The New York Herald Newspaper, December 11, 1860, Page 1

THE NEW YORK HERALD. WHOLE NO. 8860. MORNING EDITION—TUESDAY, DECi:MBER Il, 1860. IMPORTANT FROM WASHINGTON. Resignation of the Secretary of the {‘reasury. Debates in Both Houses of Congress on the Secession Question. The Position of the Great Morth- west Defined. Mr, Hawkins, of Florida, Refuses to Act with the Committee of Thirty-three. Passage of the Ten Million Treasury Note Bill in the House. MR, COBB’S LETTER TO THE PEOPLE OF GEORGIA, &., &. &. OUR DESPATCHES FROM WASHINGTON. Wasmaton, Dec. 10, 1860. ‘A special Cabinet meeting was called by the President this morning, at which Mr. Cobb, the Secretary of the ‘Treasury, resigned, and the resignation was accepted. This is no longer a rumor, but a positive fact, obtained from the highest authority. Of course speculations are plenty as to who will succeed Mr. Cobb. Mr. Alexander H, Stephens, of Georgia, is named as most likely to be the man, but his friends spurn the idea of bis mixing in the complications of the present a:ministration. Collector Schell, of New York, some think will succeed Mr. Cobb. Mr. Cobb leaves here on Thursday evening, and takes the steamer from Baltimore on Friday for Charleston, 8. C., with the intention of visiting the secession Conyen- tion in that State at Columbia, on the 17th inst. No succesgor to Secretary Cobb has yet been designated. ‘The names of several have been suggested, among them Mr. Guthrie, of Kentucky, and Mr. Corning, ef New York. It is barely possible that the President will arrange it without going outside of his Cabinet, putting Mr. Holt in the Treasury, and allowing Horation King, now first{assistant, to perform the duties of Postmaster General. Mr. Hawkins, of Florida, to-day excused himself for not serving on the Committee of Thirty-three, in an elabo- rate speech defending the South and the right of seces- gion. It is rumored that he will resign his seat if the House refuses to excuse him. The galleries were crowded and the House gave the utmost attention to what he said. This has been a busy day for speeches in both houses, and the galleries have been diled witha truly attentive audience. In the Senate, Mr. Foster, of Connecticut, delivered republican speech, and charging upon the democratic party the cause of all the trouble now overwhelming the country. ‘ Judge Donglas responded, and rebuked the senator for his assigning such a reason for existing difficulties. Senator Davis, of Mississippi, took ground that cor- promises for the salvation of the Union must now come from the North, not the South, as the minds of the Southern people were now made up to demand and ob- tain their constitutional rights or leave the Union. Senator Green, of Missouri, hoped the South would not Proceed rashly to extremities without exhausting all means of reconciliation. The North had not been called upon to express its mind on the subject of disunion since the election of Lincoln. In the event of separation he was with his Southern friends. Im the Hous, after Mr. Hawkins, of Florida, had spoken his hour, but not exhausted his subject, the young and active Northwest took the arena, and Mr. Valiandig- ham, of Obie, and Mr. MoClernand, of Illinois, delivered powerful appeals to the North for justice to the South nnd showing the injustice and partiality the Speaker ex- hibited in the construction of the committee of thirty- three, as it nearly, if not entirdly, ignored the existence of one million six hundred thou. sand democrats. Mr. Vallandigham was particularly happy and glowing in bis remarks, defining the position of the great West in the present crisis, and cloned by declaring that she would never submit to placing the Missiseippi river in the hands of a foreign Power, if she had to cleave her way to the Gulf of Mexioo with the sword. Mr. Sickles, of New York, followed, and declared that if separation ceeurred the Imperial City would never sub- mit to becoming the appendage of a Puritan government, Dut would declare her own independence, and become a free city for commerce with the whole world. Mr. 5. ‘Was severe upon the republicans of the State for inflict ing the oppressive measures they had upon the city of New York, referring particularly to the standing army of policemen, who patrolled the city night and day, svp- pressing the outbursts of the iudignant feelings of the peo ple at this crisis. Before the debate ended, Mr. John Sherman, of tie Committee of Ways and Means, by general consent, inter- posed the Treasury Note bill, authorizing the fresh ise 1 of ten millions, stating that unless the bill was paseod there would be a deficit of fifteen to twenty millions of dollars, He urged the pastage of the bill, among othr Teasons, as it was an act of relief to the inembers of Coa- gress, who could not get their wages because of the poverty of the Treasury. ‘The introduction, by Mr. Caldwell, of Georgia, of an amendment to the bill, devoting the proceeds of alee of public lands to the liquidation of the national debt, gave rise to another discussion on nation ul topics, the republicans appearing to regard the propos. tion as a ‘cat in the meal,’ calculated to give the Sou:h advantage in eettling the question of the division of the public debt when separation occurs. Gen. Houston, of Alabams, took the position that in the Present disturbed state of ibe country the credit of tac government was much impaired, and that collateral curity, like the public lands, would facilitate the ope: v tions of the government in procuring money. Tt sper i cally pledged land for the redemption of the debt Mr. Grow, of Pennsylvania, declared bis views in oppo: sition to the proposition ‘The amendment war lost by a heavy rote. Mr. Hawkins, of Florida, did not resign his eat, ar was rumored he was likely to do after finishing speech to-day, nor is it probable he will do so at (hi Stage of the proceedings. The House, it is thoug.t will excuse Mr. 1. when the proper time arrives, a the republicans do not desire to force any member, por ticularly a Southerner, to anything onpAlatable at tu time; but if the House should inlet on Mr. Hawkins serving, there (2 reason to believe he will rasiga his se vt ‘and in that manner settle the business It is understood that two-thirds of the republican mem ‘dere of the Crisie Committee have signified their willh.g Ress to co-operate with the democrats to report at oo AD amendment to the constitution guaranteeing afoet modes of returning fugitive slaves. They propose tiv to take up the other propositions of adjortarat and re port at an early day. This independent movement in re gard to fugitive slaves is done with a view of «crengthen” fing the hands of the conservative men in Alabama \id ‘The President has heen aseured, from high and authea tic sources, that South Garolina will not obstruct the exe cution of the laws for the collection of the revenue, or Interfere with government property during his adminis tration. The South Carolina delegation had a meeting this morning, and it is understood approved this course. Thave just arrived from a flying virit of a couple of hundred miles among the border counties of