The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1860-12-18
NEWS FROM WASHINGTON.

WASHINGTON, Dec 1.-THE impression is
gaining ground here that the secession of the Gulf
States will force the border States to 60 with them,
to avoid being left in hopeless minority in the
present Confederacy; and that before the 4th of
March, Virginia and Maryland will have Joined
the other Southern States AS these States would
carry the District of Columbia with them, the
question is being asked here, where will Lincoln
be inaugurated.
Scott, of California, has expressed the opinion
that his State, WILL case of secession, declare for
immediate independence.
Mr. Boyce, of South Carolina, attended the meet
ing of the Committee of Thirty three, but said
nothing Mr. Hawkins, of Florida, was not pres
ent. Mr. Reuben Davis of Mississippi, addressed
the Committee in an earnest speech, stating the
grievances of the South, and declared himself in
favor of secession Mr. Humphreys, of New York
made conciliatory speech, saying that the rights
of the South would be upheld and the country
saved.
Mr. Wigfall, of Texas made an extreme speech,
in the Senate, to-day. He spoke nearly three
hours, and said in the of his remarks, that
he soon expected to make one in the Capitol Of a
Southern Confederacy
Messrs. Keitt and Miles, of South Carolina, re-
turned home Tuesday evening.
WASHINGTON, Dec. 10 The Hon. Mr. Miles,
Mcqueen and Boyce, Of South Carolina, had an
interview with the President to-day.
Secretary Cobb, of the Treasury, has certainly
resigned.
The President was assured to-day, from an au-
thoritative source, that South Carolina will not OPP
pose the collection of revenue, nor the Federal
retention of the Forts during the remainder of his
administration.
The impression prevails that the border States
are about advise the cotton States in case they
secede to submit temporarily to the existing tariff
and postal laws, and to send Commissioners to
Washington to treat with the Government, and
thus avoid collision and blood shed; and if the
government refuse to recognize the Commissioners
or the negotiations fail, then the border States will
follow their sister cotton States in secession.
The rumor that Lincoln had written concilato-
ry letter to Jeff. Davis, is discredted here.
WASHINGTON, Dec 1.-THE Massachusetts, del
egation are in terrible stew at the turn affairs have
taken. They had meeting to-day, when it was
agreed to send for John Andrew, the Governor
elect of Massachusetts, to come here and confer
personally with the South Carolina delegation, and
assure them that the sentiments of the Republicans
on the slavery question have been grossly misrep-
resented
In the Senate, the debate on Mr. Powells resolu-
ton lasted six hours Mr. Iverson, of Georgia, re-
iterated the sentiments expressed in his debate
with Hale. He said the days of the republic
were numbered.
The Special committee of Thirty three have met
and organized. They had two meetings, but Mr.
Hawkins Of Florida, was absent each time. Mr.
Rust, of Arkansas was also absent, but from other
causes.
The Southern members express desire to have
an early report from the Committee, and great i'm
portance is attached to its action.
Gen. Gass will publish an appeal to the country
in behalf of the Union. He really thinks the
Union can yet be saved.
Disunon is regarded as certain, uHless some
unexpected change takes place in the sentiments
of the Northern people.
The Democrats from the Northwest have had
several conferences with reference to the present
condition of affairs They generally take the po-
sition set forth in the speeches of Messrs. McCer
nand and Vallandigham yesterday, viz: That the
Union cannot be dissolved peaceably. They say
that the Northwest will, under circumstances,
consent to be cut off from the Gulf of Mexico or
the city New York, and that the Government,
whatever its fault, is of inestimable worth The
leading idea among the Northwestern members is
a Central Government, embracing the Middle,
Western and border slave States; but they depend
for its consumnation on future circumstances.