The New York Herald Newspaper, February 13, 1861, Page 1

WHOLE NO. 8923. ees MORNING EDITION—WEDNESDAY, F EBRUARY 13, 1861. PRICE TWO CENT: THE NATIONAL CRISIS, MMPORTANT NEWS FROM WASHINGTON, The Deplorable Condition of the Government Finanves. Warlike Measures of the Republicans. INCREASE OF THE NAVAL FORCE. DEBATE ON THE CRISIS IN TUE SENATE. ®peech of Senator Green on the Secession Question. Proceedings of the Committee of the’ Peace Convention. ‘The New Government Assumes Charge of the Question Relative to the Public Property, &., &., &e, IMPORTANT FROM WASHINGTON: DEPLORABLE CONDITION OF THE GOVERN- MENT FINANCES. ‘Wasuineton, Feb. 12, 1861. ‘The following communication has beon addressed by the Secretary of the Treasury to Mr. Sherman, Chairman * @f the Committee of Ways and Means:— Sm—I deem it my duty to call your attention to the domands the pressing on :| Treasury, and to suggest the ‘aly mode of meeting them perrntt seriously impairing the public credit. The liabilities duo, and to fall due be- ‘the 4th of March next, are as follows:— ‘These aro the round numbers, making a total of. sees seeeceees -$9,901,118 ‘The ing revenue will, it ;, net about $1,900,000 of the amount, leaving but eight miilions to bo Previded tor. ‘There is in the ury subject to draft of the Treasurer of the United States but litte more than balf » million, and a EY requisitions: & ie sury Departinent amounting to nearly ten millions of dol- Jars unanswered. In the present condition of the country it would be to borrow the moncy needed to’ meet tne the Treasury, unless at a discount which would serious! ay the public debt, without some pledge in addition to that of the faith of the goverment. Several the States, in accordance with a suggestion contained my letter to the Committee of Ways and Means, of the January last, have affered to superadt the pledge of ‘their faith to that of the United states for the reiemp- tion of any bouds it may issue, to the amount of the 4 Public moneys deposited with them respectively for safe keepiwg, under the act of 2d June, 1830. Hf Congress” will offers aecepied, the money required to mvet the Liabilities due nd tw fall due bere the 4th of March can de ootened atpar. If tho authority is not grante’, I am eutistied it can wily De procured on terms which would be exceud tagly wieadvantageous to the government, an} in the bighest d-gree detrimental o ite credit. 1 should not ‘venture to ask tora loan exeyeding tro millioas of dol- Jars, and vearly the whole of this amount would he ro- quired to meet thoredemption of Treasury notes to fad due before tue 4b of March. There would be due oo hat day about six miilions of dollars to public ereuitors, whose demands crud not remain unsutstied without sanjreting them to most serious insonvenievces, aud tome cases to serious losses I havo discharged my @vty tv them and to the country by making this exhibit of the puylic wants, and in pointing out the ouly mode by which in my judgment, they can be met with Out Lhe most Serious CousequENces to the laterests of the government aud jadividusls to whom it is inuebted ‘The Abort time to elapse before the clove of the prosent *es- sion of Congress renders it imdiapensable that [ should acvertice for a loan on the 13th or Lith tastant at toe farthest. 1am, very respeotfutly, your obedie.t servant, JOHN a. DIX, Secretary of the froasury. The followirg is the bill which Mr. Sherman ineffuctual- » ly endeavored vo introduce:— Be it enacted, &¢, That the Secretary of tne Treasury is bereby authorized wo accept from any we a goarantee of eny stock of the United States which may be boreafter issued, to the amount ef public money doposited with such Stato for sate keeping, txder the provisions of an act entitled “An act to regu late the deposit of the public money,” approved 23d of June, 1826, provided that nothing herein contained shall be construed to affect the proviso of the act entitied “An ‘ct to,postpone the fourth inataiment of the deposit with the States,” approved Ootoner 3, 1837, roquiring tue twee previous instalments to remain with tho States ‘un it otherwise directed by Congress; an! provided, fur- ther, that such guarantee shall in po event be construed or en/orced a8 imp-8ing suet deposits beyond the obliga- tions now existing by law. THE PEACE CONVENTION. Wasmverox, Feb 12, 1961. The Peace Convention was not in session to-day. The members of the Conveation not on the committee took to the two honses of Congress, aud labored with the mom. bers of those bodies. Ex-President Tyler listened to the of Senator Groon, who pitched into Virginia for y disappointing tho immediate secession by hor recent voto, ‘Suspicion is expressed by conservative mombers of the Peace Congress at the fanatical action of the Wisoonsia Legielature, in filling up thoir commission with republi- can members of tho senate and Huse, and exelu ting Judge Larrabee, the only conservative mombor from that ‘Stale. The sotion of Maino and Pennsylvania is also con- demped, for the fanatical pviicy in appointing all altra republicans, The reprosentatives from these Staton will undoubtedly retard and possibly defeat any adjustment, The Penee Conference Curamittec wore nsession several hours wo-day, but made Little progross, The Commissioners from Mame, whoarrived yesterday, desired to understand what had thus far been done, and the committee were compotied to devoto most of the day in explal ing what : had beer done. * “If the matter had been left to the border States, they would cro this have come to an uninimouy agreement apon a plaa of settioment, Rut the New Bagland States, togother with iwo or throe othera, bave thus tar retarded ‘sod are still retarding action, [t may, therefore, be two of three days before the committe will be able to re- port. As singular as ft may appear, tho republican portion of ‘the Now York Commissioners are the most rabid and un- compromising of any that are to the Convention. They ought tw be, im order to represeut fairly tho State, the ! moet conservative. The jollowing letter bas been addressed to the chair. 