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Occasional Correspondence of tho Boston Courier
A SUGGESTIVE LETTER.
Washington, Jan. 4, 1S61.
The weeks of life which remain to the
government of the Union can now be coun
ted upon the fingers of the hand ! It is
heart sickening to witness the utter imbe
cility of Congress, and the i/tops const/it of
the President. The events of next week
will, in my judgment, demonstrate to you
ml yonr readers the incapacity of either
t the Committees of Congress to 6trctch
..i, t!i a hand to seize any of the many ex-
1 p.-dienls for preserving onr government
which are in their reach. Paralysis seems
to come upon them. Members of those;
committees seem bound hand and foot to
the dead carcass of a recent Presidential
canvass. They refuse to do or say auy
tiring for fear it will be tortured into
leap to agahi bslablish a Unioil to piotnelc
and prosper the labor, industry and enter
prise of those great communities ? The
idea is of New England origin. It con
templates reconstruction somewhat, such
as happened when the old Confederation
was found insufficient for our fathers. I
hear in advocated by many reflecting and
intelligent persons as the only peaceful solu
tion of our troubles. The New 1 ork Her
ald thus foreshadows it among the many
expedients daily advanced by that inven
tive and enterprising journal:
“Let separate State Conventions of each of the
slaveholding States call, without delay, a constitu
ent Convention of the Southern States, to the ex
clusion of all others. Let them adopt amend
ments to the Constitution, such as the Central and
Western States can honorably accept, which shall
cover the reasonable grounds of difference between
themselves and the North, insisting upon the re-
cognition of the property rights of their citizens ev-
_ * erywhere; upon other needful stipulation*, which
contradiction or change ofimmature opin- have heretofore been denied: upon full liberty to
ions upon the slavery question, expressed carry slaves into the common territory, and upon
at some time during the last five years.— tlie recognition of universal toleration of opinion
mi • - .i • «„ 1 „ respecting slavery as a social institution in the sev-
Ihey imagine their consistency to be of, era f State “ of th * Uuion . Let then, submit these
more importance than the preservation of different amendments to the different Northern
tiie Government. In the mean time Mr. ’ States, earnestly inviting their acceptance of them
Buchanan has shown himself utterly unfit and assigning a period, similar to that which was
^ j .. i:i_ ,i. . . n:. '■ appointed for the ratification of the Constitution
of 1787, when all States which should have agreed
to command in times like these, llis Cab
inet are no better than himself, in intel
lectual fitness, or if better, they are now in
a state of anarchy and change, which li
kens them to the Government of Mexico.
Are the people manifesting any more wis
dom or statesmanship than the President,
or his Cabinet, or Congress, or the com
mittee of thirty three, or the committee of
thirteen? I think not. Look at the state
of things ! There has not been an hour,
since the election of Lincoln—whose high
est flights, in this agony of the Union, seem |
only to reach the telling of common place}
anecdotes and perpetrating still more com- j
mou place jokes—when New York, Penn-1
sylvauia and Virginia did not hold this’
Luton in the palms of their hands.
to their propositions should he considered as thence
forth forming the future United States of America.
The responsibility will fall upon the .Republicans
of the Northern States if they shall reitffie to con
sider such amendments, and the peril will be theirs
if they elect to remain out of such a confederation
as, beyond a cavil, the Central, Western aud South
ern States will be ready to torin together. New
York, Pennsylvania and New Jersey cling fo the
Union with inextinguishable love. They will not
hesitate an instant to choose the happiness and
prosperity which will flash upon the country out
of auch a measure, in preference to continued fel
lowship with the chaotic abolition tyranny and
narrow-mindedness of the few States that may yet
remain behind.”
The plan certainly presents a way by
which conservative men could get access
Those! to nlasses tlie North, and present a
r, u i .1 • i j ! sharply defined issue which disorganizes
great States could, by their moral and ma- 7 ... i
* . a . J • i . i could not evade. J o do it, however, the
tonal influence in the Union, have at any 1 , , . e . . , , 7
,. ■, ,| ... .« J 1 slave-labor States, when it t.t certain beyond
urae adiusted all difficulties. Gave they i 7 , , , , ... ., n ur
i J a- * J doubt and not before, that tue Republicans
made an effort ? On the contrary, they i '
, j , , / . J • will make no concessions, must move as
stand with their heads aud hands hanging , . „
... . .... mi . . e one mail, and so prevent collision between
in stolid stupidity. I he recent message i „ .f i . •
.. !.» J e -K- a* i l 8 I North and South, aud consequent civil
•d Governor Morgan of New York, when: 1
considered in the light of the requirements; .. , „ „ i
.... ... v. .. • | •. f I he suggestions of your correspondent,
of tins crisis is little better, m what it says, . : , ., . ,
- - - . j “Hannibal, in respect to the astuteness
P ^ ; and »,lnclr of Akiinp Anflart
Men everywhere run hither aud i , J ,.
r 1 i .mi i | of Port Moultrie, are making many
[• m confused clamor, “lhey know! . , . , , - J
sons scratch their heads in thought.
of Federal Affairs, than driveling
tnae
thither in confused clamor. “They
not what they do.” Their opinions are as
variable as themselves. Recal here, when
South Carolina first demonstrated for inde
pendent state action, men’s minds were
full of the idea of using the power of the
Federal Government to coerce a State !—
See how, if left to themselves at that junc
ture, and not informed and warned by one
of the very few statesmen now left to A-
merica, they would have created a war par
ty at the North, which would have plunged
us iu one common woe! Reflect Low,
when General Cushing, at Newburyport,
iu that series of unequalled speeches, ex-
pouuded what was our public law, plead
for conciliation, constitutional harmony and
common sense, and thus sot on foot a peace
party in opposition to a war party, all the
cant and shallowness of the country de
nounced him, as ifhe were some mere ad
venturer exploiting some pestilent politi
cal theory ! Mr. Buchanan and his Attor
ney General, Mr. Black, did tut copy and
repeat the ideas of Mr. Cushing, and pro
claim them from the seats of power. Mr.