Virginia. ‘The feeling nearly everywhere prevails that a dissola- fon of the Union is inevitable, and that Virginia wit join her Southern sisters unless the North concedes the right of Property in slaves and coequal power in the Territories. Amidst the prevailing gloom, however, there exists a smonldering feeling in favor of the Union, which wif doubtless burst into a perfect blage upon the first form) able concession by the North, A couciliatory manifesio Sry Mr, L.jncety would doubtlegg be of immense service in pailiating the feeling now existing in those counties in Virginia I have just visited. Meantime the work of curling Minute Men goes on, In Culpepper they have a fine company just formed. Among the numerous plans suggested to save the coun- try is one, that the President of the United States recom- mend the calling of tional Convention, to be com- pored of members who shall reflect as near as possible the sentiment of the people as changed during the past four wecks, each State sending its representatives to the Hall of Independence, at Philadelphia ; that the Conven- tion unite in an alteration of the constitution on meeting the wants of the country, restoring as far as possible the feeling existing before the present troubles, by sending fresh representatives to Washington. The statement that the representatives from the cot- ton States bad received their full pay, to the exclusion 0 Northern members, is without a shadow of foundation. ‘The Sergeant-at-Arms informs me that many of these Southern members have received nothing as yet. The Navy Department received dispatches this morning from fleg officer Bell, of the Mediterranean squadron, da ted Gibraltar, Noy. 8. re was no political news of importance. He states he fell in on the 18th of October with the wreck of the hermaprodite brig Eoliz, of Boston. She had evidently been abandoned but a short time previous. All her boats were gone. The health of the officers and crew of the squadron was good. He intended to sail for Spezia in a few days, The Department of State has under consideration the aflairs of Peru, and a special message from the President: may be forthwith looked for. The President communicated to the Senate to-day a large number of appointments, such as Postmasters, Dis- trict Attorneys and Marshals, made during the recess; also the name of Mr. Weller, as Minister to Mexico, Wastveton, Dec. 10, 1860. Agreeable to my dispatch to that effect, Mr. Sherman, from the Committee of Ways and Means, presented his measure for the issuing of Treasury notes, not to exceed ten millions at any one time. This will enable the em- ployees of the government here and elsewhere to get their pay. The attempt of Mr Crawford, of Georgia, to pledge the public lands for the redemption of the notes, was re- ceived as a plan to kill the Homestead bill in the Senate, He was sustained by all of the secessionists; but, under the exposition of Mr. Grow, showing that the faith of the government was enough to secure the redemption of the notes, and that the public lands should not be looked to as a source of revenue, quoting Andrew Jackson to sus- tain him, the proposition of Mr. Crawford was voted down two to one, The spoils under Mr. Lincoln are attracting to this city some of the vultures who annoyed him on his recent visit to Chicago. From present appearances there will be some little trouble in Indiana and Ilinois about the dis- (ribution of the spoils. An effort on the part of one or two inferior politicians to make N. B. Judd Postmaster General is among the schemes; but it will amount to nothing, as Judd is @ man of very inferior ability for such a post. He claims a large slice for having acted as spokesman for the Iilinois delegation at Chicago, and in that capacity as having placed the name of Mr. Lincoln before the Convention, He was known to have opposed Lincoln for the Senate when Trumbull was elected. The friends of Lincola also know that Judd was in favor of bringing forward Trum- bull for the Presidency instead of Lincoln. This bad re- | cord is sufficient of itself to shelve Judd. Outside of this, the lenting and most influential republicans of Hlinois will opposs the selection of a Cabinet officer from that state, lirst because the President is elected frorm there; and secondly, becoe if Minois has the President and a Cabinet officer it will ve at the expense of a large uumber of the rank and file scattered over the State wo desire something. But for this fact, if Illinois was to have a Cabinet officer, the sentiment of the State would be decidedly in favor of 0. H. Brown- ing, of Quincey, or Judge Logan, of Springtield, two of the oldest mon in the State. Judd is in Washing ton at present, canvassing for his chances; but Liliaei men have got their eyes upon him. In Indiana the contest is going chiefly upon the Sena torial question, upon which hinges the Cabinet otlieer, which it is conceded that State is entitled to. Report says that Mr. Lane, Governor eleet, wants to succeed Senator Fiteh, which would leave Lieutenant Governor 0. P. Mor ton acting Governor; would throw out Caleb B. Smith, who js 4 candidate for Fiteh’s plate, and make a coutes between Sinith and Colfax for the Cabinet. A week o two since it was understood that a programme was agreed upon whereby Lane was to serve as Governor two years, Smith to take Fiteh’s place, Colfax to go into the Cabinet, and at the expiration of Lane's term be was to succeed Bright in the Senate, Recent advices look to a breaking up of this programme, and there are several lobby members here from Indiana who we doing all they can to increase the difficulties i that State, in the vain hope that they will be gainers by the wreck. Ono or two of these vultures were annoy- ing Mr. Lincoln at Chicago all the time he was there. George Briggs, of New York, bag declared jooosely for more than a week that if South Carolina seceded New York city and Coney Island would go out im order to catch the trade. Mr. Sickles, to the surprise of every one in the Hous, to-day, solemnized Briggs’ joke by announcing that New York city would do that very Joke in earnest, The idea is ridiculed by Northern members generally, and eapecially by the New York State delegation. When dir. Hawkins, in bis speech to-day, charge! those who voted for Speaker Pepuington as being hostile to the ingtitution of slavery, Mr. Briggs, of New York, imme- diately arose and repelled the charge, announcing his belief that the Speaker was eminently national aud con- servative. Mr. Treseott, acting Secretary of State, has arrived from hie doubtful mission to South Caroliua. Ho is ac oompanied by a meswenger bearing the votes of the Eiec- toral College of South Carolina, The Union is Uecidedly more comfortable to- LATEST REPORTS FROM WASHINGTON. Wasurvoroy, Dec. 10—11 P. M. lam informed that Mr. Buchanan has tendered the of. fice of Secretary of the Treasury to Mr« Guthrie, ex Sec- retary of the Treasury under President Pierce; ‘and that he has accepted by telegraph. My authority is of eo high a character that I cannot doubt the report. Mr. Heart, Superintendent of Public Printing, acting wpon a notice served opon him by Larcombe & English, subordinates to the House Printer, has sent a letter to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, intsmating thet n consequence of the reduction of forty per cent on all work ordered this session that he fears the work is not likely to bo executed. He bas done this without serving a notice upon either the House Printer, or the person whom he has always recognized aa Mr. Ford's attorney. Ford is in Ohio, very sick. There is reason to believe that this is a plan to get the printing out of the hands of Ford, and give it to Bowman, or else to throw {into the bands of Larcombe & Englieh, with the hope of afterwards restoring the forty per cent cut off at the inst senafon, and for the simple parpose of buncombe, as the author of the meastre has since acknowledged. Among other repor® to night is one to the effect that a serious difiiculty is likely to ccear between two Southern members of Congress. It is reported to have originated in consequence of one of the gentlemen referring to the other as a hoary headed old traitor. ‘The debate in the Senate on Governor Powell's resolu tion was a very interesting onc, and Senator Dixon's re mark, that much of the present troubles were cecasioned by the utter incredulity of the North about the real state of feeling at the South is the subject of comment in hh circles to-night; but the prevailing sentiment is now everywhere among the people that there bas been talk talk, talk jong enough, and the bour for action has ar. rived, Wasmatoy, Deo, 1911.90 P. M. Peter G. Washington is now more generally referred to in influential quarters as the probable successor of Howell Cobb, although the name of Postmaster Gevoral Holt is mentioned as tho actual favorite of the Presideu'. Tt te thought neither Corning nor Guthrie will accept the position if proferred. Everything is at this moment speculative respecting national matters. There seems to be a dead lock and a dead look on every side, althonh the Senate debate is regarded a® more favorable to ise among three who hope for the enfety of the Union, Our Washington Correspondence. Wasuireron, Dec. 8, 1860. Affairs at the Capital—Stagnation in Business— Real Es- tate—About the Revenue, dc. The gloom which hangs over the whole land seems denser and darker im the federal city than elsewhere. Men’s faces wear a sombre and melancholy aspect, and ‘the place has lost its usual air of pleasantness. Hotel Proprietors, shopkeepers, property owners, and those numerous families who have been in the habit of deriving advantage from the presence of Congress by keeping boarders, renting furnished apartments, and in a variety of ways, have reason to deplore the disastrous effects of political agitation; and I think that if the suffrages of the people of Washington were taken at this moment there would be an almost unanimous verdict of condemnation against politicians and selfish demagognes in all sections of the country. The present condition of things here is bad, very bad; the prospect is deplorable. There are not haif the ordinary number of strangers in town, and those who are here either have 10 money to spend or find it neces- Bary (© practise strict economy. The consequence is that there is a general stagnation in business of every kind, and the citizens of the District are therefore terri- bly down in the mouth, The population of Washington is in the neighborhood of 60,000, composed almost entirely of persons dependent directly or indirectly on the fede- ral government; and ag a consummation of the secession movement would undoubtedly : ‘sult in having the loca- tion of the capital of the remaining States changed, that prospect is naturally very alarn »g to all who have their homes here or have an interest in Washington property. The crisis is the more to be regretted at this time inasmuch as considerable i iprovements in the way of new buildings have beer going on since the adjournment of last son. In the present transition state of affairs prope; here is unsaleable. One of the handsomest public edi. sof which the city can boast is that which Corcora), ‘ie wealthy banker, has been erecting on Pennsylvania :.\ “nue, directly oppo site the War Department, as an ° ( Institution. The building, which cannot have cost les" ‘an $50,000, is ap- proaching completion; bat what m . be the exaspera- tion of its founder when he reflects t!) his generous in- tentions are in imminent risk of bein) frustrated by in- rensate demagogues, puffed up with i. rdinate ideas of their vast importance, and ready to saccillee everything to their own selfish ambition. The excitement about the Capitol during the four days of the sittings of Congress was commensurate with the state of public feeling existing here. It was not so much the expectation of witnessing scenes of strife on the floor of either house that led to the galleries and the passages leading to them being crowded day after day, as it was the anxiety of the people to watch what was going for- ward, to witness the throes of an expiring republic, or to hail the earliest gleams of a brighter day. There is but one sentiment anwong the residents of the Distriet, and that, I need hardly say, is in favor of con- ciliation, harmony, and the perpetuity of the Union, {t is not fo, however, with the sojourners here. All shades of opinion are reflected by them, and wherever vou turn, you hear animated discussions in regard i» seces: sion, disunion, the disposition of the Territories, the reopening of the slave trade and civil war are no outward symbols of disaffection federal government displayed — here—no —ioating of Palmetto flags, or wearing of the blue cockade. Ihave seen but one cockade worn, i that was on innocent looking rosette, such as might pio the fancy of a child, pinned to a young man’s hat. ‘Th south walked with bis head down, avoiding recognition os if be was ashamed of his folly. ‘The President, in bis Message, intimated his deter tion (o collect the federal revenue at the port of Ch ton, in spite of all obstacles. That might prove dangerous experiment. Ii the Collector resign, an Custom House arrangements be broken up, with the authorities refusing to permit ‘any Un States officials to collect revenue, an attempt ‘> enforce ~ tariff Iaws could not fail to provoke trey 6 results, WI hat, then, should be done? and says truly. that he has no right ise any State action involving a rupture of t> federal Union or a auilifieation of federal laws. But ¢ the coutingency to which | bave alluded does occur, and if—as ie pot improbable—the feceral forts be taken pox session of by the State authorities, there is still a legal aud pafe remedy. It is this: Let the President iseue @ proclamation declaring that, inasmuch es the revenues: caunot be peacefully collected at Chartestqn, that port 3 temporarily closed as a port of entry. If he have not the poner te do 60, Congress can pass & law authorizing che ident, im Analogous CireuMstauces, to take Laat course in regard (© any port where for any cause the revenaes: cannot be collected. This will be the least offensive, and, ‘and at the same time, the most eflective means of sus: taining the laws and ignoring