The New York Herald Newspaper, December 25, 1860, Page 1

— WHOLE NO. 8871. THE CRISIS 0 oF THE COUNTRY. PACIFIC REPORTS FROM CHARLESTON, Arrival of the South Carolina Commis- eioners at Washington. Proceedings of the aaa Spscial Committee. PROPOSITIONS. SENATOR SEWARD’S PROGRAMME MR, TOOMBS’ LEJECTED, Speech of Senator Nicholson on the Condition of Affairs. The Manifesto of the South Carolina Convention. Whe Sovereignty of South Carolina Proclaimed to the World. THREATENED OUTBREAK AT PITTSBURG, ke, Rey &e. ‘Wassnxanon, Dee. 24, 1860. Despatches have been received to-day from Governor Pickens, of South Carolina, He states that matters were ting down. Tho excitement produced by the ap- pearance of (he reyouue cutter subsided when it was as- certained that the eutter was an old one, and not one that had been recently sent there by goverument. It is not anticipated that any attempt will be made to take the forts at present, They will wail until the Com- missioners have completed the object of their mission, and made their report to the Governor of South Carolina. Governor Pickens bas given assurance to his friends here that this course will be pursued. The Presi dent has also been assured to the same effect. The Commissioners will reach here to-morrow morning. The President, it is understood, will refer the whole matter to Congress, for them to take snob action in the premi- ses at they may think proper. It ig tolerably well demonstrated that it is beyond the power of Congress to avert the dangers of the crisis, The House Perilous Committee will be split by two re: ports, emanating from its two political sides. The Senate commitice will be more amentably ineificacious. H ‘voted down Senator Crittenden’s propositions successive fy, the country no er expects anything from them, What shail be done? The politicians either can- not urderstand the necessity of compromise, or dare not. No politicians ever saved a people; the people must save themselves. Let them be convoked in Convention at ance. Let New York Siate lead off. Let the principal mon of ali parties call a State Convention, if Governor Morgan will pot, apd lot it set conourrentiy with the State Convention of Virgin These two States can adjust a basis of compromise which may satisfy all, and to which all must submit. This fea is sustained by nearly all moderate mex 1 both houses. The Dill for the enppression of invasions by one State from another, introduced in the Senate to-day by Senator Bigler, is considered as an important measure, fand was referred to the Committee of Thirteen. ‘The meeting of Northern Governors is New York, with their intense anti-slavery y amme, 48 announced in the Hera, is creating considerable feeling here. It is yegarded as the divulgement of their imtensious op ac quiring power, which are Lostile to any compromise on existing points of difference. Govervor Andrew, of Massachusetts, says he will resign his office if Mr, Rust’s proposition should be carried be fore the House specia! committee, ‘The Committee of Thirteen are entirely hopeless for good. Senator Wade exasperated Senator Crittenden at a late session by saying to his republican colleagues —Let theas geutlemen go ox. Let them ax up matters, we will ‘take care of them and the Union after the 4th of March.” ” Mr. George B. Loring, of Massaclmsetts, has arrived here, with the expectation of patching up 4 peace or com promise with the aid of I’ esident Buchanan. Senator Bigler entirely lespairs of any satisfactory re- sult. The course of the President is contrary to his ex- Pressed views. It is iffloult wo tell who are the Presi dent's friends in this extremity A gentleman, just arrived from Texas, says the “Lone Star’! flag waves everywhere iu that State, that the Lone ‘Star cockade is worn by more thau two-thirds of all the citizens of that State, jcluding basigess men, and that ‘the feeling is stronger for secession in Texas than it is in Miveiesipp?. He mays Texas is determined upon “going it alone,” They neither ask nor desire co- operation, and he thinks tho State will not join ima Southern confederacy, but will form an independent State, Sam Houston bas made himself so unpopular that it is believed it would be dangerous for Lim to show himself in some sections of the State. When he was at Goiveston they had a moeting and determined that Houston should not be allowed to speak. General Houston has no friends at Galveston, The excitement there is almost incredible, The Judges of the courte and the leading and soundest men of the State are the leaders of the secersion movement, aud the most determined edvocates of an independent government. The Louisiana Legislature is thoroughly disunion. ‘There is pot much difference in the cotton States. All are evidently determined to leave the Union. Louisiana is as 48 mach determined upob ‘ndivyidual secession as South Carolina, on, — ‘Wastrsetox, Dee. 24, 1960. ‘The national capital is mory belicose than irsua] to-night ‘The Christmas holidays are initiated by dissipation. Strong words and threats of persoual encounters are fre quently beard in public. places, bet as yet without fa- tal result. The Commissioners have arrived here from South Carolina for the purpose of demanding of the President a surrender of the forts and ether property belonging to the United States ‘They wili make their proposition in writing, and the President has determined to receive their conumunication and send it to Congress, This cannot take, place before next week, as it is not at all likely that there will be a quorum on Thursday, to which day the House has ad journed. In that event there will be another adjourn ment over to Monday of next week. when the subject will come vp. ‘The republicans are greatly coraged at the fact that the Commissioners are to be received, of in any way recog. nized by the Pr-sident. as representing any other power than a sovereign State in the Union, and not as a foreign Power, claiming to exist outside and in violation of the federal constitation and upon the soll of the United States, Tt will be charged upon the President, the mo ment he receives the Commissioners, that be participates in the work of treason, and I have no doubt that prooved ings will be commenced against him in the Hous», #hoald be fend the Commissioners’ communication to that body: ‘The coerei\ » sentiment i¢ still paramount in republican