The New York Herald Newspaper, January 10, 1861, Page 1

Seana ——__ WHOLE NO. 8889. IMPORTANT FROM THE SOUTH. Arrival ef the Star of the West at Charleston. Tho Steamer Fired Upon irom the Batteries of Morris Island and Fort Moultrie. The Steamer Put to Sca to Avoid an Encounter. The President’s Special Message to Congress on the Crisis. Secession of Mississippi from the Union. The Report of the House Special Committee. The New Commercial Project of the Cotton : and Tobacco States. Military Movement in New York in Support of the Union, he, &c., &e. HIGHLY IMPORTANT FROM CHA Z3T0N. » Cuarzsroy, Jan. 9, 1861. ‘The Star of the West, in endeavoring to enter our har- ‘bor about daylight this morning, was opened upon by ‘the garrison on Morris Island, and also by Fort Moultrie. ‘The steamer put about and wont to sea. I have not been able to learn whether the steamer or ‘ny person on board was injured. The belief is that no ‘jury was sustained by cither the boat or those ou bout. TortSamter did not respond. Lieut. Hall, of Fort Sumter, came over to the city about eleven o’clock with a flag of truce. He repaired to the quarters of the Governor, followed by a crowd of citi- zens. He was in secret communication with the Gover- or and Council for two hours. At two o'clock he was sent in a carriage with the Goyernor’s aids to the wharf, and returned to Fort Sumter. The object of his mission je not known. It is supposed tha: it relates to the firing on the Star of the West. ‘The people are intensely excited. Thero were no demonstrations against Lieut. Hall, ‘There is 0 great curiosity to know what Lieut. Hall camo for. Our citizens were drawn in crowds to our wharves early this morning, in consequence of frequent reports of cannon from seaward. Some twelve or fifteen re- porte were heard, many of them proceeded from the works on Morris leland. THE LATEST REPORT. ‘Lacutenant Ha!) «loed his interview with the Governor and Council bout two o'clock. The facts have not trans- pired. We loarn (rom high authority that they are of a HIGHLY IMPORTANT FROM WASHINGTON. Wasiaxorow, Jan. 9, 1861. No official intelligence kas been received from Charles- top up to tho hour of eleven o'clock P.M. Ihave roason to delieve, however, from all that I have seen and learned from high seceseion authorities, that the telegraph wires have breathed a confidential despatch that the Star of the West attempted to enter Charleston and reach Fort Sumter this afternoon, and that Fort Moultrie opened bor batteries upon the vessel, an‘ Fort Sumter was pour- tng hot shot into Fort Moultrie and wenld probably de- Stroy it. T cannot vouch for the truth of the report, but give it Sor what it is worth, The anxiety of General Scott to-night to hear from the ‘Star of the West leads me to suppose that he fears what je reported to have taken place. ‘Wasmworoy, Jan. 9, 1961. Up to a late hour this evening the government had received no intelligence from Charleston. No despatches have been received by any of the Southern Senators or members who are in communication with the people of Charleston, and it may be, as is assertod, that the wires are down. Such, however, is not the general belief. A gentleman who has just arrived here states that the authorities have entire control of the telegraph, and will not permit despatches to be received or sent until they havo been examined by an agent, who is designated as Sergeant-at-Arms. He states that there is a perfect despotism existing in Charleston. Great anxiety is manifested on all sides to learn somc- thing respecting the steamer Star of the Weet, The ‘Southern delegations who are in the secrets of the plans and purposes of the Charleston people have no doubt ‘that the moment the vessel attempts to cross the bar and exter the channel she will be fired into, and if possible sunk. There is little doubt that the State authorities of Mis- sise\ppi, Alabama and other States are controling go ‘vernment despatches; and this being the case, a govern- ‘me.t inspector should be placed over the wires in this city to intercept treasonable despatches from this city to thove who are hatchag treagon in So. Wnern States. The Navy Department were notified to-day that a des- patch, which they had sent to Pensacola, was stopped in Mopile. Tho people refused to let it go any further South. 1t was simply giving some inetroctions to the commander at that port, The government cannot got their despatches through any of tho Southern States with any certainty. ‘The House to-day received the President's Message, Probably the most important State paper ever presented to any Congress of the United States, and then promptly dispoeed of it to a select committee, the chairman of which will be Mr. Howard, of Michigan, who was chair- man of the celebrated Kansas Investigating Committee, i the Thirty-fourth Congress. The ijoure thon, without any undignified bluster, pro ceeded to the consideration of the Civil Appropriation ‘Dill, end made considerable progress. ‘The Senate offered an insult to the President by inoor- Porating with the correspondence accompanying the Mes- age an ineuiting paper. This business accomplished, the Senate proceeded to kill the Preific Railroad bill, and nearly completed the work when that body adjourned. ‘Senator Baker put the attempted slaughter upon record. ‘The House Select Crisis Committee of Thirty-three have adjourned until again called together by Mr. Corwin, the Chairman, who is authorized in thefmeantime to draw up ‘@ report to the House embracing the various propositions adopted from time to time, as reported in the Hour. The principal proposition agreed upon by the committes, and the one deemed of the greatert importance, is that submitted by Mr. Adame, of Masrachusetts, in favor of the immediate admiasion of New Mexico a8 a State, w\'\. . constitution admitting or excluding slavery, a8 tho pe ple may, by a fair