Cushing interfered, with iiis great brain
anil strong arm, to arrest the danger for a
season, and so to give men a chance to
and pluck of Major Anderson’s evacuation
pei-
ROBINSON.
Special Message of the President.
Washington, January 10, 1S61.
The President sent a Special Message
to Congress yesterday, in relation to the
existing sectional disturbances. He re
grets to say that the intersectional troub-
bles are getting worse iustead of better,
and hope of a peaceful settlement is fast
diminishing. In all matters relating to
the condition of South Carolina, no other
alternative is left him but to collect the
revenue and protect the public property
so far as is practicable, under existing
laws. His duty is to execute the laws, and
not to inquire into their propriety or wis
dom.
At the opening of the session lie had
called the attention of Congress to the
dangers environing the Union, aud he
then recommended such measures of relief
as he believed would have the effect of
tranquiliziug the country and saving it
from the perils in which it had been need
lessly and unfortunately placed. It is not
necessary to repeat these opinions and
j recommendations. The convictions then
c assumption
that there is no alternative but dissolution.
Let us have reflection !
Would that South Carolina Lad reflec
ted. He appeals to Congress to say in
their might, “The Union must and shall
be preserved,” by all Constitutional means.
make a peacelul compromise. Every man
of wisdom now admits the soundness of his
constitutional opinions. Even newspapers . expressed are unchanged,
which, at the time, denounced him and Ins! The right aud the duty of the Federal
speeches, are now appropriating his ideas, Government to use the m'ilitary and naval
:, nd emasculating them in needless verbi j f orce ofthe country against those whoille
ige. Senator Douglas, himself, in liis late! gaily assail it, are clear and indisputable,
speech endorses them in full. Nobody, hut the present state of things is beyond
now pretends that Congress can, under thei Executive control. We are in the midst
Constitution, apply force to a seceding 0 f a g rea t revolution, and lie recommends
btafe, or in the absence of ministerial offi-j Congress to meet the present emergency !
cersof law, such as judges, marshals, and j A.s to Congress is reserved the power to
juries arrest and punish individuals of a declare war aud remove Grievances which
departing sovereignty.^ But did the people, might lead to war, and thus restore peace
avail themselves of this interval of peace,! to the Country, on them rests the responsi-
thus secured by Mr. Cushing and the Pres-i bility.
idem, to compromise the troubles of tliei After Cll l 0 gi s ing the blessings conferred
republic ? ith exception of Senator b he Uuio ® ho 0 sll0ul J it per isl,.
Dixon and Mr. Weed, has any Republican tbe caianiitv wi „ b ' as severe 0 F U tbe
dared to plead in public speech for conces-, Southern< J on tlie Nort | lcrn 8tates . The
t , . . , becession movement is chiefly made m an
not Mr.'Need shot.at like an > avowed ene-, apprehension about the sentiments of a
my, and left to fight the battle of the Lu-| of tbc Nort b eru Slates. Let the
ion alone t Where has been Mi. oeward i i * l \ c 1
. . . . r i vr , , question be transferred from political as-
in this crisis of our fate ? Has he done ^ mblie6 to tbe ba i lot box , and ‘ the Peoplc
anytlnug but play the low comedian at the, wi „ ref]ress a „ gricvanccs .
New England dinner ? YY here is all that t t„ it„ r„. i » ii , • ii „ i
A, ... . 4 , . . In Heaven s name let the trial he made,
army ot Republican statesman who claim; l f i • . ,,
\ - , .ir i- I before we are plunged into th
to he fit, and aspire to control, for four j tliat t , mrA a , * rnativ »
years, tlie destinies of America? Ob fori
one hour of Webster? for one hour of'
Choate ! “Then might they return uuhiu- j
dered to their congenial heaven !
Look at the conduct of Congress and the j
public men of the nation ! See how they : He^ccommends Congress to devote them
fuss over South Carolina and i ort Moul- j selves to prompt action with a view to
trie, and in face of the fact that the cot-i peace.
ton States will all be out of the Uni in in ; A division on the line of 30 30 is sug
two weeks, take no measures to protect j gested as calculated to produce an adjust-
Pensacola in Florida, or any of the arsenals meat.
and public depots in North Carolina,} It was an imputation on members to say
Alabama, Georgia and Louisiana. Why j they will hesitate for one moment. The
t.ahble about Moultrie and Captain Ander- j danger is on us. In several States Forts
son, and use no precaution for a like state; auj Arsenals have been seized by aggres-
- f things all about the Gulf of Mexico ?— ' 8 } vc ac tg. "
Why does not Henry Winter Davis, in j Congress should endeavor to give all
.-tead of urging Maryland to do nothing to t l, es e difficulties a peaceful solution. He
save the Union, introduce a bill to provide i states the reason why he liad refrained
tor arming and manning Fort Monroe, j from sending troops to Charleston Harbor,
Harper s I erry, and Iort McHenry! If, believing this would have furnished a pre
lorce is to be applied, why does not Con-j text, if not provocation, on the part of
gress set about doing it, instead of vituper- j South Carolina for aggression,
aring Mr. Buchanan ? The President may Referring to Major Anderson, the Com
be had enough, but Congress is no better. • mandant at Fort Sumter, tlie President
I he South may be bad enough, but the | says, that officer before be left Fort Moul-
Nurtli is no better. Ylie Ship of State is , t r j e> could not have held that post forty
going to pieces because the crew stand in j eight or sixty hours.
idiotic stupor and see her masts shiver in j 'rh e President in conclusion, says, he
the wind, and her timbers part oue by one ' has warned Ms country of the danger, and
and make nn effort to act the part of brave | f e i t tbat bis duty ba( j been faithfully,
and determined seamen. Massachusetts though imperfectly performed. He was
has in fact, of all the North, presented the | conscious of patriotic impulses and inten-
onlv man who lias risen to a perception of I ti >ns.
the danger, aud had tbe energy and abili-}
ty to indicate a way of escape.