council to-night. George G Fogg. Secretary of the Republican National Committee, insists upon this posi tion, and he carries with him the New Hatapshire dele gation, and 's supposed to speak for Linculn ‘The Italian Opera of associated artists wave abe iiiant Performance to-night, which was largely attended by the elite of Washington. It wan a perfect success ‘The Speaker has directed the namos of the South (wo Jina Members to be reiained on the roll, thus not recsen ing the conduct of their State as severing their eoaue: tion with the House, a# they themselves maintain, — PROCEEDINGS OF THE SENATE Crisis COMMITTEE. Wasttivertow, Dec. 24, 1860, The Senate solect Committee had an interestins session today. All the members were present, Governor Seward having reached this city this morning. Mr. Douglas submitted a programme of adjustmont embodying to some extent his notions of popular ove Feignty. He afterwards presented the same programme 10 the Senate. MORNING EDITION--TU wane, DECEMBER 25, 1860. Mr. Seward preseated two prepositions. One to the effect that the present constitution should never Leraafter be ainended «0 a¢ Lo allow Congress to imterfere wth th Jooa! institutions of tho States, ‘This was adopted by the committee, The other proposition allowed an arrested fugitive alive trial by jury. This was rejected by the committes, republicans al} voting for .t, and all others against \t. The programme of Mr. Toombs recognizes the right of property in slaves, the right of alaveholderg to take them wWto the common Territe and hold them as slaves | during the Territorial condition; also declaring it the duty | of Congress to pass sumeient laws to suppress and punish invaeiong oF one Stato from another, and the fitting out | of hostil® oxpeditions of ond State against another rhese propositions were al! yoted agaitat by phe repub- 7 licans, and voted for by all the others. After some further discussion the committee adjourned to meet on Wednesday morning next, at ten o'clock, when it is expected they will consummate their labors by agreeing upon compromise measures oF reporting their disagreement to the Sonate, OUR WASHINGTON CORRESPONDENCE, ‘Wasmunaron, Boo. 23, 1860. Return of @neral Cushing from South Carolina ~Ohjects of Ais Vasit—Pabrinated Roporte—Mr, Justice Campbell wil! go with Alabama—The Letter of Senator Teombs—The Forts in South Carslina Quite Safe—Return of. Secretary Thomp- | son—Phe South Carolina Commissioners, de. ‘The Hon. Caleb Cushing, of whose mission to Sonth Carolina you havo already been advised, did not reach Charleston until Thursday evening, some hours after the passage of the secession ordinance, He remained there nt six hours, during whieh he had free and fall con- prsations w th ¢ ernov Pickens and other distinguished pubtio men. He is ¢ to return to Washington to- night, Mr. ie, of er went to Sonth Carolina with 20 vain hope of preventing the passage of the secession ordi- nance, but for the purpose of making such representa- tlons as might have the efivet of arresting any further ipitate action rowards revelution, and prepare the ds of the people for a reeoustruction ef the Union un- ‘onstitution. No man is better ac- }y the currentg of opinion and sentiment in the non-slavebolding States; and the President, anxious’ to leave nothing undone to avert the calamities which tivoaten the pe nd prosperity of the nation and the of the mt. made a wise choice in se- ny, for the delicate tusk of communing with ibor of Sonth Carolina, at a tune when they natar inclined ( regard counsel from quarters side oF the State ae “olticious impeachment of their Hivenee and firniness,” to use the language of the pected to return to Washington this evening; and the trnit of his patriovie exertions cannot ‘The appointinent of the three commis- | S.oners to proceed direedy to Washington rendered his longer stay at Charleston unnecessary. After all the “‘butaballoo” made By the malignant and vituperative assailants of the Chief Magistrate, as well as by some well meaning but over angious persons hero and els@@here, it appears that the Torts are quite safe | from any danger of molestation. Even the wives and hitdven ef the ofiie are not visited by any of the terrors which seem to have driven your valiant heroes of the Mincio and the “mahogany stock” from. their propriety. To koep up consistency, the forgers of fieti- tious letters will probably next fabricate some awful tales about agsaalt on the forts and massacre of the gar rison. Yesterday jt was stated at Willard’s that @ tele- graphic despatell to New York reported that a shipor- War or 4 revere cutter had boea sont to Charleston | harbor; and a eitigen of Souuh Caroljua instant) over fhe wires to his friends tlere that the United States veavel was m her way. Of course there is as littetrdth in bia story as on those of ordere having been issued for the scrrender of the forts, or the delivery of munitions of war. My. Seeretary, TLompson bas returned from his yigit to | Us Corcliba, @$ a Commissioner on the part of Miasis- His influence was thrown ardently into the scale countels, looking to calm deliberation on the he crisis, and Jt is understood with the hap- sicners of South Carolina will soon be here, Uhat the uifliculties will be placed in a line patie negotiation, so as to secure time for lion between the South and North, Time for the vative sentiment of the whole n to make iteelf nd felt is what is wanted. If that is secared, sippi. of moderat | the right of property in slaves, and the ri own interests, whem, if “thie sectional powor has do- mimon, it will surely progress toward the extinction .