00. — la «i New Yorn, Feb. 11, 1861. My Dran Sm— havo this morutng read, with th @resteat satisfaction, thy resolutions prop wed by we sdoption of tke Peaco Conveation, Shey are every thing beceasary to the aottioment of our difiiculties, aad from which you ought not to swerve. To the South it win be idle to offer aaytbing less Soutuern, while in the North they present the question #0 dietiact ani clear and couelusive that the conservative portion of our commn nity will be enabled wo rally in theiasupport every where Would it pet be well, should you find a certaiaty of your being ote. down, to signify that, should #' results take placs, then you will on the adoption of the provisional government the Southern Oon- federate States as your final offort at reconciliation. In my judgment, the Southern States have acted with guarkou inselligence, for while thay have made full Psa poration to sustain their position they have left the {wide open “or reconstruction, an event most devoutly to he prayed for, not to be trifled with, The fanatiolam of the North hay ethwvited the strongest evidenoos of in- fury, Olinded t their own foterests they havo hrought the country they represent to the verge of a wear, the inevitable eonpRequAnoS of tramting with autnorize these tw be Furnas powers, whereby che sooth ara to bo main wired tn th fd The mppiy of cotton fe itn! rope, 1 murt he had, ret the ost bo what it may, and wh first @@9 be taken ta thar direction tho fulare may ily foreseen. With h regard, L bave the honor to temain your obedient woe wervant ALEX, HaMILTON, Hos, Jase GUTMRE, Washington. WaR MEASURES OF THE REPUSLICANS. Wasmuoroy, Fod. 12, 1861. In the Senate to-day the Naval Appropriation Dill paesed, with the amendment appropriating twelve hun- dred thousand dollars for the construction of even screw steamers of war. The vote in favor of the amendment was large, notwithstanding the onslaught pon it by Senators Mason and Green. Mr. Reynolds, from the Select Committee on the Presi- dent's Special Message on the state of the country, wil! report back the bill referred to them authorizing and em- powering the President to recapture the forts, navy yards and arsevals seized by the secessionists in Southern States, and Mr, Reynolds will support tho measure in a speech, and press it to a vote of the House. Other important reports from the same committee are im course of preparation, and will soon be made, In one of theze reports another member of the Cabmet, who has not of late Sgured much, will find himself occupying a front seat among the conspirators against the govern- ment. In consequence. of the seizure of arsenals in Southern States, with ordnance stores therein, includivg gun- powder for the service oF the fortifications of the Gulf, Cole) Craig, of the Ordnance Bureau, through tho Se- cretary of War, has asket the House for an aitional appropriation for the armament of tho fortic in cluding the purchase of gunpowder, of $100,000, and an equal amount for ordnance and ordnance supplies. THE INDIAN BONDS ROBBERY, ETC. Wasuinctos, Feb. 12, 1861. Mr. Morris has to-day made his report from the Select Committee on tho Indian Bonds Robbery. The committee were unanimous. The House listened attentively to the reading of it. The disclosures it makes is the subject of conversation in almost every circles The fact that grand receptions are going on to-night at the President's and Judge Douglas’ does not lessen tho sensation which was produced in the House this after- noon by the reading of the report on the abstraction of the Indian bonds. It is the topic of conversation in near- ly every prominent circle, and the public are astounded at the developementa. They account in a great measure for the subsequent desperate proceedings of some of the principal actors. ‘The opponents of the Tariff bill are making considera- bie headway against that outrageous measure. They are showing it up in all its paked deformity, and the repubi- Mcaus in both houses are becoming alarmed. The com- mitteo from the New York Chambor of Commerce, head- ed by Mr. Opdyke, aro accomplishing all that they could poesibly desire, The friends of the bill express a willing- ness to mollify it to suit their wishes. The committeo of the Philadelphia Board of Trade arrived here this evening, and havo already entered actively on the labor of promoting the passage of the Tariff bill, which is expected to be taken up in the Senate to morrow. From the present prospoct there will be no disturbance at the Capitol to-morrow when the electoral vote is counted in the presence of the two houses. Flevea hun- dred regular troops are now in the city, and will beon duty from sunrise until sunset, All the emp'oyés of the Capitol, including the police and watchmen, in extra force, are ordered to be on hand early to-morrow morning, to look over the crowd that will attend to witness the ceremony of counting the votes for President and Vice President. The Select Committees of Five despatched two of its members yesterday a‘ter Governor Hicks, to testify as to the conspiracy to seize the Capitol. While they were on the way to Annapolis the Governor was ona train for Washington. He will be examined to morrow on that subject. ‘The President bas isened a proclamation declaring that an extraordinary cecasion requires the Senate to convene for the traneaction of business on the 4th of March, at noon that day, namely, “To receive and act upon such commapications as may be made to it on the part of the Executive.” ‘This procta- mation 1s in necordunce with usage, and to enadle the incoming President to nominate for confirmation the members of his Cabinet. dhe Oregon and Washington war debt bas been mado the epecml order for Thursday next. There will be a tremenduns effort on the part of the friends of this bili to put it through the House under the previous question The amovat involved is several mi lions, The present depleted state of thé Treasury, if no other reasoa was urged, will defeat this claim. General Wool, who is now here, and who 1s familiar with this matter, can, if neces- sary, enlighten Congress respecting ite vallJity. A private dispatch jnet recelved by a Senator from uurg, states that tho Judiciary Committes of the lvania Legislature had unanimously agreed to report in fayor ¢f the repeal of the Personal Liberty bil. It was thougbt it would be put open its passage to-mor. row, and would pass both houses in a few days. In exoeutive session of the Sonate this cvening, Assist- ant Postmaster General King was coatirmed as Postmaster General. ‘The republicans were defeated in their efforts to-day to stave off an executive session. Judge Black is gaining strength, and the yote on confirming him will be very close. There was no vote taken to-day on his case. His friends succeeded tp getting another trial on Tharsday, when they bope to conf)m bim. ‘Tho nomination of Mr. Greenwood, for Secretary of the Interior, has not yet been sent to the Senate, although the President has the consent of Mr. Greenwood to do so if bo thinks the public service actually requires that the vacancy shall be filled; otherwise it is Mr. Greonwood’s express wish to remain where ho is. Senator Crittenden received a despatch to-day an- nouncing that Tennessee has geno forty thousand ma- jority against secossion, and it ts probabie that a conven- tion bas been defeated. Tho same despatch appeals to the North to concede something towards a settlement of the present difficulties. Col. Schnabel, of Pennsylvania, has just returned from an exploring expedition through some of the secoding States. He reports that the olarm in the rural regions is general, and families aro flocking to the hotels in the city, apprehensive of the wildest demonstrations among tho servile population. The withdrawal of many of the males from the interior to Ail up the ranks of the secoding armies has left some of the isolated districts in an almost defenceless position. Cobme! 