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

a THE NEW YORK HERALD. _» | WHOLE NO. 8920. NDAY MORNING, FEBRUARY 10, 1861. HIGHLY IMPORTANT NEWS. The First Act of Retaliation by Georgia. Seizure of New York Vessels at Savannah. (Tee Effect of the Seizure of the Georgia { Muskets in New York. GOV. BROWN’S VIEWS ON REPRISALS, ‘The Excitement Here and in | ‘Washington. THE SEIZED MUSKETS GIVEN UP, bo, &e., bo. ‘The recent outrage perpetrated by the police of this icity, under the orders of Police Superintendent Kennedy, jf the Metropolitan Police district, by the seizure on the ult. of twenty-eight cases conteining 950 muskets rom on board the steamship Monticello, for Savannah, and igned to a citizen of that State, has assumed an im- portance probably greater than was anticipated by its au- thors and executors; for we learned by telegraph, yester- Mday, that the government of Georgia had taken retalia- ry measures by the seizure of five vessels in the port toe Savannah belonging to citizens of New York. The flagrant act of the police received the approbation the republicans and republican press of this city, and system of espionage on Southern vessels is still in fall and effect. The conservative’ and democratic por- ion of the public viewed the matter from a different dpoint, assuming it as an indication of the primary The information of the seizure of arms was soon tele- raphed to Georgia, and the first reply returned was the Mruepcrvmie, Jan. 24, 1861. Him Honor Mayor Woop:— Te it true that any arms intended for and consigned to State of Georgia have been seized by public authori- ies in New York? Your answer is important to us and New York. Answer at once. R. TOO! Mayor Wood returned the following reply:— How. Ronxrt Toouns, Milledgeville, Ga. :— In reply to your despatch, I regret to say that arms in- tended for and consigned to the State of Georgia have been seized by the police of this State, but that the tity of New York should in no way be made responsible for the outrage. As Mayor, I have no authority over the lice. If Thad the power I should summarily punish e authors of this illegal and unjustifiable seizure of vate property. FERNANDO WOOD, Mayor. Mayor Wood was unquestionably right in designating is seizure of private property as illegal and unjustiti- ble. The United States is not at war with any nation. ie State of New York, or any other State in the Unien, no right to declare war on its own behalf: that ‘ight is exclusively reserved to the President, with the t of Congress. Hence the assumption on the part of the Police Department that the merchandise on board ee steamers was ‘‘contraband of war’? was impu- itly absurd; for it is manifest that when no condition ‘war is admitted by the Executive there can be no uch thing as contraband merchandise, Another despatch from Georgia to Cromwell & Co., the agents of the steamship Monticello, the vessel from which jhe arms were taken, bearing the same date as Mr. Toulabe’ despatch, was as follows:— Savannan, Jan. 24, 1861. | The eeizure of arms from the Monticello causes excite- ent here. Can youget them back? We fear retalia- 108, | The next step in this affair is answered by a telegraphic lespatch, stating that Governor Brown, of Georgia, had 4 communication to Governor Morgan, of this State, manding the instant surrender of the seized muskets, expreseing a hope that a like outrage will not again be permitted. It is said that Governor Morgan, in reply to the demand bf Governor Brown, suid, that as the arms were designed to be used to subvert the government, which his dficial oath binds him to sustain, he could not, to far as he bad any control, permit arms to leave this State which might be turned against bur own citizens. From this it would appear that, in \ehaking the seizure, the police were acting under orders from the Goveraor, and not on Mr. Kennedy’s alleged rea- bon, that he made the seizure “because he conceived to be his duty as a good citizen.” From another source we learn that Governor Morgan, in his reply by telegraph, fleclined to take any action on the subject until it had beem brought to his notice in a more official form—by nail. The next thing we hear is that a resolution was introduced im the State Assembly of New fork to the effect that the Metropolitan Police Dommissioners be directed to repert to the House by bat authority, if any, they have ordered the seizure \l detention of these arms. This very natural and im- tant inquiry into a travsaction that amounts to an act o¢ ar, and is wholly unconstitutional, was immediately ed down. | The next feature in this peculiar case was the receipt J7 us of the following:— TO THE KDITOR OF THE HERALD. EXECUTIVE Dev aRYMANT, ADJUTANT GENERAL'S OFFICE, MILLEDORVILLE, Ga., Feb. 1, 1861. Permit me to correct ao errom us statement in your 25th ult. page 1, column 5, relative to the a the Monticello. The arms seized lio @ere not purchased by me, or by nt of the State of Georgia, nor ia any interest in them whatever. ery respectfully, your obedient servant, - HENRY 6. WAYNE, Adjutant General State of Georgia. | This letter, however, must have been written before }enoral Wayne or the Governor of Georgia had received uull particulars of the seizure, for we learn that of the lases of arms seized on board the Monticello one consign- pent of eighteen cases, containing 660 Minnie rifles, was b parties in Montgomery, Ala., to be sent through a Sa. Jannah firm, and the remaining ten cases to the State of Jeorg ia. On the Ist inet Superintendent Kennedy received a from Munn & Parsons, counsellors at law, demanding, behalf of W. H. D, Callender, Cashier of the State Bank Hartford, the ten cases of arms consigned to the te of Georgia. Mr, Kennedy referred the matter to counsel, and negotiations were pending until Thurs y last, woen the Superintendent peremptorily refused accede to the demand, A writ ef replevin was served pon he placed all the arms in the cus rift Kelly. On Thursday last Mr, Kennedy was waited upon by G. Lamar, Esq., President of the Bank of the Republic ho stated that he had just received @ telegraphic de- ch from Milledgeville, Georgia, directing him forward the twenty-eight cases upon receiving the @ from the & authorities of New York. Mr. lennely told him that no formal demand had yet been mde upon bim for the arma; upon which Mr. Lama: aged, “Do you refuse to give them up?’ Mr. Ken- ly replied, that “It would be time for him to answer at question as soon as a demand had been properly jo.” Here the interview ended, the Superintendent ring Mr. Lamar that he would not deliver up the to any person except the Sheriff, until compelled to by law. THE SEIZURE OF THE NEW YORK VESSELS. ‘The nex: feature in this aMfair was the recsipt of a tele. ic despatch yesterday trom Savannah, stating in af that Col. Lauton, the military commander at that ,acting under instructions from Governor Brown, A weized, ae reprisals for the muskets seized by the York authorities, five New York vessels in the port vannab, ‘The ves#els thus seized were the Hark Adjuster, kD. Colden Murray, ig W. RK. Kibby, ig Golden Lead, gover: PRICE TWO CENTS. ‘The receipt of this news in this city created no little excitement and covsternation; ome pronounced it an | act of war, and others alleg>d that it was what ghey anti” cipated from the beginning of the affair. Besides the newspaper despatch, the following are copies of others on the same subject:— Savanwau, Feb. 8, 1861. Mrsens. J, N, Surmi & Co., New York city :— Your brig (the Wm. R. Kibby) has been seized by or- der of the government. ‘The captain of the Adjuster sent the following to his owners:— Savanna, Feb. 8, 1861. Mrsers. Func & Mrivexx—My vessel is seized by order of the Governor of Georgia, on account of arms detained in New York. CHARLES A, ENEUL, Immediately on receiving the above despatch, Mesars. Funch & Meincke, the owners, sent the following de spatch to Captain Rnell:— New York, Feb. 9, 1861. Cartas CA. ENELL, Fsq.:—Protvest and send’ us full Particulars and facts, including an; re they send you. FUNCH & MEINCKE In addition to the above, Mr. Lamar received & private telegraphic despatch early yesterday morniog, stating that unless the seized muskets were promptly given to the rightful owners that reprisals of New York vessels then at Savannah would epgue; but before Mr. L. could prepare an answer to this despatch, recommending to take no such action, another despatch arrived announcing the seizure of the before mentioned vessels, ‘Tne veesels seized are thus described in thé marine re- cord of the Huratp office:— DESCRIPTION OF THE REPRISED VESSELS. ‘The bark D. Colden Murray was commanded by Captain Lee, and cleared at New York on the 10th ultimo for 3a- vapnah, at which port she arrived on the 19th. She isa new vessel, having been built in Brooklyn in 1860, rates Al, and is 448 tons burthen. She is owned by D. C- Murray. ‘The bark Adjuster is under the command of Captain Enel], and cleared at New York on the 14th ultimo for Savannah, where she arrived on the 27th. She is 496 tons burthen, rated A2, was built at Freeport, Me., in 1883, and is owned by Mesars, Funch & Meincke, of this city. The brig Wm. R. Kibby is owned by J. N. Smith & Co., of this city, by whom she was purchased in October last, and is under the command of Captain Barstow. She was built at Baltimore in 1853, is 190 tons burthen, and rated A2. She arrived at Savannah from New York on Thurs- day last, 7th instant, with a cargo of coal, and was to have taken a cargo of rice from that city to New Orleans. ‘The brig Golden Lead, Captain Johnson, cleared at Sa- vannah on the 27th ult. for Aspinwall. She was built at Thomaston, Me., in 1855, rated A2, is 299 tons bur- then, and is owned by Messrs. Metcalf & Duncan, of this city. She was chartered by Mr. Henry Raimers of this city, to take a cargo of timber to Aspinwall. She was ready for sea. ‘The schooner Julia A. Hallock is commanded by Captain Pedrick, and was built at Stonybrook, L. I., in 1868. She is 239 tons burthen, rates Al}, is owned by C. D. Hal- lock, and hails from Brookhaven, L. I. She arrived at Savannah on the 25th ult. from New London. The necessity of instituting a policy of reprisal on ‘the goods of offending States was anticipated by Gover- nor Brown, of Georgia, in his message to the Legisla- ture of that State onthe 7th, which was before the meeting of the Secession Convention. He says in that document:— Nor does that provision of the constitution of the United States which declares that no State shall grant letters of marque and reprisal interfere with the rights of a State to redress her own wrongs or those of her citi- bens, a8 agniaat a sister State of the Union, by reprisal, when she has no other remedy. The law of nations re- cognises a clear distinction between reprisals made bya State, and letters of marque and reprisal Bruntea by a sovereign State t> an individual or jadivi- duals authorizing them to redress their own wi The latter is prohibited by the constitution, but it contains no inhibition against the former. Georgia has it, therefore, in her er to compel Mas- sachusetts, or any other Northern |, to do justice to her citizens, fh this way tw force her to repeal her obnoxious and offensive legislation on the subject of slavery, or to suffer the penalties due to her violation of good faith and of that comity which should iy recommend hor repressatatives, by promps iogisition, y representatives, by pro: . to remove from her escutcheon every stain of inequality by which it is now tarnished. Let us meet unjust aggrés- sion and unconstitutional State legislation with just re- taliation. To this end I recommend the enactment of a law authorizing the Governor of this State, in case any citi- zen of this State shall in future be deprived of his slaves or other yy, under the operation ef the aggressive be gee Massachusetts, to which I have referred, or like legislation of any other State, or by neglect of any such State to fulfil her constitutional obligations to Georgia or her citizens by delivering up to the owner, on demand, his slave which may have eacaped into such State, to call out such military force as he may deem necessary for the purpose, and to seize such amount of the money or pro- perty of any citizen of such offending and faithless State, which may be found within the limits of this State, as may be amply sufficient fully to indemnify