° lavery? he trouble is not eo much that the Suatine Slave law is not enfored or the equality of the States de- pied, but that a principle is laid mi ibat damien the title of Southern wen to property which they claim under the constitution—a principle which strikes at the very root of a system identified with the iuterest, prosperity and safety of the South, He (Mr. }) argued that Mr. Ni Linesin hated slavery and believed that the constitution could be administered in such a way that no objection could be made to the mal extinction of slavery. Is it strange then that the ‘of the South are alarmed at the clection of a idate for the Presidency holding —_ views? The trouble is that the North has established a party on the + that slavery is sinfuland ought not Dewlat, He :) claimed that nothing but full constitut guaravions wen »a@ > the Union. No State was more attached fo the Uni than the State he repre- ‘ented in part, yet the sentiv | was widely sproad there “nav tho of he i i Would ren- der the prébervation of a constitutional Union impossibie, Unless pr. per are given he hovght that a majo of the of Tennessee would be inipelled to separate from the Union. He (Mr. Nichol- som) wroni ¢ de ai pase to Tingeers aay p guarantees, but it he would choose secession or revolution rath: wy ae tod, He yr hasty action in the South, and he thought it better to have counsel and con- certed action in the Senate, He thought that an appeal ‘rom the whole South, with ‘aati of ner ange oo conld not be resisted by we ap | of the extreme Southern States ‘= woe a desire to awake the sentiment of the North ran er from a love of disunion per se. He thought that it the duty of the border States to meet in solemn con- sultation and present their demands to the North, But 2 the course of the republican organs he had scarcely y of hope that their demands would be granted. The chief points in our demands would be the recogaition of it to hold them in the Territories. Although he had not much hope left, yet he preferred to try if @ solemn appeal trem the North to the South would not produce a good effect, Mr. Nicholson then referred to (ae ordinance of secession of South Carolina as the act of a sovereigh State, saying (hat he should only allude to it as a fact, rgie whether it was right or wrong. He argued by resort toforee by the federal government war eqnivalent to a declaration of war by south Carolina. Sho hod abseived her citizens (rom all allegiance to tho United States and the government could not make war ‘fully upon them. He drew a picture of the horrors of civil War and urged calmness and consultation on the riof the Southern States. He concluded by express ng the hope of a mfore perfect Union at no distant day. Mr. Doourme, (rep.) of Wis., said that be desired to dren Tennessee (Mr. Johnson), but would only say now a word avolt Kansas. He thought i? Kansas was adinitted into the Union it would do more to bring peace to the country than anything else. We had peace before the long dispute on Kansas hand he thought that her admission would do much to allay the excitement now existing and ane ‘the country back to peace. Mr. COLLAMER, F of Vee, advoeated the passage of abil Satming thal ¥ the ceisus properly taken Kansas had a sufficient population for admission ‘into the Union, and that her constitution was properly formed and liable to no objection. Mr. Davis, ( ) of Miss.. said that be bad « resolu. tion, whieh was the select committee, which he wished printed. The resolution F aecsraen ides that amend- ments be made to the constitution declaring that proper- ty inslaves be recognized as much, and stand on the same footing in all federa) and constitutional relations, as any other species of property; that such property shall noi be subject to be impaired by avy local law in any ‘State, cad that in no case shall such > a ‘unpaired in State or Territory. Ordered to be printed. On the motion of Mr. Gumx, (OPP) ‘of Mo., the dill for the admiesion of Kansas was then postponed, and mate ihe special order for Monday mext. Adjourned till Thursday. House of Representatives. Wastunaron, Dec, 24, 1860, RESIGNATION OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA DELEGATION The Srraxen laid before the House the foilowog letter: — Sim—We avail ourselves of the earliest opportunity, ‘since the official communication of the intelligence, of making known to your honorable body that tho people of the State of South Carolina, in i sea eaveasice. ‘i ty, have resumed the powers heretofore fon them to the federal government of the Uni mates, and have thereby dissolved our connections with the House of Representatives. In taking leave of those with being gone ta been associated in & common agency, woe So feeling vel gard and 2 "foe the do 80 with a mutual re respect for the rights of each other, Soe one the hope that in our fu- ture relations we may bettor bf that peace end har- a essential to the happiuess of a en ii akagUN, van AM.” people. LG W. BOYCE. sud there should be no. immediate collision between tate and federal forees, the Union may yet be saved, Mr, Justice Campbell, of the Tnited States Su Court, has written an able letter to a friend at agaibet seerseion at this time, and especially aiaand tot? action, but aunotnees his determination, taken mauy years ago, to follow the fortunes of his State. The secession of Alsbarma will therefore terminate connection with the federal government. ‘The object of Senator ‘Toombs’ letter bas been much misun<erétoot in many quarters, He is for amendment of the constitution, giving the Lo io the Territories, amd assurances for other | ealpar og He wishes to test tho Fluoerthy of the repub- Eo) who Ae] Cede My ana 9 of co operationista declare for ce ig case the: proposed amend: meniamre tel THIRTY-SIXTH € CONGRESS. SBCOND SEBBION. Semate. Waanyetoy, Dec. 24, 1960. TuE PACINC RalRoaD. Mr. Pasexsney, (rep.) of Me,, introduced s bill to grant poblic land and loan the credit of the government to the People’s Railsoad. Laid on the table and ordered to be | printed | PROPOSED NATIONAL CONVENTION, ere. Mr. Pron, (opp.) of Obio, offered a joint resolution in regard to holding 4 convention for proposing amend- ments to the constitution, and requesting the several | States to call the conveution ag soon as practicable. Re- ferred to the Select Committee of Thirteen. Mr. Broun, (opp.) of Pa., presented the proceedings of | meeting of citizens of Reading, Pa., also a bill to sup- prees the invasion of one State by another, &e. Heferred to the Select Committee. Mr. Doveras, (opp.) of Tl., presented beveral amend- ments to the constitution. Ordered to be printed and referred to the Select Committee. ‘THR AFRICAN SLAVE TRADI Mr. Wasow, (rep.) of Mase., introduced a bill for the more effectual suppreseion of the slave trade. This bill proposes to modify the act of 1820 pps to remedy the objections raised by Judge Carolina. Itmaken the fitting out of slavers, ‘oe ailing of them, piracy, ra hr cnamenioe demas os] ates on land and sea, by ee re to imprisonment for life. It THAR eS the = American flag as a badge eaprieete registered