The New York Herald Newspaper, December 21, 1860, Page 1

—— WHOLE NO. 8870. IMPORTANT FROM THE Actual Secession of South Carolina. The Unanimous Passage of the Secession Act in the State Convention. THE ORDINANCE OF SEPARATION. Great Rejoicings in the Streets of Charleston. Speech of Mr. Pugh in the United States Senate. Passage of the Pacific Railroad Bill in the House as a Palliative Measur’, hes, ke. ke. THE SECESSION OF SOUTH CAROL'NA. Wasmotox, Dec. 20, 1960. ‘The news from Charleston of the passage by unani- mous vote of the ordinance of secession, although ex- pected, causes great excitement here. In the House the members from the Gulf States gath. ered in numbers, and with joyful expressions at the in- formation. Among others it produces various comments. ‘The general feeling, however, seems to be one of painful regret that in the midst of so great efforts and proposed sacrifices to preserve the Union South Carolina should bave been launched upon her solitary career. It is ‘thought that she has exhibited but little consideration for those of her sister States, who, with equal cause for secession, defer their action for joint consultation and procedure. ‘It was supposed the Convention would hold off until the 22d of February, at the request of some South Carolina members of Congress. Members of Congress who had paired off, with the in. tention of going home to pass the holidays, have re- considered their determination, and some will remain, as they believe the moment for decisive action for weal or ‘woe will be reached within a few days. ‘The city is filled with rumors from Charleston about the capture of the forts, &c., none of which are well founded Tes o'Ciock P. M. ‘The excitement consequent upon the reception of the first report of the passage of the secession ordinance by South Carolina has partially subsided, and the city is un- usually composed to-night. The good-byes of petiring South Carolina members of the House were distinguished for their excellent humor, and the occasion seemed more Mke-a departure of friends than of persons bound on are volutionary mission. THE SOUTH CAROLINA SOVEREIGNTY CONVENTION. PROCEEDINGS OF THE CONVENTION. CONTINUATION OF THE THIRD DAY. Cuarteston, Dec 20, 1960. Chancellor Dexkry offered a resolution that a committe be appointed to inquire and report what measures, tem porary or permanent, can be adopted in reference to cus tom houses and postal arrangements, in consequence of the withdrawal of South Carolina from the Union. CHANCELIOR DUNKIN’S SPEECH. Chancellor Dur said—Mr. President, 1 do not know that a particular amendment is of very much conse- quence. I supposed this committee would have autho- rity to take into consideration what has been termed postal arrangements, and | think 80 now A Vorcs—That’s £0. Mr. Dexxiy—It ia very difficult to define and distinguish, but when you come to consider what we have to do, it will be no great stretch to say that a Committee on Com. mercial Relations might take into consideration our postal arrangements a8 a part of ite commercial transactions and I did suppose, when my friend submitted his resolu tion for appointing the committee, that it would have that authority; and with due deference to the gentleman. whom I greatly reapect, I would that there might be « question upon this. I do not believe the Convention en tertains a doubt about the committee. They may, if they think proper, take into consideration postal arrange. ments. The President has done me honor by placing me ‘on the committee to prepare an ordinance of the with drawal of this State from what has been called the federa! Union, Jo not think I act in violation of confidence asa member of that committee to act upon the matter they are united. (Smothered applause.) If any dolay ‘takes place it will be simply for the purpose of preparing an ordinance ina manner consistent with its effect and the dignity of the State, Sir,Iam sure that that ordi Bance will not be submitted to-morrow. We have beou ‘working this morning, and again will work this evening. ‘We don't intend to bo hasty. We purpose to lose a: time. We are anxiously engaged in it, and I say, without violation of confidence, we are engaged only upon the matter of form. Upon that we #hau't be long in agree ing. Mr. President, I will, in the remarks I intend offer ing—I will assume that this State will be out of tL» Unign in a very few days, if nm in meny hours, Then Mr. President, we have something to look to. For many porposes the Union has worked well. The machinery i convenient and advantageous—in small matters very convenient, Sir, having a determiuation to go out of th Tailon,"we shoufd endeavor to do it with as little harm to the ordinary transactions of the community as i* practicable and consistent with the position we have assumed and character which we purpose {> maintain, Sir, the machinery has worn well, aud yo! can’t stop it suddenly unless you get some break in it i some way. Now, sir, I can’t illustrate what I desire to say in & better manner than by referring to the first matter to be considered—the commercial relations or ms rine relations, if you 80 please to call tbe ports, harbor » ‘and custom houses. This is a great purpose, and I can not iMustrate, not elaborate, bat suggest in reference t> custom house, and Lwould refer to the conduct of th gentleman who now cecupies the Collectorship of th port and who has illustrated to me his idea. Sir, all know I have seen in the public papers. I koow nothing Tore. I saw the Collector a few times directly after the Announcement of the election of Lincoln. The feelings o the gentleman would have premptly caused him to in stantly throw up his commission. He didu’t desire fw one moment to remain an offlcer of the ns tional government when ho perceivel wha would happen. But, sir, what would have bap pened if immediate acceptance had taken place ia (ls reception at Washington of his