voto, decide. This report of Mr. Corwin’s is first to be cub mitted to the committee before it goes to the House ‘and It in a question whether the committes will endorse the mode which Mr, Corwin will recommend in submit. MORNING EDITION—THURSDAY. JANUARY 10, ting the various propesitions to the consideration ef the House. Quite a number of leading Baltimoreans are here, and have called upon the Secretary of War to-day for the purpose ef dissuacding him from sending reinforcements to Fort McHenry, They assert that it will certainly lead to trouble, and may induce the pedple or a mob to seize the fort and prevent its remaining in the hands of the United States, The letter of Secretary Thompson to the President, tendering his resignation, and the reply of the letter ac- cepting it, will be published to-morrow. It will appear from this correapondence that his resignation was based upon the idea that his honor was compromised by the order for reinforcing Major Anderson at Fort Swater, contrary to what he alleges was in distinet understanding inthe Cabinct, and without his knowledge or assent. But it appears from the President’s reply that the sub- Ject of reinforcing Major Anderson at Fort (Sumter was thoroughiy discussed at a meetingof the Cabinet, in tho presence of Mr. Thompson, after the receipt of the ob Jectionable lo ter from the South Carolina Commissioners. That letter produced great indignation among the members of the Cabinot. The President remarked that ‘rein- forcements must now be sent.”” Judge Black said that after such a letter the Cabinet shovid be unanimous. ‘The President, in his letter, says that he heard no dis. senting voice. So unmistakeable was his decision, that the Sceretaries of War and the Navy proceeded to oxe- cute it without another word from the President, who thought it highly probable that Major Anderson would be attacked after the Commissioners returned home. The misapprehension of Mr. Thompson appears to be shown by the recollection of the four oldest of his col- leagues in the Cabinet in regard to wmat occurred at that meeting. The President rogreta the mistake of the Se- cretary, and, not doubting that it was an honest mis- take, maintains that he was mistaken notwithstanding. There seems to be a mistake or misapprehexsien some- where. It is denied by gentlemen very intimately re lated to the administration that the recruits to Fort Sum- ter were ordered without the provious sanction of the President; and further, that the subject was discussed in the Cabinet, and that acting Secretary of War Holt, as well as some other mombers of the Cabinet, clearly un- derstood that it was the wish of the President that tho recruits should at once be sent. The War Department is in possession of information that the Governor of South Carolina has forbidden tho United States Sub-Treagurer at Charleston paying the drafts of the paymaster in favor of Major Anderson and bis command, and the Sub-Treagurer has refused ac cordingly. Wasnmcton, Jan. 9, 1861. The greatest anxiety is manifested here to hear from Charleston, upon the supposition that the Star of tho ‘West has gone there and been atiacked. The fear is ex- pressed by some that the Star of the West, should she attempt to enter the harbor of Charleston, cither under ‘bogus or real orders, would be sunk by the guns from the outer point of Morris Island, planted there since Ma- jor Anderson removed to Fort Sumter; but the coast survey map of Charleston harbor will show another channel, by which vessels of light draft of water, as the Star of the West, can enter there harmiers vf the Morris Island guns, But she would have toen- counter the battery of Fort Moultrie, ehould the com- mander of it dare open a fre. It is doubted if he would hazard his own position by doing it,as the momeat he assailed the Star of the West he would be destroyed by shell from Fort Sumter, Besides, such action on the part of the commander of Fort Moultrie would open the war, and result in the total destruction of Charleston. This is the present appearance of things, the whole face of which the first flash of intelligence from Charleston may chango, A private despatch received here states that the steam sloop-of-war Brooklyn was ordered from Norfolk to over- haul the Star of the West, and prevent her landing the reinforcemonts and supplies at Fort Sumter. . Captain Hartstein, of the navy, from South Carolina, to-day resigned, and will, it is gaid, embark his fortunes with the people of the Palmetto State. Captain Kearney, of New Jersey, has written a letter recalling his letter of resignation, but it appears this was never received at fhe Navy Department. Mr. Clay, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Com- merce, has not yet called the commitee together, and has signified no intention of doing so. He can prevent action on the confirmation of tho Charleston Collector as Jong as he pleases by refusing to convene the committee Several of the members are anxious to dispose of it, and to have a decision one way or the other. ‘The Southern Senators are determined to stave it off as long as pos- sible. The Senate !'nance Committee hove had several meet- ings, and pre making vory little headway with the appro- priation bills now bofore them. There is a general dispo- sition among the Southern Senators to delay action upon all the appropriation bills until some settlement is ar- ranged. Whether they will be able to effect this remains to be seen. It appears from au oilleis! report that since April Inst the government has eeld to various parties twenty- for> thousand muskets, altered from fait to percussivn locks, at a cost of twenty-two cents apiece. The amount sealized was $60,000, They are almost worthless, and were previously condemned by the ordiu..ace officers. Was , Jan. 9, 1961. I learn frem a responsible jon source that the Georgia mission to Europe was