American ship felony, sma 1-3 be the fs ie nt of the jig and Cape a] of the veastl releases naval officers legal responsibility for the mr fey op hd suEpeotad 74 and which are wot proved savers in Uke courts. “It en- larges the powers, and increases the duties of judicial officers of the United States in the examination of ships utended to «ail for ports in Africa, and in the arrest and examination of colored persous unported im violation of a tows of the oy = he hour of enue o'clock having arrived; a quention arose whadher the bill for the admission of be taken up, which war the special o nor Geelaer the Senate Mi proceed to consider the revolution of Mr, Jchnson, of Tennes#e, 68 unfinished lusivess. Mr. Nicholson had the foor on ‘the latter. The question was settled by taking up the Baneos bill and ali wing the floor to Mr. Niche SV RECH OF MR. SICHOLAON ON THR crite, Mr. Nicnorson (opp.) of Temp., rose to apenk. MMe re. ferred to the speech of the Seuaior Crom Ohio, (Mr. Wade.) and said that be (Mr. Wade) odmitted that be did net much diame the Southern poople, o¢ they ~~, ed that the Northern people were thetr eveinies republican party are responsible for this feotin’ Senator from Ohio spoke the truth when he said t ae the South believed that the North were their enemies; hut he (Mr? Nicholson) dented that thie belief was brought about by any acts of the democrats of the North. Mr. Nicholson here paid an eleqnent tri- bute to the fidelity of the — of the North, who, be said, had long and bravely fough’ agains! sectionalism. ‘The belief of the South in th ehmity of the North came from the most reliable of sources—from the speeches and writings of the eminent men of the republican party, in which he would es cially include the Senator from Obie (Mr. Wale) , sentiments of the Northern mind in regard to slavery are not to he questioned. The South entertain opposite opi nions on the subject, but say thie should be no erie of quarrel, as the mew who formed the constit! iow beld pa tagonietic opinions, yet they agreed. Uut what the South complains of now le, that these opinions were e's ed upon im 1866 by the republécan irty and made vo base of & politionl «ti , Which ‘at last enaby thew toseize the reine He (Mr. Nicholson) veved that the first fatal st the Union was made in Philadelphia, in 1856. here quoted from the platiorm of the Republieat party in regard to slavery in the Territories, Rakes that it was the basis of sectionalism, He then quoted Mr. Fillmore’s prostiction, that the success of such * pre must cause disanion The republicans concede 1 in the States the South have « right to hold slave property but eetablih a prin- ciple, in Places where they have the power, which ‘afties, astigma on Southern men. All that the South have to rent apon is, the professions of & purty whose general principle is to disregard the by ot the Bonth ontaide theft own States. Suppose that this ) party gets a ity in both houses of Congress, they will abolish siavery in the District of Columbia and in all the arsenale yards, &e., of the South, and they Will also refuse to admit new slave States. Is it strange, then, that Southern men should bogin to look out for their To THe SYRAKER OF THE Hover oF aavaineavas THR FUGITIVE SLAVE LAW, Mr. Moors, (opp.) of Ky., introduced a bill giving a construction to the Fugitive Slave law of 1703. Referred to the Select Committee of Thirty-three. THE ALLEGED DEFALCATION IN THE INTERIOR DEPARTMENT. Mr. Mornss, (opp.) of Ill., offered a resojution for the oppointment of a committee of five to inquire into the late abstraction of certain bonds from the Interior Do- partment, but suffered the resolution to lie over for the present, Mr. Sherman having stated that he had been in formed that the Secretary of the Interior would send Ube subject. Mr. Smerwax,(rep.) of Ohio, from Commitee of Wiyeent eee Army ba bul. ‘THE ADJOURNMENT. ‘On motion of Mr. Crawrorp, (ore) st Ga., it was or- - epkcdenaplaty yy it be to Thurs- next, WASHINGTON POLICE, ‘Mr. Knconr, fon Vf In aes toaeeen, lish a for the city of Washington which was to the Committee on the District of Columbia ‘THE INTFRIOR DEPARTMENT DEFALCATIONLETTER FROM SE- CRETARY THOMPSON. ‘The Sreaxgr laid before the House a communication from the Secretary of the Interior, stating that on Satar- day last he was informed, by voluntary confession of an officer of the Department, that State bonds, held in trust by the United States for the benefit of the Indians, amounting to $870,000, have been abstracted from his oustody, and converted to private uses. The Secretary says the enormity of the fraud demands f1!) investigation by Congress, in order to vindteate his own honor, and to expore the guilty and derelict. He therefore appeals to the House for the appointment of « committee, with full power to send for persons and paper®, and asks fur inves- tigation, with the view that full jastice may be done in | the premises. Mr. Simmwaw said the Secretary of the Treasury also desired an investigation for the vindication of his char acter, and introduced a resolution, which Mr. Morris, of il., secepted for his own, directing the appointment of a select committee of five to inquire into and repert (ue facte in relation to said fraud, and that the committee have full power to send for persons and papers. The resotation was passed. THE SLAVERY QUESTION. Mr. Jons Cocimaxs, (opp.) of N. Y., offered a preamble setting forth the dangers which now menace the country, suggesting the removal of the slavery question from the national councils as & remedy, and concluding with are solution expressive of the opinion of Congress that elavery: shall not exist in the territory north of 36 90, and that the States formed therefrom shall be admitted with or without rlavery, as their constitutions may prescribe, and that south of that line slavery shall not be prohibited by e or territorial legislation. next resolution asserts the sovereignty of each State, and that any attempt to compel them by foree to subserve the federal compact would be to levy war and precipitate « dissolution. THE Mr, Hasktx, | as a substitate that the ‘Sudiioey wep at rope gad into the relations now — Between the f government and the Carolina; the daty of the executive de- hdrawal of that of Hi and what action should take to execute the con. stitation ant enforce the laws, and protect