The New York Herald Newspaper, December 23, 1860, Page 1

re a een WHOLE NO. 8872. SUNDAY MORNING, DECEMBE!: 23, 1860. PRICE TWO CENTS. EXCITING NEWS FROM THE SOUTH. | Threatening State of Affairs in Charleston, 8. C. Anticipated Capture of the Forts by the Populace. Immediate Special Meeting of the Cabinet on the Subject. Important Consultation of the Presi- dent with Southern Senators, Meeting of the Senate Com- mittee of Thirteen. The Decided Sectional Action of the Republican Members of the Committee, Conference of Northern Republi- can Governors. he Bafect of the Crisis on the Laboring Classes. SUFFERING AMONG THE MECHANICS, &e., &., &e. Wasuaton, Dec. 22, 1860. Alarming news has been received here from Charles- ton, Apprehensions of immediate collision with the federal government are entertained. Influential Southern men are doing their utmost to avert the calamity—in- tention of the people of South Carolina to seize the forts and arsenals, and to prevent the government from col lecting the revenues. Senators Davis and Wigfall received despatches this afternoon, stating that the forts would be taken in less than twenty-four hours. Mr. Davis immediately com- municated this intelligence to the President. The Cabj- net, together with several leading Southern Senators, have been in council. It has not yet transpired what course the government will pursue. A naval fleet will probably be forthwith despatched to Charleston. The Committee of Thirteen were in session to-day six hours and a half, considering various propositions to arrest the progress of dissolution and give peace to the country. ‘The amendment to the constitution proposed by Mr. Crittenden, to settle the controversy between the North and the South iinally and forever by a division of the country from ocean to ccean, on the parallel of the Missouri line, was the great subject of discussion, Messrs. Crittenden, Douglas and Bigler maintained it with great zeal and ability. Mr. Douglas reiterated his former determination to consider the question for the preservation of the country, ‘as though he bad never cast a vote or uttered a sentiment ‘on the subject before. If that mode of compromise would not answer, he declared himself willing to go for any ‘other consisteat with honor or Justice. ‘The appeals of Mr. Crittenden in behalf of the Union are ‘aid to have been eloquent and sublime. He, too, was willing to embrace avy other effective mode of adjust ment. Mr. Bigler, of Pennsylvania, preferred a division by a!ine across the country, because in that way the question of slavery could be taken out of Congress and separated en- tirely from the popular elections in the North, without which we never could have permanent peace. Messrs. Wade, Doolittle, Collamer and Grimes opposed the proposition with much earnestness and ability. They maintained that the people in the late election decided the question of slavery in Territories, and, therefore, they had ‘no concessions to make or offer. They manifested great ‘unwillingness to act in the absence of Mr. Seward, but as they could’give no assurance of his immediate return the committee declined to defer action on account of as absence. Messrs. Davis, Toombs and Hunter discussed the pro- sent unhappy condition of the country with unsurpassed ability, and whilst manifesting @ willingness to acoupt ‘apy measure of final settlement which would seeure their just rights in the Union, insisted that propositions must ‘come from the dominant party, the republicans. The vote om Mr. Crittenden’s proposition waa ag fol- ows: — For the proposition—Mesers. Bigler, Crittenden, Doug- Jas, Rice and Powell—5. Against it—Messrs. Davis, Doolittle, Collamer, Wade, Toombs, Grimes and Hunter—7. Messrs. Hunter, Toombs and Davie, nevertheless, inti mated an inclination to go for it if the republicans would propose it in good faith. ‘The second proposition submitted by Mr. Crittenden, denying the right of Congress to abolish slavery in the dockyards and arsenals, was yoted against by Mesars. Collamer, Doolittle, Grimes and Wade. The re mainder of the committee voted for the proporition, but as it had not a majority of the republicans, \t was te feated under the rules adopted by the committee, that no proposition should be considered adopted aud recomme vd ed to the Senate which did not receive a majority of the and also a majority of thos» oppose t t republican ¥ the republicans ‘The third clause, denying to Congress the right to abolish slavery in the District of Columbia, wax defeste by the mame voto, the republicans all voting agataat it and the rematider of the committee for The fourth clause, establishing the right of transit defeated by the same vote The fifth, which is intended to perfect Slave law, by requiring the severel States to pay fugitives who might berereued from the officers of thy Jaw, was lost by the same vote, the republicans » voting in the negative, Many other propostions were offered and voted apm Dut none of leading importance—none that w the great exigencies of the times, Mr. Davis submitted a resolution expressly recognir ti property in slaves, but no vote war taken on it the d moe Mr, Toombs submitted a sorice of resolutions, embracing substantially the principics of the Breckinridge platform \ Dut final action was not taken on them ‘The committee adjourned to meet at ten on Monday morning. Great fears are eptertained that the committes will never agree; but its labors will be prosecuted with the utmost vigor toa @nal conclusion. In this particular it will differ most strikingly from the House committee. Senator Hamlin, Vice President elect, has left for Maine, accompanied by Mr. Washburne, Governor elect of that State, Mr. Hamlin will resign his jlace in the Senate, to take effect the 1st of February, ‘The two Houses of Congress will not adjourn over the holidays by joint action, but each branch will adjourn three days at @ time, the longest period allowed tw a separate branch without the co-operation of the other. The opinion prevails that Congress ought not to adjourn ten or fifteen days in the present crisis of affairs, for fear that advantage might be taken of the fact, and precipi- tate action be made that would require the immediate action of Congress. 