8. also reports that negroes are secrotty taquiriog obont the uses of Sharp's ritlos, avd that an agent of the company Manufacturing them is in one of the Southern “tutes making contracts with the aathorities to dispose of the arms A letter from a highly responsible Southern source received to night says:— We are now. m the midst of a revolution that may be soted upen as a xed and irrevocable tact, It 8 Booties vo argee the causes that produced it, or whether it be a geod or bed thing in itself, The former will be the task of the historian—tbo latter is & problem which the future alone ean golve, The wise maa, the patriot ant states. tun, in efther geo jon, will take the fact na tt existe, aad co the best he can under the cireumsvanees for the good, the peace, welfare and happiness of bis own country, The resignation of Captain Rossean, of Louisiana, has been accepted by the Secretary of the Navy. Ther are good reasons for believing that Senators Moson and Hunter, of Virginia, will receive a polite invi- tation in a few days from the Union Convention, which meets in that State in a day or two, to resign their places as ropresentatives of the Old Dominion. THE CIRCULATION OF UNION DOCUMENTS. Wasmvaron, Feb. 12, 1961 On Saturday last Mr, dindman, of Arkansas, offered the following resolution, which being objecte’ to, was laid over — Resolved, That a select committee of three be ap pointed by the Speaker, with instruction to inquire whother aby oflcer or willeers of the Executive Depa t mont of this ment has lately been guilty of im r interference with élections recently or now pend in any of the States, and that said committee have power to send for persons and papers, and ¢) report at any time. Mir. Hindman bas the reputation of being @ secession- lot, which led to the suspicion that somebody had been interfering to dissuade the people of his State from tho exercise of their soveroign right to secede, A few in- quiries developed tho fwct that Superintendent Kennedy, of the Cenaus Bureau, had been chargod by the soces. sjoniste with flooding the border slave States with Union Aa the census Liste contain tho names and apeoches. pret office addres of all voters, it was inferred that thoy ) had heen nyed for this purpose, Tt appeared that over three bao ‘red thousand copier of tho Enea of Mesara Clemons, flamiiton, Millaon, Gil- | mer, Morrison, Harrie, Etheridge ant Senator Andraw | Johnson, have been sent off to Virginia, North Caro- | Vina, Tennessee, Kentucky, Arkansas, Tess and _ Maryland, and on at the rate of ten totwenty thousand por night. Mr. | Kennedy acknowledges to have superiatended tho work out of office hours, but cenies having used his offielal frank or aided the movement at goverument expease. He is only exercising his righta of oitizonship. A large room has been hired exclusively for this purpose, and the labor is chietly performed by volunteers. As soon as certain members of Congress were ad- vised from home of the receipt by their con- Btituents of these documents, they beoxme highly indignant, Some of them called upon Mr. Ken- | nedy, and commanded him to ceaso sending the | documents into their districts. Mr. Hindman, it is said, demanded of him apromise that he would refrain | from sending Union documents into Arkansas, Mr. | Kennedy refusea to accede, stating that his propositions | must be written, when Mr. Hindman declared he would hold Kennedy to p account, and that he would soon hear from him ‘ing. Ile then wrote demand- ing that Kennedy would ‘couse at onee and absolately”” the conduct whereof he had verbaily complained, and which he deemed an “intolerable tmpertinence, not to be submitted to,” and required an immediate and expli- cit answer, Mr. Kennody repliod that the tenor of Mr, Hindman’s Bote would be sufficient of itself to excuse any notice, yet, waiving such considerations, he would request him, in order to avoid misapprebensions, to put in writing the nature of the demand referred to. Mr. Hindman did not do so, but his resolution, refor- red to, was prebably intended to anewer the object in view. ‘The following correapondence, showing the efforts of a portion of the Virginia delegation in this matter, is in | the possession of members of both houses:— Censvs Orrick, DEPARTMENT oF THE IxTERIOR, Wasninoton, Jan. 31, 1861. Guyrienx—I have the honor to acknowledge 8 commu- nication f you, just received, which is in the follow- ing words, viz:— House or Representatives, } ASHINGTON, Jan. 1861. J.C. G, Kexnepy, Eeq., Svperintondent of the Census:— ‘Sin—At our interview this morning you offered to replyin writing to such inquiries as we might desire to address to you, Ja regard to an alleged dlatribution of pout teal and do-uments under the authority of your olllee, We present the questions on the next page, and request an carly answer, ‘Very respectfully, your obedient servants, THOMAS 8 BOCOCK, M. RH. GARNETT, A. G, JENKINS, | The tnterregatories which you have proposed I proceed to copy and answer:— Question First—Have the clerks in the Consus office, or apy of them, been hangup ayy by your authority, or that of officer government, in distributing political specches or documents for circulation im Virginin? In reply I answer, that I have exercised no authority over any clerk or number of clerks in this office for the F sageaeon mentioned, nor have they been thus employed by any other officer of | the government, saving as is herelaaftee explained. Question Sccond—If 60, have they been so employed in or out of office hours? In reply, am not aware of any clerk being employed in directing any political speecbes or documents in office hours. Out of this oil ‘and out of office hours, they are not subject to any con: | trol of mine. | Question Third—I¢ so, are they allowed to use the re- cent cenrus returns of names in directing and distribyt- ing such political speoches or documents? I allowed a | portion of the names of record in this office to be copied, in | ‘accordance with the request of the Breckinridge and Lane United States Central Committee, as Leupposed at the time for the purpose of bemg used in directing anddis- | tributng politreal documents or speeches; snd more re- | cently 1 bave permitted an abstract of names for the pur- pose of distributing the speeches of Southern embers of Cor gress who bave plead for the Union, Question Fourth—-If so, in thus allowing the census clerks, or in allowing sucb use to be made of the census return’, are you prepared, or do you feel bound to give to every metuber of Congress, tho same advantages tn | distributing speeches, or other political documents, given | to the members, persona or parties, in whose favor your authority has been already thus used? In reply, [answer ‘hat, in