commission? Sir, it | ‘well known to every man in the community that if M: ‘Buchanan had received it and appointed another to ill tb. thrown up commission for that purpose, I need not say that no Southern man would have accepted it; no man o South Carolina would have been allowed to do it. (Ap. planee,) Sit, Mr. Colcock saw that; he is a practical man. If he had sent in his commission, and it had been accept ef, a8 T presume it woul, I ask any mam who knows any thing of the commercial relations of Charleston, what would haye been the consequence? All the power of th British navy would not have effectually stopped th port of Charleston, It is well known that if « veanel pasees the bar of Charleston without the Peguiar papers signed by the Collector of that port that Yoreel i@ liable to be taken op in twow OOo Sw ty minutes as a vagrant or pirate. No vesse would venture that peril. The Collector knew this. He didn’t do it. He gave notice he would hold his commis- sion subject to the direction of the Convention of the people of South Cardhina, when here assembled. Ho knew that a sudden stoppage would have been accom- panied by the most mischievous consequences. He is prepared now, and he holds his commission under the direction and at the will of the Convention, or of this body, of which he expects to owe allegiance, and to whom he expects to owe allegiance alone. Let us pass postal ar- rapgements. Mr. President Mirabeau many years ago said that the flercost insurrections were those which arose from the stomach. People without bread won’t bear reason; their patriotism is dead. Sir, next to bread in our artificial state of society is light. Idon’t mean the glorious light of the heavens; I mean the infor- mation and intelligence. Next to bread people must have information. They must have light. If sir, you suddenly withdraw this light for eight and forty hours, or cause an interruption in postal arrangements, you stop the means of communication. Sir, the perilous consequences which would result from it will be easily appreciated by every thinking man in every corner of the State. Sir, it should not be done suddenly. We should have a little time to effect common arrangements. Now, in regard to postal arrangements, it is to be done by a congress. Don’t let me be misunderstood.- I as- sume that to-morrow we take the attitude of a sovercign State; I will assume that the national men at the head of the federal government, when the matter is presented them, will see that the rights we assume—our rights— must be recognized. Without that they will be prepared soon to hear we are out of the Union. By slowly acting they will then be prepared to treat with us in commerce, ‘upon postal arrangements, upon any other matter. Let me say, Mr. President, I don’t use argument from their feelings but their interests, as important to them as to us, and a certain time should be give As m the in- stance of a copartnership proposed to bo drawn up, it is reasonable that ordinary time be given to effect our purposes. You can’t act until you are out of the Union. ‘The object should be to make temporary tha hortly. keep reopiinens it very sl |, 80 a8 to ‘up commerce. If we the postal ment, which { consider » part of the — — e1 v9 relations of the country can be kept up until we hear the government is to or may. "Mr. President, T bave. anid Tigot tay inforrantion about the Collector from the ne ; a8 to the post- masters of the, . I think I might say thesame thing. From a numbef I know I could say they are ready; they are only desirous of knowing from this Convention what is proper for the welfare and the advancement of this great cause. Mr. President, what Ihave said as to the Collector of Charleston I could only Say Saas read in the papers. For the Postmaster of Charleston I have a right to speak a little more authentically. sir, that at this very moment he is prepared ain commission in the hands of the Governor of the to be forwarded to the Department, whenever, in tho opinion of the Governor, i oe Convention, it shall be deemed expedient for the welfare of South Carolina, to which alone, after its withdrawal, he will look. Ido in- justice, however. I come short. He has lived tothe time appointed for man, and rather beyond it, and I say, ip all the difficulties and troubles he may have encoun- tered in that long period of time, that they have been as nothing to the relief which he is afforded. He has intt- mated that he is ready to put his commission night in the hands of the Governor of the Now, sir, we know week the Colleen ido what the it Prepared to do, Now, sir, I have a resolution which I int to offer to this committee, not merely for them, but to find ou! what temporary or Sir, 1 ee report until it conferred with the Governor, a8 not todisturb the ordinary relations, it had heard what ten days ; some suggest one month ; some time, say two months, or after the assembling of the conventions of our sister States, whi on | i E i i respectively. gested that a temporary arrangement conld go int tion on the 20th of January, so that time would given for the general government to know our views and make ready (to answer, yea or nay, whether they are disposed to treat ; but in the meantime the ordinary ocenpat ions of our citizens are to go on. One matter more: as to the revenues, Postmaster of Charleston, most likely, wowld keep an secount until the transaction was settled—January 17th, My friend from St. Michaels proposed one item. It was proposed that the money received by the postmasters, or any of them, should be considered in account and with the general government on the day of the ratification of the ordinance. At the sitt this convention @ month hence all these matters will be arranged as between two parties. In the meantime the Sane, hee that ne rope poke shall mn? . Sir, I merely Suggest this, as it has been spoken others. Secretary said that the revenue of South Carolina from the