The Sun.
London, England, 1861-01-23 00:00:00

,a,
THE SUN, LONDON WEDNESDAY Ev ENING, JANUARY 23, 1861.

these men, headed by officers of rank and cha-
racter, suck as Lieut.-General Scott and Major-
General Wool,-would be able to give a good account
of any rowdy army that could be got together.
Government might assemble 800 regulars at Wash-
ington, including marines, and perhaps half as
many seamen, by stripping the'Northern forts and
navy-yards of nearly all their men of all arms. No
men could be taken from any Southern fort or
yard which have garrisons, or are not in possession
of the secessionists. There may be 1,500 men of
every description iu postEi of the South', and in-
cluding the garrison of Fort Sumter. There are
10 companies of regulars in Fort Monroe, which
is the nearest great military point to the capital of
any importance; but they could not be moved, as
that is one of the national posts which Mr. Wide
and his crew of Catilinarians purpose stealing.
We feel the want of a regular army very much
indeed. Were there 5,000 available men within
the reach of Government I fancy Mr. Buchanan
would act in a manner to satisfy all reasonable
men. With half that number at Washington, and
the rest employed in garrisoning the principal
Southern forts, the secessionists would be effec-
tually bridled. They could do nothing, and would
be glad to have things restored to the state they
were in three months ago. It is because nothing,
or next to nothing, has been done adversely to
them and their designs that the secessionists have
been so very bold. They struck out because they
did not believe they could encounter a courageous
foe. It is a fortunate thing for the country that
the Governor of Maryland, Mr. Hicks, is not only
a firm friend of the Union, but also a man of
energy and courage. He resolutely refuses to call
the Marylind Legislature together, as from the
eharacter of that body it is inferred that its action
would be most prejudicial to the cause of' the
Union. Being so near to the national capital,
Maryland's action is of the extremest importance.
If she and Virginia should remain faithfill, we may
not only -weather the storm, in spite of the timidity
and ignorance of the pilot, but do so without expe-
riencing any essential injury.
The Legislature of New 'York met on the 2d of
January. and on that day, and as if anxious not to
lose a moment of precious time, Mr. Spinola, a
member of the Senate, and one of the stoutest
Democrats in the nation, introduced resolutions
authorising the State Government to raise
10,000,000 dols. and 100,000 men, if needed, to sup-
press rebellion and to maintain the integrity of the
American Union. The proposition was favourably
received, and it expresses the sense of the North.
Men of all parties appear to be getting over the
stupefaction that so long prevailed, and to be
preparing to do their duty. This nation is, like
England, a somewhat heavy and ponderous body,
not easily moved, but, when once roused, capable of
performing great deeds.
Letters from the South confirm what I wrote
you weeks ago, namely, that the power of the
secessionists is in their control of the mob, the
wealthy classes being opposed to them, but unable
to act because of the system of terror that prevails.
Bold action on the part of Government would help
them, and enable the Union men to organise ; and
not the least of the evils that have flowed from the
President's cowardice is, that the men of property
at the South, believing that they had nothing to
hope from Washington, have given way before the
blast got up by the rabble under the lead of dema-
gogues. We have stories from the South to the
effect that a want of food is felt there ; but as the
same sort of stories are sent South about the North,
and as I know the latter to be lies, I am not in-
clined to place much faith in the former.

LIVERPOOL, MONDAY. EVENING.

The Royal Mail steamship Canada, Capt. Ander-
son, which left Boston on the ' 9th instant, and
touched at Hylifax on the 10th inst., arrived in the
Mersey at 4.15 tnis afternoon.
A telegraphic summary of the Canada's news
has already been published.
We take the following telegrams from the
Boston journals of the 9th instant, as showing the
latest phase of the secession movement, when the
Canada left Boston.

A Washington telegram of the Bth inst. says :
Mr. Thompson, the Secretary of the Interior, re-
signed to-day, on the ground that troops had been
stnt to Charlesto❑ by the steamer, Star of the
West, when, as he alleges, there was a distinct
understanding on the 31st December that none
were to be ordered south without the decision of
the Cabinet.

" Rumours of an attack upon the steamer, Star
of the West, are rife, creating intense excitement.
Nobody can give any authority for them."
(The late telegram via Halifax, already pub-
lished, states that the Star of the West was fired
upon by the Carolinians, and that she conse-
quently did not land her reinforcements.)
" The reports that orders have been issued by
the British Government to consols at the ports of
seceding States to refuse certificates of clearance to
English vessels is denied. It is said that Mr.
Bunch, the British consul at Charleston, recognises
the de
,facto Government by granting such certi-
ficates.

