The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1861-02-10
The News.


The news from the South this morning is of the
highest importance. The Southern Congress at
Montgomery, Alabama, on Friday unanimously
adopted constitution for provisional govern
ment. 1t is in substance the same as the constitu-
tion Of the Union. 1t gives the Congress ample
power as regards the questions Of revenue and
taxation. 1t prohibits the importation of ne
groes from Africa and other foreign coun-
tries, az well as the introduction of slaves
from any State not member of the confederacy.
The Congress yesterday unanimously elected
Alexander n. Stephens, of Georgia, for Vice
President of the Southern confederacy, and the
President of the Congress was directed to ap-
point committees on Foreign Affairs, on FL
nance, on Military and Naval Affairs, on
Postal Affairs, on Commerce and on Patents.
An ordinance passed continuing in force,
until repealed or altered by the Southern Con.
gress, all laws of the United States in force or
use on the LIST of November last. II Is understood
that under this law tariff will be laid on all goods
brought from the United States. The Provisional
Government is now fairly under way.
The city was thrown into great excitement yes
terday forenoon by the receipt of telegraphic de-
spatches from Savannah announcing the seizure
at that port, by order of the State authorities, of
five vessels owned in New York, namely, the bark
D. Golden Murray the brigs W. r. Kibby, Golden
Lead and Adjuster, and the schooner Julia A. Hal
in retaliation for the illegal and unjustifable
seizure of arms in this city recently by the Metro
politan police said arms being in process Of ship
ment to Georgia. Later in the day the arms were
restored TO the agent Of the owners. The seizure
of these vessels also created considerable excite
ment in Washington among all parties. In the
House Mr. John Cochrane offered resolution call
ing on the Secretary of the Treasury for informa-
ton on the subject, but the proposition was OBJ
jecssd to. He will renew it on Monday, and an
inquiry into all the facts in the case will probably
follow. Up TO q late hour last night the govern
ment at Washington had received no official
advices relative to the seizure. The public are
furnished for the first time with complete his
tory Of this conflict between Georgia and New
York through the columns Of the HERALD this
morning.
The Peace Convention at Washington transact
ed no business yesterday, save filing up the CON-
mittce appointed to report a plan of adjustment.
This committee expect TO make their report early
next week Twenty States are now represented
In the Convention and delegates from another will
w.. hafo ,La
meeting
The report published some days ago az to the
seizure Of the United States Arsenal at Little
Rock, Arkansas, was somewhat premature. That
event occurred on Friday last. The Arsenal con.
tanned nine thousand stand Of arms, a large guam
tty Of ammunition and cannon, including the
famous Captain Bragg's battery.
The twenty-five Million Loan bill was signed
10y the President yesterday. 1t is believed, how.
ever that the capitalists OF Wall and State streets
VIII not extend any financial aid until the existing
political troubles Of the country have been
adjusted.
General Scott, in a letter to the officers Of the
scott Lne Guard, OF New York. who rendered
their services for the defence Of the capta states
that the government does not contemplate calling
any troops TO Washington other than the militia
Of the District, and some detachmen,s os rc,,,a,
troops.
In Congress yesterday the Senate passed the
Naval Appropriation bill, and discharged the Con
ference Committee on the Deficiency bill. they
being unable TO agree upon the amendments. The
Indian Appropriation bill was discussed and large
number Of memorials on the crisis were presented.
In the House Mr.. John Cochrane offered q resolu.
ton directing the Secretary Of the Treasury to in.
form The House whether any Information has
been received BY the department relative to the
recen, alleged seizure Of New York vessels at the
port of Savannah, and, If seized, by whom, and by
What authority. An amendment extending the