Custom House didn’t near pay the expenses of the customs. For the last quarter, I understand from the best authority that the post offices of South Carolina cost the govern- ment 000, and the receipts have been less than $50. Leg type beet rae ng angen in that way. But accounts should kept. in the meantime usual business transactions should be allowed to proceed until it was ascertained what were the views of administration, who Ihave no doubt are ent to us, and will do everything that can be done in order to t any in- convenience. Mr. President, 1 have &@ word more: I will then take my seat. We are atthe Inauguration of ivi to for a day, shut up for a day the port of ‘Charles- ton, the ships now with the ucts of our country would rot before sea. If an or- shut, their ships rotting at the wharves, and the whole of our ordinary will that can obviate it? Look at the tates, some are more than ready; son to ask to offer for an appropriate committee. I pro- pore te sated 66 et eee eat ae an, it is in ion, on the withdrawal of the State from the Union, either to make it or temporary arrange- ments in reference to the officers of the port offers and the thereon. This Custom House, and that they should report is what I propose. bd JUDCR MAGRATH'S PERT. If we were now ins condition of pent mt about inaugurating this act of secession of South Carol from the sisterhood of States, in a condition of good ii and good wishes, that resolution woul ately proper and consummate this great act without the good will and with. out the good wishes of many of the States of this con. federacy, it is most important that the State of South Carolina should know if their rights, claimed in behalf of there States, were to be exercised. It would be well to define ite rights to be exercised within the limits of her own State. The President of the ted States a‘lirms his rights, bis constitutional duty and bigh ob'igation to protect what he calle the property of the United States within the limite of South Carolina, and enforce, after th secession of Youth Carolina, the laws of the United States Within its limite; and it ie true, sir, that he says he has no constitutional power to coerce the State of South Caro- lina if she shall secede, while at the same timo he denies her the exercise of her legitimate right of secession which she claims; and I there will be, Mr. President, an attempt to coerce the State of South Caro. line, in the form of protecting the property of the United States within the limits of South Carolina. Tam disposed, therefore, at the very threshold to tort the accuracy of this logic, and weigh well the omolusion which the President of the United States has arrived at in his consideration of this matter, There never has been & day, no, nor an hour, when anybody could claim the Property within the limits of the State of South Caro! ina— whether the claim were made by an individual 0° corps. ration, of community, or nation. Ie it not as sacred under the constitution as the laws of South Qarolina, aod as when that right is claimed by ono of our own citi rene’ And if there be, as i# assorted, rty of the United States within the limite of South Carolina—the according to i z 4 ¥ State. Tas the United that the United Stator of Seth Care: r ‘material ection which it seems toaseert for it? Fas oat ee een at th sition of robbers, #0 1 It amserted (hat Ure vbited South Carolina @oetes from th: arise, an! see to bs considered Raeertion 0” Convention, 4 the right of propert 1 i te’ taco of the wleis MORNING EDITION—FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21, 1860. world, it is for her to decide to raise the banner of justice, and let every one see owo ‘the United States. If thero be we a dollar South Carolina owes to the a ee claimed United States, let it of South Carolina, not justly due the Aad Before that dition of public affairs to which I wish for a moment to up- ition of an independent State, it becomes ua, resent the public sentiment of South Caro- lina, to look boldly in the eye of the responsibilities of anaes, Is] file Lo ereced w oay m if or is ea. ownership, copay or kind between the United Stotes and with Carolina. te Jess they stand to each other in this relation of equal inde- pendence, sovereign, mutually recognizing one i if I have to © al of secession, if 1 to qualify this ordinaneo after it is passed, allof it poy eesti of Racnine eee m4 one position to which we may be brought, the position which, so far as one man is concerned, T shall avoid above all others—it is»the position of ha State of South Carelina to seem to the world to lowed to exercise its right of secession by the ps oe the United States. Other States are le. ag men W .of South Curolina—de- may, whatever conse- quences it may involve, I think it best becomes le to meet these consequences in the it may be Mr. Buchanan is the friend of I don’t say he is. 1 disclaim that he is. I admit no other conclusion. From the events before me, ex- cept that in the issue now before , the Presi- dent of the United States will consummate this dectara- tion, which will inevitably arouse war with the President. Mr. Magrath then asked pardon of the Con-- vention for inflicting a speech. ‘The following is the termination of the proceedings of Wednesday. We also again print the resolutions of Mr. Memminger in full:— Resolved, That a commission, consisting of three per- sons, be elected by ballot of the Convention to proceed to Washington to negotiate with the United States and act through their general government as to the proper ar- rangemente and measures to be made or in the existing relations of the parties, and for the continuance of peace and amity yetween them. ved, That five persons be elected by this Con- vention, who shall be authorized to meet such deputies as may be appointed by any other slaveholding State, for the purpose of organizing or forming a Southern con- federacy, with the power to