Agenta of southern States continue to arrive for
the purpose of purchasing arms. The government
for the present refuses to sell to any State sr private
parties. An agent from Mississippi starts for the
north to-morrow to procure arms, although it is
said the supply there is not abundant.
" A number of the leading Secessionists here are
urging upon Governors Hicks, of Maryland, and
Letcher, of Virginia, the necessity of demanding of
the President an immediate removal of the United
States troops from Fort Washington. '
" The armament of Fort Washington is in excel-
lent condition, and preparations have been made for
firing red-hot balls that will burn any vessel which
may attempt to pass the forts for hostile purposes.
"The Naval Department has received information
this morning, that the revenue cutter Dobbin, lying
in 111.)bile harbour, has the United Stats flag flying
with the Union down, and the Palmetto flag flying
at the mainmast. This act, on the part of those
having the vessel in charge, is considered open
revolution before the secession of the State of
Alabama."

The Bth of January being► the anniversary of the
battle of New Orleans, was devoted to a great con-
su m ption of gunpowder all over the Uo ion in honour
of General Jackson's victory ; and in most of the
Northern States in honour also of Major Anderson's
course at Charleston. The occasion was also seized
in the Now York State Senate to pass a resolution
to present a sword to Major Anderson. General
Jackson's proclamation against nullification was
also read on the motion of Mr. Spinola.
A Washington despatch of the Bth states upon
reliable information that Senator Cameron has
declined a seat in M. Lincoln's Cabinet.

Two hundred men, with 130 horses, left Fort
Leavenworth for 13altimore on the 7th.

THE EXECUTIVE.

The correspondence between the South Carolina Com-
missioners and President Buchanan appears in the Charles-
ton papers, having been submitted to the Convention in
secret session.

It consists of three letters, +he first dated Dec. 29, from
the Commissioners to the President, in which they demand
as a preliminary to all negotiations a disapproval by the
President of the act of Major Anderson in seizing Fort
Sumter; the second, dated Dec. 30, from the President, In
which, while admitting that Major Anderson acted without
express orders, he yet refuses to repudiate the act (we give
this document in full in another column) ; and the third,
dated Jan. 1, in which the Commissioners attempt to refute
the allegations of the President's letter in which he justifies
Major Anderson's conduct. This last letter the President
returned to the Commissioners with the following endorse•
runt on its back :—" This paper ust presented to the Pre-
sident is of such a character that he declines to receive it."

'IMPORTANT ARMY MOVEMENTS.
TILE REINFORCEM'Ii7i'M FOR FORT
(From Vie Nei. York Times Jan. 8;)
Varther investgation respecting the eipaliticin for the
relief of Major Anderson, has elicited the fact that Colonel
Thaw, the Aide-de-Camp of Liettt.-General Scott, came
on from Washinrrton aza personally ,superintended the
elbartation of,thZ troops which were destined for the te-
Inf m
orceent of Fort Sumter. They consisted of 250 artil-
ierists and marines, with ample sUpplies of lit.ovisiOnS arid
arms, and Were put on hoard of the Star of the West, ift
the lower ba; on Saturday night, so as not to attract atten-
tion.

It is stated that a movement had, laat Week; pentaineel
the sanction and support of Several wealthy nierehanta Of
this city for bending relief to the gallant Anderson, and
that a large amount of money and materials were contri-
buted, and a steamer selected for the purpose: On Satttr-
day the parties wha were at the head of the movement were
informed that ttr, tnited States Government had under-
tskeh. to send supplies and men to that post, and that con-
sequently their patriotic services would not be required.
FURTHER MOVEMENTS OF TROOPS.
BALTIMORE, Monday, Jan. 7.
The soldiers which arrived to-day from Carlisle were
cavalry, and not infantry, and in number were 60. They
were on their way to Harper's Ferry to protect the arsenal.

a petition of citizens of that State, which was referred to
the Judiciary Committee, requesting, Congress to authorise
a National Convention to meet at Philadelphia on the 4th
of March. Thirty-three memorials asking for the submis-
sion of the Crittenden resolution to a vote of the people
were presented by Mr. Bigler, Pennsylvania. Mr. Crit-
tenden then spoke at some length in favour of his proposi-
tion, and was followed by Mr. Toombs of Georgia, who
made a characteristic speech, full of "fire and fury," gene-
ral dissolution, and the "tramp of armed men"—conclud-
ing with a declaration that if the South was denied her
rights " she would invoke the God of battles, and trust to
Him for security and peace." The Senate then went into
Executive session, and subsequently adjourned until Wed-
nesday.
In the House, Mr. COBB, of Alabama, in correeting a state-
ment to the effect that he was present at a conference of the
Alabama and Mississippi delegations on Saturday, and had
sent home a telegraphic despatch advising immediate seces-
sion, declared that he hoped something would be done to
save the Union, and called upon men of all parties to make
efforts to do so. Mr. Etheredge, of Tennessee, asked
leave to submit a proposition substantially the same as that
agreed upon by the Committee of the Border States on
Saturday, but ho did not succeed in obtaining a suspension
of the rules. [We give this proposition below.] Mr.
Adrain, of New Jersey, asked leave to offer a resolu-
tion approving of the bold and patriotic act of Major An-
derson in evacuating Fort Moultrie and occupying Fort
Sumter, and pledging the house to sustain the President in
all constitutional measures to enforce the laws and preserve
'the Union. After an ineffectual appeal to Mr. Adrain from
Mr. Barrett, of Kentucky, for a withdrawal of the resolu-
tion, a vote was ordered on a motion to suspend the rules
for its recepti;n, and resulted 134 for and 53 against sus-
pension. The resolution was then put upon its passage,
and received 124 votes, while only 53 were cast against it,
The scene in the house during the calling of the roll was a
very exciting one—almost every member as he cast his
vote, for.or against the resolution, giving his reasons for
' so doing:
The motion wai; 'almost exclusively supported by Northern
members ' • nearly all the Southern members present voting
against it.
The Washington correspondent of the New York Herald
says—" The vote upon the resolution approving the course
of Major Anderson, and sustaining the President in not re-
calling him, is regarded by the Southern men as indicating
a majority favourable to the passage of a force bill. They
are intensely excited this evening, and threaten vengeance
if a force bill is attempted to be passed. The Republicans
also. regard it as showing a majority in favour of such a
measure."

THE NEW COMPROMISE PROPOSED.
BORDER STATE CAUCUS.

WASHINGTON, Jan. 5, 1861.

The Committee of the Border States, including
Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, Kentucky, Missouri,
and North Carolina, from the South, and New Jer-
sey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, &c., from
the North, to-day agreed upon propositions for an
adjustment` of pending difficulties, by amending the
Constitution as follows :-
1. Recommending a repeal of all the Personal Liberty
'bills.
2. That the Fugitive Slave law be amended for the pre-
venting of kidnapping, and so as to provide for the equali-
sation of the Commissioners' fee, &c.
3. That the Constitution be so amended as to prohibit
any interference with Slavery in any of the States where it
now exists. _

4. That Congress shall not abolish Slavery in the South-
ern dockyards, arsenals, &c.; nor in the district of Colum-
bia without the consent of Maryland and the consent of
the inhabitants of the District, nor without compensation.
5. That Congress shall not interfere with the inter-State
slave trade.

6. That there shall be a perpetual prohibition of the
African slave trade.

7. That the line of 36 deg. 30 min. shall be run through
all the existing territory of the United States • that in all
north of that line slavery shall be prohibited, and that
south of that line neither Congress nor the Territorial
Legislatures shall hereafter pass any law abolishing, pro-
hibiting, or in any manner interfering with African sla-
very; and-that when any territory containing a sufficient
population for one member of Congress in any area of
60,000 square miles shall apply for admission as a State, it
shall be admitted, with or without slavery, as its constitu-
tion may determine.

We read in a Washington letter :
The compromise proposed by the Committee of Border
States is not accepted by the South. The South will not
consent to leaving the Territories south of 36 deg. 30 min.
to be free or slave as the people may elect, believing that, by
leaving the question open, the scenes of Kansas will be re-
vived, and the country overrun with anti-slavery people,
through the agency of the Northern emigrant aid societies..
They demand the unequivocal recognition by the North
that slavery shall exist in territory South of the proposed
line, until it shall be divided into States, when, in their sove-
reign capacity as States, they may alter or confirm their
status in regard to Slavery. In other words, all territory
North shall be considered free, and all South slave, unless
the people shall choose to change the condition after their
government shall be clothed with State authority. Nothing
else will be accepted by the South ; and, as false impres-
sions may be formed from the favour in which the proposi-
tion of the Border Committee are received in some quarters,
it is proper that this explanation should go before the coun-
try as soon as possible.

of the United States, to "ret4 ke tkon, without regard to
the blood or treasure that may be expended."

