The daily exchange. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1858-1861, 1860-03-24
WASHINGTON NEWS.
W AsHINHTUN, MaTCn z
THE MEXICAN NEWS.

THE MEXICAN NEWS.
The excitement produced by the Mexican news
rather increase than otherwise. Government des
patches are due by to-morrow's mails when the
Cabinet will be convened to consider the subject
Quite difference Of opinion exists as to the pro
prietv OF Capt. Turner's course. One of the most
distinguished Commodores in the Navy condemns
the firing of shot by the Saratoga instead of blank
cartridge, is usual Another Commodore of
equal reputation defends the act. under the circnm
stances. The President is perfectly satisfied with
the attack made on the steamers, but expresses
doubt as to the propriety of Selling them He fears
lest MiramOn, exasperated at the summary dispo-
sal of his newly purchased navy, will wreak his
vengeance upon unprotected American citizens
within reach of his power, and has requested a
gentleman, now here, but long a resident in Next
CO, to hold himself ready to leave at a moments
warning for that country, as his services might be
needed By the government.
The seizure OF the vessels by Commander Turner
was not made under special instructions from
here bearing upon the conflict now going on in
Mexico but under the usage which prevails
amongst all national vessels The captured vessels
were sailing without flag, and when requested in
the usua! way to stop, by firing gun across the
bows, replied by firing into the American national
ship. As matter of course. such conduct was
promptly punished by the capture of the vessels
From their conduct the inference was strong that
they were either fibusters pirates, and as such
1T was the duty of the commander of the Saratoga
to overhaul them. The seizure has connection
whatever with the present imbrOglo in Mexico
and so the President will inform Congress- called
upon.
The prisoners will probably be liberated by the
President If they shall show they were not viola
ting the neutrality laws and did not kill anv
American citizens by first firing on the Indianola
The government is determined. however to de-
mand of Spain whether these vessels were fitted out
In Havana, with the cognizance of the Spanish
officials, for the purpose of interfering with our
commerce Unless Spain can clear her skirts of
this comPlicity, it is than probable our neu-
trality laws, so far as Spain is concerned will be
suspended this session by an almost unanimous
vote.
THE C0RTINA INVASION.
on the 18th February Major Heintzelman inform
ed the head of the Military Department of Texas
that the war on the Rio Grande had closed, and
Cortina had fled permanently. That information
was telegraphed to the War Department few
days ago by Col. Harvey Brown, in despatch as
surfing peace. despatch from Major Heintzelman
direct to the War-Offce one week later, aud just
received, changes the complexion of the case ma
terially. 1t is as follows:
HEADQUARTERS BROWNSVILLE EXPEDITION J
FoRT Brown, Texas, March Z, 1860
have the honor to inclose herewith a copy of
my letter tie the Department Headquarters, of the
18th February. Since then | ha 1e heard of but
one small party on this side of the river They
were engaged in removing the body of a man shot
Dy the hangers the evening before, and were under
the protection OF an armed party on the south
bank OF the river. | have to-day heard that Cor
tina is at the Rancho of Reyotano, few leagues
above collecting men to over. 1t is now said
tnat the report OF his having gone to Monterey
was only circulated to throw us off our guard /
have not had time to verify these reports The
Geographic reports in the newspapers of orders to
cross after Cortna and the arrival to-day of Com
pany e., Second Cavalry, officer and sixty
three men, has created much alarm in Metamoras
and may induce the authorities to act more eff
GENTLY. They know that we can starve them out
IN fortnight. There is not grain of corn in this
part OF the country. All the corn and -four they
"0 10 NUN tiis size. very respectfully,
>. V. HEINTZLEMAN
M DEPARTURE OF THE POSTMASTER GENERAL
The Postmaster General left here to-day for Flor
failing. He will be absent for some time.
| APPROPRIATION BILLS.
The Executive and Legislative Appropriation bill
Will be reported by Mr. Sherman in few days
and will amount to about six millions of dollars.
THE BANKRUPT BILL.
The Senate Judiciary Committee, to whom the
subject was referred, have decided to report ON the
inexpediency ofreporting general Bankrupt bill