The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1860-12-28
Important News from Washington.

TIE REPUBLICANS WILL MAKE NO COMPROMISE
The Senate crisis committee of thirteen
had long and anxious session on SATURDAY.,
principally on the Crittenden propositions OF
compromise. There was considerable debate.
in which all the members participated
Messrs Cr,,cnden, Bisler, and Doug las urg-
ed the adoption OF these proposed amend
ments, or any other that would meet the case
The republican me nhers opposed any COM
promise that involved an abandonment off one
iota of principle entering into their late vic
tory, declaring that while they knew they
themselves occupied constitutional and ma
tional grounds they had no concessions to
make or offer. Messrs jeff Davis, Toonbs
and Hunter were willing to agree to this or
any other compromise, out insisted that the
propositions ought TO come from the republi-
cans. The vote was then taken on each of
the Critterden propositions in turn, and the,
were all lost by the refusal ofthe republicans
to acc. pt them. MeSsrs Davis, Toombs and
Hunter voting against because the republi
cans did. Other propositions were offered
and voted down. jeff Davis submitted a res
olution expressly recognizing the right of
property in slaves, but no vote was taken up
on it. MIR Toombs also submitted series
of resolutions, embracing substantially the
principles Of the breckenridge platform, but
final action was not taken on them. The
committee adjourned to meet at ten on Mon
Gay morning. Mr. Seward alone was absen,
from the committee on Saturday, but will at
tend to-day.
There now seems to be no chance for COM
promise, and the Southerners give it up as a
bad job. The only thing which seems to
stand any chance of success is the project of
a national convention to revise the constitu-
ton, and even THIS is not very hopeful Nj.
Critenden says that Saturday was the dark
est day of his life. The reported recent dec
aration of MIR Lincoln that he should adhere
strictly to the Chicago platform has confirm
ed the wavering republicans to that policy
and increased the intensity Of Southern feel
ing. Gov Andrew of Massachusetts, in con-
sul,a.ion with the republican members at
Washington, is decided in his opposition to
any compromise, and the governors or gov
errors elect of seven Northern states send
the same word. among them Curtin of Penn,
and Morgan of n. Y.
Senator Pugh of Ohio, was serenaded las,
Saturday night by the democratic club, be-
cause of his late speech denoancing the
North. He said that peace could not be re-
stored by the sword. The shedding of sin
gle drop Of blood would make dissolution
inevitable and reconstruction impossible
Peace could only be secured by concessions.
Messrs Crittenden, Va!landisham, Pendleton
and others also made speeches sustaining Mr.
Pugh's views.
Apprehensions are felt of the immediate
seizure Of the forts at Charleston, and COL
isicn with the federal authorities, and it is
reported that word was got by jeff Davis and
Wisfall, on Saturday, that the forts would be
seized in twenty-four hours. The covert act"
which has offended the Charlestonians was
the appearance of revenue cutter in their
harbor and they demand that she be ordered
off or they will let loose the mob. The cabi-
net were called together in haste and had a
long consultation, several Southern senators
being present. 1t has not vet transp:red what
course the government will pursue. but the
Herald reporter astutely thinks whole fleet
will be dispatched to that quarter at once
Caleb Gushing arrived later in the evening
from Charleston, and the cabinet members
were again summoned together to hear his
report. lie was sent there TO obtain reliable
information for the administration, on the
spot, and while there got official letters as 10
what was going to be done but the SUBJ
stance is not made public