to-day the subject of con- versation and consultation among the leading men from the tobacco States, and some importaat results wore arrived mt. The cotton movement was accepted asa ‘basis of co-operation on the part of the border slave States, to strengthen the foreign policy of the South. Whether Virginia, Maryland and Kentucky will declare for free trade and direct taxation, for secede, or remain neutral, 4s a qnertion for the future. But the prominent men from these States seize with avidity this favorable opportunity of inducing foreign governments to relax the policy so long maintain- ed in regard to tobaceo. So far as Englan is concerned, her present duties upon tobacco block the way in the great free trade alliance with the entire South, embodied im Mr. Baylor's plan. Virginia especially has always deen the friend of those principles of commorcial freedom which have aided #o materially in supporting England ip her efforts *) break down the obsoiete ideas of Europe. The readies! free trade reform which tue South now bring forward, a8 the = an- tagoniem of Northern anti-clvery, if sustained by Virginia, mart prodece an liamense excitement at Mancherter and |. or) 90l; and it is believed that, for eo great a trinmph aa tos, Mr. Cobden and his friends will go for relieving the tobacco interest from the present, onerous duties levied by Great Britain. It is reported here, upon what appears to be good au thority, that a distinguished secession Senator is pre- paring the outlines of « report or address on this subject, to be submitted for the approval of the Southern States. The despatch in to tay'e Henarn of this subject created @ tremendous excitement among Southern men, and a certain sensation in diplonei\: circle. This movement of the direct trade party of Georgia solves the revenue question, @ far ae the Soutn is concerned; and, sup- ported as it is by a solid majority in tho Georgia, Florida and Alabama Conventions, the matter will be pressed on with firmness and deliberation. It appears that this important matter has been quietly organized at the South under cover of the political excitement, and is supported by a central asso- ciation in Georgia, In concert with a sah-committes in each county in South Carolina, Florida, Georgia, Alabama and Missiasippi. Tho loading editors jn those States are in the league, and special organ of the movement has ‘deen established at Macon, ‘Tho position of England, under this preasure of con- filcting views, is believed ‘by the secessionists to be pe culiar. They believe she must have cotton, rhe must pay for the cotton, she must pay in money or goods. To do without the cotton, the secessionists sssert, would Produce a femine in Lancashire. To pay for her supply in specie would probably drain the Bank of England of overy shilling in its vaulte. To pay for the cotton in manufactured goods, free of duty, under a system of di- rect exchanges and reciprocal direct trade, presents 1 solution of the peril now hanging over London and Man- chester, which the British Minister bere must of necos- sity rocognise, ‘This Georgia movement is admitted to be the most Practical measure produged by the South. Some of the leading republicans confess that it ig a shot between Wind and water, and i calculated to complicate their poliey materially, a ~— Energetic measures are being made for the protection of public property in and about the city. ‘The following bas been obiained from an official sour > The excess of Post Office Department expenditu: v8 over the income is thus given:— The excess of receipts over expenditures is as fol lows:— New Hampshire $1,664 87 Pennsylvania... $77,915 23 « 182,226 13 Delaw: 14,019 87 26,113 50 Dist. Columbia. 11,262 43 3,748 65 —— New York. . £04,903 78 Total... .... $820,759 40 It may be remarked that the larger amount of foreign postage is collectea in these States. Ralfa million of dollars ave daily expected from New York by the Treasury Department. Commander Maury says that the long pavsage of the Levant docs not, in his judgment, justity tho supposition of her loss. He gives tue reasons for his belie’. Senator Crittenden gave a dinner party at the National this evening to about thirty of his personal friends, among whom were Lieutenant General Scott, Judges Nel- son, Campbell, Clifford and Catron, of the Supremor Bench, and several Senators and representatives of ail perties and prominent citizens of Washington. The brother of Major Anderson, who has just returned from a visit to Fort Sumter, was also among the guests, Mr. Anderson expresse the opinion that the Star of the ‘Weet will find considerabie difficulty in entering the har- bor of Charleston. Gen. Scott manifested considerable anxiety to hear if the Star of the West bad arrived, ad if the secessionists had fired into her. Senator Seward has had a late dinner party at his resi- dence to-night, at which many conservative men of all parties were present, and not a few that were at Senator Crittenden’s dinner. There was considerable excitement among the extremists, North and Seuth, consequent upon the belief tat the two Senatorial dinner parties given by Crittendon and Seward aro intended to sell them out. The subject has been discussed to-night by the strict Chicago platform republicans, and the result will be a stern resistance in the Senate and House against any compromise. Senator Seward has the floor for Saturday to speak on the State of the Union. Owing to a typographical error in the list of yeas on the adoption of Mr. Adrain’s resolution laudatory of Major Anderson, &c., the name of Mr. Jenkins, of Virginia, was printed instead of that of Mr. Jenkin, of Pennsylvania, ‘The former was not then in the city. THIRTY-SIXTH CONGRESS. BECOND SESSION. Senate. Wasmycron, Jan. 9, 1961. STRAM POSTAL SERVICE BETWERN SAN FRANCISCO AND CHINA, Mr. Sewaxn, (rep.) of N. ¥., presented the memorial of the New York Chamber of Commeree, asking the estab- lishment of steam postal service between San Francisco and China. Referred to the Committee on lost Offices and Post*Roads, MEMORIAL FROM NWW YORK €TtY ON Tum CRISIS. Mr. Sewarp also presented a memorial, pivned by the most prominent citizens of New York city, concerning the present state oud future happiness of tue Union. THE PRESIDENT'S MES!AGE. To mx Senate AND Hoven ov REPRESENTATIVES: — At the opening of your present sessisn T called your at- tention to the danger® which threatened the existence of the Union. 