discuss and settle upon a constitution or plan of Union to be reported to aid States for their ratification, amendment or rejection; and that the said deputies shail invite a meeting at Convention such constitution for articles as may be agreed on by the said deputies. The first was referred to the Committee on Foreign Re- lations, and the second to the Committee on the Slave- holding States of North America. Mr. Mazycx introduced the following: — Resolved, That a committee to consist of ——- mem- juire and bers Se egeeiets whose duty it shall be to report to this Convention how much of the concerned, the national Union, and how much of it might remain of force notwithstanding the act of secession. . ‘This was made the special order for to-morrow. Mr. Oxr moved to adjourn, and at forty minutes past three adjourned, FOURTH DAY. =, Cuarteston, Dec. 20, 1860. Prayer was offered, the roll called and the journal read. A resolution was offered to invite the Mayor of Charles- ton to a seat on the floor of the Convention, It was amended by ineerting the Governor of the State, the President of the Senate and Speaker of the Houge, and passed. The Ciuam announced the appointment of the commit- tee to draft a summary of the cause of the secession of South Carolina; also, of four standing committees. Mr. Rhett’s resolution to appoint a committee of thirteen, for the purpose of providing for the assemblage of a Convention of the seceding States and to form a con- stitution, was adopted, Mr. lycum made a report from the committee to pre- pare and draft an ordinance proper to be adopted by the ‘Convention: — AN ORDINANCN TO DISSOLVE THE UNION NETWKEN Tur sate OF SOUTH CAROLINA AND OTIER STATES UNITED WIT WR UNDER THE COMPACT ENTITLED THE CONSTITUTION OF THK UNITKD STATES OF AMETUCA. We, the people of South Carolina, in Convention assem- died, do declare and ordain, and it is hereby declared and ordained, that the ordinance adopted by us in conven tion on the 23d day of May, in the year of our Lord 1788, whereby the constitution of the United States of America was ratified, and also all acts and parts of acts of the General Assembly of this State ratifying amendments of the said constitution, are hereby repealed, and that the Union now subsisting betwoen South Carolina and other States, underfthe"name of the United States of America, is hereby dissolved. ‘The ordinance was taken up and passed, by the unani- mous vote of 169 members, at quarter past one o'clock. As soon as its passage was known without the doors of the Convention it rapidly spread on the street, a crowd collected and there was immense cheering. Mr. Mis moved that the clerk telegraph to the mem- bers at Washington. Carried unanimously. Mr. Drxarsst re moved that the ordinance be engrossed om parchment, under the direction of the Attorney Gene- ral, and signed-by the President and members this even ing at Institute Hall, an@ that it be placed in the archives of the State. Hialf-past six o'clock was agreed upon as the hour to Proceed to Institute Hall for the purpose of signing it. The following if a summary of the debate on the pas- sage of the ordinance — Mr. Macnamn—I think the special matter of the ordi- Bance should be immediately considers’. To my under- standing there is no Collector of the Port nor Postmaster now within the limits of South Carolina. What you have Gone to-day has extinguished the authority of every man tn Carolina deriving authority from the general govern. ment. I am in favor of this body making such provisional arrangements as may be necessary in the interval which may exist between thie moment and the time when the Legislature may act Iam not, however, to be implicated as sanctioning the idea that there is no lawful authority within the limite of the State except the gene ral governmeont. Mr. Gurao— After South Corolina abrogated the const) tution of the Cited States, are its laws still in force? I think not. All the laws of Congress fall iustantly to the ground on the act of secession. Mr, Crves—As an immense charm will be made in the law, and a® it is nocersary to avold inconventence to the people, we must make some temporary arrangements to carry on the government Mr. Grnoc—There is no law on the subject of the col lection of the duties In South Carolina now. We have now accomplished the work after forty years Mr. Havsm—The Congres of the United States is no longer our government. It will be for our Legielature to wy what lawe of the United States shall be continaed and what not, The simple act of secession doos not abrogate all the laws. We havea great many laws on our statute books which were passedtby the Governor and tho Privy Council. Mr. Gremc—The Congressional laws for the collection of rovenne are for the support of the federal povernment at Waehington; and ali our Post OMoo jaws fell on our dissolution with that government. Mr. Mriv-—We have to deal with facts and stan roali ties, We must prevent confusion, anarchy and the de Tangement of oor government affairs. Things must Main in satw quo, of confusion will arie. Mr. Hewr—sadden action is injurious, Mr. Crvareet—Two questions are Lavolved—power and duty. We moet preserve onr peapto, not only from in , but oby Wo must revivify such laws ne will bes, greserve us from onlamiticn. As to duty, if FO" Cum the ship of Stato adrift, what wil become ¢, the vificers? Mit. Woerrex—Thore it 10 duty for the eo'leetoro + 6 port todo. The Post Office has been ewopt oT. My opi- nion is, that the present system of pretal arrangements isa nuifance, The public can be better served by pri- vate De® ties between cities like Phiadelphia and New York @t one cent instead of three sand between leas im- Per, tant places ten or more cents, Mr. Catmour—We have pulled a temple down that har been built three quarters of a century, We must clear the robbieh away to reconstruct another. We are now houreless and homeless, and we must secure ourselves