the property from aeizare; and that (he committee report at any time. Mr. Stawrow, (rep of Ohio, wanted the reeglutions Aout to the Select Committee, Mr. Cocunany desired a vote, and moved @ a of the rules toenable him to introduce his resol Mr. Hamers, (opp.) of M4., said before introducing fuch resolutions \t would be wise to allow the Committers of Thirty-three to reaeh a result, if it could. or leave the Honee to be informed of their inability to do so, He se the matter would go over til) Monday next a roptied that 8 wan Bot his intention to tho vepert of the select committee, but there tions whiel amid him to pre westion at the present time. He hat no cond power of Congress to settle this matter Bruante reuninded bm that a debate wag not in Mr. Sattar. Copp.) of Ohio, evid Mr. Cochrane's resetution: voting subetant: fore he ap pout to hit to jet it go ever till Thureda’ . Braaae, of N. ¥., moved that it he referred to the ecwetl committee, but Mr. Cochrane withdrew it PRRRONAL LINERTY BILLA, fre. Mr. Kiiconm, referring to the statements made in th South Carolina Convention, denied that Indiana had ever possed a Personal Liberty bill Mr. Monn, of fii, said he wanted to obtain tho floor ~ He represented the popular sovereignty prineyple, which stood between two fire: THR CONBUTAR AXD DIPLOM UTC APPROPRIATION ftrt The Howe went into com nitter on the Consular and Iviplomatio Aj jation ill ‘The bill wip otbece Hy porsed w the Adjonrned till Th: y were wear went = The | order, t debate INTENSE EXCITYMENT AT PITTSBUR’ REPORTED REMOVAL OF IMPLEMENTS OF WAR TO THE aOUTH, Peres, Pa. Deo, 24, 1500. Intense excitement exists bore two-day in consequence of its being made public that United States Q artermas ter Taliafero was ne iating for the shipment from the Alleghany arsena { soyenty-oight guns to Newport, near Galveston Isla. , Texas, and forty-six more to Ship Island, near Bali, at the mouth of tho Mississipp: river, the appare object being to strip the Alleghany arsenal, and pla> the guns whero the secessionists coald get them, Major Sy nington, of Mayyion 2, in command of the Arsenal, declined to give the -prees any information on the eubject. It seems the points referred to are new for's, never yet monzited, These guns wero designed for their arnza- ment, The guns are ten inch Columbiads, and carry thirty-two pounders, Carriages for them are being made at Watervliet, N. Y. Genoral Moorhead, our ineraber of Congresa, imme- diately telegraphed My. Stauton, Chairman of tbe House Committee on Militw, AMairs, for information in rogard to the matter, Leading democrats telographod to Washington to have the orders eountermandoed, saying that the people would not allow the guns tobe removed. A call is in circulation, addressed to the Mayor, to con vene a mecting of the citizens to take action in the mat ter. The cw) is signed by prominent men of all parties. The feeling aq.inet allowing a gun to be removed south is almost unanimous. The meeting of citizens will be held at the Duquesne depot on Wedneeday. Areport prevails this evening that muskets, shells, Uallg and cavalry accoutrements, have alreaty Secu Dip cli, e HE SOUTH CAROLINA CONVENTION, Qarusstoy, Dec. 24, 1860, After prayer a resolution was adopted inviting Gover-* crnor Perry, of Florida, now in the city, toa seat on the ttoor uf the Convention. Mr. MaGratn introduced am ordinance that the Judges of the courts take cognizance in cases in admiralty wed maaritime jurisdiction for all offences, ue Auder the laws of the United States, hereafter. Hoferred to (he Commit, toe om a Constitution, with Judge Magrath lied. Mr. Ruerr moved to take up the address to the people of the Southern States as prepared by the Committee. It was taken up and several amendinents proposed. The declaration of causes which justisy the secession of South Carolina from the federal Union was made a spociul order. The whole address received innumerable aitera- ions. “efor fa lengthy and not generally interesting devace, Uhe Convention took a recess till seven o'clock. BYENING SESSION. Mr. Denki moved to take up the special order, it beiug the ordinance to provide for a continuance of commercial affairs, He moved for a secret session, which was carried, Information was given this morning in the Convention Vbat several lighthouse keepers were alout vacating their positions. ™ It is understood that the secret se=sion is to confer with the Collector of the Port. ‘The Convention adopted the Declaration of Immediate Causes which Induced and Justified the secession of South Carolina from the Union. Waiving the repetition of the cansrs in the past, she declares to the remaining States apd pations of the world the immediate causes which ied to the act, ‘The declaration refers t) the causes which led to the separation from England, #ud the aeclaration of the colonies that they are free apd independent States. In pursuance of this @eeiaration thirteen States proceeded to exercise separate sovereiguty. Subseqventiy they entered into a league by the Articles of Confederation, but retaining their sove reignty. Under this declaration the war of the Revolution was fought, at the close of which England acknowledged them free, sovereign and indepeuden ‘States, Subsequently the Uuion was formed, limited to the words of the grant. The declaration deciares tha many of the States have violated the compact in letter and spirit, and consequently absolyes the rest from the obligations of the Union. It refers to the States which violated the fourth article of the constitution, and says ‘nowe of mem have complied with the stipulations of the constitution, consequently south Carvlina is absolved from obMg. uae. After detailing the many causes, it thus con. cludes:—‘ We, therefore, the people of SouthjOarolina, being delegates to the Convention assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for rectitude of inten. tions, have solemnly declared that the Union heretofore ‘existing between this State and the other States of North America te abapived, end the Biate of Bouth Carolina has resuned ber position among the nations of the werld as. separate and independent State, with full power to levy war, conclude peace, contract alliances, establish com- merce, and do other acts aud things which independent States may of right do. There were many able and interesting speeches in the Convention