1 expressed my opinion freely excerning the original causes of these dangers, and recommended such measures as I believed would have the effect of tranquili- zing the country—saving it from te peril fp w nich it bad deen needlessly and most unfortunately thrown, Those opinions and recommendations I do not propose now to repeat. iy own convictions upon the Whole enb- ject remain unchanged. The fact that a great calamity was impending over the nation was, even at that time, acknowledged by every intelligent citizen. It had alrea:’y made itself feit throughout the length and brea th of the land. The necessary consequences of the alarm (as pro- duced were most deplora ic. Imports foll off with a rapidity never known before, cxeopt in time of war, in the his- tory of our foroign comunerce. The Treasury was unex- pectedly left without moxns, which it had reasouably countea upon, to meet the public engagements. Trade was paralyzed, manufacturcs were stopped, the best pab- lic securities suddenly sunk in the market, every species of property depreciated moro or less, and thousands of poor men, who depended upon their daily labor for their daily bread, were turned out of employment. I dgeply regrot that Iam not able to give you any ‘a- formation upon the state of the Union which is more eatiefactory than what I was thon obliged to commu- nicate, On the contrary, matters are still worse at present than they then were. When Congress met, @ strong hope pervaded the whole public mind that some amicable ad- justment of the subject would be specdily made by the representatives of the States; which might restore peace between the conflicting sections of tho country. That hope has been diminished by every hour of delay, and as the prospect of @ bloolicss scttlement fades away the public distress becomes more and more aggravated. As an evidence of this it is only necessary to say the Treasury notes authorized by the act of the 11th of December last were advertised according to law, and that no responsible bidder offered to take any con- siderable sum at par at a lower rate of interest thao twelve per cent. From these facta it appears that, in a government or ganized like ours, domestic strife, or even a well grounded fear of civil hostilities, is more destructive of our public and private interests than the most formidable forciga war. In my annuul Message 1 expressed the conviction, which I have long deliberately held, and which recont ro- flection haa only tended to deepen and confirm, that no State has the right by its own act to secede from the Union, or throw off its federal obligations at pleasurs. 1 aleo declare my opinion te be that, even if that right ex- isted, and should be exercised by any State of the con- federacy , the Executive department of this governme:t bad no authority under the constitution to recognise its validity by acknowledging the independence of such State, This loft me no alternative, as the chief executive officer under the constitution of the United States, but to collect the public revenues and protect the public property, so far as this might be practicable under existing laws. This is stil my purpose. My province is to execute, not to make the laws. It belongs to Congress exclusively to ro- peal, modify, or enlarge their provisions. to moet exi gencies as they may occur. I possess no dispensing power. I certainly had no right to make aggrosstve war upon any State, and I am perfectly entisfied that the con- atitution has wisely withheld that power even from Gon- grese, But tho right and the duty to use military force dofensively, against those who resist (he federal officers in the execution of their Iégal functions and against thove who assail the property of the federal government, is clear and undeniable. But the dangerous and hostile atti- tude of the States towards each othor has already far transoonded and cast into the shade the ‘ordinary execu- tive duties already provided for by law, and has assumed such vast and alarming proportions as to place the sub- ject entirely above and beyond executive control. The fact cannot be disguised that wo are in the midst of great revolution. Therefore, I commend the question to Congress, as the only human tribunal under Providence possessing the power to mect the existirg emergency. To them exclusively belongs the power to declarofwar, or tofauthorize theemployment of military force ta oi: canes contetmplated by the oristitution, and they o'r” possess the power to rewove all the grievaru's © might load to war, and to sovaro ponge and anion to tis’: distracted country. On aad om then: alous, rer. fae snored truet, loft by never did any other people inherit ro rich a legacy. It nae rendered us proaperows a ponce and triumphant *forcements seemed to exist. wer, The national flag bas fiested in glory over every « d under its shadow American citizens have found prot.eiton and respect in all lands beneath tho sun. If we descend to considerations of purely material iuterest, when, in tho history of all time, has a confer “acy been bound together by such strong ties of mutu: teresty Hach portion of it is dependent upon all, and a). .pon each Portion, for prosperity and domestic seourlty. Free trade throughout the whole supplies the wants of one portion from the productions of another, and scatters