Againat stormy. Me, Durkre—If that ordinance ho passed things will go om im the Custom Howse and Post Office exactly a# now, until other arrangements can be made by this Convention, There is nothing in the ordinance convenience PRICE TWO CENTS. to affect the dignity, honor and welfare of the State of South Carolina. We must keep the wheels of the govern ment going. The constitution cf the United States is not entirely abrogated by the ordinance. What is a legal tender in the payment of debts? Is it not gold and silver of the United States? In the case of clearing and entry of vessels, we are very liable to have the same contis- cated, Mr. Carroti—The present, revenue would be continued till an act of the Legislature authorized otherwise. Mr. Browx—There is no longer communication with the government from which we are just separated. Mr. Duskix—The spirit of the ordinance must be tem. porarily sustained till we treat with the general govern- ment, Mr. Grecc—The President of the United States has thrown down the gauntlet in his measage. He has said that it was his duty to collect the revenue, and that he would do it, On one side the federal government claims the right and declares its intention to execute the power of collecting revenue in our ports;on the other side we have declared that we are free. I desire no compro- mise. Is it necessary to maintain the 15 to 90 per cent duties impoged by the Congress of the United States? Should these duties continue to be levied, our people will suffer a terrible calamity. For carrying the mails, let the present contract be assumed by South Carolina, in- stead of the United States. Mr. Rusrn—This great revolution must go on with as little danger as possibic to the country. By making the federal agents ours the machinery will move on. The federal laws of taxation must not oxist over us. I trust that the present system of taxation has fallen forever. Mr. Barxwarz—We have seceded from the United States and established independence, We can’t allow the Unjted Stateg to @xercise authority over us any more. Tet portal convenience be sacrificed if necessary. ‘There never was anything purchased worth having, un- lees it coat a sacrifice. Mr. Masmicx said, in regard to the mail all restrctions must be removed. Let us appoint our own officers. Let the Collector of the Post battle with the difficulties as they come, At forty minutes past three the Convention took a re- cess, to meet at Institute Hall at balf-past six o'clock, for the purpose of signing the ordinance. As the Convention were leaving St. Andrew's Hall the chimes of St. Michael’s Episcopal church pealed forth “Auld Lang Syne” and other tunes, Wasrveron, Dec. 20, 1960. Telegraphic reports from Charleston, announcing the Pastage of the secession ordinance, create immense ex- citement here ‘The various and opposing currents of opinion which have distracted the public mind seem at length to be taking one direction. While every project with a sanitary ob- ject hitherto has embraced different propositions, its principal feature has been a return to the Missouri compromiso line, Although men from the North and from the South, when contemplating such a compro- mise, entertain different views upon it in one respect, in others they seem to be approaching common agreement. ‘The South adheres to the constitutional provision that at the south of the dividing line slavery shall not be dis turbed durtg the Territorial condition, The Northern republicans think that the status of these Territories being that of slavery, the South should be satis‘ted with the Missouri compromise restored in its original lan guage. Leading men on all sides are looking to some such com. promise, and the growing probabilities are that the con cession to the South of a dividing line and constitutional protection of their institution in the Territories at the South of it during the Territorial condition, will ultimate- ly satisfy the South and repair the fractured Union. It will be recollected that this last is the prominent feature of the scheme offered for the city members by John Coch- rane. Of the plan of Crittenden and of Johnson, of Ten- nessee, it is increasing in favor every hour, and may yet a second time save the confederation. ‘The Pacific Railroad bill passed the House by a decided majority. Its large vote was secured by the hope that its passage would be a great pacificatory measure. It will unquestionably so act, and may be considered as the fitting counterpoise in the day's proceedings to the se- cession of South Carolina. Advices from Tennessee to-night report reluctance to adopt extreme measures, but as the North have evinced no disposition to conciliate, secession is the only alterna. tive. A grand effort will now be made to combine the entire strength of the conservatives on Crittenden’s proposition. The matter has been canvassed by a number of Northern delegations, and the attainment of the object will be pro- secuted with the utmost vigor and zeal. At a conference of the Pennsylvania delegation to-night the subject was introduced. The Pennaylvania delegation met to-night, at cight o'clock, at Avenuo Hotel, pursuant tof adjournment. Senator Bigier oceupied the chair; Hon. Robert McKnight, secretary, was not present, in consequence of the death of a child. The number in attendance was not large. On the meet- ing being called to order, Senator Bigler submitted as a motion that the delega- tion adopt the first part of Senator Crittenden’s proposi- tion for the restoration of the Missouri line as @ basis of compromise to be offered the South. After a general conversation, in which Messrs. Covode Blair, Hale and others participated, the motion was reject- ed, but one vote being in favor, that of Gov. Bigler. The republicans stated that by adopting the proposi- tion the party would be surrendering the fruits of their Corvus, 8. C., Dec. 19, 1860. The Methodist Conference of this State