Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1860-10-17

BAsELEss RuMoRs.-We are now daily hearing
rumors OF plots for the destruction of the Union.
This morning we saw w ashington letter pub
hsneo In the Boston Atlas and Bee, assuming to
give the details Of such a conspiracy, having for
iu primary object the destruction Of the Union in
case OF Lincoln's election; and, o. a means of
securing the cooperation of the Government of
the United States to that end the speedy procure
ment Of the retirement Of Secretary Floyd from
the Cabinet. because az alleged by the writer, he
10 we'll known to be actively hostile to the scheme
The wonder monger credits Senators Davis and
Slidell and Secretary Cobb with being its chief
engineers. In half an hour afterwards we were
conadentially informed that secret meeting of
the Governors Of the Gulf States and South Caro-
lina had recently taken place. whereat full and
carefully matured plan for the secession of those
States had been agreed on. According to our
credulous friend, Alabama 10 FIRST by legislative
action to declare her connection with the existing
Confederacy at an end, South Carolina next, Mis-
sissi Ppi next, Georgia next-and SO on to the end
Of the chapter.
Now, we have to assure the public that there is
not a word Of truth whatever In these or any of
their kindred stories 4" floating around loosen lust
now. No man in the country is in better position
than ourseh to know the truth in such matters;
and We know well that the gentlemen named by
the correspondent Of the Atlas aud Bee would be
the last public men in the land to assume to lead
their respective States into any such action what.
ever their position might be We're their states to
take some such altitude Nor is 1t possible that the
Governor Of any Southern State would assume to
Initiate any such policy for his State that not
being his function. Alabama has already, by
legislative action, devolved on her overuor the
duty Of calling State convention in case of Lin
coins election, to be charged with the duty OF
determining on the course demanded by the
emergency for the protection Of her rights and In.
terests There is danger that hot blood rather
than cool reason may guide the councils Of tina,
convention.
Yet from private information In which we con.
fde, we are very sure that II Lincoln be elected
he will at once make such a declaration with
reference 20 the policy Of his admi nistraton con-
corning slavery, and also with reference to its
composition, as will place upon those who would
destroy the Confedcracy ere an overt act shall
have made such action the part Of the Southern
states a measure Of unmistakable self-defense
only, in the attitude Of seeking to overthrow the
Government Of the United States only for the SAX
| Of overtLrowing it. Standing in such an attitude
they would be utterly pswerless with the people
however strong they might be were the incoming
administration to be organized upon the sirrepres
sible-confct' principle definitely as that the
South would comprehend at glance that the
main object OF its policy could not fail to be wa
on the institution aud the rights and interests Of
the South, from the moment Of its installation I'm
power.