such this State who may have been robbed of his property by the failure of such faith- leas State to discharge its constitutional obligations, and forthwith to notify the Governor ef such state of the seizure; in case the Governor of such State shall fail, within thirty days from the time he receives such notice. to cause the property of our own citizen to be return: to him, or its full value paid to him, that it shall then be the duty of the Governor of this State to deliver such quantity of the property so seized to the injured citizen of this State as may be sufficient fully to indemnify him against all damages sustained by him. THE LATEST NEWS. We have learned, since the above was written, that as soon as the news of the seizure of the New York vessels became known to the parties in this city having custody of the seized muskets, the latter were placed in the un- conditional custody of G. B. Lamar, of the Bank of the Republic of this city, and information of the fact was communicated by telegraph to Jobn Boston, Faq., the Collector Of the port of Savannah, and Col. Lauton, the military commander of that place. We therefore antici- pate hearing of the surrender of the vessels at an early moment. THE EFFECT IN WASHINGTON. Wasmxatox, Feb, 9, 1861. ‘The news of the seizure of flye New York vessels in the port of Savannah, by the State authorities of Georgia, created agreat excitement here, As soon as the news reached the Capitol, Mr. John Cochrane, of New York, promptly offered a resolution directing the Secretary of the Treasury to inform the House whether he bad any official information on the subject. The government have received no official information All that is known in regard to it is re. ceived through the newspapers. The administration have been called on by a number on the subject. of leading commercial men of New York who are now here, to know what action will be taken in regard to this matter, The government cannot act without official knowledge. By reagon of the receipt of information to-day of the selgure cf New York ships at Savannah, together with the recent action of the New Orleans Custom House in obstructing the interior commerce in effect of levying tribute, and the declaratiqn of the Montgomery Congrese in opening the Southern ports free to foreign commerce, Jobn Cochrane, of New York, will call up on Monday and Press to a passage the bill heretofore introduced by him, providing for the thorough execution of the federal reve- ‘nue laws, and for the protection of the commercial in terests of the nation against flagitious attacks upon them by the seceded States. LATE INTELLIGENCE FROM TEXAS. [From the New Orleans Picayune. } Sovrnwner Pass, Jan. 30, 1861. Tho steamship Texas arrived here this evening from Galveston, and is on her way up the river, She reporte that of the eighty members of the Toxas islature, there are only seventeen for co-operation, e ‘ial committee reported in favor of calling a Btate Convention, But little attention was bop, | ys to the Governor's message, which favors delay as long as possible. He op- poses a convention of the people, and thinks the Union can yet be preserved. A resolution, delaying secession, was twice tabled. ‘The Committee on ‘Military Affairs is ‘ing a bill to put the State in a complete defensive condition. here are rumors that a body of men is moving on San Antonio, for the purpose of taking possession of the United States Arsenal there located. General Twiggs has called a troops to protect it, The Knighta of the Golden Circle bave offered him their services, Gen, Twiggs denice the t of bis resignation, but saye that he informed the President of his resolution not to use his sword against his countrymen. He says when a proper demand is made by Texas, he will haud ‘the argenal over to her authority, IMPORTANT FROM WASHINGTON. NO MORE TROOPS TO BE ORDERED TO THE CAPITAL, Wasuiarey, Feb. 6, 1861. To Captain Warp, Lieutenants MacGrecor, Jansson and Pxst, and my friends of the Scott Life Guard:— Gexrummy—Please accept my thanks for the personal Kindness to myself that dictates the expression of your desire to be at my side in this crisis of our country. The government does not contemplate calliag any troopé bere other than the District militia and some de. — tachments of regular troops, and it is desired by the friends of peace that no organ\zed societies or clubs, even without arms, shall make their appearance here until the © tranquillity of the public mind be restored. 1 cannot counsel an exception in your favor, much as I should value your faithful -ervices. With the affectionate regard of an old brother soldier, Tremain, truly yours, WINFIELD SOOTT. A visit to the quarters of the United States troops to- day proves the officers to be laboring under painful anxiety about coming events. The men are orderly and under excellent discipline. Reports that they had been to any extent unruly, and violators of the public peace, are untrue, REPORTS RELATIVE TO FORT SUMTER, Wasuineton, Feb. 9, 1861. Certain distinguished Virginians telegraphed Governor Pickens, requesting him still to forbear assaulting Fort Sumter. The Governor replies that he would take into respectful consideration any suggestion from them, but he could give no definjte answer until h» recejve the President’s communication and ‘the grounds of the latter’s refusal to surrender Fort Sumter. The letter of Colonel Hayne in rejoinder to the Presi- dent's reply, through the Secretary 0: War, was not re- ceived by the President until after the special message and accompanying documents were yesterday ready for transmission to Congress. If the President had deemed proper to answer the rejoinder, it, together with the re- ply, would have been included in the documents. Colonel Hayne having left the city early yesterday morning, his rejoinder was returned to him through the mail, addressed to Charleston, 8. C. THE SEJZURE OF THE MINT AT NEW OR- LEANS. Wasuinetoy, Feb. 9, 1861. Secretary Dix has received a despatch from the Assist- ant Treasurer and Collector at New Orleans, in reply to onefrom him, stating that Louisiana had taken posses- sion of the Mint and other property on the 81st of Janua- ry, and that they