Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1860-12-21

SECRETARY CASS RIsIGNED.-A despatch
from Washington to the New York CONNER
eiai, yesterday, says that Secretary Cass has
resigned his place in tho Cabinet, and that
the reason of his resignation is the timidity
or inaction of President Buchanan, who in
the Cabinet meeting Friday, conld not be
persuaded to reinforce Fort Moultrie, at
Charleston.
Our own despatch says that MR. DIcKIN
son of New York will probably succeed him.
The AMERICAN AcRIcULrURIsr, in its last
number, gives notice that it has secured the
aid Of Hon. L E. Chittendcn of this place,
in iu department of Natural History, more
especially in relation to Birds. or that class
of them most common and useful to farmers.
The stuffed specimens of the " Birds Of
Vermont thst Mr.. Chittendsu hos exhib-
tied at our State Fairs, give evidence that he
has long given this delightful branch Of Natu-
raj History careful attention ,s.and should bis
contributions to that paper be marked with
the care and thoroughness that he usually
bsstows on whatever he undertakes. the read
ezs of the Agr'ealuri.t may well congratu-
late themselves.
In Congress Tuesday the Senate took up
the House bill of the lsst session providing
for the payment of outstanding Treasury
notes, authorizing loan, and remodslling
the tariff, and referred it to tho Committee
on Finance. A resolution was adopted di-
recting inquiry as to the practicablity of
reducing the expenses of the army. The
consideration of the resolutions Of Ar. Pow
ell, relative to the state Of the country, was
then resumed, and Messrs. Bigler, lverson,
Green, Fitch, Douglas and others partici-
pated in the debate.
Mr. Iverson made a violent secession
speech, in tho course of which he declared
that i. is not for want of good faith on the
part Of the Free States iu regard to the rem
dition Of fugitive slaves, that tho South is
moving. In ono sentence he said that the |
South would be satisefd with nothing short
Of Congressional protection fox slavery in the
territories In others he svcrred that no |
concessions on the part of the North would |
be of any avail. lie saw no reason why |
Washington should not be the Capitol of
the Southern Confederacy, a suggestion
which was received with much laughter, by
both floor and galleries.
Mr.. Coilamer, IN the course OF short dia-
logue, between half dozen Senators, said
the State Legislatures should aid in estab-
fishing frateSnal feeling. MIR. Douglas
thought Congress should apply the necessary
legislation. A convention Of separate States
to settle the matter is not necessary.
In the House the discussion of the motion
to excuse Mr.. Hawkins, of Florida, from
service on the Select Committee Of Thirty
three was renewed, and the House refused.
BY vote Of 95 to l0l, to excuse Mr.. Haw-
kine The House, by tie vote. also refused
to excuse Mr. Boyce, of South Carolina. MIR.
Morrill,, of Vermont, desired to be excused
because of other duties which fully occupied
his time, but the House refused his request.
The Diplomatic and Consular Appropriation
bills. and bill providing for the support of
the Indians, were reported. A memorial
for the relief of the Kansas sufferers was, af-
ter some opposition. referred to the Terrific
rial Committee. A resolution was introduc
cd directing inquiry as to whether any Su-
of Indians or Indian Agents
can be dispensed with. A resolution was
adopted that all business relating to the
Union be referred to the Select Committee of