LATEST AMERICAN NEWS.

Grey River Argus, Volume VII, Issue 489, 4 March 1869, Page 3

LATEST AMERICAN NEWS.

Washington, December 24. The President's Amnesty Proclamation, dated December 25, was issued to-day. After refering to the proclamation previously issued, extending a partial amnesty to persons concerned in the rebellion, the proclamation says : " Whereas, the authority of the Federal Government having been re-e3tablished in all the States and territories within the jurisdiction of the United States, it is believed such Presidential reservations and exceptions, as at the date of said several proclamations were deemed necessary and proper, may now be justly relinquished : that universal amnesty for participation in said rebellion, extended to all, will renew { .nd fully restore confidence and fraternal feeling among the whole people, and their respect for and attachment to the National Government, designed by its patriotic founders for the general good— "Now, therefore, be it known that I, Andrew Johnston, President by virtue of the power invested in me by the Constitution, proclaim, and declare unconditionally and without reservation, to all and every . person who directly or indirectly participated in the late insurrection or rebellion, full pardon and amnesty fir the offence of treason against the United States, or adhering to their enemies during the late war ; with the restoration of all rights, privileges and immunities under the Constitution, and the laws which have been made in pursuance thereof. In testimony whereof, &c." The full pardon includes Jeff, Davis, Breckinridge, Thompson, Slideil, and others who, directly or indirectly, engaged in the late rebellion. Chica-QO, December 24. A Tennessee despatch reports a number of murders and outrages in many parts of the State^ In Haywood County a negro violated a lady approaching confinement. The negro, while being taken to jail, was seized by a mob of masked men and hung. Near Dresden, a negro woman dug a hole in the ground, placed her children in it, and then lighted a fire and actually burned them to. de.ath. When arrested, she said the children would not obey her, so she concluded to kill them. Many other murders are reported. December 28, The Evening Post has a report that Caleb Cushing has been sent to Bogota with, full powers from our Government to close a contract for a,. canal across the Isthmus, towards which it is said our Government is ready to promise a guarantee of a million of dollars. Probably part of the sum Avill be needed to make a survey. The Post says it is asserted that General Grant has been consulted about the Panama Ship Canal, and is warmly in favor of the scheme,. It is said that he thinks its speedy cons traction is necessary to preserve our commercial and naval supremacy and our empire in the Pacific. It is rumored that Cushing has been exa-. mining maps to report upon the most feasible line for a canal, and that he is convinced that the canal must be built at or very near the line of the present Panama Railroad, and that the, canal, and railroad ought to be one. Savannah, December 24, Further trouble on the Ogeechee is reported. Two white men were shot last night by an armed body of negroes, who took possession of their shop and carried it off. Planters say they will be compelled to leave the country unless protected, December 28, The Supreme Court of Georgia has sustained the decision of the lower Court, which held that the consideration of a note for borrowed Confederate money was a good and valid one. Salt Lake, January 2. Advices from Fortßenton to December 29 state that a party of eight men, including Mr Reed, Indian agent at Fort Peck, while on their way down the river to the wreck of the steamer Amelia Poe,. seven miles below Fort Peck, were attacked by 500 Indians, and four men, M'Gregor, Thomas, Steve, and' Saber,

were instantly killed, aud one severely wounded, named Solomon. The Indians cut off and. carried away the heads of M'Gregor and Steve ; also captured the teams belonging to the party, loaded with provisions valued at 3000 dollars. New York, December 30. It is said that General Grant has received a letter advising, a3 a peace measure, the appointment of JeiF Davis as Secretary of War. Jacksonville, Oregon, January 6. The small-pox is raging here. All business is suspended ; four new cases are reported to the authorities to-day. The authorities have posted notices on all the roads, warning persons that the disease is prevalent. The Catholic sisters have asked permission to take possession of the Small-pox Hospital. There are now nine cases in town, at the Pest House, six of which are pronounced couva'escent. Great alarm is now felt, and the most energetic means are being taken to prevent the spread of the disease.