The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1861-01-09

The news from ashlngton IS highly important.
Mr.. Thompson yesterday resigned his post as Sc
cretary of the Interior. The despatch of reinforce
ments to Major Anderson at Fort Sumter by
the Star of the West from New York is
the cause of this step on the part of Mr..
Thompson. Hwoud seem that these reinforcements
were sent forward without authority from the Pre-
sdent. In fact, it is stated that the President d.
rected the Secretary of War on Saturday to tele-
graph the commander Of the Star of the West to
land the troops at Norfolk Fort Monroe, but the
despatch did not reach New York until after the
departure of the steamer for Fort Sumter.
The official confirmation of the report of the
enforcement Of Major Anderson created intense
excitement at the capital, and the secessionists
there Immediately telegraphed to Charleston to
sink the steamer if possible before she lands her
troops. The act is regarded by the Southerners
as declaration of hostilities and news of the in
auguration of bloody civil war is looked for at
any moment.
The brother of Major Anderson arrived in Wash
ington from Fort Sumter yesterday, having been
sent thither by the President to ascertain the state
of affairs. He reports that Major Anderson has
ample supplies, and is confident of being able to
hold the fort against any force. He makes no re-
QUESTION for reinforcements leaving that matter
to his superiors.
The government has chartered the steamer
Joseph Whitney, at Boston, to convey troops and
munitions of war to the forts the Florida coast.
She will sail on Saturday next.
Orr Washington dispatches state that news has
reached there that the Mississippi State Conven-
tion yesterday adopted ordinance providing
for immediate secession from the Union. Our re-
ports from jackson, the capital Of Mississippi,
confirm this news and state that the Committee
on the Ordinance of Secession had adopted the
ordinance unanimously and that it will be adopted
by the Convention o-day.
The Florida State Conventions on Monday
adopted resolution, by a vote of G2 to 5, declar-
ing the right Of States to withdraw from the
Union. and that the existing causes are such as to
compel Florida to proceed to exercise that right.
1t is reported that the Governor of Florida has
taken possession of the forts and other federal
property in that State.
committee of the Virginia Legislature have
prepared bill providing for Adding State Con.
vention. The election of delegates will be held on
the 18th Of February, and the Convention will meet
on the 18th Of that month. Our correspondent at
Richmond is Of opinion that Virginia will secedc
from the Union about the goth Of February. In
order to meet contingencies growing out Of seces-
sion, the Legislature have before them q resolu.
ton appropriating ten millions of dollars in de.
fence Of the State.
One Of the most important measures of the
South. in connection with the secession move
ment, is developed in our Washington telegraphic
correspondence. The State of Georgia has ap-
pointed a Commissioner to proceed abroad, TO
obtain from foreign Powers the recognition Of the
seeding States as governments de fdcto. He will
also be charged with the duty Of negotiating a
basis OF credit and exchange, by which the cotton
crop can be hypothecated in Europe and moved
for joint account. But the most important
duty of the Commissioner will be in re-
gard to the question of revenue. If the
federal government shall make arrangements
20 collect the revenue of Southern seapsrts it is
arranged that the cotton States will pronounce
for free trade and direct taxation. They will pro-
coed 10 raise the revenue for the South by direct
taxation. giving notice TO foreign governments
that Southern ports are open TO the importation
OF their merchandise free Of duty, and that the
imposition Of duties by the United States govern
ment ia unlawful and unauthorized. The question
would, therefore, become a foreign one. and Eng
land and France will be left TO decide between o
Northern alliance and free trade with the South
In the Legislature yesterday the Senate unani-
mously adopted resolution TO present a sword Of
honor to Major Anderson. The subject was
warmly discussed in the Assembly. but no definite
action taken. Several important local matters
were presented "a will be seen by our dispatches.
On motion of Mr.. Robinson, Of Chemung, the
House ordered the appointment Of select com.
mittee of nine on the subject OF Federal Relations
to which all resolutions on the subject were re.
ferred. The Senate will probably order similar
committee, to act with that OF the House.
The Pennsylvania Legislature yesterday elected
Edgar Cowan, republican, of Westmoreland coun-
fy. United States Senator, in place Of Mr. Bigler,
whose term expires on the 9Th Of March next.
The anniversary of the battle Of New Orleans
was celebrated in this city yesterday by banquet
at Tammany Hall, and bali at the st. Nicholas
Hotel Both are fully described elsewhere in our
columns. Salutes in honor Of the battle, coupled
with similar demonstrations in honor Of Major An
derson, were fred yesterday in places too hume
rous TO mention.
The steamship Palestine which left Liverpool
on the morning OF Christmas day, arrived at this
port yesterday. She brings two days later news
The most important part Of the intelligence ia
that relating to China. The terms Of the treaty
of peace which we publish in our news columns
were TO be put into operation at once. The in
demnity to be paid by China has been fixed at
eight millions of taels, about twelve millions of
dollars, in addition to which half million Of dol
lars are claimed for the families Of the English
officers who were murdered
The death Of Mr.. Alfred Bum Is announced
In Italy the bombardment Of Gseta
was continued. There we're rumors that
Napoleon intends erecting Southern Italy
into kingdom, Of which Victor Emanuel is not
20 be the ruler. Rome continued to be agitated
by conspracies and intrgues
A circular of the Austrian Ministry proposes
important reforms in the empire.
The Palestine brings slG7, 100 in specie. There