wealth everywhere, The great planting and farming States ro quire the aid of the commercial and navigating States to send their productions to domestic and foreign markets, and furnish the naval power to render their transporta- tion secure against al! hostile attacks, Should the Yuion perish in the midst of tho present ex. citement, we have already had a sad foretaste of the unlyersal suffering which would result from its destruc tion, The celamity would be severe in every portion o the Union, and would be quite as great, to say the least in the Southern as in the Northern States. The greatest ageravation of the evil ami that which would place us in the most unfavorable light, both before the world and posterity, is, as T am firmly convince! that the secession movement has been vbiefy based upon misapprehension at the South of the sent'ments of the anajority in several of the Northern States. Let the ques: iox be answered from the political assemblies to the ballot box, and the people themselves weuld epeed!ly redreas the serious grievances which the South have safiered. But, in Heaven's name, let the trial be made bofere we plunge into an armed conflict upon the mere assump. tion that there is no other alternative. Time is « great conservative power, Let us pause at the mo: mentous point, and aftord the people, both of the Narth and South, an opportunity for _retiection Would that Sonth Caroling had beon convinwed of thig truth before her precipitate action. I therefore appeal through you to the people of the eountry to de clare in their might that the Union must and shall be preserved by all constitutional meass. I most earnestly recommend that you devote yourselves to the question, how this can be accomplished in peace. All other ques- tions, when compared with this, sink into insignifican: ‘The present is no time for palliativee. Prompt action \ required. A delay in Congreas to preserve or recom: mend @ distinct and practical proposition for conciliation may drive us toa point from which it will be a'most impoes!ble to recede. A common ground on which conciliation and barmony may be produced is surely not unattainable. ‘The proposition to compromise by letting the North have exclusive control of the territory above a eertain line, and to give Southern institutions protection below that line, ought to receive universal approbation. In itself, indeed, it may not be entirely satisfactory, but when the alternative is between reasonable concession on both sides and destruction of the Union, it is an imputation on tho patriotism of Con- grease to assert that ite members will hesitate a moment. Even now the danger is upon us. In several States which have not yet seceded the forts, arsenals and magazines of the United States have beon seized. This is by far the most serious step which has been taken since tho com- mencement of the troubles. This public property has Jong been left without gasrisons and troops for its protec. tion, because no person donbted its security under the flag of the country in any State of the Union. Besides, our small army has scarcely been sufficient ts guard our remote frontiers against Indian’ incursions. The seizure of this property, from all appearances, has beev purely aggressive, and not in resistance to any attempt to cverce a State or States to remain in the Union, At the boginuing of these unhagpy trou'sies I determined that no act of mine should increase the ex. citemént in either section of the country. If the political conflict were to end in civil war it was my determined purpose not to commence it, nor to furnish an excuse for it by apy act of the government. My opinion remains unchanged, that justice as well as sound policy requires us still to seek & peaceful solution of the questions at jgsue between the North and the South. Entertaining this conviction I refrained even from sending reinforce- monts to Major Anderson, who commanded the forts of Charleston harbor, unti! nn absolute nocessity for doing 80 should make itself apparent, lest it might be regarded ® @ Menace of military overcion, and thus furnish © provocation, or, at least, & protext for an outpreuk on th fartot Sevth Carolina. No necessity for \ieve rein I was assured by distin- guished upright gontlemon of South Carolina that no at tack on disjor Anderson wos intended, but that, on the contrary, it was tho desire of the Stato authorities, as much as it was my own, to avoid the fatal consequences which must eventually follow a military colivion. And bere I deem it proper to submit for your iniormation copies of & communication dated December 28, 1860, ad dressed to me by R. W. Barnwell, J. H. Adams and James L, Orr, Commissioners of South Carolina, with the accom. panying documents, and. copica of my answer thereto, dated December 31. In further explanation of Major An- derson’s removal from Fort Mou'trie to Fort Sumter, it is proper to etate that after my answer to the South Carolina Commissioners the War Department received letter from that gallant officer dated December 27, 1°U0, the day after his movement, from which the following is on extracts— I will add as my opinion that many things convinced ine that the authorities of the state designed to proceed to @ hostile act (evidently referring to t December 11, of inte Secretary of War). Under this i ion T could not hesitate that it was my solemn ly to move my command from a fort, which we could not probably have held longer than forty-eight or sixty hours, to this one, where my power of resistance is in- creased to a very great degree. It will be recollected that the concluding part of the order was in the following words:— ‘The smallness of your force will not it pe AT 8 hd mo poet ported attock on, or attempt take possession r them, will bo regarded as an act of hostility, and you may then put your command into either of them which you may deem most proper to increase its power of re- oe. You are also Ly gad Tis etiten att nsive steps whenever ma have tangivie we of a design to proceed 10 an bastile sok, It is said that serious apprehensions are to ome ex- tent entertained, in which I do not ehare, that the peace of this District may be disturbed before the 4th of March next. Tp any event it will bemy duty to preserve it, ‘auc this duty shall be performed. In conclusion, it may be permitted to me toremark that T bave often warned my countrymen of the dangers which now surround us. This may be the last time 1 shall refer to the subject officially. I feel that my duty has becn faithfully, though it may be tmperfectly, por. formed, and whatever the result may be I shall carry to my graye the consciousness that I dt least meant well for my country . JAMES BUCHANAN. Wasmmxoton Orry, Jan. 8, 1861. Mir. Sewann got the foor to express his views on the President's Message. Mr. Heyten, (opp.) of Va., asked that the resotntions offered by him be made the special order for Friday. Agreed to. Mr. Yous, (opp.) of Fla., prenented a bil! to adjust the present diMicultios Vetwern the States, which was ordered to be printed. Mr. Supers, (opp ) of UA., prevented a resolution of in. quiry; That the Preaident inform the Senate whether John B. Floyd at present fills the office of Secretary of War, if not who fills the oflice; and if the appoint- ment of acting or provisional Secretary hag boen made, and when and by what authority it wag ma); and why ‘the fact of such appointment was not com municated to the Senate? Laid over. Mr. CLank (rep.) of N. H., presented resolutions, which he said he @ould offer as an amendment to the resolu. tions of the Senator from Kentucky (Mr. Crittenden) when it came up, as follows ‘That the provtstons of the constitation are J the Union and the proteetion of ‘all ‘ted: upd an ext from Jo. ked for i ‘elforts 9 pre. be to, in I. sand protect te Sand enforce the law’. in new for or com ou, iw » Bot at 2 to dissolve iy or over- thn w the tA it = is = ‘ora, to the imate — the energies government, ted for the reetiag of the Prostdent’e Opp.) Of Mias., called for tho reading of the here from South Carolins, with an offer to make pes» egotiation, and to peyeat the difficultics bet Carolmaand the United States. The high ol these Commissioners, which was well kuowo—esporial / one of them was known to those who have serve! in ths Senate for many years for his urbanity and Christiavity in all “relations of lite~gayo as surances that this negotiation might be peace me fae gave reason to hope they might be suc- cessful. They wore, however, suddenly terminated, and the rumor wont forth that ucthwithatanding the hich character of these gontlomen, they had violated all the amenities of life, and had insulted the Preeident, and the fact was known everywhere that the Commissioners bad retired frou Washington, and the tiations were abruptly terminated. The President, in his Mes- sage here, not even allude to the case of the failure of these negotiations, and does now even tell us that tho Commissioners have gone home. Me stops with the letter which he seat to them, and which [ must say, with all respect to the high ‘otlice which he holds, was wanting in fairness, and was a perversion of the arguments which they had presented. They replied to and exposed the unfairness of his treatment of the facts which they stated, certainly in a manner most uncomfortable to him, anihe returned their letter as ‘one whieh he could not receive, and in his communication to us he does not even permit us to know that these Com- missioners had attempted to reply to the propositions he had taken. But, with this great misstatement of his paper to them, he sends that papor to the world with- out ever a reference to the fact that he was answered. E have am authentic copy of their answer, and | send it 3 lg ong that it may be read. ir. KING, noid and Aaren Burr ence also had high charactors. Mr. Davos (interrupting)—The Senator from New York once oceuipied w higher positionythan be does now. I call the Senator to order. Mr. Kixc—These mer were here with a treasonable purpoee, Mr. Davie—I call the Senator to order. T sent a paper Jet it come back, Mr. Kine said he objected to the reading. He did not want to hear the papers read. Along discussion ensued on a point of order, and_ the ayes and noee were called on the decision of the Chair that the paper was understood to be part of the Senate re. Pafir, KINe gaia he objected to the reception of the pr- per, as he supposed it was to supply a defect in the Pregi- dent's Message. Mr. Davis explained that he sent the paper simply to to be read ag part of his remarks, consequently he was ar the objection; but if the Senate much surprised to chose to take the paper as a r of hisownhe had no taken charge of it he objection, As the Senate wanted them to dispose of it. Mr. Kine said he eimply objected to the reception. As he supposed it was int to supply a defect in the Me ), and thought it would be a rebuke to the Presi- dent, he was willing. The Senator read the paper, but he was not willing to disapprove the action of the Pre- sident in saying nothing of that letter. aor of the Chair wag sustaincd—ayes 31, noes 19. The ayes and noes were called on reading the paper. Ayes 36, noes 13. The last letter of the Commissioners was then read. It has already been published. Mr. Davis—A ver oog. episode has been introduced into the remarks which I proposed to make, and it has chan; the conclusions to which I would have arrived. I feel now, even more than before, pity for the Chief Ex- coutive of the United States, The proposition was made here to read a paper as a part of my remarks, when the Sevator from New York took upon himself the duty of pro- tecting the Executive. Fallen indeed is that Executive, who 80 lately was borne into the high office which he holds