the discharge of oflicial duties, 1 have avoided all partiality, carnestly endeavoring to comply with every reazonalo request, mide by members of or others, without regard to party, always gratified ia per- forming, when I haa the power, many things which, a A matter of oflicial duty, 1 oid not feel bound to do; ‘and | with thé same feciiug whereby Ihave been animated heretofore, shail ever be prepared to respond favorably, DWE as iar as lies in my power, to any request wherowith comphan mid not be inconsistent with my official duties, and f+ uile tree togay that Ihave nevor given an “avyuptago” to any over wembor of Congress witch under similar circumstances, 1 would deny tw olthor of ou. MOuestion Fit b—-Has the Inbor of aldrossing tho epecchos or doqum:nts referred to been apportioned among al! or some of the clerks aver your control, aud the jutimation given that a compliance was expected ? I reply, I answer that I have not «lesired or directed hat avy clerk, or aby number of clerks, should at any tine perform a duty in onsistent with his oifictal ob! tine, ond the clerks who may be enguged in directing any sper ch or documents are vohinteors in such employ: ment, perform the duty out of office houre and out of ice Tooms. Documents or political speeches have not, by my direction, been out up by censua clerks within oilice hours, and no clerk has beca urged to aid in the distribution of any political matter, as many more bave tendered their services than oan be usefully employed. Inasmuch as my offical duties occupy much moro timo than is usvally devoted to public business, I have not had sufficient Jeisure to engage personally in the Girectirg of documents or speeches, and n» use for my cfliesal frank for their distribution; but while clearly comprehending my duty as a public officer, 1am not in- sensible to the uso of any influence, hoxever hurdle, I may legitimately exert upon others, or to the exercise of my own rights apa ctizoa, whieh will not remain inactive white their is 80 wide a field tor their employment. Tan, with great respect, your obedient servant, JO3, €..G. KENNEDY, Hon. Twos 8 Bocock, M. ©., Hon, M. R, H Garwerr, ., Hon. A. G, Jmwxins, M. €., House of Reprosenta- THE PRESIDENT’S LAST LEVER. Wasmvatox, Feb, 12, 1861. Presideat’s levee to-night was Mr. Bu- It was the largeet of his ad- and was very brilliant. It is osti mated that at least five thousand people wore in attendance. The venerable beads of the Peace Congress were prominent among the throng. In cotrast with these were the ropresontatives of the army and navy, attired in their brilliant warlike trappings. All the leaders of the incoming a/ministration now in the city were present, including Governor Chase,of Ohio, whose chances for the Cabinet increase. Of the officers of the present Cabinet Mr. King, who war confiemod by tho Senate to-day, was present; also nearly all the forcign ministers. The President expressed no regret thag his end had come, and Miss Lane nevor did the honors moro grace fully. Sho was attired in pure whito, and duriog the whole evennig was surrounded with hosts of friends and admirers, each one of whom seemed to have a parting word to say. Everybody scemed to be morry, the out- going as well as the incoming. Tho band played “Acray Down in Dixey” and closed with ‘Yankee Doodie,”” The number of ladies presont was very large. THE SOUTHERN CONFEDERACY. The Congress of Southern Sovereignties at Mont- Alabama. rirTm DAY. Mowrcommy, Ala,, Fob, 8, 1841. The Congress mot this morning at eleven o'clock. Prayer was offered by Rev. A. D. Pellicer, pastor of St, Petor’s Catholic church. Mr. Hint, made the following report: — ‘The committee te whom was referred tho communica tion from tho General Assembly of the State of Alabaa a reported the resolations following, and recommended that they be adopted by the Congress: — Resolved, That this Congress axcopt the liberal offer of the General Assembly of the state of Alanama, to place at the disposal of thie body the sum of $500.00) aa a loan to the go- verment of the confederacy now oeing formed. at ty place the highesi LerONs, mie Kha coneddsrate aaron of {he ‘Alabsma, abd realize in i¢ the zealous devotion of the people of that State to the cause of Southorn Independence Resolved, That she ecretarios of thie body, be instructed to trapsmit « of these revolutions to the of the State ama. Mr. Mewrncien, at balf-past eleven o'clock, moved that Congress go into secret seagion, Adopted. . RIGHTA DAY. The ebanan’s lust, ministration, y si .The Convention then went into secret which it adopted the following and removed secrecy — ‘That this: ment of the United States, relating to the occupation of the forts, arsenals, navy yards and other public estab- wepts, and che Preeideut of (his Congress is directed to communicate bis resolution to the Governors of the Btutes. THE KENTUCKY LEGISLATURE. Lovesviss, Feb. 12, 1961. ‘The Kentucky Legislature, without doing anything of a of March, to await and consider the action of the Peace Commissioners at Washington. IMPORTANT PROCEEDINGS IN CONGRESS. THIRTY-SIXTH CONGRESS. GEOOND SESSION. Senate, ‘Wassavason, Feb. 12, 1861. Mr. Wane, (rep.) of Ohio, presented petitions asking Congress to stand firm by the constitution and Union. the citizens of Connecticut in favor of the Orittenden re- | solutions. Mr. Witxrnsoy, (rep.) of Minn., presented a joint roso- lution from the Stateof Minnesota. Ordered to be print- ed. Mr. Crrrnenpes, (opp.) of Ky., prosonted a petition, signed by 23,230 citizens of Massachusetts, in favor ple, and felt cheered by such a voice from Massachusetts. anecstors fought. PERCH OF MR. SUMNER ON THE CRISI, Mr. Scaxmr, (rep.) of Mass. , said:—Thoso petitions ask, *s | understand it, for the passage of what is familiarly , known as the Crittenden propositions. Their best apology for this potition is their ignorance of the character of those propositions. Had they known what they wore they never woukd have put their names to that petition. ‘Those resolutiems go beyond the Breckinridge platform, which has been solemnly condemned by the American people. They foist into the constitution of the United States constitutional guaranties of slavory which the framers of that instrument never gsve—which Washington, Jefferson, Franklin, Patrick Henry and John bee f credit the testimony of their lives and opinions—would have scorned. Hu any such proposition been made the condition of union, this Union never could have been formed. Mr. Madison told us in the Conven- tion that it was wrong to attempt to put in the con- stitution the idea of property in man, but these pro- positions propose to interpolate that idea, and, tically carrying it out, they run a black ‘on the latitude of 96 degrees 30 minutes, and give constitutional protection to siavory in all the terrivory south of that line now belonging to the republic; and to make the case still more ‘oppressive, and still more im- possible to be received at the North, they make it ap- Plicable to all the territory hereafter to be acquired, bo that the flag of the republic, as it moves southward, shall always bo tho flag of slevery, and every future ac” quisition in that direotion shall be Africanized, and that by virtue of the constitution of tho United States. That | ig about enough in thie age of civilization. But that is not all. Still further, they insist upon guaranties to slavery in the national capital, and in other places within the fedoral jurisdiction.’ Nor is this all. As if to make it especialiy offensive to the North, and to the of Massachusetts, thoy Propose to despoil our cvlored fellow citizons of their political franchise, a long time secured to them by the institations of that Commonwealth, Bir, it is for these things that these petitioners now pray. insist they ehall be interpolated in the constitution of the United States. I have an in- Mnite respect for tho fight of petition, and I desire always to promote'the interests, and to carry forward the just and proper desires of my fellow citizens. But I inust express my regret that these gentlemen bave missed the opportunity, after uniting in euch numbers, of cathng iniy and unequivocally, as savers of the Union of their thers, for two things—two things all sofficent for the prevent occasion, ani with regard to which I should ex- pect the sympathies of the honora»le Senator from Kea- tucky. First, the constitation of the United States as administered by George Washington, to be preserved in- tact and blameless im its toxt, without any tinkering or patching. And, secondly, tho verdict of the people tb Novem by which Abrabam Livcoln was electot President of the United States, to be onforced without price or faltering. There ia a ground upon which every patriot and loyal citizen of the land can stand, and bo bas over him shen the coustitation and the ting of his country. You had better have that, sir, than any scheme, device, jugglery, or hoes pocus cullola compromise. On such ground all mon who really love the Union and the country can take their stand withont an “if, ora but.” I remember, sir, on the night of the pureage of the Nebraska pill, it was after midnyrbt, Iw the declaration in debate that the time for vom- promises had passed. The events now taking placo ail verity this truth. Itis obvious that the existing dilfl cu ties can now be arranged only oa permanent pri- ciples of justice, and freedom, and hamanity, Any seeming settlenent founded upon an abandonment of principle will be but a miserable patchwork which can- not eucceed. Tt was only a short time ago, you will remember, sir, thio whole country was filleu with shame and dismay, as the report came to us of the surrender of Southorn forts; and wheu it was known that Fort Sumter, too, was alvout to be given up, a ery went forth from the heart of the people, by which that forteoes waa caved, at least for the present. Propositions are now mado and brought forward by the Senator from Kentucky, aud now enforced by a petition fronf the people of my own State, calling upon the North to surrender its principles—to surrender its ipregoable principles of human rights, which constitute our Northern forts. It is eveu p bow to surrender the principle of freedom in the Terrt tories—the Fort Sumver of the North. i trust, sir, they | will yet bo saved, aud a8 their safety deponds ‘open the President, ] ust that the cry will go forth from the people ike that which went forth from them a fow days ago to eave that other Fort Sumter when it was inenaced. For myseif, if stand with many or with few, or aloae, Ihave but one thing to cay—no surrender of the Fort Sumter of the North—no surrender of any of our North- ern torts. No, sir notone, But the bankers aad me chants throw out their fears, and they tell ua the govern- ment shall not have money if wo do not surrender our prinetples. ‘Then, again, cir, 1 appeal to the people. I lieve the American pooplo are not. more unpatriotic than the French, and only want the opportunity to it—to come forward and rolievo the pe- cessities of the government, o& the French poo- ple recently, at the hint’ of Louis Napoleon, came forward with a joan composed of small sams. Our government stands upon the aggrogato virtue and intelngence of the people, and it only remains now that wo should make ap appeal to the sggregate wealth of the people—the farmer, the laborer, the mechanic. Every mon who truly loves his country will be willing to give of bis earnings to uphold the constitution and the hatioual flag, and out of these amali earnings, inapired by & genuine patriotism, we shall have a full teeasary. There is but one thing now for the North to do— that is, to stand firm in their position, They may be guided by one of the greatest patriots of the age (i mean Lafayette), who, in hie old age, when his experience had been ripened by time, and while looking over the unut- terable calamiti(s of the od French Revoiation, said, It wag his solemn duty to declare that, in his opinion, they wore to be referred not to the bad passions of men, but to those timid counsels that substitute compro: mise for principle.” Lafayette may well speak to his American feliow citizens now, to caution them against any timid counsel# that would substitute compromise for rinciples. Pir CRrrrmNoE eald he supposed tho signers of tho pe- tition wore intelligent mon. When he prosented tho propositions he presented them 08 @ basia of peace; but why had not gentiemen oflored to amend? Mr. Svuxnk said ho thought them wrong in every word and every line Me. Crit! maker Mr. Sum~mn said be had—the constitution as adminis- tered by Washington and our fathera. Mr, Cetexpes—Why did not he move that then? Mr, Sevner said he bad vowed for the resolutions of the Hampshire, which expreased hi idea, ° o yea that the hour for the special ved. A motion was made to postpone it. Mr, Haut, (rep.) of N. H, hoped not, as he thought the time for the practical business of the country should be attended to, He wanted tho ayes and noes to know who the men were that come here ty make speeches that do po possible good on earth, —Hvd the gentleman no propositions to oppored to epeee ing. and let them vous. (Laughter.) Mr, Haur—{ will aay that this ts tho best spoech T over heard from the Senator from [linois (Mr. Douglas), be- cause it was a0 short, (Laughter.) to goon be thought it would bo better to let both sides havea chance, He had sat hero and heard the trouble charged on the republican party. He wanted the re- sponsibility placed where it and imbicility, irresolution, if he might not say the com- plcity with treason itself on tho part of @ profligate Mowrtoomeny, Ala., Fob, 12, 1862. * The standing committees were announced to-day in Congress. is The President received and read a despatch from tho Loulsianls Convention, cordially approving of Messrs. Davis and