to-day, Messrs. Rhett, Spratt and others, in ‘the course of discussion, declared the opinion that the Fugitive Slave law was unconstitutional. Judge Wirmens, in an able, logical speech, said it was constitutional. Mr. Manaxcer declared the point legally embarrassing. Fully two bours were conaumed in verbal alterations of the address. The most rigid criticism was indulged in by both sides. It was flually adopted with but few dis- senting votes, Governor Pickens haa, agreeably to the ordinance of recession, issued & proclamation prociaitning to the world that South Carolina i# and has a right to bea separate, sovereign, free and independent State, and, as such, has a right to levy war, conclude peace, nego- tinte treaties, leagues or covenants, and do all acts whatever that rightly appertain to a free and indepen. dent State. OUR CHARLESTON CORRESPONDENCE. CuaRuarox, Dec, 20, 1900. Secession Un Au Fait Accompli—The Announcement of the Event to the Publiom Foreign Vessels in Port—The Spar tans of South Carolina—South Carolina Nat Ignorant of the Results of Secession—Ser vile Insurrection an Impose Uility—The Contrast Between a Well Fed Negroand a Starving Northern Mechanic—Important Financial Move: ment—Direct Bechange with Euglant—The Resources of South Carolina, de, de The Rubicon is passed. South Carolina has repeaied the law joining ber to the other States, and declared her independence. Ihave seen the excitement, board the noise and winas of the French in 1848 in their revolution, but saw afar greater sight to-day in the earnestness and the deep feeling of the populace on the announcement Of the eecese ion ordinance. Men presse! each other's hands, eye looked to eye as men do only when engaged in a work of the deepest solemuity. The announcement of the pas sage of the secession ordinance was made through the public press through a handbill, of which the following is a copy — (Charleston Mercury extra.) Passed unanimously at 1.15 o'clock P. M., December 20, 1s. — AN ORDINANCE TO DIASOLYE THK ONION HETWREN THK STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA AND OTHER MTATES ENITEO WITH IER UNDRI THR COMPACT ENTITLED (THE CONFTITOTION OF THE UNITED STATIN OF AMERICA” of the State of South Carolina, in Con- led, do declare and ordain, and it is here by declared and ordained , ‘That the ordinance adopted by us in convention, on the twenty third day of May, in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty eight, whereby the | constitution of the United states of America was ratified and also all acts and parte of acts of the General Assen bly of this State ratifying amendments of the said const! tution, are hereb; eee and that the union now sub ing between Carolina and other States, under name of «The United States of America,” is hereby Ainsolved THE UNION Is DISSOLVED | ‘The law was pareed in neoordance with the feeling of South Carolina woanimonsly. Now that South Carolina has determined to set wp for herself, independent of the jarring and con tontions of other States, the other matters aad measures for & separate government will receive at- ten T cannot belp dropping a tear over the remains of that once glorious Union, such a# our forefathers made it, and the Sonth desired to perpetuate, but which, alae the fanaticiem of Northern men would not permit. It was a glorious Upion—the only land in the universe where freedom wos understood and rightly Interpreted, until it wae contaminated by abotitionrm The South alone usterstond fre dom of it was com PRICE TWO CENTS. veyed to her, and if Sonih Carviina seceded Uke Tem Moore says in bis Harp of Tara Is when one heart indignant b To show that it still lives. We must now look to the future in another light. Every relation {n commerce is changed. South Carolina pos « revenue, State and commercia! laws will reynire eas changes and modifications, and the most impor’ those of @ national character, will have to be pal tem to you by this mail a sketch of the this sovereigaty. It ina red grount, with bow croes, on which are fifteen clars, the large one in the centre; a white palmetto treo and crescent on the vpper inner corner, The following cut will give your readers a ae idea of its real appearance:— twas only DESCRIPTION, Fifteen white stars on marine blue ground, the centre star to be the larger one; a white palmetto tree aad eres- cent on the upper right hand corner, aud the corner spaces, bg eyes the eo: on which the palmetto and crescent Just at tube time toe aoe Shun of foreign vessels. We will know soon whether this State is able to enforce her laws, or whether she shall be whi into depen- dence on’ the American disunion, ‘ing to the recom- mendation of General James Watson locia Webb. By the way, I would recommend this arrant coward not to come here, as South Carolina has not yet repealed the law of igooment for debt; and if he should venture in this lat) he might be taken on a bail writ and sent i for account of his numerous creditors hore. people here are in earnest in what they have done, and all threats of coercion, war, &o., are treated as bumcombe. They know, ag well aa the rest of man Kind, that the federal physical resources for coercion are ‘not of a very formidable character, and, eveu if they were otherwise, that they have 4 Spartan ‘band, who are determined to do or die. In all casee tie sovereignty will act on the defensive; ist showld the Northern bean hordes come here to enforce their pet idea of submission, they would soon succamb, either to the ogre of the climate or the deadly etteet of South r : ca br po ohepe iil be a terrible — ithe disas- Jers any of ty years’ war will bg counted as nothing compared to it, The same diversity of in- tere: te exists as under the unwieldy empire of Charles V. Then the t for a principle, and now tho of Caroli are prepares! to defend bere. Fre iitle kingdom of Bohemia bad pluck enough to threw ‘the Imperial Commissioners out of the paleo window at Pangue, just a South Carolina bas the Union ‘overboard to- It has — uently asserted in the Northern «ho ten Se that this State, in the event of seecesion or require ali her physical resources to aaaialer insurrection from dovelopin itself. Now, it Drainles: noodles that fear suc! a trash as Uhat of thie real state of the case, and the loyalty South randy ae negroes oo ‘Taaetors, they reel their lifleance an total igno- rance rn ee hat