Link, were murdered by the natives.

WALDECK, the name of a German principality. Prince, George, born January 14, 1831; succeeded his father, May 15, 1845. Heir-apparent, Prince Frederick, born January 20, 1865. Area, 466 square miles. Population, in 1864, 59,143. Contingent to the Federal army, 866 men. Revenue, in 1865, 511,801 thalers. In the German-Italian war Waldeck took sides with Austria. After the war it joined the North German Confederation.

W

WHEWELL, WILLIAM, D. D., LL. D., an English mathematician and philosopher, Master of Trinity College, Cambridge, born in Lancaster, May 24, 1794; died in Cambridge, March 5, 1866. He graduated A. B. in 1816, obtained a fellowship and became tutor in 1823. In 1828 he was made Professor of Mineralogy, and held that office until 1832. The long catalogue of his contributions to the "Transactions" of the Philosophical Society attest the vast amount of reading done during that period. In 1838 he was chosen Professor of Moral philosophy, and the previous year gave to the world his "History of the Inductive Sciences," which, for range of knowledge, depth and grasp of thought, and lucidity of style, has few equals in modern times. This work was followed in 1841 by his "Philosophy of the Inductive Sciences," which he regarded as the moral of the first. In 1841 he became Master of Trinity. In connection with the British Association for the Advancement of Science, of which he was president at this time, he drew up the reports on the "Tides" and on the "Mathematical Theories of Heat, Magnetism, and Electricity." In 1855 he was chosen vicechancellor of the university. The same year he lost his wife, and for a time was much absorbed by his grief. During this period, by way of diverting his thoughts from his affliction, he wrote his popular work, "The Plurality of Worlds," in which he argued that none of the planets save the earth were inhabited. The severe mental labor of a lifetime had its effect upon his brain, though he had shown no sign whatever of failing power, unless it was an increased somnolency, but an accident which threw him from his horse, with no injury to the skull, produced concussion of the brain, which terminated fatally a few days after. Besides the above-mentioned works on physical science, Dr. Whewell was the author of "Astronomy and General Physics with reference to Natural Theology." In moral philosophy, he wrote "Lectures on the History of Moral Philosophy in England,” "Lectures on Systematic Morality," and "Elements of Morality, including Polity" (1845). In regard to university reform he had written two treatises upon education, and also several upon mechanics, the most important of which are a "Treatise on Conic Sections," and one on "The Mechanics of Engineering." He edited Sir

James Mackintosh's "Introduction to the Study of Ethical Philosophy," and among his latest productions were some translations of the "Ethical Dialogues of Plato." He also translated Goethe's "Hermann and Dorothea" into English hexameters, and published a version of the "Professor's Wife," by Auerbach. In 1863 he published "Six Lectures on Political Economy," delivered at the request of the late Prince Consort before the Prince of Wales and other students. Dr. Whewell also published sermons, addresses, and a large number of scientific papers on different subjects.

WILLIAMS, SETH, brevet Major-General of Volunteers in the United States Army, and at the time of his death Adjutant-General of the Department of the Atlantic on General Meade's staff; born in Augusta, Me., March 22, 1822; died in Boston, Mass., March 23, 1866. He was appointed a cadet to the Military Academy at West Point in 1838, and graduated in 1842, receiving a commission of brevet second-lieutenant of artillery. During this initiatory period of his military career, he showed those qualities of careful performance of duties by which he was distinguished and well known throughout the service; and gained an honorable position in a class remarkable for its talent. In the ordinary routine of promotion he became first-lieutenant of artillery in 1847, and went with the army into Mexico, where he received the appointment of aide-de-camp to MajorGeneral Patterson, and won the brevet of captain for gallant and meritorious conduct in the battle of Cerro Gordo. In September, 1850, Captain Williams was appointed adjutant of the Military Academy, and served in that capacity until September, 1853, having in August, 1853, received the appointment of assistant adjutant-general, with the brevet rank of captain in the Adjutant-General's Department. În 1861 he was appointed major in the same corps; and in September, 1861, brevet brigadier-general of volunteers. In this last capacity he served as adjutant-general of the Army of the Potomac under its different commanders, until the close of the war, when he was relieved; and, after serving upon several army boards, was appointed adjutant-general of the department under General Meade's command.

He

In 1864 General Williams was transferred to the staff of Major-General Grant, as acting inspector-general of the armies of the United States, and the same year was commissioned major-general of volunteers, by brevet. held the full rank of lieutenant-colonel in the regular army, but had been brevetted colonel and brigadier-general "for gallant and meritorious services during the war." The services of General Williams in the organization of the army can hardly be overestimated; and the un

wearied energy and activity he constantly dis-
played throughout its history in the manage-
ment of his department were the admiration of
all. His tact, evenness of temper, kindness,
modesty, consideration for others, his zeal and
conscientiousness in his laborious office, his
straightforward disposition, and his cheerful
loyalty, made him universally respected and
beloved in the army.
His death, the result of
inflammation of the brain, was doubtless has-
tened by his severe application to his duties.

millions contributed by citizens for charitable purposes connected with the war.

The number of State banks doing business October 1st was nineteen, with an aggregate capital of $611,000; the amount of securities held in trust for banking associations, $143,054; amount of outstanding circulation, $142,557. Twenty-six national banks have been organized in the State, having an aggregate capital of $2,780,000.

No satisfactory plan has yet been adopted for the collection of reliable agricultural statistics. The Secretary of State is required by law to make an annual estimate of the value of the leading articles of produce at the town where raised, at the point of shipment on the lake shore, and in New York.

The aggregate quantity and prices returned and estimated of the ten leading articles, for 1866, were as follows:

Bushels raised...

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WHEAT.

Valuation where raised..
on lake shore..
in New York..

Bushels raised..

WILLSON, Rev. JAMES M., D. D., an American clergyman of the Reformed Presbyterian Church, and professor in the Covenanter Theological Seminary at Alleghany City, born in Pennsylvania in 1809; died at Alleghany City, Pa., August 31, 1866. He was a man of extraordinary ability, a profound student of ecclesiastical history, and a lucid and skilful teacher and preacher. He was regarded as the most eminent preacher, professor, and scholar of the Reformed Presbyterian Church, and his death leaves a void not easily or readily filled. WISCONSIN. This State has an area of 53,924 miles, a fertile soil, a pleasant and healthful climate, and is rapidly increasing in population and wealth. Numerous railroads connect the principal towns with each other, and, with the harbors on Lake Michigan, affording abundant facilities of intercourse, and stimulating the development of natural resources. Agriculture is the chief occupation of the Valuation where raised.. people, though other interests claim a large share of attention. The lumber trade especially has grown to immense proportions, and the collection of furs gives employment to large numbers. The Legislature met January 9th. Among the important acts passed was one submitting to the people the question of calling a State convention to amend the constitution. A resolution was adopted instructing their Senators in Congress to vote for the Civil Rights Bill over the President's veto.

The right of suffrage was extended to all citizens of the State, irrespective of color. During the session five hundred and eightyseven general and private laws were enacted.

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CORN.

13,410,836

$5,557,180

Valuation where raised..
on lake shore..

Bushels raised..

66

on lake shore.. 66 in New York.

Bushels raised...
Valuation where raised..

on lake shore.
66 in New York.

Bushels raised..
Valuation where raised..
66 on lake shore..
in New York.

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Number of head..
Valuation where raised..
on lake shore.
66 in New York.

8,851,143 13,410,836

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14,789,660

$3,987,663

5,180,428

9,159,431

BARLEY.

719,619

$452,516

719,169

821,693

RYE.

979,957

$479,636

749,874

788,953

PORK.

216,392

$4,336,000

4,868,754

6,330,463

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Number of pounds....
Valuation where made..

66 on lake shore..
in New York.

The receipts of the treasury during the fiscal year, were $2,086,458, and the disbursements $1,874,993. The present indebtedness of the State is $2,282,191. The reduction during the year was $410,000. The aggregate valuation of real estate is $126,059,296. Valuation of all real and personal property, $162,320,153. Number of pounds.... Amount of State tax levied, $312,835. The receipts of the war fund during the year were $173,757. The disbursements amounted to $172,166, of which $153,125 were paid to soldiers' families.

Over $4,000,000 have been expended from the State treasury, for war purposes, since April, 1861. At least $8,000,000 have been expended by cities, counties, and towns throughout the State, for the same purpose, making a total expenditure on account of the war of about $12,000,000, which does not include the

VOL. VI.-49

Valuation where made..