upon the shoulders of the democracy of the land, when he comes down to depend the Senator from New York for protection, I well know that new converts are zeal- ous, and to that excess of zeal Iam willing to attribute that discourtesy to which | made reply this morning. But I ask, while the peace of the country was at stake, when al! men who loved the government which we in- herited from our fathers looked anxiously for peace, why did not this paper, harsh in ome of its terms [ aimit, change the purpoves of the President? Why did he not then call upon them for the meaps by which peace could be restored? Thus ho would have initiated a measure which might have led to auspicious results, and might have turned civil war away. Then we slould not have stood waiting hourly, as we do‘) day, for what the tele- graph way bring us to decile whet ior we aro to have peieecr war. Inthe time wich 1 have occupiud hve to-day | have verified the proverb ‘bat our carses somo- tim © prove blessings. T intended to have reac and incorporated in my remarks, the Senator has placed in a position it would never have form’, and has brenght it out to the broad light of the Senate journals, Mr. Davis yielded to a motion to postpone. Mr. Currrexnes, (opp.) of Ky., moved that his resoiu- tions to submit amendments of the constitution to the © betaken up. Mr. Ciart: said he wished to amend by substituting the resolution he had offere 1. Mr. Wasom, (rep.) of Mase., moved to postpone it til! to morrow. Ar. Poot, (opp.) of Ohio, thovght it better ‘o de tho question at ouce, Mr. Brora spoke fn favor of rating o° the resotut ov now. He thought they had neglected emtion too long. He thought there was political p wer enough hare to save the country. It was never tov tate to struggle for the Union. Ir. Savrameny, (opp.) of Del., made nn appeal for « now, that the country might know if there was pa- trictiem enough here to save th. cvuntry, by ie adoption of the resolutions. The resolutions were then postponed till to-morrow. Mr. Brows, Cony. ) of Mieé., presented tho petition of W. ©. Jewitt, « ike’s Peak, praying that Congress au- thorize the election of delegates by the le to a con. vention to form a uew constitution, and providing for a new President and Congresemen, the assumption of na- tional and State debts, acknowledging the rights of pro- perty of the South, and acknowledging our reliance asa nation in the Almighty Power for the pespetnity of the Union and the prosperity, peace and happiness asa people. THE PAGIIC RAILROAD BILL, Wag taken up. Mr. Wiurxsow, (rep.) of Minn., moved that the bill be referred to a se!cct committee, Mr. Gwix, (PP), of Cal., said he thought it would destroy the bill if it were referred to a committee. Mr. Larmast, (opp.), of Cal., entered his protest against any reference ho bill ir. Race, (omp.) ‘of Minn., said that it was evident that the friends of bill intended to pass it without giving post] jorthwest a fair show He moved its indetinate iponement. Mr. Baxgr, .) of Oregon, seconded the motion. Mr. mei Sedaeusd the’ ayes and noes on the motion. Mr, Lax, (opp.) of , thought that this was not the time to'pase such bill. ‘Io thought it was better to say to the South that their rights should be protected. He (Mr. Lane) did not believe that this railroad would Teelore peace. A ljourned. House of Representatives. Wasureton, Jan. 9, 1861. BBW JERSEY AND THR CRIM. Mr. Srnutron, (rep.) of N. J., asked leave to present a memorial of the citizens of Princeton on the subject of national affairs, comtaining practical suggestions. Mr. Brxserr, (opp.) of Ky., objected. ‘The Sreaken laid before the House a Meseage from the President. Mr. Howarp, (rep.) of Mich., moved that the Mosaago be referred to 2 special committee of five, with instruc- tions to inquire whether any executive officers of the United States have been or are now treating or holding communication with any person or perrous for the trans- fer of forte and other property; whether any domand for thoir surrender has been made, and by whom, and what answer has been given; whether any officer or officers have entered iato any pledge not to send reinforcements of troops to the harbor of Charleston, and if 20, when, where, by whom end on what considerations; whether the Custom: , Port Office and Arsenal at Charleston have been seized, by wuom held in porsession, hotber any revenne cutter has been seized, and whether auy eforia havo been made to receive |'. Tie committee baye power Wo send for persons and papers, and report from time to — facia at may be requir” by the national nm, fe. : Mr. Hovstox, (opp.) of Ala., raised the point that such a a were wee nn nied Mr. Howann rt moved tue prev! question. P we baie agg opp. of pete ine hing no cause for excitement panacd at ‘Vouns—There ig no excitement; vs are =— ‘Mr. Crawrord continued—Men should understand the line on which they are fectually sought to offi - Mr. Chaser, (opp.) of Va. at's Message cons! on the State of the Union, Mr. Faure, (OPP) of Mo., remarked that informs were in the miist of a revoli- tion, inviting the of such measures as may avert civil war, “The President appoais to C. to ‘an effort i restore the fraternal relations w! F gency. Mr. , (Opp.) of Pa., believing tho resolution Productive of no good it. Mr, Hns, (op?) of Ga., said the resolution was not besed on a pac! rc mn, F Tra, Gavia} Moa’), Hi 5 HY y Bauichins, 7 CENTS. MeClernané, McKean, Me!wight, MePberson, Millward Moo! ery, Moorhead, Morrill, Morris of Pa.. ‘Movse, Nel ain, Nixon, Woelh, tinea Ferry, Pettit, Porter, Potties re " Edwin &. Reynolds, John H.R Rice, Riggs,’ Robin” son of B. I. binson of Tl), ranlon, Sedgwick, Mtanton, Steven Thayer, Theake: Yai, Waldron, Wash: Yster, Wells, Wilson, f Ky., Mooie of Ala., Rust Bicklen, Ktvnas, Rantth of Ye’, Cait or MC, Reet Vallandigham, Vanee, Whiteley, Winslow, Woodson,’ Wright? Mr. Maywanp, (opp.) of