the uction of those who would nullify them and dissolve the Union. Besides, it will be bu! act of self-defence and of common justice 10 all the States; for, if Charleston were allowed to ad- mit datiable goods free of duty, what would become of New Orleans, Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York and Boston? In this way a collision between the federal and State authorities can be aveided—at least an issue of arms— and time will be obtained for settling peacefully and con- stitutionally all questions in debate. South Carolina will have no one to fight, for it is not to be supposed she will venture to attack the vessels of war which may be or- dered to cruise along her coast, Cooling time will thus be afforded, and in the end the le of South Carolina will be grateful for the chance. — ‘The Committee on Gon. merce, or the Committee of Ways and Means, should lore no time in reporting such a bill as I have indicated, Of course it would meet with it opposition from the Wasmoton, Dec. 9, 1960. Progress of the Revolution—Louisiana Going Out—Senators Slidell and Benjamin Holding on till the 3d of March Mr. Keitt to be a Commissioner from South Carolina—Ap- prehensions of Assault on the United States Forte—M>. Lamar Off for Mississippi—The Committee of Thirty Three Powerless for Good—The Southrome at Base, with Minds Made Up, de., de. ‘The progress of the revolution is more rapid than ite ‘most ardent projectors and promoters expected. Loui- ssiana may now be added to the list of States certain to secede. Some bope was for a while entertained that the oppesition to disunion would gather force in New Or- Jeans and other places where there is a considerable po- pulation from the Northern and Middle States, wut I have earned from sources of uoquettiona)le reliability Uhat these classes are not only acquiescent in the course of the majority of the people, but are as earnest for separation as any other citizens in the State. The Bell and Everett men are not behind the Breckinridge party in this re- spect. Senator Slidell has been satisfied of this state of things for some time. Senator Benjamin was of opinion, before he came here, that there would be a powerfal re- sistance to the secession movement; but since his arrival Lis letters from bome leave no room to doubt the prompt action of Louisiana, The Legislature will meet on Mon- day next, and the very first step will be to calla Stawe Convention. That bedy will meet probably about the 26th of January. Ite proceedings will not, it is believed, be #0 hasty as those of the South Carolina Convention; and, at any rate, the two Jowisiana Senators will hold their seats until the 34 of March. Mr. Keitt will leave for South Carolina on Tuesday morfiing. He will probably be selected by the Conven. tion as one of the commissioners from the State (after the has resumed her sovereignty) to the federal govern ment. There is not a little concern felt by the represen tatives, as well as private citizens of South Carolina now sojourning hero, with regard to the threats that have been made by indisereet journalets and others as to the taking of the federal fortifications and other property of | the United “tates within the limite of the State. Iam told, on good authority, that the strongest assurances have been given to the administration, by gentlemen in the highest position Im Sonth Carolina, that no assault and no heetile demonstration of any kind will be made against the forta until a fair and peaceable adjustment of the matters in diepute between the State and the United States ehall be arrived at, provided that no reinforce. mente are, in the meantime, aent thither. Bat the same Persons ehtertain litte doubt that, if the government should send additional troops to Fort Moultrie or Fort Sumter, it would be difficnit to prevent the conse quent popular exasperation from manifesting iteelf by a sudden attack, that would fead to the most deplorable ee. ‘This the government in a painful dilemma. Li u ; forts ba their Ley A Fs ” feolly entrusting the secur't pul y Ge forvenrance of an exrited community, and to the Moderation of thowe ‘ ee may, in gome moment of temptati their d set ed federal fortiicatone. On ibe other band, to In ight the colli. . and Seere- in this emergency with cons the State Convention. parity of character and moleraten veeful counsellor at thie crisie. bots doubt thnk ines ill secede ropoeee ® " will wropeses to advocate the calling evecare Covvedtins . comprsition of the Com: of Thirty. three is serutiniged, the less coutidewee ie fepreet int ag whole, There are few representative mou upon it, PRICE TWO CENTS. . ‘Their action will pot hay. tho slightest effect in arrest the movements of the cotton States. is no Raying whet migit be the effect of hearty idle and Western States; and united exertions y the the most intelli: their minds to the Mississippi, Florida, Lo and therefore it matto, z weholding State: being out, movements may be reconstructing a "confederacy, excluding New mers say they do not want her on ‘ Honal gloom to those who labor ‘ve Union; while the what br betoro Cotes, know them, experience asi: °' volief from the fact that their minds are made up, + ‘'e issue is no longer in doubt. = are quietly puts their affairs in order for the ‘The President's rev ‘nd reception at the White House of the Putnam |}. were agreeable incidents in these gloomy times. sveech of Judge Advoeate Stuart was extremely rbetor.. ond rather , but im- ‘ued with noble sentiments. » President 8] briefly and foelingly and evidently o»oyed the visit of these fine looking Yankees, ‘The diplomatic dinner party «| the executive mansion iday included eight ladies wi about twenty gentle- Jatter did not appear in their court costume, ie THIRTY-SIXTH CONGRESS. BECOND BESSION. Senate. Wasunsaroy, Dec. 10, 1860. , After prayer the journal was read. ‘THE STANDING COMMITTEES, ‘On motion of Mr. Bicuer, (opp.) of Pa., the standing Sommittees of lust session were ordered to be continued ‘THE OVERLAND MAIL. Mr. Largam, (opp.) of Cab{'moved that the resolution Felative to the overland mail be referred to the Commit- tee on Post Offices and Roads, ‘THE KANSAS SUFFERERS. Mr. Sumer, (rep.) of Mass., offered a memorial from Thaddeus Hyatt, praying that relief be provided for the sufferers in Kansas. Mr. Sumner citedjsimilar instances, and suggested that tho relief could be afforded either by an appropriation of money or land. Rererred to the Committee on Territories. THE HOMESTEAD BT. The Homestead bill passed its first reading. MR, POWELL'S PACIFICATORY RESOLUTIONS. Mr. Powell's resolutions on federal affairs were called up. Mr. Powxtt, (opp.) of Ky., said events wero rapidly crowding upon us, which, were they not speedily sup- preescl, would result in a dissolution of the govern- meni ‘The resolution proposed legislation to give power correctien of evils. Duty to the country requires ct promptly. The eleventh amendment to the ston was made in 174, and in 180% the twelfth Our fathers acted’ in emergencies, and so Conamer, (rep.) of Vt., moved to strike out part solution, leaving in only £0 much as referred to of th federa. affairs, and that that