resigned on that day. It is understood that they have taken the oath of allegiance to the State of Louisiana. THE GOVERNMENT LOAN. Wasninerox, Feb 9, 1861. ‘Tho President has approved and signed the Twenty-five Million Loan bill, which passed both houses as originally reported, with amendments providing that the revenue from the loan authorized by the act of June, 1860, or so much ag may be deemed necessary, shall be applied to the redemption of Treasury Notes issued under the act of last December, and for no other purpose. The Secretary of the Treasury is authorized to exchange at par the bonds of the United States for such Treasury Notes at legal interest, and shall not be obliged to accept the most favorable bids, as provided for, unless he shall consider them advantageous to the United States, and apy portion of said loan not taken under the first adver- tisement he may again advertise, according to his dis- erction. Bostow, Feb. 9, 1861. The Travelicr states that bankers here will not take tho loans of the new administration unless affairs at the South are satisfactorily settled. MOVEMENTS OF THE GULF SQUADRON. Wastuncroy, Feb. 9, 1861. Four or five ships belonging to the Gulf squadron will soon return to Northern porte, most of them to New York. It appears on inquiry at the proper source that the St, Louis was ordered from the Gulf squadron as early as December 24, and the Sabine January 9, or three days be- fore the eurrender of the Pensucola Navy Yard, leaving tho other vessels to compose that squadron the Powha- tan, Pocahontas and Cumberland. Te obtain provisions, the storeship Supply was sent, by order of Flag Oificer Pendergrast, to Pensacola, and by Captain Armstrong, then at that place, was ordered to return to the squadron. But instead of doing so, Captain Walker, her commander, took on board the paroled officers and ‘men and women from Fort Pickens and proceeded to New York, for which disobedience of orders he is to be court martialled. The Cumberland has been ordered to Hamp- ton Roads, and the Powhatan to New York. Whatever of disaffection bas existed in the Gulf squadron was on board the latter vessel. When ordered to proceed else- where, a portion of her officers, who are Southern men, supposing she was to go to Pensacola, manifested discon- tent. The First Lieutenant sent in his resignation, tho acceptance of which will depend upon his being exone rated from blame, to be ascertained when the vessel shall arrive at New York; otherwise he will be court martialled. There are eleven naval vessels in commission on our coast, one at Cuba, and another at Fort Taylor and Tor- tugas. The Macedonian and Brooklyn have arrived in the neighborhood of Fort Pickens. While the Mexican government was in a more unsettied condition than at present, and there was a prospect of a demonstration by ‘Spain against Vera Cruz, it was the policy of the govern- ment to keep astrong fleet in the Guif for the protection of American interests. Since the Juarez government has been established the necessity for the continuance of a strong force in that quarter bas ceased, and hence the fleet has been distributed in the manner above stated. THE TWO PITTS. Wasninoron, Feb. 9, 1861. A good story is told of Goyernor Seward, It is known that his compromise speeches and positions find little favor with the majority of his republican associates in the Senate; and so offensive were his remarks last Thursday on presenting the Bew York petition, that it was decided that a distinguished New England Senator should denounce him as a traitor to the party. Luckily for the expectant “Premier,” as Weed calls him, the floor was given to Mason, of Virginia, whose severe lan guage so far allayed republican wrath that the modi- tated castigation was deferred, ‘The next day Seward was waited on by a delegation of Southern gentlemen to congratulate him on his highly “national’’ views. In the course of the interview Mr- S. assured them ho was for the Union at any sacrifice, whether of party or platforms. The spokesman of the delegation then said—‘This is all well, Mr. Seward. We like your speeches and your conversation. But, as yet, they come to no practical result. If you are willing, as you intimate, to comply with our demands, why not go in and indorse the Critten- den propositions at once?” Mr. Seward replied, ‘That is somewhat difficult. I have a record and have made speeches. I have political and personal friends who do not see the crisis as T do, and who would not give me credit for the real motives which control me.”” “0,” said the former speaker, ‘that isa very small matter in such a timeas this, You should be willing to turn your back on records, friends and everything to save the Union, You should do as William Pitt did on « simi lar occasion, when duty to Ins government and country impelled him to forget all he had previously said and dono, and disregard all ties of party and friends. Mak that your great example, Mr. Seward, and trust your coun. try, which you will save, to do you justics.”” This appeal was not without effegt upon the newly awakened patriotiam of the “ irrepressible conflictor.’’ A moment's pause followed. The remembrance of his narrow escape the day before flashed upon the Senator and he replied— Your proposition to make me a se- cond William Pitt is very flattering. But there are one or two obstacles in the way. When William Pitt trod the path you so warmly commend to me there was but one William Pitt, Now, and in this country, there are two William Pitts; and allowing me to be one of them, 88 your proposition seems to imply 1 mist tell you, gen. tlemen, that if my venerable friend, Mason, hadn't Pitched Into mo yesterday so unmercifully, that other iiliam Pitt would have given me bell.”” A general laugh followed. The gentlemen addressed saw the point of the joke and left, not quite satisfied that the coming “ Premier” had the courage necessary to on himeclt and the republican party to save the THIRTY-SIXTH CONGRESS. SECOND SkastON. Senate, Wasinyeroy, Feb. 9, 1861, The Vicx Pamupest announced that he had received the resolutions of the Democratic State Convention of Ohio. Objection was made to thei? reception, on the ground | that they were not specially asdressed to the Senate. After some discussion the resolutions were recetved— yoas 33, pays 14 Mr. Sewarp, (rep.) of New. York, presented petitions for the kettlement of the ditfieulties of the country. Also the resolutions of the Legislature of New York. Mr. CrrrrenEn, (opp ) of Ky., presented memorials of citizens of Kentucky in favor of the Crittenden resolu- Democratic State Conveation of Caaneotoet ned «ast number of petitions. : against any legiélation tor extending slavery in the Terri- Mr. Tex Evck, (rep.) of N. J., presented resolutions of the republican members of the New Jorsey Tegisla= THE BOSTON POST OFFICE SITE. Mr. Wnson, (rep.) of Mass., introduced a bill to pay Frapklio Haven and associates $12,000 ia payment of all leposited with the Post Othee Department. [This matter of the removal of the Boston Post otfice from Summer to State atreet.