Stephens’ designs for a seal and flag for the confederacy. Referred. A resointion was offered that until otherwise provided, the several officers of customs be continued im office, | Referred, A résolution was offered that the Committee on boreign Affan® arc reqnested to inquire into tho propriety and necoraity, as soon ag the Prowdont ‘a inaugurated, of sending Commiesionote ty the government of the Tnited Btates. Referred, session, during Mr. Scaven said the Senator from Keniueky had voted national character, adjourned yesterday noon to the 20th | eould not pay private claims of a few dollars, 1t {3 then Mr. Drxox, (rep.) of Penn., presented petitions from | by the government, but he said it was built for the pro- of | entirety. A county ina State is an integral part of a the Crittenden resolutions. Ho said he honored such peo- | But a State comes in by an act of volition, and can go out It showed them devoted to the Union, for which their | Teason for going ont, and only the enlightened judg. People of tbe | cated THE GIGANTIC ROBBERY or THE INDIAN TRUST BONDS AT WASHINGTON. for @ proposition to print it, Mr. Cxrrrenpay wes to say if that ameud- ment was not acce| be would secote. Mr Cink, (rep) of N. d., said he had voted not to continue this discussion, and would cheerfully give way if anything lee should be taken up Mr. Camknon movett that tne subject be postponed till next Monday. 5 PASSAGE OF THE NAVAL APPROPRIATION BiLL—#PRNCH OP MR. GKEEN ON THE CRISIS The Navy bill was taken up. Mr. GREK, (opp.) of Mo. , eaid the question waa whetber we should make an appropriation of twelve bundre:t thou- sand dollars to build seven new steam sloops-o -war. At a time when the credit of the government is ruined, and it Beport Thereon of the Special Committee of Five to the House of Representatives. john B. Floyd, Late Secretary of War, the Captain of the Forty Thieves. ASTOUNDING FACTS AND TESTIMONY. The Ignorance, imbecility, Negligence, Cor- ruption, Dupliiehy and Deliberate Rascall- ty of Floyd Pretty Clearly Made Out, Proposed to pay this large sum for war. Scuatord could vote a Homestead bill to give homes to scounuris and vaga- large a twenty millious of dollars w | @ railrowl, and now ter come up and ask twelve hundred’ thouaand 4 8 to build ti steamers to coerce States—not in go of their eagle-eyea Sevator from New York. it of the bellicose Senator whose voivo is still for war, But they talk of the enforcements of the laws. Every man says, onforce the laws and protect tho public property. But what is public property? Wo have public property in London, where our Minister resides, ut wont take sloups there. But have you publ'c prop- erty in Fouth Carolina? No, not ono single particle. Vort Sumter this day is wrongfully he Id, and is an act of war against South Carolina. He admitted that it was built tection of the port of Charleston, and it was now frowning with guns agamet tho port it was built to The whole resolves itgetf to the ques- tion, has a Btato a right to secode? and sho had actually exercised the right. {udividuais in a Stato, may commit treason, but whethor a State oan, is another question. Tho apeqae was a multiple of units and @ State comes in sopurate—a unit—and is an Godard Bailey a Mere Catspaw of the Ex-Seeretary and His Chums. State and if she tried to break off it woul! be rebellion The Government Involved in Losses and Liabilities Hard Upon Six Millions of Dollars, RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE COMMITTEE; &e., &C., &eC. The select committes to whom was reforred the resoln- tion of the House, adopted on tho 24th day of December last, directing them ‘to inquire into and report the fact in relation to the fraudulent abstraction of certain bonds held by the government in trust for the ladian tribes from tho Departruent of the Interior, and to whom was also referred the communication of tho Hon, John B. Floyd, Jato Secretary of War, and the letter of the Hon. Robert McClelland, late Secretary of tho Interior,” beg leave respectfully to the eame. Fach State must judge for itself if she bas world can punish a State. No State ever was coerced into the Union and could not be. South ‘Carolina bas as much right to Fort Columbus in New York harbor ag the United States has to Fort Samter, and as much right to attack it; and he pledged one feeble arm to act in the contingency which might arise. Ho oom. mended the forbearance of South Carolina, Ho bad feared she would be too hasty. He wanted all tho States toact. He know Missouri to be for the Union. Even the supporters of Rhett and Yancey are for uniwa; but he meant a union which would give protection to ail. He was tired of all these petitions for union. He went- edaunion about which there would be no quarreling, and which would give rights to all, or else bo wanted no union, but separation. He said this was not a mere question of slavery, but it afieets every property hoider of the North. Missouri, though slow, would act; but the action of Kentucky, tennessee and Virginia has been disastrous. If the border States had acted with tho South, we would tiave had peaceable separation, Every ono of the slaveholding States ought to have gone out together. Assure as no adjustment was mado, all ‘would go but Delaware, Maryland and Virginia, He was afraid of Virginia, she was so slow. Arkansas, Missouri and Kansas would go out. (Laughtor.) flo said, Kansas, after the hothouse plants of emigration die out, would fali back in the arms of Missouri, Ie contended that the secret object of the republican party was to circum. scribe slavery, 80 as to extinguish it. He was in favor of the proposition of the Senator from Kentucky, but there must be a reaction in the public mind of the North, or else these amendments would be geod for nothing. This thing must be sottled oither by adjust- RUPORT ‘That, upon the day of thcir appointment, they repaired to the Interior Department, and held an interview with the Hon. Jacob fhompeon, then Secretary of said ment, and expressed to him their derire to enter upon the duty assigned them at us early a period as would comport with his convenience and bo consistent with the public interest. Three days thereafter, and as svon as they were authorized to employ a stenographer, your committee organized, and have labored to bring toeir in. vestigation to an carly termination with a diligence that ereucn salen” arbere could be no honorable | has been quickened by an approciation of the grave cha- Northern opinion, The Senate cannot amend | Facter of the subject committed ‘to them and of tho in- jhe constitution, And had bettor let the question alone | trest felt by the House und by the country in ite re- markable details. It soon became evident that tho mere abstraction of certain bonds from the Interior Departmen:, a fact easily ‘hscertained, and indeed acmutted by the person who tk them, was an incident of minor importance m eompari- son With the