be referred to a special com- Mr. Kiso, (rep.) of N. Y., inquired whether additional legislation wns nevessary to maintain the constitution’ Mr. Yerex, (opp.) of Fla., inquired what was intended by “amendinents?” Mr. Gremx, (opp.) of Mo., said he would vote for the resolution; an amendment to the constitution, or a legal enactment, unless popular sentiment goes with it, or the strong arm of the govern- ment goes with it, is not worth a stra Our ef. forts must be to Dring about public sentiment, or alterna fe must arm the federal government with power » the constitution everywhere. Mr. Lavias, (opp.) of Cal., said California will rema’ with the Union—the great North and West—no matte what occurs. The Pacific Railroad was the great deside- ratum of her people, Mr. Powrtt accepted Mr, Collamer's proposition to strike out Mr. Foster, (rep.) of Conn., said the management of the government is in the hands of the democratic party We were told the Union is in danger of disruption and will fall to pieces. I feel it my duty to eu the Position, as it looks toward allaying the excitement and back harmony and fraternal feeling. He was far above party cousideration, Iwill cordially give my support to the resolution. The committee will decide promptly for the harmony and peace of the country. (Applause) . DOUGLAS, (Opp.) of MH, said—T am ready to act #ith anybody'who will look to the settlement of thi question, or who will preserve the constitution, (Ap plause.)’ T trust we may lay aside all petty grievances and jealousies, and look to our country, not on cceosion. (Applause.) 1 desire to hear n riy while meeting and discussing the question ch the fate of the country depends. (Ap we. Vice president BreckrvnipGr arose and said he deome it the duty of the Chair to inforee the rules of decorum Mr. Masox, (opP.) of Va.—It is an indignity vo th» Senate for the galleries to expres® approbation or disap 8 of whi probation. I trust if it ocours again the dig office will have the galleries cleared. 1t is an indignity to th Senate. (Laughter.) Mr. Davis, (opp.) Of Mise-, said—The ition pre rented is not very ofa good result. It has been suggested, ax a eure for the public evil, to invest thy federal goveroment with physical power, such aa rightly beienge to the minority alone, Some refer the evil for perty. Sir, we have fallen on times when party politics were shaken. Now men must look more rightly and rise toa higher attitude We must feel alike patriotic and lock anger in the face. We must inquire: What is the evil’ ‘The diagnosis of the diseuse must. be taken before prescribing. If the present evil is the fault of the government there must be legislation to meet it. Our fathers learned wisdom of Rome, Greece once war a consolidated goverument, Rome a confederacy of States only. We,a Union of States, forming a more perfect Union form,in my judgment,the best government institu- ted among men. it is only necessaay to carry it out in the spirit thet it was formed, Our fathers made a Union of friendly States. Now hos- tility hoe been substituted for fraternity. — I don’t intend to renew the war of crimination and re crimination, but call op all men who have hearts, and who love the Union, to look the danger in the face. What is the remedy? Ie it to coerce the people’ The Unieo will be shattered into thirty-three fragments. Ours is 4 representative government, Our fathers did not make it for warring against each other These are degenerat’ sons, if they leave their forge and rivet the chains around them. ‘ibe remedy lies only ip the hearta of the people, and therefore 1 turn to the side and ask the question, is pot the majority section now ms a disvolution of the the scetion which tne ebeut repealing se lithe to do am the The People, if they Iu all free governments the laws rest with popu- if they dou't they are powerlers, We must 1 with facts ax they oveur. ntry was peaceable. Our fathers the — Revolution to main of the Declaration of Independence, —I speak of the present government, Vm said—The government is a machine, it is the agency of the State. 1 to the government not ™ y because of ite name and form. but on account of It was formed for domestic tran. of & common defence, Do we Are we to exorcise force over mother its spirit and purpose. | quility and to provide | want a pew government | the people of a State? This is not Union. Our f 4 | provided for putting down insurrection, but when it was to #8 to execute the laws it was refuse upon grounds that to make pen any Stole wonld be to rear a military despotisn. r How long would it be before the military foree would turn on of minoritory? It is providing under the name Untn" to carry on a war against a State, This [will *t ot Subversive of our constitution, whieh is one of tyof the sovereign States. It was made by the States amd for the States. Thik Union is dear to me as a union of fraternal States. It would lose its value if the | Chien Ind to be held together by armed physical force. Hortility, not fraternity, would then exist in the hearts of the pecfle. If there is anything that we can do, it is to get evidence that this hortility does pot exist. 1 believe {dees mt. If you ean submit the evidence that the hos- | Lility cop not exist, I feel that all bitterness will cease. Mr. Fever said he had the misfortune to be not under. stood. Yeald our federal government wes in the hands of the damocratic party. Is {t_ not true? I did net make the asseftion in an offensive manner. Idid not cover it with the meaning that that party war reepousible for the erent evils, Twill do anything for the restoration of ru ony thd Peace to the country. Mr Gry said that the Senator from Miseiesippt threw ‘out an expression which conveyed the idea of quack nos treme, ltdeed there are quacks, but they expect to ac complish results without means; they hope for some. thing withvut doing anything. They are the quacks; and it Is just © in political science. re are quacks who tee the decase of the patient, but do nothing. Bat he is not a quack who hae been advised as « phy- rician ehowd be, aud who has considered the condition of the patient, and then suggests proper application, It is enid that it is impossible to make a proper application’ in the present case of the country, becauee pollic sentiment at the North i# wrong. Tsay ‘we mist deter means to hold our rights antil a reason able opportunity i= given for @ reaction of public opinion as in the constitution is ism, the South seems tay, right or wrong.” 