they write bee A weil fed Southern negro is not half a» much to be feared a8 a famished Northern taborer; wt when the Northern press again taunt us with the idea of servile in- surrection, Jet them first think of the lis itionl voleano by = Boma iene and lable to erupt °! a8 represented in bunger cravings of hale mablion of unemployed free! ca have been fairly pushed to opena direct rage ith Fnglish exchange, the New York banks refus: ing to buy it. ‘They all clubbed together, and opencd ac couatg with Baring Brothers, London, who have dono South Carolina’s business for the last sixty years and over. Now I wili explain to you what Soath Carolina gains by this operation. New York always charges 1'4 Der gent negotiation fees om South Carolina bills, ‘Tho exports of this State last gear wore 518,000 bales of cot ton—360,000 bales to land and 168,000 bales to ern ports. Assuming the value of a bale of cot worth $60, we have exchange for $17,500,000—the oitic al record at the Custom House here puts it at $17,660,000. ‘Thos it will be seen that the new arrangement entered into by our banks will deprive the North of the neat |:ttle sum of $218,750 apnually. This is ouly one iem of the results of secession. When the Southern States shall have resolved her selves into a united confederacy , and inseribed free trade her banper South Carolina may Boyd ie powwee he her ride» usenet armas have come under my atten- : $1,562,000 mae Carolina imports: ro Boston and en. * iucluding Havana sugars via New 1,622,000 ‘Thus you have the standing of Sou Carolina in brief terms, faa thus l anticipate your readers will conclude that she is tolerably commercially well off. Will your readers follow the comparison a little farther and notice the small amount of foreign imports and the immense amount of New York imports, then I will ask them who do yh ada pgp Dipgrame ve sane as @ tender as gold. She can buy me ee nT gtd the assurance that Savannah, New Mobile will follow n ei- milar course, and in ‘Bix months direct Southern imports will be ten times ag Jarge ag heretofore. ARRIVAL OF GEORGIA VOLUNTEERS AT CHARLESTON. Cuanuaston, Dec, 24, 1°60. Accompany of eighty men arrived from Savannah yee torday, and tendered their services to the Governor of the State, in the name of the Minute Men, or Sons of the South, REPORTS FROM ALABAMA ‘AND GEORGIA. Moxtoomeny, Dec, 24, 1860, ‘The election is passing off quietly in this city, there being no oppositich to the secession ticket, The most re- liable information that fcan obtain leads me to bel that the separate secessionists will clect seventy-five delegates out of one hundred, The ordinance will pro bably be passed on tho 9th day of January. It is thonght that Mississippi will secede om the same day. ‘There is no truth in the reports of large Union gains in Georgia. On the contrary, it is thought, by well in formed men in that State, that the rejection by the ro publican senators of Mr. Toombs’ proposition for consti tutional ainendments will induce Mr. Stephens to declare in favor of immediate secession Governor Moore issued a proclamation today, conven ing the Legislatare of Alabama, to provide by State law for any emergency that may arise from the action of tbe Convention. ‘The Irgislature will assemble on the 1th of January The Convention meets on the 7th Momur, Dec 24, 1960. The election for delegates to the State Convention tovk place to-day. The separate State secession ticket in this city is elected by a thourand inajorily THE SECESSION FEE! ANG. AT NEW ORI New Onuans, Doe. 24, 1860, An immense mar meeting was held to-night at Od Fellows’ Hall to ratify the nominations of the Southern rights candidates for the Convention, It was the largest congregation of every party ever ae cembled. Cornelius Fellows was president, and epoeche« were made by Charles M. Conrad, Charles Gayare and othere, »vocating immediate secession, amid unbounded enthusiasm, The Southern Marseilinis was sung as the banner of the Southern confederacy war raise, amid re iterated and prolonged cheers for South Carolina and Louisiana, THE MESSAGE OF THE GOVERNOR OF VIRGINIA, Ricrwonn, Va, Deo. 24, 1460. Governor Letcher hae completed bis meseage. He ig n favor of a central confederacy if the cotton State secede, and againgt a State Convention. ‘The seccesion excitement is rapidly it@rensing hers 4 meeting will be beld here on Thorsday night nex!, at which ) trong Southern resolutions will be a lepted Norrork, Dec. 29, 1860. ‘The secession feeling here js on the increase. Arhiant Hall wos again crowded with eftize ss last night, Disumion speeches were delivered by Col. V. D. Grover and Gene ral John Tyler. The speeches were outhusiastionlly ap. plauded. General Tyler concluded with the expression “Let the Union go to hell!’ whieh was received with loud and repeated cheers LETTER PROM HON. JOHN A. GILMER, M. C. PROM NORTH CAROLINA, vanes, Dee, 21, 1860. Horse ov Rerun JM. Pew Daan Sie—If in my power 1 would go to your meeting opr! inte every neighborhood iy every State and Territer {CONTINUED ON FIGHTH PACK | CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL. ANTIQUITY OF ITS CELEBRATION, Pagan Origin of Some of lio Observances, Manner of Its Celebration in Different Countries, CHRISTMAS EN NEW YORK, de, &e., é&e Tt is not known at what precise period this festival was first observed by the Christian chureh, but it is certainty very ancient. doubt in the earliest times the birth: of the Saviour was celebrated by an annual festival, and the great event was such aa the simple piety and faith of tho pristine ages would delight to keop perpetually im mind, Many, however, of its observances must be trneed to seasons of joy of a much higher antiquity; and thore ave paid proper attention fo the subject joim in the belief that tho most ancient cerem ea at Christmas were, im fact, Hut the purided rites of am; for it is well known h, nding it Impossible rooted love of the people for many of their ancton’ sor monies, endeavorod-—and often with snecess—to cleans them from idolatrous pollution, « ¢ thom sub servient to the purposes of the ‘The name Cliristinas € or the mace of Christ, ¢ was general before AI siderable length, extending fron Ds val of St, Thomas, to Febraary 2, the fe on of the sed Virglu Mary, aud include the feast of the Holy Inuoeents or Childermas £ of the Cireum or New Year's Day, and Epiphany