Smyrna times., 1860-12-13
The Political Prospect.

II must be confessed that the aspect of pub.
lie affairs at Washington is particularly
gloomy. The Southern caucus held on Sat.
urday evening is said to have shown that tho
Representatives of the Cotton States are unan.
imOus in the opinion that secession is inevita
bic. And there seems very little probability
that the Compromise Committee can agree
upon anything which would lead the South
even to pause in its mad career. We see moth.
ing in the immediate future but rapid head
long movement towards a disruption of the
Confederacy.
large majority of both Houses in Con-
gress consider it too late to save the present
Confederacy, but they express the belief that
new one would be speedily formed. Tbev
do not seem to have given any opinion as to
the basis on which it would be constructed
Persons recently arrived at Washington from
the South report the excitement there as in
tense.
Secretary Cobb has already resigned, and
and will vacate his post Immediately, and will
1t is believed, be followed by the Represents
tives from South Carolina and others. There
check upon too hasty action, and that is the
adVices from England. The sympathy ex-
pressed there for the Federal Government. on
the reception of the first reports of the seces.
sion movement, somewhat surprises the Dis
unlonlsts, and they have no hesitation in saw |
ing that it is not what they expected. AS
measure of financial relief to the Government
the House cOmmitte of Ways and Means have
resolved upon the issue Of Treasury notes.
As indicating the exact condition of affairs
IN South Carolina, the views Of a planter and
STAKEHOLDER of that State, at present in Wash.
Ington, will attract attention He believes
that the State will inevitably secede, but that
she will just a inevitably come back into the
Union again in short time, when the leaders
IN the present revolutionary movement will
lind that they have signed their own death
warrants. This gentleman is a member of the
Legislature, and delegate to the State Con-
vention.
The disunion feeling in Texas seems to be
approaching a elimination. A circular has
been issued by member of the Legislature,
calling upon his fellow members to meet some-
time in January, whether Gov Houston chooses
TO call them together or not and i. is assert.
ed that the Governor has signified his willing
ness TO do so provided he can be satisfied that
majority of the people of the State desire it.
We present few extracts from the tele.
graphic reports:
Charleston, Dec. 8, lSG0.-There is great
activity at Fort Moutre. The defence
every day is rendered stronger. Thewives
OF officers and men have packed up their |
effects, ready to quit at moments notice.
The Legislature will probably set during the
Convention.
News from Florida shows perfect unanmity
10 the State tor secession, and the enthusiasm
Is Increasing daily. Lincoln was burned in
ethgy at FernandIna on Friday last.
The Convention election returns from dis
tricts which went for corporation in 1852.
show great revolution in public opinion, the
vote IN favor ofseparate secession being twenty
10 one against it.
The Georgia Senate rejected the bill calling
Convention Of fSouthern States. This is view
ed as an indication Of the intention Of Georgia
to secede separately.
The Joint Select Committee on Federal re.
lations have agreed to report on Wednesday
next bill to call a Convention of the peopls
" WHAT 4NOlIu Oar0IlnQ snail DO
the present crisis.
Washing ton Dec. llth.-The impression is !
gaming ground here that the secession of the
Gulf States will force the border States to 90
with them' TO avoid being left in a hopeless
minority in the present Confederaey; and that
before the 4th ofMarch Virginia and Marv. |
land will have joined the other Southern States. |
As these States would carry the District of Co |
lumbia with them, the question is being asked |
here, where will Lincoln be inaugurated