1 know it duty is (0 mmain for the Unian, unless by ment of fumre event I find revolution 5 ue motion or thé tm," — that the contr... SUE reRt # MANS Of ENTrY ing tv ‘a queck remely. Sir, thle Sonetitction ig pl ‘ive time for sentiment fo feact and ght. Who Las been the greater losers? While Mistern, réhtucky, Maryland, Virginia and the border States bave been losing Lovitians and Miksiseipp have Neen peeure. Loulviana ond Miesiesippt have to Lew perlops one boxed up nigger, while we have lost j thousands apon thousands , now when | propore means j i : : i i ' under the constitution to secure myself, he who has suffered no wrong except an imaginary wrong; says the spirit is corrupt. If the committee on the goes in for military despotism, I go against it. Mr. Lin coln can’t invade a le State. can’t prevent the invasion of a State, He can't take away property, but he can protect it. Imysely would coerce no State. I deny nullification. If a State is in the Union her le are subject to the Union and laws. If out of the Union there was no right to enforce. Mr. Lavuam then said: the Senate at this time I rise to correct a false impression vpon the public mind. Ihave seen published in severn! of the leading Journals of the country statements as to the attitude of California in the present crisis, It has been said, and is believed by many, that in the event of the seces. sion of several States of the Union that California would avail herself of the opportunity to declare her own independence, and in connection with other territory on the Yacilic ferm a Pacific republic Mr. Presi there is not a word of truth in this » and it does great injustice to the people of that State, The Union has no more loyal subjects than meseeme ct Callcie, and out of her half million tion I believe there are not many for disunion any shape. California will remain ‘in the Union as it is and as it ig pe and if, as it seems now to be conceded, cotton States withdraw from the Union and are eventually followed by ail the Southern States, Gulifornia, I am certain, will still remain with the great West and the North, with whom she is Pacific dissolution of the existing Union. 1 am satistied upon more mature reflection, to say tho least, I was premature; for whateyer may be be my own opinion of the right or wrong of the t agit ting question—a question on which California has no Present or vital interest—I feel it my bounden duty to ‘thus give not only my own opinion but, as one of her representatives, to state what I believe to be the voice of her majority. There is but one thing which will or can alienate the affections of the people of the Pacific from the Union as it is or as i may be, and that is a failare to give them a Pacific railroad and, watil it is completed, overland mail facilities. Upon this question they are clamorous, urgent, unanimous, and since the North and great West are thoroughly committed to the material idea their legality cannot he uestiongd, I shall, Mr. President, ai some future day. with the Indulgence of the: Fenate, submit a few reasons: for this opinion, and also allude to the pregent condition of the country’ but not until other Senators who rank me in age, experience and wisdom are heard. A message was here received from the President through his private secretary. Mr. Critrexpes, (opp.) of Ky., then spoke for ten mi- putes in favor of the Union in an inaudible and feeble voice. Mr. Sumyer, (rep.) of Mass., next obtained the floor. Ho said he held the copy of a letter which looked to the present distracted state of affairs. It is the copy, of a private letter written by Gen. Jackson on the 1st of May, 1883, to Rev. A. J. Crawford. It is as follows :— 1 have had a laborious task here, but nullification is dead, and its aptors and courtiers will only be remembered by the Feaple to” be: exeerated for thelr ‘wicked designs to never and destroy the only good government on the globe, and that ‘prosperity and happiness” we enjoy over every other the world — Haman’s lows ought to be the fate of all ail such ammbi men who would involve the country in civil war and all the cova to ite (rain, that chey inight reign and ride on tts whitl: winds and direct the storm. The free people of these United States have spoken, and consigued these wicked demagocues to their proper ‘doom. ‘Take care of your nuillifiers you have amo: you. Let them “meet the in- ignant frowns of every man who loves his coun- try, The tari it ls uow well known, was a mere pro. text. Its DurtLens were on your coarse wooliens: by the law of July, 182, comrse woollens was reduced to five per cent for the benefit of the South, Mr. Clay's bill takes it up and closes it with woollens at fifty percent, reduces it ually down to twenty percent an it’ is to remain, and Mr. Calhoun and all the nullifers’ agree to the principle: The cash duty and home valvation will be equal to fifteen per will pay on coarse cent more, aid after the year 1442, yc Woollens thirty-five per cent if’ this 1s not not understand it, Therefore the tari? was the ouly pretext, and disunton and @ Souther@contederacy the real object. ‘The next pretext will be the negro, or the slavery question, Mr. SuM~ek proceeded to say:—Thus inspired, Jackson was enabled to judge of the present and discern the fu ture. The tariff, in bis opinion, was a pretext for dis |. It all now belongs to history, nor can the facts be concealed. Mr. Brxsasax, (opp.) of La., asked whether the intent of the amendment Was to indicate au opinion on the part of the gentleman offering it; whether it was the intention to employ force against the State? Mr. Kixc—The sentiment of my State is that the Union shall be preserved. I believe seces- sion is another name for insurrection and rebellion. I believe this government cannot peaceably be dissolved, because I believe a good body of the people are attached to it and wil preserve it i8 resistance to the laws will meet the penalty which the law will iaflict. Mr. BeNJAMIN asked whether it was his intent to reduce 4 State to submission. Mr. Dixon, (rep. ’ of Conn., said:—I certainly did not wnderstand my colleague to refer to the fact that the de mocratic party new are and long have been in power in thit government in any partisan or offensive sense, but only a8 a fact of history. But whatever our diffi rences of jon are as to the causes of the present trou- bles, the great trouble is apparent. We cannot, either as partisans or as patriots, shut our eyes to the great truth that nothing less than the disruption of the government is the peril te which we are now exposed. It is useless to Inquire wich section of country would suffer most or suffer longest. It is enough for us to know that ever pe will suffer long and suffer deeply. It is enoug ‘us to know that a dissolution of this Union, for wiat- ever cause and however brought about, would not be 7 a event, but in its effects on the race of ‘ind =the t calamity of the _ Mr. President, the public mind is aronsed to a percept of the fact of existing danger to the government at the ecise moment when we have just passed through a Presidential election, Hence, it may be supposed the ult of this election is a cause, whereas it is only an occamion. The Gause dies deep. in & very short. time 4 crisis diftaring onlytrom the preseut in the ,occasioning of Bs happening, would have occurred if either of the candidates. for the. Presidency ai ihe recent election had been chosen. The controversy on the Afriean slavery, which has been gc between t orthern and Southern try, bas now reached a point whe rightful adjustment is to be consented to by the peopl both sections. It seems to be indispensable to the con tinuanee of the government in its present form. The election of Mr. Lincoln has hastened the critical day, his defeat could only have postponed it. in saying thiw i don’t