Teba., asked consent to offer & resolution that the minority roport might be made frona the Committee of Thirty vires, ‘Mr. HinpaiaN, (opp.) of Ark. , called on the chairman ta state the number of members attending the meetings; whether there any probability of making a report, and state such particulars as would be calculated to shed some light on the subject. Mr. Berwerr, (opp.) of Ky., said he understood from the member from ansas that was no probability of agreeing. A number of the members represent og the slave Statesshad withdrawn from it. Was it, the o- fore, ‘politic or wise to continue the committe whow there was no prospect that they ever would report, 1/9 wanted to discharge them. No action was taken on the resolution. THE MISCELLANEOUS APPROPRIATION BILD. The House went into Committee of the Whole on the State of the Union on the Civil and Miscellaneous Appro- priation bill. anne rose without coming to a conclusion om ie . THE COVERN MENT ARSENALS, On motion of Mr, Lusk, (opp.) of Va., the Select Com- mittee on the President's Special Meseagé was instructed to inquire whether any arms have recently been re- moved from er’s Ferry to Pittsburg, and if go, by whose authority and for what reasons? ‘The resolution was amended so as to extend the inquiry as to the removal of arms from all the arsenals, Mr. Moris, (rep.) of Pa., presented a memorial from citizens of Philadelphia (signed by men of all parties) im favor of Mr. Crittenden’s compromise. Referred to the Committee of Thirty-three, Adjourned. SECESSION OF MISSISSIPPI FROM THB UNION. > Taonson, Miss,, Jan. 9, 1861. The Convention has been is recret session uearly all the morning. The ordinance for the {i ate seceasion of tha State has passed the Conve’ vote of 84 to 16. ‘Tho prominent places in we city are illuminated to- night, guns are being fired, and fireworka lot off in honor of the event. THE ALABAMA CONVENTION. Montoomxny, Jan. 9, 1861. The Convention met at cleven A. M., and continued in secret session till twelve M., when the doors were thrown open. Mr. Yancey moved the appointment of « standing com- mittee of seven each, on printing, eu1o!aent, and creden- tial, Adopted. Mr. Bulger offered a preamble and resolutions, to the purport that, as the anti-slavery agitation persisted in for yoars, and the late election of a President by the anti-slavery party, had rendered slave property inse- cure, that this Convention assembled considor and de- termine what the iaterests and houor of Alabama demand. Resolved, That separate State action would be unwise and impolitic on the part of this Convention: Resolved, That Alabama should invite all the Southera States to a convention, to be held as early as practicable, which sball consider’ and agree upon @ statement of grievances, and the manner of o’staining redress, whe- ther in the Union or by independence out of it. Mr. Bulger asked their reference to tho committee of thirteen raised yesterday, which was done, Mr. Beker offered a resolution, requesting the Governor to furnish the Convention information ag to the number of arms and their character and description prepared, and the price for euch description, the amount of funda expended, and the expenses attending the same; how many are on hand and how distributed, and what other arms are under his control. Mr. Jomison moved to amend by requesting the Gov- ernor to communicate how many companies or goldiera have been offered and accepted by him, and for what urposes accepted. . ‘dr. Morgan thought the information was of a natura ‘at requires to be communicated i secret sesston, Mr. Coleman moved still further to amend #0 that the information be given only in secret geesion. Accepted, Mr. Yancey moved also to amend by asking informa- tion in regard to the amount of ordnance and ammuni- tion owned by the State, what property belonging to tha United States was within the State of Alabama, and what property was found at Mount Vernon and Fort Morgan Accrpted. Mr. Jamison’s resolution was thus adopted. Mr. Baker offered a resolution that the State Treasurer be requested to furnish information in regard to the amount of money and other available assets in the troasu- ry not otherwise appropriated. Adopted. dir. Coleman offered the following resolution: — Regotved, By #1 Jabama, powers this State hes pred wns Sap to coh i the part of the general government to coerce any of the veceding Stntes. Mr. Davis, of Madison, moved a reference to the com- mittee of thirteen ratsed yesterday. Mr. Watts moved to refer it to the committee of five raised in secret session yesterday. Without any decision the Convention adjourned till to- morrow morning at eleven o'clock. THE FLORIDA STATE CONVENTION, ‘Taanaseem, Jan. 3, 1861. The Convention met to-day ia tho Capitol at twelve o'clock. On motion, Colonel John ©. Pelote, of Alachua county, was selectod as temporary chairman, and dir, B. G. Pringle, of Gadsden, was appointed temporary secre- ‘The delegates then came forward, presented thoir cre- dentials, and enrolled their names, a8 follows:— ALACHUA. § ‘LROT. J. ©. Pelote, G.T. Ward, J. B. Daw! 5 John Beard ‘BREVARD. W. 6. M. Davis, Wm. B. Yales, G. W. Perkbill. CALIIOUN: ‘Simeon J. Baker. cuay.* cou A. J.T. Wright, G. Hi. Hunter, PRCAMBIA. A. W. Nicholson, Samuel H. Wright. FRANKLIN, S. W. Spencer, McQueen Melitoeh. GADSDEN, *Lewis ©. Gaines elected, since Eis Sloction, nt Cay hae no aukguiceh pemene The total of delegates is 67. Some of the old counties, now embraced in new coah- ties, send delegates without respect to the new territorial Col. Pelote, on taking the chair ag the temporary pre siding officer of the Convention, sald:— Guvtiewen oF THe ConvanTion—We meet under ordino’y ctreumatances. The rapid spread fanatic’ a} our liberties and no bah Presidenc Gur state to deat menns for our Their are placed in our bande Wma Pao) dearest to us fe committed