Wliat is to be the end ? Who can tell ?
Who can foreknow tlie orbit of a revolu
tion ? I think that before the fourth of
March all the slave-labor Stales will go
out, unless the North come up to the support
of Crittenden’s proposition, or something
very near to it. It cannot be possible but
that tlie departure of all the cotton StateB
will awaken Virginia from htr torpor, and
compel her to place herself at the head of
the Southern movement. When that hap
pens, Maryland must follow. What then ?
Can we part company, and be in peace ?
I hope so. I think there is an idea now-
abroad which looks to that, but which
bodes no good to New Eugland. It is this.
The slave-labor States assemble in consti
tuent conventions ; make a constitution of
union, which shall treat property in slave-
labor like any other property, and throw
around all property the amplest protection
and. security ; in a word, make a property
government, and then ask Pennsylvania
and New York to unite with them. Can
anybody say that, in tbe sequel, those great
Statea, aud other central States, would not
VtCISSiTCDES OF POLITICAL LlFE.—A
dispatch from New Orleans foreshadows
that the next President of Mexico (about
to he elected) will probably be Seuor Ler-
do de Tejada. We sincerely hope so, for
if any nuu is capable of extricating that
unhappy republic from its present distrac
ted state it is a man who, with extraordi
nary sagacity and fertility of resources,
combines farsighted statesmanship and ex
tensive practical experience, aud this man
is Lerdo de Tejada. Should he he elec
ted, it will add otic more to the many in
stances of political vicissitudes. But a
few yeats ago, while Mr. Forsyth was Uni
ted States Minister to Mexico, Mr. Tejada,
fleeing for his life, sought refuge at the
American Legation, anu there remained,
closely watched by the police, who guar- __. ^
ded every outlet from the house, for many from this source if there is any foundation
m nn t lit II Ii ,1 l>/. ♦ ontion A W tli A A (M not I At* ♦ I A Q il. _ i L * . 1 • - 1
months uuder the protection of the Amcri
can flag. It was only when the Liberal
army was almost at the gates of the capi
tal that he found means to elude the vigil
ance of tbe spies, and in the darkness of
night joined his victorious friends.
Me bile Register.
[SpecialtitspiiUk Iki Charleston Cettr&f. j
Iuiporianl from flashinslon,
I Washington, Jan. 1),—8 30 P. M.—The
Senate, in Executive Session this after
noon, referred the nomination of McIntyre
to the Committee on Commerce, where
Messrs, Clay ot Alabama, Toombs of Geor
gia and Clingman of North Carolina are
certain against it; Messrs. Bigler of Penn
sylvania, and Chandler of Michigan, for
it, and Mr. Saulsbnry doubtful. Mr. Ham
lin, of Maine, Vice-President elect, has
resigned from the Senate; so, without
doubt, the Committee will report unfavora
bly, if at ail. It is probable, as Mr. Clay
is Chairman, that they may never report,
and McIntyre cannot discharge his official
duties while tlie Senate is in session and
fails to act in the matter of his confirma
tion.
Mr. Postmaster Hugher’s reply to Holt’s
circular says : I do consider myselfrespon-
sitile to the Government of the United
S ates, in conformity with the existing
laws, for the postal revenues received by
me as Postmaster at the city of Charles
ton. You will accordingly, receive my
quarterly accounts in a few days.” He en
closed a copy of the Ordinance of Seces
sion, concerning the Postal affairs.
The Postmaster General has as yet re
ceived no reply, save from Mr. Huger, to
his circular addressed to South Carolina
Postmasters, inquiring whether they would
acknowledge tbe laws and jurisdiction of
the Federal Government.
Major Anderson’s official correspondence
with the Administration will he published
in a few days.
Mr. Will iarn A. Graham, of Nortb Caro
lina, has written here that he has been ten
dered and has declined a position in the
Cabinet of Lincoln.
Senator Mason, in company with a num
ber of other Virginia gentlemen, left
Washington this evening for Richmond,
to urge the immediate secession of that
State.
The House Committee of Thiity-tluee
has agreed upon the amendment to the
Fugitive Slave Law, providing trial by
Jury.
The War Department has appointed a
new Inspector of Ordnance, with instruc
tions to make an immediate examination
into tlie condition of the arms aud muni
tions of war of the Government of the
United States.
Senator Clay, of Alabama, appeared
in his seat on tlie floor ot the Scuatc to
day. for the first time this session.
A meeting of all the Senators from the
Gulf States was held to day— Senator
Fitzpatrick, of Alabama, being alone ab
sent—at whicli a unanimous declaration
was made for immediate secession.
The report that tlie Cabinet, to-day, bad
under consideration the expediency of ar
resting Mr. Toombs, of Georgia, because
of his despatches to that State advising the
seizure of tlie Federal forts, is a hoax.—
The Administration, however, is much in
censed at his course.
Special Despatch to the Charleston Mercury.
Washington, Jan. 7—4 P.M.—It is ru
mored here that the Cabinet, at its ses
sion to-day, came within one vote of ar
resting Senator Tooiuhs on the charge ot
treason, in having sent a despatch to Geor
gia, advising her to secure the forts.
In the House of Representatives, Mr.
Ethridge, of Tennessee, has just moved
the adoption of a joint resolution providing
for an amendment of the Constitution, as
follows :
First, that Congress shall have no power
to interfere with slavery in the States of
the Union.
Second, That it shall have no power to
abolish slavery in the United States forts,
dockyards, etc.
Third, that slavery shall be forever free
from congressional interference in the Dis
trict of Columbia.
Fourth, That Congress shall not inter
fere in tiie moving of slaves from State to
State.