transactions preceding and counected with that act, and your committee therefore considered it in- cumbert upon them to trace, as accurately aud as tho- roughly a8 possible, through’ the tortuous wimdings of ‘vast and complicated interceta anc extensive tho h con- cealeo ramiiications, the motives and purposes and deeda of those who have been the partics to a daring and unpre- codented fraud upon one of the departments of the govern- and attend tothe regular business, and wait for a pro- per adjustment, But if thore was no chango of Northern opmion, he would not ask for any Union. He depre- war, and in this civilized age of the world thought all the difficulties onght to be settled witt recourse to arms and war. Let the whole Southern States act together, and let them nogotiato with the North as equals; and {f they cannot agree, then let there be peace- ‘able and quict separation. The amendment was then concurred in—yeas 27, nays 17—Mossts. Bigler, Douglas, Jobnaon (Tean ) and Latham voting with the republicans in the affirmative. ‘The bill then passed. ive ment, In view of the magnitude of the offene and the eauel rn ee great Joss involved, they lo regarded Shempetvea aay the furthest justified in pushing the investigation t0 limit of the authority vest, in them. Tho want of time rather than ibe lack of zeal bas prevented them from obtaining all the information they desired; yeeneugh has been ascertained to satisiy, in their opin on, the ma- rig with which they were charged by the House, as they thiuk will appear from a succinct ac- count of the evidence that has been adduced before them. House of Representatives. Wastunoton, Feb. 12, 1861. ‘THY CONDITION OF THU TREASURY. Mr. SuxRMAN, (rep.) of Ohio, sent up a letter trom the Secretary of the Treasury, showing the deplorable oon- dition of his department, and suggesting a mode of relief. In acoordance with thie, Mr. Sherinan asked leave to in. trownes trom the Committee on Ways and Means a bill ‘THE INDIAN TRUST BONDS. » to the ubstract marked “A,” horowith 2 that che government still tate’ bonds and certilestes and United States tain Indian tribes, to the aaount of These bende, as as tho 870 ab- , and one Indica bond, handed to thie Hon. G. N. Fiteh, and pot recuraed by him to ee on for reasebs assigned ia his correspondoucd with Godard Railty, were purcliased trom time bo time, by authority of law, with the money of the Inawwns, acing from treaty stipulations. Originally they were in charge of the Indian Bureau while that bureait was cooneered with the Department ef War, anc remained i its custody after it became one of the bureaus of the Latorior De partment in 1549, and frm toat time up to 1857. In that year the custody of the securities was transferred vw the Secretary of the Interior. The government, having the bonds in its porseasion, was the trustec for the Indiaue, who wero the actual owners of them; and presuming that jis agents have exercised ordinary diligence and care as their custodian, the question ari-esas to the extent of its liability for their loss. Your committon to enable the Scoretary to accopt from any Stato the gua rantee of any stock which may be issuod by tho United States, to the amount of public moaoy deposited with such Siate under the Distribution act. Mr, Sumewan said if relief was to bo given the bill ebould be passed to-day. Mr. Garxnrr, (opp.) of Vs consent Was requires, by was a temper of Ub C Mr, Sieustay sain he had performed bie duty, though reluctontly, in reportupg the bill. Mr. Baxk, (opp.) of N. Y.,remarked that Mr, Garnett would break up tho government and leave it without money. The bill was not permitted by Mr. Garnett to be intro- duced. ‘THR REPORT ON THR INDIAN TRUST HONDS ROBHERY. Mr. Monsus, (rep ) of [1l., made arepert from the spe- remarked, ag unantinous d not bo ‘given while he cial committee on the Indian Trust bond abetractivn. Ho | do not, however, pr to pursue that inquiry, ae said it was upanimous they cannot doubt ‘aes great and magnanimous Mr. Haskin, (rep ) of N. Y., earnostly demanded the | government will not permit theso who have reading of the report. It explained why tho Treasury is | committed thomeelves to its cn ty be rob- empty. bed by its officers or employes, without making pt ‘Tho Srraren said this could not be done, as the Pacific and ampie compensation. Yet tho disregard these Railroad bill must be ligst dispyees of. Mr. Monit said there was more in bis report than there was in the Pacific Kauroad bill, which proposed to take three millions out of the Treasury. After — it was finally decided that tho roport should be read. [The report in full is given in another part of today’s Hnna Mr. PuyoR, (opp.) of Va., wished to know how many members of the commitice concurrod in the report. Szvenat Voices—All of thom. Mr. Pryor said he understood differently. ‘Tho report was ordered to be printed. Mr. Moura said he was perfectly willmg to bring up the report at any time to suit the convenience of mem- bere. judiciary obligatio's would seem to aggravate the turpi- ‘tude of tho offender whose felonious hand coald ritie 80 sucred a trust. Such an act furnishes mest metancholy evidence of the decay of public virtuo, and will remain @ Dlot upon our history and an indication of our down- In this respect it matters but tittle who. was the transgresvor. The fact of the commission of the act, at a moment when wo thought we had reason to boast cf our good faith and intogrity, will remain fixed in the public mind, and be remomberod as a dark of- fenco when its guilty perpetrators have beon long for- olen. ‘TUR MANNER OF KEEPING Tit ROME, Under previous administrations the bousis wore in the immediate charge of some clork, selected for his integrity and capacity, who kept them in a safo in the Inoian ollie, No stamp or other mark of desig- nation was placed upon any of them, with the excop- tion of a small portion, and tho ouly satogugrd tho government had was tho faithfulness - aud of tho person entrusted with their keeping. Fo ex: oless @ mode of traveacting the public business and administering a trust so delicate apd important astounds us by the magnitude of its (a Neither the Oommie- CotIONs AT RA, Mr. Jory Corman, (opp }, of N. ¥., ineffoctually,en- doavored to have pasted a dill to enablo tho merchante when their yossols are responsible under the act of 185% for damages by reason of collision, to execute a bond, with suflieient sureties, in roloage Of tho yaseols and of | oN placa lability. He will renew his effort on y. THe PAC RAT/ROAD BILE, The House proceeded to the consideration of the | sionor of Indian Affaire nor the Secretary of tho Interior Senate amendments to the Paciic Railroad bill. ever counted the bonds in per and the only informa- Mr. Crutts, (rep.) of lowa, said, many of the amend- | tion that either of them could have vouching ments are immaterial, uud are repetitions of what was already in the bill; but