PRESIDENT BITCHANAN.
The following is President Buchanan's reply to the
Commissioners from South Car •olina

Washix igton City, Dec. 30, 1860.

Gentlemen,—l have had the honour to receive your corn
munication of 28th inst., together with a copy of your
full powers from the Convention of the people of South
Carolina, authorising you to treat with the government of
the United States on various important subjects therein
mentioned •, and also a copy, if the Ordinance, bearing date
on the 20th inst., declaring th at " the Union now subsisting
between South Carolina and other States, under the name
of the United States of Amer lea, is hereby dissolved."
In answer to this communi cation, I have to say that my
position as President of the U.:lilted States was clearly de-
fined in the Message to Cong ress on the 3d inst. In that I
stated that, " apart from the ,execution of the laws, so far
as this may be practicable, this Executive has no authority
to decide what shall be the rg.ations between the Federal
Government and South Carol ina. He has been invested
with no such discretion. He possesses no power to change
the relations hitherto existing ; between them, much less to
acknowledge the independem so of that State. I his would
be to invest a mere Executive officer with the power of
recognising the dissolution of the Confederacy among our
thirty-three sovereign States. It bears no resemblance to
the recognition of a foreign dc facto government—involv-
ing no such responsibility. Ai ty attempt to do this would,
on his part, be a naked act of u surpatien. It is, therefore,
my duty to submit to Congress the whole question in all
its bearings."
Such is my opinion still. :I could, therefore, meet you
only as private gentlemen et the highest character, and
was entirely willing to commix] Licate to Congress any pro-
position you might have to mak e to that body upon the
subject. Of this you were well aware. It was my earnest
desire that such a disposition in ight be made of the whole
subject by Congress, who alone possess the power, as to
prevent the inauguration of a c; ivil war between the parties
in regard to the possession of the Federal forts in the har-
bour of Charleston, and I, therefore, deeply regret that, in
your opinion, " the events of -the last twenty-four hours
render this impossible." In co nclusion, you urge upon me
" the immediate withdrawal of the troops from the harbour
of Charleston," stating that " ntnder present circumstances
they are a standing menace, which renders negotiation
impossible, and, as our recent experience shows, threaten
speedily to bring to a bloody is/ sue questions which ought
to be settled with temperance mad judgment."
The reason for this change in your position is, that since
your arrival in Washington, "an officer of the United
States, acting as we (you) are assured, not only without,
but against your (my) orders, has dismantled one fort and
occupied another—thus altering to a most important extent
the condition of affairs under which we (you) came." You
also allege that you came here' "the representatives of an
authority which could, at any time within the past sixty
days, have taken possession of the forts in Charleston har-
bour, but which, upon pledges given in a manner that we
(you) cannot doubt, detenniined to trust to your (my)
honour rather than to its powe r."
This brings me to a consider ation of the nature of those
alleged pledges, and in what manner they have been ob-
served. In my message of the 3d of December last, I;stated
in regard to the property of the United States in South
Carolina,;that it " has been purchased for a fair equivalent,
by the consent of the Legislat are of the State, for the erec-
tion of forts, magazines, arsenals, &c., and over these the
authority ' to exercise exclusive legislation' has been ex-
pressly granted by the Constitution to Congress. It is not
believed that any attempt will be made to expel the United
States from this property b:r force; but if in this I should
prove to be mistaken, the 0 ulcer in command of the forte
has received orders to act s trictly on the defensive. In such
a contingency, the reason: ability for consequences would
rightfully rest upon the h of the assailants." This
being the condition of the parties, on Saturday, Bth De-
cember, four of the representatives from South Carolina
called upon me, and requested an interview. We had an
earnest conversation on the subject of these forts, and the
best means of preventing a collision between the parties, for
the purpose of sparing the effusion of blood. I suggested,
fur prudential reasons, that; it would be best to put in writ-
ing what they said to me verbally. They did so, accord-
ingly, and on Monday morning, the 10th inst., three of
them presented to me a pa per signed by all the represen-
tatives from South Carol ina, with a single exception, of
which the following is a copy :
To his Excellency James. Buchanan, President of the