Fifth, That the slave-trade shall be
abolished.
Sixth, That slavery shall be prohibit
ed in territory north of the 3G.30 line, and
that there shall he no interference with it
south of that line either by Congress or
by any Territorial Legislature.
Seventh. Tbat no additional territory
is to be acquired unless by a two thirds
vote of both Houses, or by treaty*
Eighth. That article 4, section 2, of
the Federal Constitution shall be arneud-
ed-
Tbc vote is now being taken, amid great
excitement, for a suspension of tlie rules
to consider the resolution immediately.
Washington, January 7—7.30 p. m.—
The speech of Senator Toombs to-day was
very violent in manner, hut moderate iu
its demands.
“Givens,” said lie, “equality, and tran
quility, and you restore peace. Deny
them to us and take the consequences.—
These are the cost of our allegiance. Re
fuse them and you will fail to have our
obedience.”
The most intense excitement was pro
duced in the House, by the introduction
aud passage of resolutions approving Ma
jor Anderson’s course, and sustaining the
President in the execution of the laws by
ali the constitutional means in his nower.
Many voted iu the affirmative, under
Douglas’ views of enforcement.
Tlie House relused to suspend the rules
to allow Ethridge to introduce his propo
sitions given above. This is regarded
here as another evidence of the hopeless
ness of a compromise.
There is no doubt that the Cabinet did
to day seriously consider the propriety of
arresting Toombs for sending the despatch
recommending the seizure of the Georgia
forts. The proposition also included Wig
fall, of Texas, for despatches alleged have
been sent to Charleston.
The House Committee of thirty-three
agreed to one proposition to day—that the
fugitive slave law is to be amended so tbat
a negro is to he returned in care of tbe Mar
shal, to the Marshal of tlie District whence
he escaped, and that lie is there to have a
trial by jury, and the Personal Liberty
bills of the Non hern States are to he re
pealed. No other point has been settled.
Much dissatisfaction is expressed in all
circles here at the bogus despatch sent
South from this city by the Associated
Press.
Otero, the delegate from New Mexico, is
preparing an address to his constitutes, re
commending the rejection of the proposed
admission of -the Territory as a State,
urged bv tbc Republicans.
General Scott lias been engaged day and
night in perfecting military plans for the
defence of the City of Washington in case
of an emergency. Preparations ot an ex
tensive character are being made, which
will probably intimidate all invaders if
any shall really make an attempt upon
the City, and altogether prevent trouble
j Wasi*i.voTftv. January he ttoiiSfe
| Committee ot Thirty-three has closed its
; labors, and will report in a day or so. I
i give the folowring as a synopsis of the re-
j port:
It will authorize the admission of New
j Mexico as a slave Slate; propose amend-
| meuts to the Fugitive Slave law; enforcing
i its Constitutional provisions; request the
| repeal of all Personal Liberty Bills by
j Northern Legislatures; propose an amend
ment to the Constitution to prohibit an
interference with slavery in the States,
aud protecting the Status from armed in
vasion; also, assuring the safty of those
who may travel through States of which
they are not citizens,
SOLlfl CAROLINA EXECUTIVE COUNCIL.
Executive Office, V
January 3d, 1861. f
By virtue ofthe power conferred on me,
by au Ordinance of the Convention, re
quiring the appointment of au Executive
Council, aud for the convenient distri
bution of the duties to Le discharged bv
that Council, I therefore make the folfow-
wing division in the Executive Adminis
tration :
I—THE STATE.
Having for its functions the assistance of
the Governor with the exercise of his pow
ers as now delegated, aud more especially
in his intercourse with the States: and also
in arrangements with foreign powers, as to
Consuls and Treaties, and regulation ns to
commerce. For this I appoint the Hon.
A. G. MAG RATH.
II.—THE WAR.
Having lor its object the supervision of all
matters relating to a condition of hostilities,
and the management and military dispo
sition of troops to be received under differ
eutOrdinance of the Convention, and Acts
oi the Legislature, and as to the manage
ment of troops in actual service. For this
I appoint General D. F. JA1MSON.
JII.—THE TREASURY.
Having under its jurisdiction and super
vision all matters connected with the fiscal
relations of the State, and the practical dc
tails in raising the fuuds provided for by
any Ordinacne of the-Convention or Acts
of the Legislature, which are not especially
transferred to some other department. For
this I appoint the Hon. C.G. MEMM1N-
GER.
IV.—THE POST-OFFICE.
Its functions, indicated by the name,
and including therein so much ofthe con
nection with the customs as relates to the
light houses, buoys, and matters of that na
ture. For this I appoint General W. W.
HARLEE.
V.—INTERIOR.
Having under its directions local mat
ters within the State, including the Militia
and Coast Police. For this I appoint
General A. G. GARL1NGTOX
F. W. PICKENS.
lor tie apprehension that such exist iu real
aluy.
TI ere is a heavy pressure upon Congress
here by the New York merchants in favor
of immediate compromise upon the issues
of the day, and of a prompt settlement ol
all difficulties.
ALABAMA STATE CONVENTION.
Montgomery, Ala., Jan. 8—The Con
ventiou assembled at the usual hour to
day.
Mr. Calhoun, the Commissioner from
South Carolina, addressed the Conven
tion in an eloquent speech, which was
listened to with marked attention, and
elicited considerable applause.
Dispatches to Gov. Moore, from the
Governors of Virginia aud Florida and
Mississippi, were read and created great
enthusiasm.
A Committee of Thirteen was appointed
to consider and report to the Convention
the action necessary to be taken by the
State in tlie present crisis.
The Convention then determined, by a
large majority to go into secret session.
1 he seats of the two members from
Shelby county, (secessionists,) are contest
ed. It is not known what action will be
taken iu regard to them.
Jan. 9.—The Convention on Tuesday
and Wednesday was mostly occupied in
secret session, sitting with closed doors.