} ‘THE INDIAN APPROPRIATION BILL Was taken up. Pending the debate on the amendments, THE DEFICIENCY BILL. Mr. Gwin, (opp.) of Cal., mate a report from the Com- mittee of Conference on the Deticeney bill, that the com- mittee were unable to agree und asked to be di ‘ The committee were discharged. Mr. Hate, (rep.) of N. H., made a motion that theSenate recede from its amendments, which was iaid over. ‘The discussion was then continued on the Indian Appro- priation bill. THR NAVAL APPROPRIATION BILL was taken up and passed, when the Senate adjourned to Monday. House of Representatives. Wasuiycton, Feb. 9, 1861. On motion of Mr. Bormxr, (opp.) of Va., a resolution was adopted requesting the President to communicate to the House the correspondence between our government and that of Peru since 1853,0n the subject of the free na- vigation of the Amazon and its tributaries. ‘TR TERRIFORY OF COLORADO. Mr. Cox, (opp.) of Ohio, offered an amendment to the Senate bill for a temporary government for the ferritory of Colorado. It proposes to allow the people to assemble and form for themselves an organic law and Territorial government, to consist of a Legislature, judicial and executive departments, &c. It is substantially the Douglas substitute offered in the Senate, Ordered to be printed, ‘THR SOLDIERS AT FORT SUMTER. Mr. Corns, rep.) ‘of Iowa, from the Military Commit- tee, reported a bill ‘appropriating $1,150 to pay the musi- cians and soldiers for lose of instruments and clothing in the removal from Fort Moultrie to Fort Sumter. i ‘Mr. Tuoaas, (opp.) of Tenn., objected to its considera- ion. THR SEIZURE OF NEW YORK VESSELS AT SAVANNAH, Mr. Joun Cocimane,, (opp.) of N. Y., offered a resolution directing the Secretary of the Treasury to inform the House whether and what information has been received by the department relative to the recent alleged seizure of New York vessels at the port of Savannah, and, if seized, by whom, and by what authority. Mr. Brancu, (opp.) of N.C., would not object to the | resolution if the gentleman would amend it 80 as to call for information officially received. Mr. Coctmans replied—Certainly. Mr. Pryor, (opp.) of Va., suggested that inquiry also be included as to any property belonging to Georgia be- ing arrested or seized by the State or city authorities of New York. Mr. Cocunane had no objection, if such information was in porsession of the Treasury Department. ‘The resolution was thus amended. Mr. Homan, (opp.) of Ind., objected to its considera- tion. Mr. Cocuransg [gave notice that he will again offer it on Monday. SERIOUS CHARGE AGAINST THE ADMINISTRATION. Mr. Hixnpmay, (opp.) of Ark., said there was gross cri- minality tronoof the-exevuttve departments of the go- vernment, and asked leave to offer a resolution for the tment of a select committer of three, with inatruc- w to inquire whether any officer or officers of an exe- cutive department have lately been guilty of improper interference with an election: pending in any State, and that the committee have power to send for persons and ‘8, and report at any time. PeOnjections were made to the resolution by the republi- can side. ‘THE DEATH ON THE CRIAIS. Mr. Gorwm, (rep. of Ohio, moved to still further jer vedio | ig Of @ direct vote on the report of the ittee of Thirty-three till next Thureday. He be. lieved the public interest would not be prejudiced. Mr. Burnert, (opp.) of Ky., thought action, and not speeches, would be better for the country. Mr. Cokwix said he was duly impressed with Mr. Bur- nett’s suggestion, but he thought the Peace Convention might, before Thi , agree on something, or offer light on the subject, 80 a8 to onable the House to come toa better conclusion. Mr. Craice, (opp), of N. C., had no hope from this Peace Conference, and opposed postponement. As repub- licans bad been 60 generally heard, those on the ovher side ought to have ao opportunity to make speeches. Mr. Bukarrr was perfectly willing to postpone the de- bate until within five minutes of taking the vote. Mr. Corwin said he would not certainly call the vote until the gentlemen on the other side could be heard. Mr. Wastinery, (rep.) of Il, said his vote on the ing question would be governed by the condition public business. If this could be closed up im the mean- time, he had no objection. Mr. Craice, of N. C., was willing to vote now. Several gentlemen on his side said they preferred it. Mr. Corwin remarked it was far from his intention to do injustice to any gentleman. Mr. HixpMaw said he had made no speech. He proposed compromise, namely, to take a vote now. We might thus, he said, save the Union. The House 'pestponed the consideration of the report of the committee, after today, till Thursday next, and then resumed the consideration of the report. SPRECUES ON THE CRISIS, Mr. Hetemss, (rep.) of Ohio, as did Milton, asked Di vine guidance when about to speak of a revolt as wicked and causele:s 9s that of which Milton wrote. Among | the topics relating to the state of the country, which | crowded upon the mind for consideration, he had selected the followiog:—Firet—Have we a governinent worth pre: serving? Second—What are the alleged causes of its | overthrow? Are they sufficient? Third—The remedies | proposed. He contended if the a>surd right of secession, | a8 now advocated by the slave States, was admitted, wo bave no government, and it was no uee in trying to save it by compromises. 