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Number of pounds..
Valuation where raised..
66 on lake shore.
"" in New York.

Number of feet...
Valuation where made..

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The receipts of wheat at Milwaukee for 1866 amounted to 12,664,448 bushels, constituting that city the largest primary wheat depot in the world. The number of acres returned for taxation was 17,714,259, at an assessed value of $92,211,405.

The mining, lumbering, and manufacturing interests of the State are second in importance to agriculture alone. Millions of dollars are invested in these pursuits, controlled by a class of citizens among the most enterprising and industrious.

The energy displayed by the inhabitants during the past few years in projecting and carrying out successful enterprises of internal improvement, is considerable, and will soon envelop the whole State in a network of muchneeded railways. Among the most important now projected and to be completed at an early day, are the Tomah and St. Croix; Portage and Superior; Milwaukee and Fond du Lac; the Manitowoc and Mississippi; the Oshkosh and Mississippi; the Sugar River Valley, from the State line, via Madison, to Portage; the St. Croix and Superior, extension of the line from Sheboygan to Fond du Lac; the lines from Green Bay to the Mississippi; Mineral Point to Dubuque; Monroe southwest to the Mississippi; between Omro and Oshkosh; from Madison, northwest, via Baraboo; and Milwaukee to West Bend. The completion of the Northern Pacific Railroad will develop the rich country north and west of Lake Superior, and consequently is of great importance.

All of these lines traverse rich portions of this State, throwing open its remotest parts. The citizens along the routes of many of them, alive to their utility, are freely contributing large sums of money, and urging them on by every possible means to a speedy completion.

The number of railroad companies making reports is nine, having a total length of 1,731 miles. Capital actually subscribed......

Number of through passengers..

Number of way passengers....

Total number of passengers.

Number of tons of freight carried...
Receipts from passengers..
Receipts from property..
Receipts for mails...

$14,099,400 00

260,523 1,897,058

2,157,576 104,203 $4,311,064 67 9,411,361 34 189,287 51

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It is reported practicable to construct a line of navigation by Rock River to Lakes Horicon and Winnebago, with at least the capacity of the Erie Canal, thereby furnishing to the people along its route facilities for the transportation of heavy freight, which would be of incalculable advantage to them. It is deemed by the engineers in charge, that the Wisconsin can be rendered perfectly navigable, by such methods of engineering as have been tried on similar streams elsewhere and found successful, or, should this in the end prove impracticable, that a canal of large capacity can be built along its valley at a cost so small as to warrant the undertaking.

The public schools of Wisconsin are prosperous in a high degree; taxes are liberally voted; a good class of buildings is found, and a better one is in progress, well furnished with all the articles necessary in schools; an increased and continually increasing demand for better qualified teachers exists; a greater interest is taken in education by the people; associations for the mutual improvement of teachers are springing up; the best methods of teaching are sought.

There are seventeen academies in the State, having 90 teachers and 2,200 students; nine colleges, having 55 professors and 1,439 students; also, two hundred and twenty-eight private schools, having 8,000 pupils.

In the number of normal schools for training teachers Wisconsin takes the lead of all the States in the Union, six having been projectedone in each Congressional district in the State. The number of children in the State between the ages of four and twenty.. Number attending public schools.. Number of teachers employed.... The whole amount expended by the people in support of common schools

was...

The amount of the school fund at the close of the fiscal year was.. The total receipts for the fiscal year, being for sales of lands, dues, loans paid, taxes, etc., amounted to...... The disbursements were.....

852,005 234,265 7,879

$1,190,289 10

2,141,892 17

329,412 44 $420,580 74

The amount of land belonging to the fund is 463,463.93 acres.

The school fund is composed of: 1. Proceeds of all lands granted by the United States for support of schools; 2. All moneys accruing from forfeiture or escheat, and trespass penalties on school lands; 3. All fines collected in the several counties for breach of the penal laws; and 4. All moneys paid as an exemption from military duty.

Wisconsin has manifested a liberal spirit in providing for the destitute and unfortunate, and in establishing such reformatory institutions as the criminal require. Asylums have been established for the insane, the deaf and dumb, and the blind, a reform school for juvenile offenders, and a State prison.

The trustees of the Insane Hospital report that the number of patients in the institution, October 1st, was 177.

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