Yesterday a committee of thirteen was
appointed to draft the ordinance of seces
sion, and is composed of 7 secessionists,
and 6 oo-operationists. They will proba
bly report on Thursday.
Nothing of special interest was done to
day.
Ou a test vote, it is probable that the
secession ordinance will pass by about o
majority.
MISSISSIPPI STATE CONVENTION.
Jackson, Miss., Jan. 7.—The Conven
tion organized at 12 o’clock to-day.
Mr. U. S. Barry, of Lowndes was elected
President. The President in his remarks
favors secession.
A resolution was introduced that a com
mittee of fifteen he appointed by the Presi
dent with instructions to prepare and re
port as speedily as possible an ordinance
for the withdrawal of Mississippi, with a
a view to the establishment of a confedera
cy ofthe Southern States.
A committee of three were appointed to
wait on the Governor for communications
of importance.
The Conveution adjourned till 10 o’clock
to-morrow.
Jan. 8.—An Ordinance of Secession has
been unanimously agreed upon by the
Commmittee of Fifteen, and it will pass
the Convention to morrow.
The morning session was occupied with
the appointing of standing committees.—
The Governors communication will be
presented to-morrow.
A resolution for the appointment of
Commissioners to Alabama aud Florida to
inform those States that tlie Convention
would adopt a resolution preparatory to
secession and to formation of a Southern
Confederacy, caused much debate.
A company of Mississippi dragoons, with
a military flag representing fifteen States,
are in attendance on the Convention. The
gallery is full of ladies and the excitement
intense
The Convention adjourned till 10 o’clock
to-morrow morning-
Jan, 9.—The ordinance of immediate se
cession of Mississippi from the Union has
passed tbe Convention by a vote of 84
ays, to 15 noes. All efforts to postpone
action was promptly voted down. Tbe
opposition members of tbe Convention will
sign tbe ordiance to morrow, thus making
the vote unanimous.
This result was received with intense
excitement, aud loud applause. All tbe
prominent places in tbe city are illuminat
ed, and the event is celebrated with fire
works and the roar of cannon.
FLORIDA STATE CONVENTION.
Tallahassee, Fla., Jan. 8.—The Com
missioners from Alabama and South Caro
lina were introduced to tbe Convention
yesterday, and both gentlemen delivered
able addresses.
Tbe latter also presented documents
from bis State.
Judge McIntosh offered tbe following
preamble and resolutions, which were
made tbe special order :
Whereas, All hope ofthe preservation
of tbe Union upon terms consistent with
the safety and honor of the slave-holding
Stales have bceh finally dissipated by
tbe recent indications of the strength of
tbe anti-slavery sentiments of the free
State*, therefore be it
Resolved, By tbe people ol Florida, in
Convention assembled, that it is tbe un
doubted right of tlie several States of the
Union to withdiaw from tbe said Union
at such time and for such cause or causes
as iu tbc opinion of the pe.ople of each
State, acting in their several capacities,
may be just and proper; and, in tbe opin
ion of this Convention, existing causes are
such as to compel Florida to proceed to
tbe exercise of tbat right.
Tho preamble and resolntions were a-
dopted by a vote of ayes 62, nays 5.
The Convention was in secret session
the most of tbe afternoon.
It is reported that tbe forts and other
Federal property in this State have been
taken possession of by the military actiug
uuder tbe orders of the Governor.
A CONVENTION IN TENNESSEE.
Nashville,Ten., Jan. S.—The Govern
or, in bis message to the Legislature, re
commends that tliis question of calling a
State Convention be left to tbe people.
He says that the remedy for tbe federalists
exists only in Constitutional amendments
—on a refusal whereof, Tennessee should
maintain her equality in the Union or her
independence out of it. He recommends
the organization of tbe Militia, and tbe
purchase of arms.
VIRGINIA LEGISLATURE.
Richmond, Va , Jan. 8.—The Senate
passed to-day a series of anti-coercion res
olutions.
Caldwell, of Wheeling, voted no.
A resolution was also adopted appoin
ting a committee to consider tbe subject of
calling a State Convention.
Iu the House a resolution was offerde for
tbe appointment of a Committee to report
on the expediency of prompt measures for
the defence of the coast of Virginia.
A communication was received from the
Secretary of the Commonwealth sborving
tbe actual expenses incurred in tbe John
Brown invasion to be -8221,474.
toirfjrtnt $ccflriicr.
Reception of the NIississippi Commis
sioner bv the State of Delaware.—
Willmingtou, Jan 3.—The Legislature of
this State met at Dover and organized on
Wednesday. Dr. Martin, of Sussex, was
elected speaker of the House.
To day the Hon. S. Dickinson, commis
sioner of the State oi Mississippi, was re
ceived, and addressed the House in a
strong Southern speech, taking ground in
favor of South Carolina and secession.—
He, in the name of Mississippi, invited
Dele ware to join the Southern confederacy,
about to be formed. He claimed the
right of a State to secede, and said if it
was not allowed to do so, war would be
inevitable. This declaration was received
with mingled applause aud hisses. After
liis8peech the House adopted unanimously,
the following resolution, in whicli the Sen
ate concurred by a majority.
Resolved, That having extended to the
Hon. S.Dickinson, the Commissioner of
Mississippi, the courtesy due him as the
representative of a soverign State of the
Confederacy, as well as to the State he
represents, we deem it proper and due to
ourselves and the people ol Delaware to ex
press our unqualified disapproval of the
remedy for existing difficulties suggested
by the resolutions of the Legislature of
Mississippi.
From the Cartcrscillc (Go.) Express, Jan 4th.
Etowah Iron Works, .Hills, it., for Sale.
W e see iu the last National American
an advertisement to the effect that the
above property, with lands, mules, &c.,
&c., will be ofl’ered for sale at public outcry
at Etowah Iron Works, ou the first Tues
day iu February next. This is, without a
doubt, the most valuable property iu the
southern States. It has been valued by
competent judges at four hundred thousand
dollars. We are truly sorry that it has
become necessary for this property to pass
out of the bauds of se worthy a gentleman
as Major Cooper. He has done more to de
velop the mineral resources of this section,
and that, too, uuder more unfavorable cir
cumstances, tliau an y and ail other men
in Cherokee Georgia put together. But
few such men as Major Cooper are now to
be found on the American continent—a
man of indomitable energy and untiring
perseverance.
The question may be asked, if he is
such a man as we represeut, why has not
his enterprise succeeded better ? Simply
from the fact that his efforts have not been
appreciated by the masses in Georgia and
other southern States. If Majer Cooper
had gone to Pennsylvania instead of Geor
gia and commenced operations, long since
he would have realized a fortune. He has
appealed, from time to time, to the Legis
lature of the State, whose iuterest his
whole energies have been enlisted to ad
vance, for a little assistance, proposing at
the same time to iuortgege property to
twice the amount osked for; aud his ap
peals have been treated with contempt
whilo the moucy lie asked the State to
loau him, has been appropriated to one-
horse medical colleges aud for the benefit
of a few unfortuuate broken legged or
armed drunkards, and in numerous other
ways too tedious to mentiou. We do not
charge this upon the eutirc Legislature, lor
a good many of our best Representatives,
who had the interests of the State at heart
worked shoulder to shoulded with Major
Oooper while the hill was upon its pas
sage, and among them was the Hon. B. H.
Hill, for which we hope the citizens of
Cherokee Georgia will remember him.—
We charge it upon all who voted against
the bill, for many of them done so be
cause Major Cooper's appeal had been
misrepresented by his enemies, who said
that the object of the bill was to inure to
the individual honefit of Major Cooper—to
enable him to enter into speculations with
the State’s money. Every man who knows
Major Cooper, and the immense mineral
resources by which he is surrounded—the
vast wealth wbicb is imbedded iu tbe
mountains and bills of Nortb Georgia,
knew full well tbat it was to develop this
great source of wealth to tbe State and tbe
South that Major Cooper asked tbe loan of
a fourth million dollars. Any oue who
will read his propositions to tbe Legisla
ture, without prejudice, cannot fail to pro
nounce them fair, just, and equitable—nay,
more — even generous. But the dye is
cast—tho property is advertised to be sold,
just as tbe prospect begins to brighten for
tbeir future success. If a Southern Con
federacy is formed, tbe value of this prop
erty will be almost incalculable — this
r oiut will be tbe Pittsburg of tbe South,
n conclusion, we have but this to My, we
hope tbat tbe company into whose bands
this property may fall, may only be as
worthy and clever as the one oat of whose
bauds it shall pass.
There are 150 students at tbe Virginia
Medical College at the present time. It
was never in a more prosperous condition.
'collector Cole hk, of Charleston, advertises tbat
ail the vessels f.\m forts outside of South Caro
lina own inter aid e ar at Charleston.
MILLED GEV ILLE:
TUESDAY, JANUARY 15, 1861.
' ' ' CONVENTION-
We publish in another column the nain^s of the
Delegates to the. Convention to assemble at Mil-
ledgeville to-morrow. Iu point of cliarai-Rr and
intelligence, no Convention heretofore has ex
celled them. We have not classified the Delegates
under distinct heads as to their policies, believing
that the events that are crowding upon us and th -
action of the Federal Executive and Congress may
control the policy of Georgia while'in Convention.
We are far from believing, however, that Geor
gia is committed by the election of her Delegates,
to immediate secession: and those of our immedi
ate secession friends, who are laying the flattering
unction to their souls, tbat Georgia will follow in
the immediate footsteps and policy of South Caro
lina. will, in our opiuion, be mistaken. Georgia
will look direct to her own interest, and we hope
will display as much independence in her action,
as did South Carolina when she, without asking
for co-operation, seceded upon her individual re
sponsibility. All we desire is, that our State will
be controlled by no outside influences, but in her
sovereign capacity do as, in her judgment, she
thinks best under all the circumstances, having
the keeping of her interest, reputation, honor and
welfare iu her own hands. The eyes of the North
are upon our State, as the Empire State of the
South : then let us, by wise, cool and deliberate ac
tion, pursue that policy, without a compromise of
honor, that may heal the breach between th*' North
and South, and restore peace and good feeling be
tween the two sections.
Tbe Union and the Constitution, in our opinion,
are yet worth preserving—the Union and the Con
stitution not being responsible for the action of
corrupt parties or their leaders who may endanger
the one and pervert the meaning of the other. But
whatever policy Georgia may adopt, we, as loyal
sous of the State, will defend aud uphold.
We see, since tlie above was written, that Ala
bama, Mississippi and Florida Lave also seceded.
V* Savjr.
It is continually thrown in our teeth by the North
ern Press in their arguments against a Southern
Confederacy, pertinently remarks the Angusta-
Chromclc S( Sentinel, that the South lias no navy—
not a sailor or ship-of-war- Granted, bnt has the
North any? The navy belongs as much to the South
as to the North, neither can claim for it exclusive
own ership. and it is partly to retain our share iu it, as
well as in other public property, that we desire the
co-operatiou of the njiolc South—tbe formation of a !
Confederacy tbat could have the power to demand !
and obtain tbat justice in this division of the assets
of the defunct Union which would most certainly
not be granted to a single State setting up for her
self.
k Successful Party Witb a Rejected Platform.
The New York Herald some days ago furnished
a table for tbe popular vote for President in each
State, and the following summary showing how the
stood in a sectional point of view:
Whole number of regular votes iu North-
fiifi Right Spirit!-Worthy lauutu
In view of the present condition of the con-
and supposing tlmt, if the f1,800,000 0 f q f •
Bonds, issued for tbe defence of the Star 1*. '
out of the State, they might not probably *.’>
lv at par, we learn that a few day* s j 0ct ^ J
Cuyler, Esq., President of the Central H s
and Banking Company voluntarily propos*.
the Governor to take for that Company
of these 8tate Bonds, at par. This shows
right spirit, and is highly creditable to Mr. Cu
and tbe Company over whose business and
rations he presides with such marked ability - ri
acceptability to all concerned.
The Bank capital bow iu use iu this Star?
discover by the Last Comptroller General's }{ .
is over $9,WWJX)©. If each Bank will onlv f,;
the example of President Cuvier, and invest
per cent, of their c apital in the same kind of b lt
should it become necessary, (which we hnp^
not be the case) the $1,000,000 authorized tu
issued by the last Legislature, can be taken bv
Banks alone. We perceive that the South Car.-,
na Banks have taken $100,000 of their own
Bonds, issued for a similar purpose, in propon
to the Capita: Stock of each Bank.
FLINT JUDICIAL CIRCUIT.
Monroe,
Cabaniss.
562
Flovd.
126
Sin;-;
Upson,
185
115
3?*:
Spalding,
263
Newton,
146
998
Henry
132
538
2%
Butts
H7
125
171
Pike,
77
4U
1716
Floyd's plurality, 294.
2176
OC'MULGEE CIRCUIT.
I. L. Harris. N. G.
Baldwin
Greene
.7 asper
Jones
Morgan
Putnam
Wilkinson
4*29
173
308
280
167
214
408
1979
Feme
67
364
316
12a
274
243
431
1823
Harris’ majority. 135.
In tlie Cherokee Circuit, Judge D. A. Walkcr^jl
elected by 3,404 majority' over James Milner,
M. Hendrick is elected Solicitor General in y
Tallapoosa Circuit.
N. J. Hammond is elected Solicitor General ist
the Coweta Circuit.
F. Tapper is elected Solicitor General of tit*
Eastern Circuit.
W. H. Dasher is elected Solicitor General in tik
Brunswick Circuit.
levs t« Ceargiana.
Wc clip the following items from the Most. !
gornery Weekly Advertiser of tlie 9th inst., fo j
the amusement of our readers. They striking;? ]
show off what men, nuder excitement can do, '
and what reliance is to be placed in telegraphy
reports. The canards are hard to beat:
LATEST FROM GEORGIA
Columbus* Jan. 5.—Eighty-five counties ha? t
been heard from in this State. The result, thus
far, stands—one hundred and twenty-three for se- |
cession: sixty-two for co-operation.
Three cheers for Georgia! <■
era States,
Scattering aud informal votes,
3,420.511
6,392
Total vote in Northern States 3,420,903
Vote for Lincoln, 1,837,923
Majority for Liucolu in the North, 248,953
Total number for votes in Southern States, 1,283,645
“ “ “ Northern “ 3,426,903
Whole number of votes in the Union, 4.710,518
Vote for Lincoln,
Vote agaiust Lincoln:
Douglas received
Breckinridge
Bell
1,864,960
1,237,493
836,486
742,229—2.866,203
Majority iu the Uuion against Lincoln, 1,001,528
Bound Views.
We clip the following Sound and patriotic reso
lutions from ethers adopted by a mass meeting ot
the people of Prince George's county, Maryland,
held ou the 27 th ult. The points iu contest are
placed as it were in a nutshell aud they granted j
should give quiet to the country.
Resoloid. That we recommend a convention of
the slave States to be held immediately', to take
joint counsel and action upon the present crisis in
our national affairs.
Rrsolced. That if the North, or free States, shall
or will repeal all their unconstitutional laws ob
structing the recovery of fugitive slaves, and guar
antee unto the Southern States ail their just right*
in the Territories and under the constitution, by an
amendment to tbe constitution, or otherwise. as
to make it a permanent and final settlement of the
slavery question iu all its phases, then, and in that
event, each and every portion of the confederacy
ought to be satisfied.
In- Joshua Bill.
The following we clip from tbe Chronicle Sf St u-
tinel. The sentiments are so just and pointed that
we cordially endorse them. We had intended to
let the charge made by our neighbor of the “Union"
pass for what it was worth, feeling satisfied tbat
Mr. Hill coaid defend himself before bis constitu
ents for his vote, if it became necessary :
“ We regret exceedingly to see an attempt made
by a smalt portion of the press of Georgia, to ex
cite mdkjnatiou and ill-feeling Agaiust the Hon.
Joshua Hill, the able and patriotic Representative
from the Seventh District.
This attempt, made as it is, by a certain set,
when we look at the time, tho place and tlie man
ner, we can regard only as the offspring of partisan
malignity, as unjust as it is impotent, as harmless in
reality as it is puerile in design. The onslaught is
made ou Mr. Hill because on the 31st of December
last, in the House of Representatives, he voted to
lay on the table the following resolution, offered
by the Hon. Roger A. Pryor, of Virginia, to wit:
“ Resulted, That any attempt to preserve the
Uuion between tbe States iu the Confederacy, by
force, would be impracticable and destructive to
Repablican Liberty.”
On account of this vote of Mr. Hill, certain pa
pers, under certain aud well known personal influ
ences, choose to charge him witb bciug in favor ol
coercion, and speak cf “enemies iu the camp.’’—
Now the real reason why these persons display
hostility to Mr. Hill, in our judgment, arises from
the fact that they are wholly incapable of feeling a
patriotic emotion, being consumed by tbe tierce
fires of partisanship. They cannot rise to that vasl
table land of honest devotion to country, whicli
Joshua Hill occupies, being held down by the mis
erable, the unworthy, the despicable leclings of
party hate.”
Mr. Toombs lias made a very good speech iu
the U. S. Senate on our Constitutional rights,
which would have had much more force on tbe
public mind if our friend Mr. T. and the other lead
ing politicians that have been in power of late
years, had been hitherto more firm and consistent.
THEATRICAL.