'He referred to the alleged causes of complaint, and argued that they were entirely ground Jess; that the free States had as just cause of complaint as the tlave States, and neither have any cause for a dis solution of the Union, He objected to the clauses of Mr. Corwin’s report, regarding it a8 an tack upon the liberty of the press in the free States, more dangerous then the sedition law of 1798. Some of the propositions reported by the Committee of Thirty-three were well enough ax a declaration of sentiment. Th | position to amend the constitution was opposed to the spirit of the age, and he could never vote for it. under no obligations to admit New Mexico now. § not the requisite population and docs pot ask He took up the Crittenden proposition and expla 3 saying the country did not understand it, and thet the free States would not adopt it. He referred to the his tory of compromises upon the slavery question, con tending that they were worthless as final settlements, er settlement that could be permanent founded on truth and justice. The verdict of t can people had been fairly obtained, and judgment should be rendered upon {t. This was n partisan view of the cage, but all who are really for the Union could stand upen it, and they must stand upoo it in the end, He could act with all who stood for the Union, and in so dol did not necessarily adopt their views upon the slavery or other questions. It was unwise to tamper with the organic law at the present time; but propositions to aineud the constitution, originating in States or in Congress, were entitled to respectful consideration at any time, whon not coupled with the threat to dissove the Union’ if not granted, The love of the Union was too strong in the affections of the people of all sections to allow a wide- spread conspiracy to destroy it to prevail Mr Srums, (opp.) of Ky., Said there had teen no time since the commencement of the session that the republi cans could not have saved the country. He advocated the plan of Senator Crittenden, which s'mply proposed to incorporate in the constitution the decision of the Supreme Court in the Dred Scott case, and give to the South the territory south of the line thirty-six thirty, and the Chicago platform north of it, Why would not the republicana take this? Mr. Stanton, (Fep.) of Ohio, replied:—As for himself he held that slayeholding was not a desirable form of civilization and ought not to be extended. He would not force it on a people against their will, The Crittenden plan propesed to divide by the same line all future aequi- sitions, If New Mexico has sidvery established therein, all future acquisitions, whether the status is fixed or not, will follow the condition of contiguous territory, Mr. Simms resumed, eaying the republican party wes organized especially onan anti-siavery basis—that ta the only link that holds them together, the object being the ultimate extinetion of slavery. Mr. Cox, (opp.) of Ohio, briefly replied to some remarks of Mr. Hutchins conestning himself, which he character ized as an indecent fttack. Henegades and rascals liko Jobn Brown havi the Mis of the constituents of his col league, who was elected because he was more radival then Joana Giddings. , Me. Huvonine reeponded, saying Mr, Cox would preserve ‘a0 Union if he eowld deo by exciting prejudices against the republican party, Tt was hardly fair to add fael to the fame of Southern excitement, if it was the object of his colleague to preserve rather tbhau destroy the Union Mi. Cox re torted—His o league was for the Cais, if there was a crush out slavery in the States or Territories, aod only in thin ease, but he (Cox) was for the Unioy, without qualification or coudition A remark of the latter called out Mr. Stanton, who re- Piled, apd was reeponded to by Mr. Cox, when the House aojourned. IMPORTANT FROM TRE SOUTH. The Southern Congress at Montgomery, Alabama. ADOPTION OF A CONSTITUTION, The Executive Officers of the New Republic. Jefferson Davis, of Mississippi, President. Alexander H. Stephens, of Georgia, Vice President. The Laws of the Union Con- tinued in Force, Kes FIRST DAY’S PROCEEDINGS. Montoomery, Ala,, Feb. 4, 1861. The Convention met to-day at half-past twelve o'clock in the Senate chamber of the capital. Mr. W. P. Cuuon, of Alabama, called the Convention toorder and moved that the Hon. R. M. Barnwell, of South Carolina, be delegated as temporary chairman, The motion was agreed to. Mr. BaRNWwett took the chair, thanked the Conven- tion, and called upon Rey. Dr. Basil Mauly to offer a prayer. After the prayer the Chairman stated that the first bu- Biness of the Convention was to provide fer its permanent organization. Mr. SuorteR—I move that A. R. Lamar, Fsq., of Geor- gia, be appointed temperary secretary. Adopted. Mr. MxMMINGER—I move that the deputies from the several States, in alphabetical order, preseut their cre- dentials to the Secretary, and also sign their names tothe Toll of the Convention. Adopted. ‘The deputies then proceeded to comply with the reso- Intion as foliows:— Alabama.—R. W. Walker, R. Il. Smith, J. L. M. Carry, W. P. Chilton, 8. F. Hale Colon, J. McRae, Jno. Gill Re. ae. | Shorter, David P. Lewis, Thomas Fearn. Florda.—James B. Owens, J. Patton Anderson—(Jack- son Morton was not present). Georgia.—Robert Toombs, Howell Cobb, F. 8. Bartow, M. J, Crawford, BE. A. Nisbet, B. H. Hill, A. R. Wright, ‘Thomas R. RK. Cobb, A. H. Keuiin, A. H. Stephens. Louisiana.—Jobn Perkins, Jr., A. Declouet, Charles M. Conrad, D. F. Kenner, G. E. Sparrow, Heary Marshall. Mississiypi.—W. P? Harris, Waiter Brooke, N. 8. Wil- son, A. M. Clayton, W. 8. Barry, J.T. Harrison, ‘South Carolina.—R. B. Rhett, R. W. Barnwell, L. M. Keitt, James Cheenutt, Jr., C. G. Merminger, W. Porcher Miles, Thomas J. Withers, W. W. Boyce. The Cuamman stated that the deputies had handed in their eredentials and bad signed the roll, and stated that the Convention was ready for vurther business. Mr. Rewrt—I think our proper course is to elect a President of the Convention. On the part of the deputies from South Carolina I present the name of a gentleman for that office who has been illustrious on the arena of the general government, whose uame is ovcxteusive with the length and breadth of this whole country. I nominate the Hou. Howeil Cobb, of Georgia, for President of this Convention. (Applause.) 