intend to say whether one section of the count is at fault more than another; whether both are it fault, or whether the blame is wholly on one riminations and recritainations are now useless, tmy, langerous. If it be posible, the firet thing shenuld be to restore the frat spirit which once existed, ought to exiet and may still exist. How shail this be Aone’ I know no other mode than by cheer folly and honestly assuring to every section of the coun try, North and South, its just constitutional rights. No tection should ask more. No section oaght to offer less. And what are these constitutional rights? That is the sulyect to be considered in a spirit of con fidence, metual good will, and furthermore in nection 1 can. gran! i 1 moet this great Poth uly ot believe T ehall be sustained immense n ajority of my constituents, If time shall ttt I mn ‘this “belief I shall instantly cease to represent im this Senate Sir, if (hos spirit could prevail in our coupeils how differ ent instantly would be the condition of the country? Whether it shall prevail or not_ depends wholly on that it power which underlies all laws and const/tations. he thinking, intelligent public mind of the nation, the people, under God, must save this Union if it is to b seved. Politicians cannot do it. The people are now learning what they never brought themsertves to believe before, and they alone must apply the remedy, What [ may be willing to do, or what Senate may be willing to do, will avail nothing unless sustained by the € and conseience of the people. If the evils n and civil war can be averted by the perpetua © government in its present form, these con federated States will continue to be bound te eternal wnion by the golden chain of mutual adv But the danger 's that anger and precipitation on tly side, and blind ineredulity on the othor, will invol ruin the happiest peopie and best government on the globe. Should this be so, history will record the jact that the people of the United States were incapable of ei{ government. There is one word more. ‘There is a Claes of men at fd, and perhaps at the South, emall in numbers and wenee, who assume that the present controversy is a conflict, as they kay, of two civilizations, that it cannet be reconetied: that freedom of slavery Must now perish. The great body of those whom I represent do not thus believe. We believe there is no contiet of the systems of labor in the different States which Is incompatible with the peaceful existence one dipton. We still believe the slavebokiing and non. hokling States may still revelve in harmonious * {| @id that if The question of slavery ts to destroy the Uniwm it will be because the statesmen of the day are ino to the tark Mr » (Opp.) of Mire., replied, 5 can't vote for the resolution. Things have rea @ orisis,and there is only one way to terminate, and thatie for the North to reverse hor whole courte of policy. The Senthern State hav ing-despasred of a change, have prooweded in the only move -dib-them to vindicate their riguts. 1 dom belive there i# any hope of reconciliation. no evidence to base a hope uy I tee a cloud aad oo ray. To me the darkness Je retin igh Northerners, “We ‘oe gloom, it hat been salt by mean to ground our arms until we have Inat clawe!? «here ix the word, diaguine It Mr. wen, ) of Ohio, said a experience promperity under ment, it de that tone of the eon' use legie, bot, eit, to 3 Gren ane neighbors it i# a question of life and death. Mr. Pee ws—1 never eald thie can't be averted, If the question of settling the difficulty were left to the Senator itself, I cannot so vote. “ spirit of devotion to the ‘Union, for the preservation of Which my constituents are ready to make any sacrificn = myself, he for the republicans and I for the democrats, we would settle the question before the sup goes down. (Laughter. re My. Hate, (rep.) of N. H.—It seems the newspapers: greatly misreprent whatI say. He says I said | wanted to wait on Mr. Buel and ask him to send an army down to coerce South Carolina, Mr. Pron—I said J saw it so stated, Mr. Hate—I never said so. I never had an idea of Mr. Buchanan sending an army down to South Carolina. 1 lieve instead of sending an army to South Carolina he would get op his Knees before the poorn et, that Stato and beg thom for Sod’s sake not to force him t do so be- fore the 4th of March. (Lavghter.) This is the condi- tion j believe that Mr. Buchanan occupies. Mr. Masox—I shall vote for the resolutions, but witix the idea that it is not possible fof Congress to do to reach the dangers with which we are le One Senator bas styled this crisis an ‘insurrection,’ and said war will come out of it. It may soon arrive whem it will be necessary for American citizens to devermine whether the execution of the federal laws in confederacy, be threats of rebellion or war. I fear bre oad come; but sufficient for the day is the evil eof. Mr. Bioukr, (opp) of Pa.—At this moment the symp- toms of decay are shown. Mr. Hane moved the Senate adjourn. Carried, and at twenty-three minutes past three P. M. Adjourned. House of Representatives. Wastuncton, Dec. 10, 1860. THE SELECT COMMITTEK OF THIRTY THREE. ‘The motion to excuse Mr. Hawkins from service on thd select Committee of Thirty three to take into consideras tion the perilous condition of the country, coming up, ‘Mr, Hawkins, (opp.) of Fla, further explained why ha did not wish to serve on the committee. He had bee guided by his own ideas as to what was appropriate om this occasion, The solution of the question, and the con- clusion being #0 simple, be acted entirely on his own re- sponsibility. It was true that after he had marked out hig course he asked the opinion of the great majority of the extreme Southern members, and they, with one or two exceptions, agreed with him. By virtue of the powers en. trusted to him, he might act on @ committee under cire cumstances different from those now existing, but ha could not now do so, as Florida has initiated measures for a State Convention on the 3d of January, and will taka such steps as will be compatible with her dignity and honor. It was true that the population of Florida been retarded by untoward circumstances. She merically weak, but for that she is not the leas sovereign, d to all the rights immunities of the other sovereign States. Florida cannot be forced to re- main in the Union if she wants to go out. Such an at- tempt would be resisted by ten timcs the number of fede- her. The Sou from Ohio at are to do it; Virginia stands pledged not to see a sovereign State coerced if she thinks tae time has arrived when her honor and aafety require her to go out of the Union.” Florida, he rej » is determined to settle for herself and in her own way the mode and manner of redress, without trusting to Congressional compromises, which have never been productive of peace and harmony. The component parts of this committee were peculiarly unfortunate and ill-advised. If tho Speaker had consulted his own judgment and the honest dictates of bis pure and manly heart, he (Mr. Hawkins) belie the material of the committee would have been very different. Ne democratic member from the North- West is On the