1am authorized by the Secretary of War, and with the sanction of the President, to pronounce unqualifiedly false all reports that the President had ordered Fort Moultrie to be surrendered in case of attack. Governor Andrew, of Massachusetts, arrived here to- day, in company with George L. Stearns, of John Brown notoriety. . It is conjectured that their mission is to prop up the weak kneed republicans. ‘The new Attorney General has entered fully and energetically upon the discharge of his duties. The busi- ness of his office is despatched with praiseworthy alacrity and efficiency, iu which work the labors of the Assistant Attorney General are of great service. Sen. Cushing returns from South Carolina to-morrow morning. Reports from that region convey the intelli- gence that the ladies are ready to surrender their jewels to aid in replenishing the public treasury. Several South Carolina members returned home to ‘The sentiment in favor of a National Convention, to amend the constitution, is increasing in strength every Gay, and the accounts from the North render the success of the project extremely hopeful. Many Northern members have returned home for the double purpose of passing the holidays and receiving in- structions from their constituents. The constituents of these gentlemen at this time probably entertain different opinions upon the main political questions at issue from those uppermost when their representatives were elected, a year since. ‘The Marseillaise Hymn, as sung at the Metropolitan ULeatre, is loudly cheered and encored by the Southerners, some of whom attend the performances wearing the Pal- metto badge. There is not the slightest disposition to disturb the Southerners in the enjoyment of their desire to wear the emblems of secession, and to-night a party entered the hotels crying, “Three cheers for South Caro- lina!” without eliciting any retort from the republicans present. ‘Their forbearance is remarkable, under the cir- ‘cumstances. ‘The city is ag dull as a tom’, and peaceful as the sarco- phagus of Washington. There is no local news of conse- quence stirring, and but for a serenade to Senator Pugh to-night, whose late speech is universally commended, the town would have been as quiet as 9 country village, No parties are given by the heads of departments, there is no gaycty among the diplomatic corps, but in all the departments of the government, and of the representa. tives to it, the reigning air is that of mourning. THE LATEST REPORTS. Wasuuxaros, Dec. 22—10 P, M. Despatches from Charleston, received as late as haif- past five this evening, from Governor Pickens, contra- dict in effect those to Senators Wigfall and Davis, this substance of which is given above. These last convey the information that Messrs. Barnwell, Adams aad Urr, are apyoluted Commissioners to treat concerning the cession of the forts. They will arrive here on Tuesday evening. It is true, however, that unless the menace conveyed by the presence of a revenue cutter be re- moved, there is great danger that the mob will attack and captore the forts. Important intelligence has been divulged hore to- night, via New York. It is that the Governors elect of seven Eastern and Northern States met in New York re- cently, and after a full review of the whole political battleseld, unanimously determined that the republicans should not offer a compromise, but on Mr. Lincoln as- suming the reins of government to push their anti. slavery doctrines to the uttermost, even to the extent of a war upon the South. The meeting was not accidental, but by pre-concerted action. Governor Morgan, of New York, and Governor Andrew, of Massachusetts, were among the number present. Mr, Andrew bas been in consultation with leading republicans all day with reference to the present state of affairs in the nation. Governor Andrew on bis way here had an interview at Philadelphia with Colonel Curtin, Governor elect of Pennsylvania, concerning the duty of the Northern States m the present crisis. : Senator Pugh was serenaded to-night by the Marine The Democratic Cleb did the honor. Speeches were mady by Senator Pugh, Mr. Vailandigham, of Ohio; Mr. Mallory, of Kentucky; Mr. Segor, Senator of the Virgi- nia Legislature; Mr. Pendleton, of Ohio, and Representative Woodsen of Missouri. The tone of all the speeches waa in favor of anti-coercion and in favor of concession. The affair was spontaneous and creditable to the getters-up. ——— THE HULLABALLOO ABOUT THE FORTS. {From the Charleston Mereury, Dee. 19.) ‘The republican papers of the North’ are now exereis- ng their genius apd ventilating their patriotiem by re viling Mr. Buchanan. Like frogs in chorus they lift hews and eche the ery that the President of the tes Lae pot reinforced the forts in Charleston «Mr. Bechanan is about to sacrifice the of ine mobs, vpan the event of secersion, In blind hatred alice agaiat us, and in the intensity of their de abuec the President, (hey lone their beads as weil hap F tempere—exh biting only fury and folly. ° ‘The firet gun fired poo Southern men by the United tates government in a collision of arms, in the present temper of the South, will sound the farewell funeral alute ver the grave of the Cason, dead and buried— hat Union whic, im ite day, has #0 weil served the North nd so hampered and dwaried the growing energies of Baohanan a portunity for rewljusti th, he seeks ty aver nent of the forts at ent Circumstances, Means coer overtact of war which we % to comprehend, and whieh Mr e would not Id benefit the Union ack republican wis can appropriately set forth. South Caro- confident of her deliveranoe from the dan Union, that she does not care to ae unnecessarily sealed in blood, We can Me perhaps, without it. Mr. Buchanan desires to ove bance Of saving the Union, and get- South Carolina back again into the net; therefore he snwilliog to sea! ite doom in bleed. Each thinks that, ;Tactioable to leave’ matters to an jo. Will this explanation of ours enlighten vtemporarics? Maybe so—maybe not. gaboo of mobbing the forts and slaying the 1 troops, our amiable friends need not exeit- thropic repsibilities, or roll up their eyes » mobooraey