We would invite attention to the advertisement
of Mr. Fleming. We have heretofore noticed the
performances of Mr. F., and would again recom
mend his entertainments to oar theatrical loving
friends. Mr. F. informs as that he has a beautiful
picture painted on canvas, 25 by 18 feet, represent
ing a scene in Savannah, that will please our im
mediate sesessioa friends wonderfully.
Georgia Election.—The following additions
counties, we learned yesterday, have elected st
cession candidates: Campbell, Coweta, Fayette
Meriwether, Hancock, Houston, Cass, Cobb
Floyd. Iu Troup county one secessionist (Judg
Buti) was elected.
i! St- ...
I
ant PI
Daily Middle Geo«oiax.—We have for the
past week been in the receipt of the Daily Middle
Georgian published in Griffin by McLendon A
Burr, edited by A. P. Burr. The paper is wuli
conducted.
We telegraphed last ex-ening to a thorougly -•
well informed and reliable citizen of Georgia, re
questing him to send ns such news of the Georpa .
election as could be relied on with certainty, hi
rejdy we received a dispatch containing the {«I
lowing
GLORIOUS NEWS!
Columbus, Ga., Jan. G.—There are very few
counties yet to be heard front. The result siiowj
that two to one 0 f the delegates elected are for im
mediate separate secession. The Convention w...
stand about two hundred to one hundred. Tt-
popular majority j s overwhelmingly in favor a
immediate secession.
Now, as our State Convention is about to assem
ble, we wonld put the Delegates on their guar:
against sensation dispatches and “items."
Cotton has been selling in our market witfaia
the last few days at a lower rate than authorize;
by foreign quotations, or in proportion to the price
paid iu Savannsih. Au apprehensioa that our sea
ports are liable at any moment to be obstructed, a
the assigned cause. This uneasiness has already
given a new direction to it from the upper part c>:
our .State, affecting more than one interest. KeS'.
the following, w liich we clip from the Rome Cou
rier oftbe 10th:
Nexv Route for Cotton.—The prospect oi
au early blockade of the, forts of Charleston and
.Savannah has already commenced to effect tlie
imsiuess relations of this section of the country.—
Col. Cothran has just shipped 160 bales of Cotton
to Nctv York via Kuoxviile, Lynchburg, Gordon«-
vitle aud Alexandria; thus carrying it nearly tine?
as fox by Railroad aud about the same distance by
water as if it were shipped to Savannah or Charles
ton. CoL Bayard informs us that ail his ship
ments will hereafter be made by this same upper
route, until the prospects below change. If this
ch-iuge becomes general, it will be a great loss to
tilt* Georgia Railroads aud the extra freights w.il
come out of the farmers in the end.
Cotton bv the L iter Route.—We are in
formed that a system of reduced freights has been
adapted by ail the roads between here and Norfolk
aud Alexandria so thai cotton, iu 500 pound bales,
is now s»-nt fo New York by either of those routes
for t per bale; whereas by Charleston or Sav
annah the price is from $6,25; thus making a dif
ference iu favor of the upper route, oi" from 70 to
96 cents per Ixfle besides the prospect of great*.'
safety iu transit—Courier. J2/A.
Citizens Meeting In Benlgonierjr County- 1
This meeting nominated for the Convention IL
8. N. Latimer and Thomas M. McRae, who hav
since been elected. Not having received the pro
ceedings in time for publication before the election,
we merely give the resolutions adopted, viz:
ist. Be it licsolctd, That in the judgment ol
this meeting, that the mere election of Abratz^
Lincoln to tbe Presidency of the United States is
not of itself just cause for secession : though we
tcel in common with all our fellow-citizens o:
Georgia, much aggrieved that such a calami!;
should Lave fallen -upon us.
Though as he has been constitutionally electee,
we say let him take his seat, aud should he violate
the Constitution, aud fail to carry out the law iu
the true meaning, theu we thiuk it time to make
resistance.
2d. lie it Retained, That we wish to suggest to the
people of the South of all parties, aud the conser-
miticf men of the North to act together with unan
imity and concert, and form a National party ani
stand by and defend tlie rights of the States under
the Constitution, and iu our judgment. Black Re
publicanism wili banish from the Nation in less
than twerftv years : and should we be driven to se
cession from the L'niou, to maintain onr rights, we
would be better prepared to act together if there
was no division among us in politics
3d. Be it Rrsolced, In conclusion, that we say.
that any Star* lias the right when they are in
fringed upon by the government, contrary to th' -
true inaning of the Constitution, to secede, and
that the Federal Government has not the right to
coerce them back. Therefore when all quiet
means aud argtuneuts are exhausted, and the South
has to leave the anion, under the Constitution foe
protection, we pledge our iives. our honors and all
we have to defend the rights of the South.
CONGRESSIONAL.
Washington, Jan. 12.—Senate —Mr. Sea
ward in his great speech, said that there could not
be such a thing as peaceable secession. He advo
cated the repeal <>f the Personal Liberty bills, and
said that the Constitution should never be so al
tered as to give to Congress the power to abolish
slavery in the States. The territorial question
should be settled by admitting a!l the present Ter
ritories as States, and Kausas wish the Wyandotte
Constitution, and that laws should be enacted to
prevent the invasion of one State by another, aud
that there should be two pacific Railroads one
Northern aud one Southern.
House.—The Mississippi members presented the
letter of withdrawal.
Tbe Navy bill was up. Mr. Pryor wanted to
strike ont four million for pay of the officers and
men, aud he said that he would sink the Navy
rather than it should be employed against his coun
trymen. He (Mr. Pryor) said that the imbecile
Administration was controlled by an aspiring sol
dier, and he warned Virginia against impending
tyranny.
Texas.—A ftate Conveution will be held » E
the City of Austin on the 4th Monday iu January'.
1861. Au election for D i> gates ft* the Couven-
ipn was held on the -th inst.