have passed resolutions in favor of secession. ExGovernor McDonald, of Georgia, died at his residence at Marietta on Monday night. ‘There were ecleyen new cases of small pox here on Tuesday. INAUGURAL ADDRESS OF GOV. PICKENS. Covvmnta, Deo. 17, 1860. Governor Pickens has jnst been inaugurated before the Legislature, the Convention and aevery large concourse. The following is his inaugural address :— GENTLEMEN OF THe SkxATE AND Hovse oF REPRESENTATIVES: — You have called me to ide as chief of tical fincture in our public affalrs about to assume. Seventy-three years this State has been connected by a Tedersh compact with co-States, | Presidential victory. a aston Gerke ee ‘The meeting adjourned sine dic. to recent years there has been a powerful 7 J organised upon principles of ambition foot pvtendiraind The Virginia Legislature convenes on the 7th of Janna, be on ‘undixguised is to divert the federal ry, and will probably call a State Conventon. The Le- verpment from and turn its power gislature of New York meets on tho Ist of Januagg. internal interests and domestic institutions of these Should the republican Governor of New York recom- States, They have thus combined a ex cusively fa’ the Biatow whose eyoved | mend a State Convention, and the Logislature concur, and objects not endanger t » but the very | the Convention befheld, there is no doubt theyConventions existence of ly one-half the States of this Confedera. of these two States could agree upon an adjustment gatis- factory to both North and South. Such a course is strongly urged here and hoped for. ‘The Senate Committee on Territories met this morning. They decided to postpone action on the Territorial bills before them antil they had been disposed of in the Houre. ‘The chairman will call up the question of the admission of Kansas onfMonday next, when she will probably be admitted. The petition asking aid from the general government for the suffering people in Kansas was taken up, and will be examined and acted upon at the next meeting. Commodore Stewart, better known as ‘Old Ironsides,”’ at his own request, t# detached from the command of the 3 been other by peaceful inberitance from worth: prt dy and all who know nf = Coed Leak J ~ Ande an beer Philadelphia Navy Yard, where he has been for seven minister the blessings of civilization with order and in harmony. Anything tending to change or weaken this consecutive years, Captain Dupont has been ordered to government and the su jon between the races, | relieve him. Several leading and influential men from Philadelphia have arrived here for the purpose of urging upon Con- grese to devise some mode of settlement. They state that the suffering of the poorer classes who have been thrown out of employment is very great, and that unless something i# speedily done they would not answer for the consequences. our security. We bhave for years warned the Northern people of the dangers were producing by their wan- ton and lawless course. ‘e have often appealed to our sister States of the South to act with us in concert some firm bot moderate system, by able, if possible, to save the federal constitution, and yet feel rafe under the — compact of Union. But we could obtain no fair ing from the North, nor could we kee any Wasmvaron, Dec, 20, 1960. The subject of the admission of Kansas into the Union is specially assigned for consideration in the Senate on Monday next. If that branch concur with the House and tive left but to int oe pn vagy = an independent State, to protect tl te and ancient privileges of the people of South Carolina. ‘This State was one of the original parties to. the Talore! compact of. the ‘Union “We Rereat ‘iy ‘Ye | pass the Dill, the country will hear no moro about suffor- asa Sina wih en Lt een = we kaye ing there, as the anthorities of the new State will be able surrounded w: ex! Pressure for purposes their bore ational protection and general welfare of all the sates |‘ Pase laws for ee as isinedtinaas their own credit, The House to-day hae passed the Pacific Railroad bill, as it was reported from the Select Committec of Fifteen, by the decisive vote of ninety-five to seventy-four. ‘There ie great rejoicing here to-night over the fact, not only by business men North and South and by democrats and republicans—who view {tas « great political achieve- ment—but also by conservative men of all sections, who unite in pronouncing ite passage throug! the House at equally and alike: and when it ceases to do this it i# no longer a perpetual Union. It would be an absurdity to suppose it was a perpetual Union for our ruin. The con- stitution if & compact between co-States, and not with the federal government. ©n questions vital, and intwoly- ing the peace and safety of the parties to the compact, from the very nature of the instrament, each State must Judge of the mode and measure of protection necessary for peace and the rvation of her local and do- mestic institutions. ith Carolina will therefore decide for herself, and will, as she has a right to do, resume Ae ae wok, ot Lageiute wich einer "Powers this particular juncture of our national aTairs asa great avch ~—T hate am men agemming ee a measure of pacification, Californians who are here are cay that our. interests will lead “hor to open” her | Cverdoved, and aro especially grateful to Mr. Grow, who presided over tha Committes of the Wholo during the sharp contest made there for the skilful and able manner in which be executed the ar- duous dutics imposed upon him by the enemies of the bill, who employed all the tactics that experienced parlia- mentarians could use to defeat it. The opinion prevails that it will paes the Senate by astrong vote. In that branch everything will depend upon the Southwestern Senators. The bill provides that the bonds to be immued to the Southern road shall not exceed thirty.