there was one important amend- ment, namely, providing, in addition to the extreme southern and central roads, for a northern road. These roads are so far apart that they will not be competitors as to local trade. He was willing to adopt this amend- ment, If anything was wrong in the bill, it could bo corrected in the next Congress. Mr Craw, (opp ) of Mo., ventured to ray that andor this Dill no road would ever be built, as the Senate had n improper route trom thé mouth of the Kas: saa river, by way of Fort Riley, thus eutting off thecen- tral belt of States. Mr. Fanxswormt, (rep.) of Tl, remarked that the Senate had mado the ‘bill more ineongruow than it was before it left the Housc, No man could expect that the Prosident would sign such a bill. It would bo better to disagree with al! tho Sonate’s amend- mente, and agree on the bill through # committes of con- ference. Mr. McCurnxaxn, (opp.) of TH., agrood with Mr. Farns- worth, regarding the bill'as of a Jogrolting and monstrons their eatety was the payment of the coupons every six months, and euch examinations as they occasionally to order to be made by other: Yortanately for the go- verument, however, no loss was sustaine! during pro- vious administrations, nor is there the slightest ground to bel that the Hon. Robert McClelland, of Michigan, former Secretary of the Interior, whose supervision of the trust, while it remained in the Indian office, has been called in question, and whose letter was referred to ir committee, acted at any time or in any way unfaithful to it. On the contrary, the evidence of Mr. Henry Beard entirely oxonerates him from any biame, further than tho expression already made by the committee of their information can obtain it from the records of tao Lavertor Department, Stili they deem it but justo to add that they have discovered nothing to involve the late Secro- tary, the Hon. Jacob Thompson, in Lye omy degroo character, and not worthy of the approbation of tho | in iho froua, and nothing w indicate he had any House. He wanted one road, and (hat ‘be central. | complic ty in tho abstraction, or that he had any Mr. Prron protested against this measuro, for which | knowledge of it until the timo of the disclosure by there wae no warrent in the constitution, and which | Godard Bailey, Soon after he entered upon the duties of contemplates the achiovement of a most chimorical ob- It involved an expenditure which no contrivance of his office, at the commencement of the preseat Mr. Devonas, (opp.) of Tll.—If the Senator is so much | route. be huped that he would stop | bility, and stand on that against Mr. } Mr. TReMHULS, (rep ) of Tl, said if this discussion is |, the conatruction of the the corruption | pessee have power. government. The special order was then postponed—yeas 23, Mr. PY on. wrbed to say, one fer all that need for subm! but that tathematic progression could ascertain. Bee! ‘Treasury wax bankrupt, and a mendicant on the ‘cheditr the Stater, He moved wo lay ail tae Senate's amendmonta on the table, which was disagreed to, Mr. Sicxres, (opp.) of N. Y., replied by saying that for ton years past the sclentific ability of the country has concentrated i'8 attention on the practicabilit ‘of the He would accept their demoostration of our appointment, I lake charge of the stocks hold in trust by the bead ot the department for the benedt of the indiana, ootleot intorest thereon as it may become due, and sve same is properly paid into the public treasure.” A bond ‘was required of ite foasi- Pryor’s naked as- sertion, and the railroad will be built by American capi- im, which he subsequently execonted, ta!. The Picrce and Buchanan administrations,.the Pre- | in tho penal sum of five thousand dollars, with Benjamin sident of the Southern Cy and ail partioe for | McCulloch, of Texas, and Wm. Corres, of Charteston, the last eight years, have declar in their platforms that South Carolina, as securities, This bond was acknow- railroad was constitutional and J ledged bofore ‘(Moses Kelley, J. P..” and gy 4 Practical, Why was there no credit, as roforred to by | certified to by “Phil. Rarton Key, U. 8, Dia. a) © gentleman? Because the evils brought on the land J was then approved by “J. .”” Copies of the ap- ome and bond will be found among the documents. ‘Phe evidence shows that Mr. Tatieyemn |, and spoken, Virginia bad Just pf will be, restored with | to aabington pcan 4g fortune, and as s police revived oner; restore the repose of people adventurer, see! office. He ‘ith him, how- 4 over, tho highest testimonials of cabs and reagent from’ various distinguished fentlomen tn nays 21. not in her aban- J he lived, and in south where born . Gurtrexnke continued, Ho appealed to Senators | dance of imity and patriotim, she will make one resided. Being a a at oe 4 not tostand by platforms and let the Union perish. Ho | more effort for the preeervation of tho Union. Unioss, ‘evidences of capaci sald wo ware pledged to stand by and preserve the Union. | however, justice and equality shall be secured to her, © are not surprised that the But all compromise seomed to be rejected. He believed | sho will sever the bonds ‘which now hold her w an op- in him. While he should, that thoy muat do something or the country could not be | pressive havo exercised a moro watchful guardianship saved. fe wished to practice forebearance bo Mr. Stexur that ho had not ventured to be tho and the movements of his subordinates, could, but prophet of Virginia, and would oot predict what she may [be mferred that he was r when the Union is in do, but he did affirm that sho hae responded to the ap- other public funétionary Mr. Sowa said that the Senator from Kentucky (Mr. Orittenden) was not awareof his own popularity in {iis sachuaetts, anc the willingness of the people to adopt anything bearing hig name, which they respect, shen, if they Bet examined hie istoun they mroakd have rejected it, The Senator jutimated, if he under. stood nvigbt, that the propositions were not torr tory hereafter acquired. Wr. Crrvcewney said cesential point, power that he did not consider that an | out of 162 delegates, in favor ; OUNTINUED ON peal of the Nortaern masses to submit the diMculties of reason arbitrament to ‘and not to paesion. She has recently RETRACTED BONDS, declared herself for the Cojo, and what sho may declare All the stoaks, "tnetudln thoso at sore futuro day he knew not. wero kopt in the room in Mr. Lane, (opn.) of Vass sa that Virginia is anxious to | pied oy Mr , in safe, tbe Rey of wala wee mee prerorve the Union if she can get justion, and if not, sho | sole porseasion. accompany ing Marked 1,)* will trust to bor oWn right arm, and {o no carthly | will show the character and respective amounts pf for aid. She has deci » by election of 120 | abstracted bonds, as well ag tho States whieh they aeceeaion she shall | wore exoopt inthis, that the whole amount, at shown by Be rract, Sight hundred and seventy