here, and believe in law, order wo authority, civil and military. No mob th South Carolina we do not act by vave vigilal smmittees to make a sum. no prowling incendiaries amd midnight * remedy is only adequate to But we do not net in 0 think and judge for individual responsi » State is out of the nanied and refored to be un is vested the title of emi is with hands off, it ix vitab! future. he We are ne apd ob; will atiack soins and erminals manser, We are peel, and t wher: Cnion, when the for delivered up to thos w i] nent domain, and for whose protection and defence alone they were ceded and built up, and when—ths federal government, showing a hostile it shall become hecessary and proper for us to 9blain possession, theo it will be right for the world and Wlack republicanism to expect that the State, by her authorities, will move in the premises. The will obey the call for war and take the forts. The excitement here is a deep, calm feel- ing, very different from the excitement of a mob, and leading to different and far greater results. This is no child’s Play. Tt is not the ape of school boys splash- ing water in mischief; it st quiet tread of Gesar’s forces crossing the Rubicon. For the hoary trickster and humbug, who has just re- tired from the Cabinet because war is not made on South lina, we have only to say that his present imbecility équals his past to this section. Had he been early absent from the President’s councils, his adminis- tration might have been more successful. SPREAD OF THE SECESSION FIRE IN THE SOUTH. _ Couuaues, Dec. 22, 1860. The news of the secession of South Carolina has created intense excitement and rejoicing in Georgia and Alabama. All the towns have been illuminated, cannon fired and vells rung, amid general excitement. Columbus, Mont- gomery, Atlantay Savannah, §Mobile and Macon are ina blaze of enthusiasm. The ordinance of secession will be passed in Alabama on the 10th of January. In Georgia the secessionists wi!) have a small majority, Dut all will be forced to join \labama and South Ouro- lina, Thave reliable information fron) Missiesippi, and it is certain that she will secede imme«istely after the meet- ing of ‘he Convention, THE SOUTH CAROLINA ‘ ONVENTION. Cuareston, © ©. Dec. 22, 1860. ‘The Convention met at noon to-da, veral reports were received and ». ‘erred. No report has yet been made on y |! matters and the customs, but it is generally conceded |’ .t when it is mado it will provide as follows:—That the » venue laws of the United States be adopted; that the co:-ctor of the port take the oath of allegiance to South (crolina, and that postal matters remain unchanged. Mr. Dexavseurs, from the committee to whom was re- ferred the communication from a portion of the mem- bers of the Georgia Legislature, reported that the commu- nication, as received, provided that secession should not take place until Alabama, Mississippi and Florida had as- sembled their conventions for final State action, but that the communication was now of no avail, as the secession of South Carolina had already taken place. Mr. MaGraT#, from the committee on such portions of the President's Message as refers to the property of the United States in the limits of South Carolina, said that he preferred making his report in secret session. ‘The Convention then went into secret session and con. tinued so for two hours. It is reported that a very ani. mated discussion took place on the report. Yr. Rhett’s address tothe people of the Southern States has not yet been acted on. Mr. C. D. Melton, appointed to prepare the cred :ntials for the joint committee to Washington, was sworn to keep the strictest secresy in regard tothem. 1) ac. credited papers were delivered to the Commission. to day, who go to Washington with full powers. The Gout missioners take a secretary with them, who is allowei ten dollars a day and his travelling expenses, ‘The members of the Convention will all attend chur:h to-morrow. The Convention bas adjourned until Monday, THE SOUTH CAROLINA LEGISLATURE. Cuaniuston, 8. C., Dec. 22, 1860. ‘The House yesterday adopted a resolution instructing the Military Committee to make provision for feeding and transporting troops, also establishing telegraph lines to all exposed points of the State, giving the Governor authority over all telegraph lines in case of war or appre hended invasion. It was made the special order for to day. Aresolution was offered making searching inquiry into the business of the banks of the State, with power to send for persons, examine bank books, transactions, &c, REPORTS FROM CHARLESTON. Cranteston, Dec. 22, 1860. A special despatch from Washington say® that Mijor Anderson has been ordered to surrender the forts to the constituted authorities of South Carolina, in caso the forts are attacked, but not to surrender to irresponsible parties, At the secession celebration at Camden yesterday a cannon burst, severely injuring several persons. The slayer Bonito was not bound to this port, but put in here from stress of weather and with her crew ex- hausted. She is bound to Norfolk. ‘The serenading procession last night wae a grand affair, aud was kept up till after midnight. SECESSION REJOICING IN TENNESSEE. Mrmrms, Dec, 22, 1960. There was an enthusiastic meeting bere last night to ratify the secession of South Carolina. Fifteen guns were fired, and the Avalanche newspaper office and other build- igs illuminated, THE ILLINOIS BANKS. Cincaco, Deo. 22, 1960. A despatch from Springfield states that the Bank Com- missioners have extended their call on the banks for ad- ditional margin. ‘The extended call requires the banks to put up one-quarter of the additional margin by the 20th of February, and the other three-quarters by the 20th of March, FAST DAY IN MASSACHUSETTS. Bowrow, Deo. 22, 1860, Governor Ranks har \asued a proclamation for a day of fasting and prayer for the Union, to be observed on tho 4th of January, in conformity with the proclamation of the President. THE INTEREST ON THE STATE DEBT OF VIRGINIA. Rucnmomp, Dec. 22, 1860. ‘Moree hundred and eighty-two thousand dollars in spe- cle were forwarded to-day to New York by the Treasurer of this State, to meet the half year’s interest on the cou- pon bonds of Virginia, payable in that city. ‘ Company F, of this city, will tarn out to mect the South Carolina delegation on Tuesday next, on their way from Washington home. CONSERVATIVE SPEECH BY HON. H. V. JOHNSON, OF GEORGIA. Avousta, Dee. 21, 1860. The Hon, H. V. Johnson was, a few days ago, nomi. nated as a candidate for the State Convention in this nty. ‘The following is the conclusion of his speech on that occasion — i Thave endeavored to siiow Fen patriotic duty te seek for jnstios in the . before adupting the laat Hiagotution.L have stated some of the reasons fi hat, if all the g States wiil unite now presented my views upon and abroad. difficulties of be met and of the receding > tates aud happinoes. 1 hai questions, with the ting States, arise «immediately upon separation. 1 done thisy It is tho fashion yooates of immediate se deqounce we robmise on st cotmmel anh a cores a@ T have These deounciations have no ter their injustice and their uneh the spirit in which they « nese and discord. Bat | am actuated by a ¢ sense of duty. If Terr, Lerr on the side of prudence and diceret! There is no need of baste to destroy this Union that step n be taken at any time when honor interest or preservatic it, Tam no “submisaionist 1 counsel countrymen ty su 1 know the imjportane the South being 1 ither to obtain redress ¢ to resist aggression not be harmo in Georgia, upon immediate separate We are unapimous on the necessity of redress shail be on the necessity of the jution, if, after ex haveting all other means, we fail to obtain it. This is the reason for the course I have urged. Why should we be precipitate. Tho moral united South ie absolitely neseerary to at home and abroad for our movements in reepect Tt i amu sing to see 80 little disposigion to make sacritices OF if attainment, Ido mot know whether a majority of the poopte are for in sioner not, Its friends. HO regard to be paid te ( apd patriotic minority ate und unconditional see vamajority, Granvit, But bs houest opinions of a herg to @ great crisis, involy.ng Ls. existence of the best gov rament in the 'world—involy ing Peace and War—ar och a minority tobe dragged Intorevolution against tue will, when they ask, uot to: Permanent submission, but for calm deliberation, for consultation with »\ ‘or confederates and for a faithfu and united efley vert the calamity? I trust the people of Gi. - will send discreet delegates to the State C » Her position is com mamling and hb ponsibilittes — tremeuduons. Her people have the Lo moet any erivis; let thel trusted representatiy: she wissom to mitigate, if they camnot avert, im perils, Every true son will submit to her decisio. 21 weleome any sacrifice which her solemn ori + Thave said nothing about (la. 6! ‘This should never ad hovor may demand. of war as the fruit of difeoluition, Fr abrave people from astering and maintaining (iol rights, — Soathern umnimity and cooperation +.) 1 aioe the worst of all ealamiter—civil striie 1 bloodshed; it will command respect at home 1! abroad, and ena bb us to inaugurate our new |. ition under the most ol ‘occasion will hope of peace; and favorable auspices that the nat. permit. Without it I bave but Jit. with it we should make the most iuple preparation for every emergency. We may enjoy peace, and all history hes that no great government ever expired without convulsions. OUR WASHINGTON CORRESPONDENCE. Wasmxcrow, Dec. 16, 1860. Gen. Cose—Tve Made of His Resignation by Enemies of the President Disapproved by Him—No Reason for His Resig- nation—The Benefit of it to the Administration—Its EJect Prevent any Collision with the Federal Authority in South Carolina for the Present, de. Quite an undue degree of importance has been given to the resignation cf Gen. Cass, not only by the partisan press, but in the political circles of tho metropolis. No man of common information, who has resided here for the Inst two or three sessions or summers, will deny that if this venerable man had thought fit, at any moment during that period, to retire from the Departmeut of State, no great surprise would have been feit; indeed, the announcement—while it would very properly have elicited the encomiums due to long and distinguished public service, elevated character and devoted patriot. ism—would not have been unexpected. Occurring at this juncture, it has been made use of by the enemies of the President in a way which I am quite sure Gon. Cass must entirely disapprove. He has, indeed, more than once put on record an emphatic re- buke, deservedly incurred by all officials who, in resign''g, would aim a@ Parthian arrow at the administration they have left. His reply to ex Gove: or R. J. Walker is a case in point. His curt notice of ex-\inister Forsyth’s publications on his return from the M+ can mission is another instance. Genero! Cass, I learn, is quite annoyed by the turn which . ome indisereet persons near him have given to his res); nation by their talk in coteries and about hotels. He bas « real and profound respect for the President, and a cordial personal attachment to him. These sentiments were, and yet are, warmly reciprocated by Mr. Buchanan. Already the truest and beet friends of General Cass re- gret the step he took. There was not tho least reason for it, and those who advised it have incurred a great responsibility, not only on account of the disservice to himself, but also on ‘account of the mischiefs which they would, ibly, have been of producing a¢ this particular junc: ture, were their indiscretions not counteracted by the cool, 8 and prudential conduct of the President. Had the Secretary of War or the Secretary of the Navy resigned on account of a difference with the President about reinforcing the fortifications in Charleston harbor, or sending @ naval armament thither, there would have been some plausibility in the si State has no more rational himself from his on the grounds alleged, than a of War or a Secretary of the Treasury would have for quitting a Cabinet because he did not entirely approve some despatch sent toa foreign nation from the Depart. ment of State. How could any government be carried on if the gen- tlemen cntrusted with the affairs of particular depart- ments are to traverse beyond the bounds of their baili- wicks, and retire from the administration whenever the officers specially charged with the conduct of other de- rtments, and the President himself, whose responsi- pility directly and immediately extends to them all, dif ter from them on a mere poe of mune ss thie proposal to reinforce the forts in Char! harbor un questionably is. It is understood that some of the friends of Gen. Case have suggested that he wished the President also to col- lect the revenues by means of a ship of war. This is cer- tainly an idea which no one aoquainted with the constitu- tion of the United States or the distribution of be. tween the federal and State goverumente have Tdo pot believe that tertained for a single moment. Guucral fue evee no aby such a pos notion. Preposters But if he did {t could have metonly with the most prompt and decisive rejection from the Executive. ‘The President has the fullest and most sat! formation that no attempt will be made on Genens, end 5 ventane fo ay. this occurrence of the resignation of Gen. Cass, brought about as it has been in spite of the wishes of the President by under. hand counsellors and selfish motives, will be tities the whole question aa‘. auy assault upon the settles an upon i of the ‘State of South in. he forti- federal within the limits Carolina. will be no there with the fortifications or the collection of the revenue. Such is the influence of wise, moderate and enlightened counsels. to “blood guiltiness,”” when there is slightest ne- censity for it ‘fle course even ‘at the cost of with his old and venerated 4 at risk of ing other vers, cannot fail to him to all who love Vaion and the Wasinnaton, Dec. 22, 1960. Views in Washington with Regan to the Scorssiom of South Carolini—lopwar Ateurditica—Black Republican Violence—'s Coere on or a Customs Blockate Fhasible?— Action of the Gorgia Senate Disapproved of by the South— Union Feeling in California—Black Republican Pani makers, dc. , dc. The hotheads aud quid nuncs of the capital are in great glee over the news received to-day and yesterday from Charleston. A national holiday for all busy bodies could scarcely have created a more plearant state of efferves- cence, They fiddle away over the prospective ruin of the nation with a glee that would have highly edifled Nero, ‘The refrain of the extremists ie, that by the secession of South Carolina the Union is already disintegrated—that the federal government has ceased to exist de jure, and that, though it may be accepted temporarily defacto, even this depends only upon the voluntary act of those who choose to recognise it. They proclaim that there i* no longer a constitutional President of the United States that there is no constitutional Senate or House of Repre- sentatives; that the ligament of association cut free by one of the States ie, necessarily, severed for the whole, and that the federal power of the constitution returned, at one o'clock yesterday, by the resolution of the Charleston Convention, into (he hands of the independent sovereign States. This is revolution for you with a vengeance; aud, ineredible as such nonsense may appear, I have heard it echoed and re-eeboed by the voices of hundreds who ought to know better Whether the withdrawal of one State, or several, from the Union will release the remaining States, ips fireto, from their allegiance, is a question much mooted among our constitutional lawyers. Hon. Caleb Cushing takes strong groand in favor of such a doctrine. Attorney General Black does not, Chief Justice Taney is said, 1 know not how correctly, to maintain that recession mart be the separate, explicit, legalized act of at least five separate, sovereign members of the original coafedera tion, before it cam be supposed to cease to exist. ‘This te founded in the seventh article of the constitution, whieh demands the* ratification of the conventions of nine States for it# establishment as a basis of government, Others declare that the withdrawal of one-third of the prevent number of States is required for disintegration, and go on to the end of the chapter of different (Leorier Rut no sensible individual imagines that secewjon.can be officially recognized until ft #hall have been offletally a noanoed, and it fa not likely that thie will be done by foath Carolina itself for several days, perhaps not for severa) weeks rt of the repablicans. of ultras ewell their alk of treason, force lnwe, hanging, &e., ae though the revolt of a State or provinge wore ever to be classed with the treason of individaal. This coercion talk is not confined ty are equally va yepites, It is unfortanately Wellewed, tt in to be trosted represent and foreshadow the mind and ‘intentions of = Mr Lincoln, whose silence in the it crisis has heen in terpreted unfavorably, Even those who do not go so far as tondvoente the abeninte invasion of one or more a talk of a blockade, of closing their ports « eof revenne én! i fore TW oply peeds to reed the argument of Mr. Madison v6 undarsiabd fia impossibility. ‘That great stateeman caused the clause to be struck out from Mr. Randolph's plaa, which waa the groundwork of the constitution, aatboriging hostile measures againat de. { linquent tater, on the ground that tue use of mulvary force against ‘tate would be equivalent to a declarat ™ of war; LY gl Boa of itself, by - very ‘act, operate the al ion e-existing ties between the'bligerent, ies, and wouid be equivalent to 0 ls solution of the Union. But even a customs blockade, deemed feasible by so many, would impracticable for any length of time. It might destroy, or at least seriously injure for a while the local maritime interests of leston ; but it has been ved that it could not affect the interesis of the State at ‘ge, Which would have access to and from the hrough the adjoining States, and that its inevitable tendency woul! be to awaken local loyalty, and reconcile to local loss, just as the Boston Port bill did at the beginning of the War of Independence. The powerful Britih force which at that time occupied Borton by land and sea, neither checked nor subdued the rising in Massachusetts. If all of the cotton States should go