or Twelfth Day. Christmas Duy aud the twot immedintel aro considered as most sacred CHRISTMAS TIME AMONCST TID ROMANS, In references (he pagan origin of mavy of the Chrat- mas observances, we inoy + the i Saturnalia, whieh were celedy were to that people 2 time of universsi wir lation and rejoicing. Oli friendships were r the fest! tot the Porift- men fot, at this neried of universal mirth, bu from their contentions, and nd eopital pun were at en end for the timo. Sacritie red; hynune in honor of Bacebus aud Saturn gifts, as tokens of goodgwiil and rermembrane presented by friend to friend, and ihe poor wore amply remeroberet by their mor ut ucighbors, It is easy 49 see hat roany of ges Were transplanted toa Christian soil The respect jul at t's neagon to (he luureb ig double derived from the Romine, who considered this plant ws the emblem of viet: Lbogof, aud the regard to the mistletoe can hard! “ > remind 4 i the ration In which vow wes beld by the Dr must also remenber that net only in the most lauds of Rurope, b this season was consider of religions festivity. It was at this period « fl in honor of Thor was celobr nd feasting; ant all these we rites of worrh|p @ Northmen « dane with the From 8 ag thelr mort faver t was donbtless quatfed at their ¢ d measure, THE LOHD OF MISRULE. the curliest Umes the people of Engl - ad the feast of the Nativity as one of \oondtess td good fellowship. In these nak took the lead, and its example wun fot # clreumstances would perwit, tn every ney of the land. The Saxon monarchs exh hospitality on this occasion, and thelr example nook aud ¢ dited tare: was not only copied, but improved upon, by their Norman snecersors. But it appears to have been the toetitution of chiva'ry whiok introdveed much of the ehow ant ps gevutry of which the old ebroniclers give such glowing testimovy. The Chr. inae festivities were presided aver by “the Lor! of Misrule,’ a froticsome monarch, of whow the venerable antiquarian Stow thas wy “Anciently there was in the King’s house, wherever he lodged at the feast of Christmas, a ‘Lord of Miorule, or Marter of Mervy Disport,” and the like also was there in the nouse of 'y nobleman of honor or good worship, whether spiritual of temporal. Among them the Lord Mayor and Sheriffs of London had their several Lords of Misrule, ever contending, without quarrel or offence, who should meke the most pastime to divert the beholder. These Jorde Dogan ‘heir rule, or rather misrule, on Al! Hallow's Eve, cont.oved the same until Qmdlemas Day, in whieh space there were fine and aubtte @ieguisings, masks and mur meries, with playing of cards for counters, nails and. points, in every house, more for pastime than for gain.’” ‘The tithes which these Christmas monarchs gave them oelves were cost amusing from their absurdity, It must uct be concluded that theit appointments apd mock state were kept up without considerate cost, The Lord of Misrule was in truth a hing of tho revel#, and during his time of brief authority appears to have been subjected to as little control a8 an actual sovereign. He wai in high favor beth in the seats of learning and in the sanctuaries of the law. A romewhat clear idea of the real character and power of this renowned potentate i# given in the fol lowing deveription of the Lord of Misrule chosen by the members of tue Middle Temple, in the reign of Henry the Righth. The jurisdiction, privileges and parade of thie mock monarch of Chrimtmas, 1536, are (hos cireumstantial” ly described — ite was attended by bis lord keeper, lord treasurer, with eight white stayos, 4 captain of hie baad of pensioners and of his guard; and with bis chaplains, who were a0 poriously impressed with an idea of his royal dignity that, when they paswed before bim on the preced- ing Sunday im the Tempie cbureh, on ascending the pulpit, they saluted bm with three low bows. He dined both in the ha'l and in fig privy chamber under a cloth of estate. The pole axes for bis gentlemen pensioners were borrowed of Lord Salisbury. Lord Holland, bis ten. porary justice ta Eyre, supptied bim with venison on de- mand, and the ord Mayor and Sherif of Londop with On Twelfth Day, at going tochureb, he received y petitions, which he gave to bis Master of Requests; keother kings, he had a favorite, whom, wi her gentlemen of high quality, he knighted on return- ng from chureb The Christmas prince on this occasion was Mr. Francis Vivian, who expended from hie own private purse the large sum of $10,000 in support of his “igoities, Really, it must have tried the philosophy of these gontlomen (o descend from their tomporary elevation iuvo the ranks of ordivary life, becotng defunct princes, and they must have felt at ge'ting up on the morrow of Candiemas day some portion of the sensation of Abon Haxsan on the morning which eucoeeded his Caliphate of a day, when the disegroeable conviction was forced upoo him that be was no longer Commander of the Faithful, and bad po farther claim to the service of the “Cluster of Pearts,"* Morning Star,”’ “Coral Lips’ or “Fair Face.” In the case, however, of Mr Vivian, it i@ stated that after his deposition he wae knighted by the King—by way, we suppore, of breaking bis fall ‘The learned sages of the law did pot fail to lay aside, for a seasow, their gravity for the annual merriment of the time. The memories of few men are mére exven- evely honored than thowe of Sit Christopher Hatton aud Judge Coke yet thowe truly great men did not disdain to jon m the festivities of Christmas, and the records of the Inne of Court afford demonstrative evidence that the lawyere could, on Cvcasion, relax from the sober de- mercer of official dignity. The gelebravion of this fest vo) appears to bave been for a long time a matter of con tert among them, and each of the four Inne tried to vie with each other in splendor and expense At length, however, a better feeling began to prevail, ibe Jearred bodies appear to bave agreed to celebrate mas together and at a joint expense, This memorable event (ork place in the time cf CBarles the Firet, when the expense ef the Christmas celebrations of the united Jone of Court, in the eighth year of bis reign, amounted to the eum of $120,000 tm Scotland this mock monarch was « Unreseen,” and he wee prebibited (bere in 1956 ment 6 ilu ing fed the “AL bot of by order apd Pastines of the People of fo the fubjeet, says Ne doubt -_