#ix mil- lione, and the bends to the central shall not exceed sixty million dollars, payable in thirty years, to be secured by mortgage on the roads of the com pany, to be reimbursed in service, for the government the bonds, to issue upon tne completion of every fifty miles of read. Five hundred miles of road and telegraph are to be completed in ix years, and the whole within fifteen years, or forfeit all rights and privi Joges granted. ‘The bill aleo provides for the grant to the central route of every alternate section of land within one mile of such railroad line, and to the southern route ten alter- nate sections per mile on each side from Texas to Call fornia, and aix alternate sections per mile in California. On the first week in UB session Colonel Curtis, Chair man of the Pacific Ratlroad Committees, said, in answer to ‘a question on the subject, that he hoped the Mouse would pase the bill on the very day that South Carolina voted to secede. It isa singular coincident that Colonel Curtis hope has become fact. Mr. Garnett, of Virginia, in a epeceh opposing the bill, announced the fact, received by telegraph, of the passage of the receesion action of South Carolina, Notwithetanding all that has been said about corrupt Live Oak contracts made with the government, as «x pored in Sherman's Naval Corruption Committee, and subsequently by Covede's committee, I am confident that attempts are now making by some of the same parties, who bave the reputation of having illegally procured large eume from the government to sell upon open pur chase, without advertisement for bids, an immense amount of live onk timber at the enormot prices before allowed, This is a hard statement to believe in the face of an tanphy treamary and thoutnnde of SaPliTe® of the government eannot pay. and the Houne not having yet succeeded in doing 80, it « now doubted, in view of demonstrations making in the South, whether Congress will adjourn at all. ‘The gorilous Committee of Thirty-three employed the time of thelr ritting to-day in discussing Mr. Rust’s pro- tonnage erself the right to discriminate oy whe may be our public enemies. Sh accessible to foreign commerce, and she is in the centre of these extensive agricultural productions that enter so largely into the fercign trade and commerce of the world, and form the basis of those comforts, in food and cloth. ing, 80 essential to the artiaan and mechanic laborers in for the benefit of in manufactures, mechanic laborers everywhere, to make such speed: and peaceful arrangements with us as may vance the tuterests and happiness of all concerned. ‘There i# one thing certain, and I think it due to the country to say in advance that South Carolina is revolved rately to the compact of Union, a9 che will moat assuredly se. cede, wparately ond aleme, be the comacquences what they ink it right te.ray, with no unkind feeling that om this point De® cam be no compromise, let di be offeresi from where i may. The issues are too grave and too momentous to admit of a7, counsel that looks to anything but direct end etrai¢htforward independence. In the present emergency the mest decided measures are the safest andewisest. To our sister States who are identified with ue in interest and feeling we will cordially and kindly look for co-operation and for a futare Union; badd it must be after we have asserted and reamed our nal and inaticnatle rights and p were af anil ¥n- dependence. We can then form a government with them, a common interest with people of feel. nited together by all the ties that can bind States common destiny. From the position we may oo- cupy towar's the Northern States, as well as from our own Internal atrneture of society, the government may, from necessity, beeome strongly military in tte organiza tien, When we look ‘pon the inheritance, the oom men plones aad triumpliint power of this wonderfal con federscy no language can express the feelings of the ha man beart. os we turn from the ontemplation and sternly look to the future that opens before us. It is our sizcere écrire to separate from the States of the North in peace and leave them to deve! their own civilization according to tlwiz own sense of duty andof interest. But if, onder tbe gidanee of ambition and fanaticiem, they decide otherwise, then be it so. We are prepared for any event, and. in humble reliance opon that Providence who preeiriee over the destiny of men and of nations, we will endeavor (6 do our duty faithfully, bravely and a Taro now ready to take the oath of office, aud «wear undi- vider allegiance to South Carolina. ——s THE CO-OPERATION MOVEMENT IN MISSIS- SIPPI. Narowm, Deo. 20, 1800. ‘The election returns for the city of Natshes show the ‘vote in favor of co-operation to be 426, and for immediate secersion 179. GREAT EXCITEMENT AT NEW ORLEANS. New Onuzams, Deo, 19, 1860, ‘Meetings are being held to-night. Several representa- tive districts have nominated secearion candidates to the Convention. Thee te intense excitement. The co-operationiate are making a great struggle to de. feat secessioniste in this city. to the Pacific. nn ee eee Sens position to amend the constitution of the United States by restoring the Mireourt Compromise line and extending it Mr. Adame, of Massacbusetts, mado ® speech sgainet —= the proposition, which is highly spoken of by his friends, as an effort of great ability. His main point was, that in this enlightened age ,the people of the United States will never submit to have engrafted upon their constitution any word or sentence that shall in any way recognise pro- perty in man. The framers of the constitution evaded such recognition, and Mr. Adams thinks that we, their de- cendants, should not permit it, Mr. Dunn, of Indiana, made a Union speech against tho right of secession and in opposition to Mr. Rust’s propo- sition, Mr. Morse, of Maine, took similar ground to that oc- cupied by Mr. Adams. Mr. Tappan, of New Hampshire, said ho believed tha republican party would assent to the restoration of the Missouri compromise