out, the idea of a customs blockade would be simply absurd, and would have to be aban- doned before it was undertaken. It is considered certain that the remainder of the cot ton States immediately, and the other slaveholding States before the middle of February, will secede from the Union. ‘The general feeling is that secession also should, in the first instance, be the separate act #f each State. The resolution which Georgia Senate three days ago, adverse Wo such separate action, and in favor of the cotton States withdrawing from the Union in a body, is not looked on with much favor by Southern leaders. It savoré too much, they say, of consolidation, as op- posed to the idea of State sovereignty and the fundament al principle of a confederation of equal powers. The great enthusiasm with which the secession of South Carolina has been received in all slaveholding communi ties, demonstrates that their action in the same direction is only a matter of time. ‘The conservative and patriotic course of the Herat, and its appeals to the people and Mr. Lincoln to come for- ward while there is yet time, and, by granting to the South their just rights, save the country from its sur- rounding ¢ are looked upon with admiration and by honld-be any delay in responding to smes home to the common sense of every Fyory hour now is precious. But ten weeks pee before the administration of James Buchanan will have closed, and with it, if the utmost wisdom docs not prevail in the counsels of the incoming administra- tion, the unity of the republic forever. Even a dreadful civil war is more than possible, if the acts of the Presi- dent elect shall correspond with the wishes of his more ultra followers, and with a long page in bis own ante cedents. Mr. Latham’s recent disavowal of disunion sentiments on the part of the majority of the people of California has aujeted the minds of those who feared the immediate creation of a Pacific republic, in the event of the seces- sicn of the cotton States from the Union. The democratic delegates last spring to the Charleston Convention were vehement in their denunciations of the statu qua of Lhe confederation, and they quoted the name of Senator La tham as their strongest advocate of Pacific secession. It is gratifying to know that they were over eager in their suppositions, and that the people of California entertain the conservative sentiments which Mr. Latham now attr!- butes to them. Thave seen letters to-day from Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi and North Carolina. They possess importance, as they were, with only one exception, written by what od Union men. One is from the president of a another from 2 federal officer whose inte rests are, many of them, in New York; and a third from a Licutenant Governor, who, one year ago, made an anti fire-cating speech to his constituency. ‘They all proclaim that secession is now, on the part of all the cotton States at least, inevitable. They regard the continuance of the disturbed feeling, which ‘will be the consequence of the perpetuation of the Union, as highly dangerous to the South, and tending to introduce feelings disaffection among the slaves. In this connection I may mention, also, the supreme di which has been created inthe national capital by the falsehoods which are spread by your leading black blican journals respecting the present animus of our bond population. They are gene- Tally well affected, and will continue so, unless we our- selves pander to insurrection. MASSACHUSETTS. OUR BOSTON CORRESPONDENCE. Boston, Dec. 15, 1860. Things Coming Right—The Masses Repudiating the Party Leaders—The Working People Coming to their Senses All Over New England—‘Repeal”—The Polls will Till the Story—The Connecticut Election—Gov. Banks—Small- yox in South Carolina—Yelow Fever—Life and Fire In- surance South, &e., &e. There was some justice in the recent remark made in the Senate by Mr. Iverson, of Georgia, that there is no permanent remedy fér Southern grievances short of a radical change in the individual temper, feelings, senti- ments and policy of the Northern voters themselves. ‘That this change is already making rapid progress in all the New England States uo one can question who min- gles at all with the masses, who are beginning in earnest to think for themselves. But in one thing Mr. Iverson ‘and his secession friends are certainly in error. The late republican victory was not owing altogether to the slave- ry excitement. The general desire for a change in the national administration, as in 1840, the disaffection and disappointment of applicants for office under Gen. Pierce and Mr. Buchanan, and the dissenaions in the democratic rankg at the North, all contributed largely to the general result, independently of the negro question. If the South would only ‘‘wuit a bit’ it would be satis- fied of this, That ‘‘all is not gold that glitters’ a large portion of those who “w6nt in’ for Mr. Lincoln, under promises of peace and plenty, are beginning to realize with a vengeance, and they are by no means ‘‘mealy- mouthed’ about expressing their disappointment and chagrin at the sad consequences of their own hasty con- duct. It is as certain as that the New York Henan is an able and enterpriaing paper, that the people, in the ap- proaching State elections, will break loose from their fusion and discord in the party just coming into power. ‘The annual election of State officers, members of the Legislature and of Congress, will take place in Connecti- cut within afew months. Taking advantage of the signa of the times and the © feelings of the laboring Sara find (Ta med down to an entertain: ment to which Sore not invited), and actuated by an honest desire the “innd of i. should have the honor of movping bawl—the democrat: in Connecticut are fast forgetting their differences, to carry the State mainly on the repeal , and un. friends. The course will be clear for an overwhelming victory, if Congress will only in some satiefactory way— perhaps in the mode suggested by the New York a tion—dispose of the territorial branch of the present dis- pate. Governor Banks is still hero, His family, however, have already left for the West. teh ng Ad ing to leave, The same reasons which have led him to give up an official mm here—inadequate iary compensation—would no doubt cause his declination of ‘aseat in Mr. Lineoin’s Cabinet, should euch an honor be tendered him. But it is much to be regretted that the country is not likely, in this critical juncture, to have the benefit of so able, safe and patriotic a counselior in the new administration Mr. Ranke is really and truly a re- markable man—no doubt the soundest, . farnee- ing, practical statesman of his age that this country has produced for many, many years. In private and public conversation he expresses the deepest solicitude for the Union, and is pained at the thought of parting with any of the members of the oid Union family circle. He ex presses the opinion freely that Mr. Lincoln is perfectly to manage our national affairs, even in this hour of extreme panic, and that he believer him to be a man of honest, patriotic impulses and designs. He is equally free in bis declarations in fever of equal and ox & justice to all the States, and to all sections of the ‘pion, ‘The eudden appearance of the smallpox in the capital of the Valmetto State, just at this time, excites not a little comment, and, in connection with the proposed secession has started an argument in favor of the continuance of the Unien, which has not protably been thought of be. fore either in the North or South. It is significantly acked, if dissolotion if to take place, and a “great gulf fixed’? between the two sections, what woult become of our Southern netghbors should the yellow fever sweep over the entire South, as it is quite lable to at any time? Who has forgotten the tre. mendous stampede from Virginia, North, when that awiul scourge prevaile! so badly afew years since in Norfolk and vieinity? And how che erfaly Northerners contributed men, women and means for frelief of the suffering? Steh scenes are likely to oecar again, with in- creased and more dreadful consequences, and it is to be hoped that the idea of such mutaal dependence may ee ae only all ele i" her , strictly of nature, however, which I have not seen stuendet to. fe is the millions ¢f dollare of ineorance on lives and pro. perty in tae South, depending on Northern insurance companies the North shoul apply iation in that direction. Oram is the fact eo far as the life in surance policies are copeerned—enppose these Companios are relieved from their part of the bergain in cases where lore of lite ie in « of violating any law of the United States, &o. Our Sonthern friends het ter reflect upon these important facts. and look to their Northern insurance stipulations in reason. SOUTH CAROLINA. GOVERNOR PICKENS’ MILITARY STAFF. Gerrit Onvers No, —. bv een 8 nash 1860. The following gentlemen have been Aided Camp to his Exeelleney the Governor Commander in- Chef, with the rank of Liextenant Colone}, and wil be cheyed and respected ly — 1. Jemes Farrow. Charles Alston, 2. ©. H. Suber. 6. 7%. ©, Pulliam, &. J. Jobnson Petigrew. 7. R. G. Howard. 4. Themes G. Lamar, —— & Joel W. Rawlinoon. ‘Ibe above namcd Aids-de-Camp will repor! themselves, jn full Uniform, im person er by letter, on or before the iret cay of Febrvary next, to bis Excellency the Go- vernor at Columbia ‘The general staff will also r ‘eport forthwith, in full uni- form, or their places will be filled DB, a intmente. by order, RG. M. DUNOVANT, Adjutant and General, THE HEALTH OF CHARLESTON, 8. C. } sain Charleston Courier says, in regard to the health of ar leston :— Not content with a suppression of the truth concern- ing on alarming prevelence of the smallpox in Columbia, seme interested citizens have taken pains to circulate rumors unfavorable to the health of leston. We re- gret the existence of sigh a spirit, but we deem it a duty to contradict positively and emphatically all such reports. In reply to an inquiry received from Oolumbia, the fol- lowing despatch has been forwarded: — Eprtoxs or Tie Covrter—I have just received a despatch from Columbia, saying: —It is reported that smallpox is raging in Charleston.” I have replied that there is not’ a case f the disease in the city, and has not been for a year past. Please publish this denial. ROBERT. ’ Chairman Committee Health and Quarantine. ‘Our own inquiries and investigations confirm the above statement and authorize us to report the health of ton in its best condition, whether we consider the kinds or classes, or numbers of patients. GEORGIA. MORE FIREARMS FOR GEORGIA. [From the Savannah Republican, Dee. 19.) . ‘The steamship Alabama, which arrived here yesterday, brought 260 boxes of muskets and 80,000 bail cartridges: for State of Georgia. As cach be grntaion twenly muskets, there are 5,000 in all. yy were taken in charge by the military storekeeper, and deposited in the armory to swale the orders of Ne Governer, jal Ve have had no 0 wtunity of examin u 2 ent of arms, bat from indications on the outaide of tho boxes we are inclined to suspect that the Governor, like Lis Alabama cotemporary, has stumbied on @ law speculation. ‘The date of ‘their manufacture ranges from 1826 to 1839, from which we infer that they hardly boast of many of the “modern improvements.” THE MONTGOMERY (GHO.) COUNTY ABOLITION PLOT. {From the Montgomery Mail.) We learn from good authority this morning, that there is considerable excitement down in this county, near Ramer and Pine Level, in regard to the insurrectionary piot mentioned by our correspondents yesterday. The citivens im the neighborhood have resolved themselves: into Committers, and are thoroughly investigating all the circumstances. ‘They have evidenee alreany poe Fowrhered show thatadeep, vile plot for insnrrection bad almost been perfected, to take effect near the holidays. A strict and careful watch should be kept by everybody; and when a white man is detected, hang him to the first tree. Instead of giving details which might obstruct the ends of justice int ular locality, we prefer to say to our readers. —Be ot the ealert—renemiber at fre, polenn end the knife are supplied to bad negroes by our pious brethren of the Nerth—let no stray vagrants Aa about your premises—jail every “suspicious” character, hanging such as are found in communication with slaves. And this advice we give in consequence of evidence re- cently elicited, proving that Christmas week has been ap- pointed by the abolitionists for a servile movement in portions éf the South by fire and poison, Ordinary pru- dence will obviate the danger; and it is notawith any view of exciting our population that we eay, that due circum- spection shouly be exercised every where in the cotton region, SOUTH CAROLINA'S SECESSION. [From the Savannah Republican, Dec. 18.) Should Fouth Carolina go immediately out of the Union we have the coniidence in the judgment and good seuse of her statesmen to believe that while it is in her power to do So peaceably, she will net venture upon a policy that must end in blood, and involve others in her own dis. aster. It will be impossible to arrange her relations with the federal government in a day, and so long as her sister States of the South shall continue to constitute parts of that government, it is to be hoped that no steps will be taken in the leatt calculated to lead to trouble and col- Listons. Those sister States are ready to stand by her and protect her from harm, from whatever quarter it | come; but let her not disregard their sentiments an opinions, and rashly proceed to hasty, reckless acts of ag- gression that may plunge the South into the horrors of war. No hostile movements against the authority of the eneral government in where it lawfully exercises: clusive owner: lip and jurisdiction, should be attempted fA thought of. It = be — with untold ¢a- mities in its train. True wisdom Fictescs it that matters be allowed to remain as 'y are, ton ey collision, until a future day; and in the meantime all her sister Southern States, whether in or out of the Union, will unite with her to procure a ful and satisfactory adjustment of ail relations, We bave no doubt that sound: reason will prevail in ber councils on. this point, and that prompt steps will be taken by the authorities to put down any lawless proceeding aimong the more intemperate of her population. THE CHARLESTON FORTS. From the Richmond Enquirer, Dec. 21.) ‘The republican press are endea means in their power to: | the President to strength en the detachments now in forts at sincerely bope that no euch thing will be done Buchanan, Any attempt now to land wpon them the wh eptire South tot corsion. ‘The President can have no private life, leaving his country involved in civil war by a rash and with the demands of the Greeleys and Raymonds, and such traitorous men ae have brought upon the country the very ovile the Presi dent 80 mueh regrets. Mr. Buchanan can best serve his country and the ends of peace and justice by leaving to Mr. Lincoln an empty sceptre, deprived of all power, and unable to involve the country in civil war. By delivering over the Southern forts, by distributing the army and Li A fey a Ee ly armed, may toshow the other folly ana not tion, which black republicanism will render impossible if the powers of the government are left in the z, & = z ees of hav’ Uonal hate and abolition rage of Norther ped pe Nd ehapitetypetnne? Arteta nn if cenaries, and that when disunic ftare from the flag of our country, the stripes float from Fortress Menroe as em biems of Virginia dation, KENTUCKY. LETTER FROM EX-GOVEKNOR WICKLIFFE. 17, 1800. my letter of the 7th of November. 1 was not mistaken in the larly South ‘was in earnest, it of F tad Other Southern: that South Carolina rejects all overtures or counsel from her sister States, and the like feeling is entertained by ether Southern States, I have jittle ‘that any will result from the comm.itees now organized in gress to consult and adopt some plan that will give quiet to a distracted country and save the Union from immedi. ate dissolution Many dieting. shed men, under the influence af a noble patriotism, have presented projects and plans of adjust ment and com) ‘ee. Some recommend amendment to the constitution. Tee country i in @ bad condition for copatitutional amendmente. My for quiet woe nd in a firm and determined ay: the President, his annua) Message, to the Union. Seh an avowsl, seconded by tho Congress of the United States, ber ne have been hailed by the Union loving men every where It is still in the power of the United States government by @ firm but temperate exercise of its legitimate powers to preserve the Union, and that without she ting ot bicod or the “declaration of war againgg a State.’ J agree with the l'resident in the « expressed in bie annua! Meseage, that a State has no right to secede from the Union that secoasion is revolution oF rebellion; that South Carolina has no cause of ssteamion, nor of re bellion _— the conetitation ond laws of the United States. Iam of opinion that she, sor no other State, has BbY just OF Kufielent cause for rebsilion, Do right to break up thie government. thereby to endanger the peace, liver: ond harmony of the citizens of other states. The ‘Pres. Gent Ae Mite bis ebiigation to see that the laws are faith. fully exeented, bot saye be how wt Provided to ensble bim to do #0, that the —- 6 and Marshal of the Federal Court of South Carolina have resigned, He com find pO power in the constitation of the United winter whi h authoriges Congress to declare war againat a State. Troe, be did not find it, because it wae not placed there by the men who mace the constitution for ec ¢ reorene — If the power exited no one would want it exercise’. Not finding the power to declare war againet @ State, he declares to the nation ty ge the feceemion or eherk the rebellion of South n Whet meare the Collowing clansee of the Conet itution of the United States, im that article delegating powers to Congress? Congres® shall provide power for forth the militia to exeoute the laws of the Union, ineur- rections and repel invasions. ‘The United States shall to fm thie ta te a ed el each of t ainet invasions, 4. fata oe tor by the Uni , rn oust ‘South Carolina, or any other State, My object iw to euggest a remedy for the evil of secession oF revolution’ Of South Caroline or any ther State, re to regula Inthe exereien ofthese powore sortie of entry and relivery, tilt custem : : (OUNTINVED ON KORTE Fatal pare ud