committee, The interests of that section have been singularly ignored. The material of the com- mitte is most incongruous and heterogeneous, and as @ sample of others, he did got believe that the appointment of Mr. Davis, of Maryland, was fair and appropriate. Maryland, at the last session of her Legislature, passed a resolution denouncing that gentleman more particularly for yoting for Mr. Pennington for Speaker, and by that vote constituting him the presiding of this House. ‘The people of Maryland, as well as of the entire South, assumed this ground, namely :-—that every Southern matt who Sots voted = oe ‘Was @ traitor’ to that section, and that vote is also regarded as in opposition to slavery. Mr. Baiwes, (Am.) of N. Y., in explanation, saul that his vote for Mr. Pennington was not given for the object the gentleman attributed, namely, opposition to any sec- tion, but as @ national vote for a national mau. ‘ Mr. Hawkixs—I was speaking of Southern men. Mr. Bricar—I beg on. Mr. Hawxkins—It_ you were not an Alexander I am satie- fled you would be a Diogenes. He proceeded to say that Maryland, being a noble State, would be true to her dee- he proper time arrives. Mr. Davis is not a sentit Political millennium, The effect, if carried out, would be to demoralize and degrade the South, Ho Wad sorry the proposition came from one of the noble sons of the Fouth. ‘The republicans bave no idea of yielding anything. It was ridiculous to try to stop the ‘siayery agitation. The only man who is au’ to speak for Mr. Lincoln is Senator Trumbull, whe says the interpre~ tation of the Presidential election is that bis administra- tion will be on the side of freedom, meaning thereby op- pesition to slavery, He (Hawkins) might be a Cataline, but be wished to utter a few words of warning. He would teil the North, speaking by the book, Miasis- sippi, Alabama, Fiorids, Georgia and South Carolina are certain to secede from the Union; Arkansas, Louisiana and Texas are sure to follow. Mr. Vattaxniomam, (opp.) of Ohio, rore and addressed ‘the House. He said:—tir. inasmuch as | am compelled by the rules of the House tw vote seek ie geen of excnsing the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Hawkins) from. serving Upon this cominittee, | desire, in a few words, to assign my own reasons for the vote I shall give. With many of the reasons assigned by the gentleman from Flo rida (Mr. Hawkins) 1, a8 @ representative from one of the free states of this Union, hage nothing to do; but there are considerations which impel me, as such ta tive, to vote for the motion to excuse. It is idle, air, to attempt to coerce a gentleman to serve yu enewsn tee who assigns sitch reasons as the gent from Flo- rida bas given: and in justice to him and to his State, bat above ail, to the purpose of the committee ° it 1s stmply unreasonable to be- gin propositions for peacé and recouetliation by attempt- ing to compel ao of this House to serve mn & committee rai for the v irpose of peace and conciliation, What prospect, tn God's hame—and I speak it reverently—ie there of any final settlement when you are thus ar to begin with compulsion to fill up this committee? [pass by withoat comment the considera- tion, by the gentieman from Florida, that this proposition of ® committee might with far more pro- Pricty and effect have come from the republican party ih this House—that party which has just triumphed in the election which is the culminating point of all our evntroversies, and of the dangers which sur- round us, and that, with great honor to himself, and With grest and soothing good it might have been to the whole Rg OF of alarm and excitement now. ‘The eentleman is the chairman of this commitiee, distinguiehed for his age, bis ex , his eloquence, his moderstion, to kay nothing of bis position as the Jeader of that party, might have assumed the responsi- Dility of taking the initistive in that great work of recon ciliation and reconstruction, which alone can save us now, instead of allowing it to be devolved upon the represen” tation of that particular kpot, gt Harper's Ferry, which abolition madness and fanaticiam selected as Lhe point of asmanalt, Cen | the entire siaveholding borders of thie confederacy. pase by, also, tho cumbersome construction of the committee with the remark, that a counsel never fighte, and a comm'tiwe of thirty” three members will never agree anything—at least not a committee s> weak, so di 80 diluted as to be ultimately inadequate to the solution of the greatest, gravest and most digigult and perplexing question ever prevented in modern history. Iwill not say as much, sir, a8 the porsibility that ail the labors of this commit- tee may all ond im nothing, and in worse than nothing; nor will T even remark, a» the gentleman has done, upon the peculiar position of this committes, in having men pleed upon it who represent nobody, not even themselves, or who are peculiarly odious and distasteful to the section from whieh they come, and aud are those caleulated far more to embarrass aud de- feat than to advance the avowed purpose for which the committee was (ramed. But there # one conside- ration which will absolutely preclude me from vyot- ing to coerce any man to act upon this committee. Th gestions from hate haw alluded W it, but he hast bot gone far enough, Te is HOt One single FepreRentas tveof the democratic party upoe this committee from the © xtecn free States east of the Rocky Mountains, The Faritie is indeed reprerented—no thanks to him, however. Jt Was Hobson's choice, because there is no ; here from Caiifornia, though Mr. Lincoln, by the divis on in the ranks of his bts, has been enabled to secara the electoral vote of State. The intelligent and ex- cellent gentleman from Uregon (Mr. Stout) ie upon the committee, because he is so unfortunate as to have no collesgue, Unough to tell the truth, 1 should not bave been Surprised to have seen that gentleman supplanted by Horace Greeley, or possibly by the gentleman from Mas. sachurctts, (Mr. Thayer), though I think oy Af member is @ little too much tinctured with the ine of eqnatter sovereignty to suit the times. But T there is not One solitary representative enat of the Mountaine: and that mighty host, numbering one million *ix hundred thousand, which for #0 many has stood a8 & vast broak water against the wind and waves of the Ftortns of seetioustiam, and upon whore constituent ele- ment at least this country must #0 much |, bow in the midst of the great even wi are thronging thick opon us, for hope of preservation wow and of restoration hereafter, here insane enough to Cy yt moment that in the midst of these scenes Northern and oy ‘Western democracy, #0 cuetig tal clement, and by far the most numerous element of great democratic party, which for monlded the policy and controlled republic—that a party whieh bas some of the greatest and perty whieh placed upon the mast important acts of ich are upon ws, aixieon hundred ‘now the equals of the! men’ whoae every pulse throbt with (he gtd. » ty—will temely eubmit to be degevted 10 int tical Ehime toad . men to strike a blow at ‘the there ve rie tne Union, and twore than tha ” (CUNTISURD ON *