by Congressional law, but he expressed the opinion that the Party would never consent to extend that lime to the Pacific Ocean with or without the additional proviso of protecting slavery south of it; and above all, that his party would never consent to put such @ proposie ion into the constitution. Mr. Nelson spoke in favor of restoring the Missouri \ine by Congreesional law, A committee of citizens arrived here from Baltimore ‘0-day, and invited the Hon. Emerson Etheridge, of Ten- nessee, to deliver an address in that city some day next week upon the present state of the nation. He accepted the invitation, but has not yet named the day, Senator Nicholson, of Tennessee, has the floor for Mon- day, and there is considerabic anxiety to know whether he will sustain or assail the positions taken by his col- league (Mr, Johnson). There isan attempt making to restore, through Con- gress, the twelve thousand dollars indemnity paid by the merchants and others in Boston to prevent the Post Office in that city from being removed from State street. There is liable to bea sharp contest before the job is accom- Plished. ‘Wasnmaton, Dec. 20, 1860. A report that South Carolina had passed an ordinanes of secession was brought to the House at four o’clock thia afternoon. It produced intense excitement among the members, and for a long time confused the Proceedings. ‘The Senate, in executive session to-day, confirmed the Sppointment of Edwin M. Stanton as Attorney General, ‘and those of Deputy Postmasters and other minor offices. Among the most active workers in the House to-day, for the passage of the Pacific Railroad bill, were Dr. Ra- benaud and Mr. Farwell, editor of tho Ala California. Senator Baker, of Oregon, was also busy engineering. About $7,500,000 of the ten million loan has been paid in, Some of the larger bidders for from $100,000 to $200,000 have deposited the entire amount. The Select Committee of Thirty-three have as yet done nothing which excites particular interest, nor does there appear to be any curiosity respecting their secret move- ments. About eighteen young ladies, just seceded from the se- minaries in Pennsylvania and New York, passed through Washington to-day on their return to the South. The report of the proceedings of the late Philadelphia Union meeting were presented by Mr. Florence in the House to-day, and were referred to the select committee. THIRTY-SIXTH CONGRESS. BECOND SESSION. Senate. ‘Wasuyeron, Dec. 20, 1860. REPORTR. The PresrpEyt announced the reception of the report of A. D, Bache, Superintendent of the Coast Survey, from the Secretary of the Treasury. Ordered to be printed. Mr. Howrer, (opp.) of Va., from the Committee on Fi- nance, reported back the Tariff bill, with the recommen- dation that it be postponed until the 4th of March next. Laid on the table, RESOLUTION OF INQUIRY. Mr. Crank, (rep.) of N. H., moved to take up his reso- lntion of inquiry, requesting the Presideat to inform the Senate what number of men were stationed at Forte Moultrie and Sumter; whether in bis opinion the number was sufficient to defend these forts against any attack or domestic violence; whether additional men haa been or dered to either of said forts, or any steps taken to put them in position to resist any attack; in whose custody the arsenal at Charleston are placed; what arma and Property are there kept, or, if removed, by whom; why said arms are not put in possession of officers of the United States, upon a requisition, or if this has evea been refused; and further, what instruc tions have been given to the officer of said forts, in case of a demand to surrender them by any person or authori- ty made upon them; also, the copies of any correspond- ence between the Commande-in-Chief of the American army, relative to the necessity of supplying the officers of said forts with protection. A message was here received from the House, stating that they had passed the bill to supply the deficiency for the postal service of 1861. Mr. Kexweny, (opp.) of Md., thonght that the conside- ration of Mr. Clark’s resolutions would take up too much time. Mr. Tremavit, (rep.) of T., thought there could be no objection to taking the resolutions up. Mr. Hewter, (opp.) of Va., believed they would be the cause of considerable discussion. Mr. Savreneny, (opp.) of Del., hoped that the friends whole matter, He had no desire to do anything to in- crease the excitement. Mr. Laws, (opp.) of Oregon, objected to taking up the resolutions. He was for peace. Mr. Huwven wanted to Lan eed until he could see if eo ee anything to allay the ex- e ‘Mr. Mason said ho # the object of the mover wae, he got the neice ie to troope to be sent to those In a few days events will be presented for the consideration of Oon- fi : 3 Hl relf whether she Jonger continue in the Union. Mr. Crank said the Senator from Virginia misunder- stood bis . He wanted to gain information. Ho had seen 4 it necounits in the ‘The President could give the truth. He bad no to move further resolutions, Mr. Davis, (opp.) of Mise. , contended that the inquiries were improper to make of the President. bd only’embarrass. The President could not troops now without brin, about the collision dreaded. Of the idea to withdraw the troops President was a better judge than the Senate. He trusted there would bo no collision. If there was any danger there were troops there. Mr. Tremnrtr, (rep.) of TH, said he did not know of anybody who had an Mr. Masow said action to force one State against another war war, Mr. Tarwncts asked—What was rebellion? Mr. Mason said it was resistance by a portion of the citizens to the laws emanating from govern~ ment, the citizens being an integral part of one common being f0 & wep tye to wo. cures toe todare ‘When the States thas absolve their citizens they become as completely foreign as citizens of France, TT denied that @ State was as sovereign ag Mr. Trower ae comenst i from when she ent