1 am sure that his imuus, I therefore propose that he ‘The motiou prevailed. Mr. Itners—I move that a committee of threo be ap- pointed to inform Mr. Cobb of his election. Mr. Conn, on takivg the chair, addressed the Conven- ticn as foilowe:—Accept, gentlemen of the Convention, my sincere thanks for the loner which you have con” ferred on me, | shall endeavor, by « juithful and impar- Vial disebarge of the dutkes of the chair, to merit, in nome ciegree at least, the confidence which you have re- ed inne. ‘The oceasion which assembles us together ‘one of no ordinary character. We meet as the repre sentatives of sovereign and independent States, who, by their solemn judgment, have dis#olved all the political associations which consected them with the government of the United States. Of the causes which have led to this decision it is unnecessary now to spouk; it is enough to announce that by the judgment of our constituents they have been ample and sufficient. It is now « fact irrevocable fact—the separation is perfect, complete and perpetual. (Applause.) The great duty is now imposed on us to provide for these States a government for their future security aud protection. We can and should ex- tend to our sister States—who are identified with us in interest, feeling and institations—« cordial invitation to upite with us ju a common destiny, desirous, at the same time, of maintainyng with the rest of our late confederates as with the world the most peaceful and friendly rela- tious, both political and commercial. Our respousibili- ties, gentlemen, are great, and I doubt not we shall prove equal to the occasion. Let us as sume all the responsibility which may be ne- cestary for the successful completion of the great work committed to our trust, placing before our countrymen and the world our acte and thetr results as the justifica- tion of the course which we may adopt. With @ con- sciousness of the justice of our cause, and with a conf dence in the guidance and blessings of a kind Providence, we will this day inaugurate for the South a new era of peace, security and prosperity. (Applause. ) After routine business the Convention then adjourned until twelve o'clock to-morrow. The nomination of J. J. Hooper, for secretary, was then made by acclamation. SECOND DAY. Moxtuourry, Ala., Fob. 5, 1961. ‘The Congress met to-day at noon. Prayer was offered by Rev. Mr, Mitchill, of St. John’s chureh. The Secretary was authorized to appoint an assistant secretary and a journalizing clerk. Mr. Srxvumxs—The Committee on Rules have autho- rized me to submit a report which, for the convenience of members, has been printed and laid upoo their desks These rules have been selected by the committee from the rules of the House of Representatives as well as those of the Senate of the United States, with some from Jefferson’s manual, and some few original ones which the rded necessary for this body. The Secre tary will please read them {rom the printed copy. Mir, CorRY—I submit the following resolution: — Resolved, That Messrs, Shotter & Reed be appointed prin. this Congress, while ft holds its seasons in Montgo. nd that they shall do the work in th style and my f sa sation they Feeeived for the printing {ur the Alabama State Convenuion. Adopted. Mr. Nisner—i submit the following reseiution — Resolved, That the reverend élerey of this city be and they are hereby invited to open we sessions of this convention with prayer, and that a committee f three be selected from the Alabama Convention to @xtend to them this invite. tion and to arrange with thera fondle performance of the ser- vies. Adopted. Mr. Srepievs—T move that the hour of twelve o'clock be fixed upon as the time for regular meeting. A The States were called in order, aad when the secre tary called the State of South Carolina Mr. Memminger presented the following resolutions — Resolved, That this Convention deem it expedient forthwith to form a confederacy of the Siatex which have seceded from the fedgral Union; and that a commitice be appoiuied to re. n for a provisional government upon the basis of titution of the | wolved, That a of thirteen members be a pointed as follows, viz:—The chairman by the Convention, and (wo members from each State, to be nominated by the deputies of that State, esolved, That all propositions in reference to a provisional government be referred to this Committee. Mr. SrarneNS—I move to strike out of the resolutions the word ‘Convention’? wherever it occurs, and substi tute@he word Congress." Mr. Mewaivorn—I have no obj posed. Mr, Bantow—I offer the following resolutions as a sub stitute for those prosented by the geutloman from South Carolina: — Whereas, the Stites of South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi! and Louisiana, have dixsevered the olitieal ties which bound them toa edmpact known aa the United States of America, and through duly authorized dele tes are now assembled In Co (o provide measures for ¢ welfare of those States, and to establish an enduring £0 ferement whereby their rights may be maintalnel: and whereas, it is important (hat a provisional governm be formed before » permanent She can be constructed, there ore, Resolved, That the President appoint a committee of one from each Btate, to report a plan for @ provisional govern iment ax aoon ns poaeibie. The Congress went into secret soesion at quarter before ome o'clock P. M. FIFTH DAY'S PROCERDINGS. Mostuowmnry, Feb. 8, 1961, ‘The Congress was in secret seasion four hours to-day, and met again to-night, and has probably achieved im. portant results, which will be made known to-morrow, ‘The only public session was balf an hour this morning, tion to the change pro vepsmed in prayer and some formal business resolutions General Henningsen is here. THE CONSTITUTION OF THE SOUTHERN CONFEDERACY, Moyroomeny, Feb. 9—3 A. M. The Convention have just got through with preparing the first copy for the printer of the Provisional Constitu- tion, Its title is—‘ The Constitution for ths Provisional Government of the Confederate States of America” It follows in the main the constitution of the old Union, ‘The preamble reaas as foliows:— We, the Deputies of the sovereign and inde pendent States of South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana, invoking the ‘aver of Almighty God, do bereby, in behalf of chese States, ordain and establish this constitution for the Provisional Government of the same to continue one year trom the inanguration of the President, or until a permanent constitution or confederation between the said “tates shall be put in operation, whichsoever shall first ooeur, The Seventh section, First article is as follows:— The importation of African negroes from avy fereigm country other than the slaveholding States of the United States ig hereby forbidden, and Congress is required to pass such laws as shall effectually prevent the same, Article second—Congress ehall also have power to pro- hibit the introduction of slaves from any State not a member of this confederacy. Article fourth of the third clause of the second section eays:— A slave in one State escaping to another shall bo deli- vered up on the claim of the party to whom said slave may belong, by the Executivé authority of the State im which such slave my be found; and in cage of any abduction or forcible rescue full compensation, includiag the value of slave, and all costs and expenses shall be made to the party by the State in which such abduction or ressue shall take place. Article sixth of the second clause, says:— ‘The government hereby instituted shal) take immediate steps for the settlement of all matters between the States forming {t and their late confederates of the United States in relation to the public property and public debt at the time of their withorawal from them, these States hereby declaring it to be their wish and earnest desire to adjust everything pertaining to the common property, common liabilities and common obliga ions of that Union upon principles of right, justice, equity and good faith. The tariff clause provides that the Congress shall have power to lay and collect taxes, duties, imposts, and ex- ciges for revenue necessary to pay the debts and carry cn the government of the confederacy, and all duties, imposts and excises shall be uniform throughout the confederacy. All the other portions of the constitution are almost identical with the constitution of the United States. The constitution was adopted unanimously last night, at half-past ten o'clock. THE LATEST FROM MONTGOMERY, The Election of President and Vice President. SIXTH DAY’S PROCEEDINGS. Montoommny, Ala., Feb. 9, 1861. Unusual interest was manifested in the proceedings of the Southern Congress to-day. The hall of the Convention and the gallery were crowded with spectators. Mr. Memminger presented a beautiful model flag, mad@ by the ladies of South Carolina, This flag has a blue cross on a red field. Seven star@ are on the flag. Tt was highly admired. ‘Mr. Memmmger also presented another model flag, made by a gentleman of Charleston. It has a cross and fifteen stars on a field of stripes. A committee was appointed to report on a flag, a seal, @ coat of arms and a motto for the Southern confederacy. The President was directed to appoint committees on Foreign Affairs, on Finance, on Military and Naval Affairs, on Postal Affairs, on Commerce and on Patents. Honorable Jefferson Davis, of Mississippi, was then elected President, and Honorable Alexander H. Stephens, of Georgia, Vice President of the Southern confederacy, The vote was unanimous. A resolution was adopted for appointing s committeo of three Alabama deputies to inquire and report on what terms suitable buildings in Montgomery, for the use of the several executive departments of the con- federacy under the provisional government, could be had, An ordinance was passed continuing in force until reg pealed or altered by the Southern Congress all laws of the United States in force or use on the Ist of November last. It is understood that under this law a tariff will be laid on all goods brought from the United States, A resolution was adopted instructing the Committes on Finance to report promptly a tariff for raising revenue for the support of the government, A resolution was adopted authorizing the appointment of a committee to report a constitution for the perma- pent government of the confederacy. The Congress was about two hours in secret session, and the rest of the proceedings were conducted openly. A grand demonstration is going on here this evening, A complimentary serenade was given to Hon, Alexan. der H. Stephens, which he responded to in a very elo+ quent speech. Mowers. Chesnut and Keitt, of South Carolina, Conrad, of Louisiana, and others, also spoke very eloquently, One hundred guns were tired on Capitol Hilt this afternoon for the Southern Confederacy. The demonstration is still progressing. A strong and vigorous government will go into imme- diate op“Wation, with full powers and ample funds. No proposition for compromise or reconstruction will be en- tertained. The Congress will remain in session to make all necessary laws, IMPORTANT FROM THE SOUTHWEST. Seizure of the Little Rock Arsenal and Nine Thoue sand Stand of Arms, Mamrms, Tevs., Fob. 9, 1861, News is received here that the Little Rock (Ark.) arse. nal, containing nine thourand stand of arms, a large amount of ammunition and forty cannon gincluding Capt. Bragg’ battery, were surrendered to the State authorities of Arkansas yesterday. ‘The arsenal is now garrisoned by a hundred volunteers, THE PEACE CONGRESS. Proceedings of the Northern Free and Border Slave States at Washington. SIXTH DAY. Wasmixotox, Feb. 9, 1861. The Peace Congress met this morning, and afver filing up the committee who are engaged upon some mode of adjustment with @ member from New York, Tennessee, Missouri and Massacbusetts—the Commissioners from these States having arrived—the Convention adjourned, The committee, however, are assiduously engaged at their work, and expect to be able to report to the Con vention carly next week. Nearly every member has 4 proposition which be CONTINUED ON BIGHTH PAG “ade + ARI ah