New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1860-12-06
THE LATEST NEWS,
RECEIVED BY
MAGNETIC TELEGRAPH.

dent's Message to appropriate Committees went
through the Committee Of the Whole and passed
the House without one word OF discussion. This
reference usually forms the basis Of general
political debate, but both sides remained Omin-
ousy silent, without exhibiting the least disposi-
ton to break the reserve. Taking advantage Of
this opportunity, Mr.. Sherman carried the Pen
sion and West Point appropriation bills, without
the least objection.
THE HOMESTEAD BILL.
The original Homestead bill, as reported by
Dir. Grow, was passed by SO majority. Most of
the Southern members who refused TO vote yes
terday, recorded themselves to-day, thus exhibit.
ing On edifying consistency.
THE COURSE OF THE CONSTITUTION.
The Presidents friends complain loudly against
the course of The Constitution, which openly
advocates secession, under the manipulation Of
Nessrs. Cobb and Clayton, and yet is tho rocpi-
eDt of all the advertising patronage controlled BY
the Executive.
ALABAMA.
Messrs. Cobb and Houston Of Alabama, who
are Union Democrats, have little hope that their
State can be prevented from cooperating with
South Carolina, while they deprecate, in the
strongest terms, the whole movement and con-
duct of the leaders who are urging it forward.
TIE FORTS AT CHARLESTON.
While the President avows his determination
10 defend the forts in Charleston harbOr, the neg
lect of the War Department to provide sufficient
force for that object has questionable appear
ance and excites much comment There are only
ninety men in garrison ut Fort MOutrie, under
Major Anderson, gallant officer from Kentucky.
This force is wholly insufficient TO resist an or
ganized assault from the land side. 1t is well
protected by sea, with common vigilance. There
are five or six hundred soldiers at Old Point,
who could be transferred there in the idle steamer
recently returned from Chiriqui TO transport
them.
The Government is well informed, for no con-
ccalment has been practised, that it is designed
to take Fort MOuItre by coup de main as soon
as the ordinance Of secession is passed. Leading
men, Ike Mr. MemmiDger, have openly advo-
Gated it. With the present garrison, blOodshed
would be inevitable. If strengthened properly,
and q vessel of war stationed to support the
fort, no attempt need be expected, because it
would be mpregnabe against any probable dem.
onstration. Reinforcement therefore, is precau-
ton agunst bloodshed, and necessary for the de-
tense Of the property and rights of the United
States. Ii this fort be taken, the whole power
of the Government will be demOrallzed, and the
suspicion must prevail Of some lurking completely
with the reyolutiOnists. No time is to be lost, if
the President intends performing his duty. This
subject is now before the Cabinet.
There are two other Government Notifications
in Charleston harbor, one Of which is unfinished,
and the other not occupied.
THE TREASURY.
Although acquisitions on the Treasury are con-
stantly refused for want of funds, Mr.. Cobb has
not presented the case with sufficient urgency TO
Congress to expect prompt action. When its
actual condition is properly communicated, the
Committee on Ways and Means will consider the
best mode of relief. Copies Of his report have
not even been furnished to members, and Con.
gress only knows officially that it has been sent
in and ordered to be printed
WEST POINT ACADEMY.
The Board appointed BY Congress last session,
to examine and report upon the West Point
Academy, have agreed to recommend that the
course Of study shall be five years. After
thorough investigation, they are persuaded that
this tine cannot be adyantageously reduced
THE SENATE DEBATE.
The debate in the Senate to-day reelected the
temper of secession very decidedly. Mr.. Lane
led off in one of his usual harangues complaining
of grievances suffered by the South, and justify
ing their threatened revolutionary movement
Mr.. Hale did exactly what the DisuDionsts de.
sired, in answering this demonstration, and fur.
nishPd ammunition to Messrs. IyersOn. Brown.
tort his meaning by the Misrepresentation of
phrases which had better have been omitted He
was determined to disregard the well understood
policy of his political friends. The Secessonists
had full swing, aud threatened terrible things.
Mr.. hersOn was particularly excited and Oden-
siye in his denmcatoD. Mr.. Salisbury inter.
posed on behalf of Delaware, with an impressive
and patriotic Union speech, which the galleries
could hardly be restrained from applaudng.
THE MESSAGE.
The Presidents Message has produced much
irritation among the extremists South, and, after
one days reflection, il is more denounced by
them than the speeches of Messrs. Loyejoy aud
Sumner.
THE SPECIAL COMMITTEE.
Tie Speaker will announce the Special Com.
mttte ON the political condition of the country
on Monday. Its general composition is expected
to be as follows, though there may be several
changes: