The daily exchange. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1858-1861, 1861-01-04
MOVEMENTS IN LOUISIANA.
&C., &C., &c.

TOUR WASHINGTON CORRESPONDENCE.1 I
WASHINGTON, January 3, 1S61.-This has been
another exciting day in Washington. About
II o'clock it was announced that the South
Carolina Commissioners had departed for home
early in the morning, and, upon inquiry, the
report proved true 1t seems that yesterday they
sent communication to the President, in which
they referred to the fact that be had made engage
ments with South Carolina which he had not full
filled. MIR. buchanan, in short time, returned
the document, upon the ground, as learn, that it
not consistent with his personal honor to re-
ceve il, as it contained reflections upon his con-
duct. The Commissioners having further bust
ness in Washington, then left.
Mr.. Prescott, their Secretary. has not departed,
stated in the kilograms of the Associated Press
but will go in the morning. About p. NJ. to-day
Messrs. Toombs, Iverson and Mason, were seen to
enter the House in excited manner, and the for
mer handed to Mir. Pryor, Nj. Garnet and Others
despatch which they read with visible emotion.
4 crowd of members gathered around and it
evident that important intelligence had been
received. On inquiry l found that the Georgia
Senators had received despatch, stating that all
the Forts and Arsenals of the United States in
Georgia were in the hands of the State troops
and that the election for members of the Conven-
ton had resulted in the choice of large majority
of straightout secessionists. This intelligence
was joyfully received by the secession leaders and
, their sympathizers.
| 1t seems that arrangements were made a month
ago for the seizure of the Arsenal, Augusta
where a very small force of U. s. troops has been
stationed. The district formerly represented by A.
| ii. Stephens, which includes the city O Augusta
expected to go largely for the co-operatonists,
but in this calculation the latter have been disap-
pointed and in this way the State has been lost to
/ them.
! The city was again excited this afternoon by a
rumor which was extensively circulated, that the
| Carolinians had attacked Fort Sumter and that a
warm fight was going on. My information, how
ever, leads to believe that the report is at least
| premature. Some persons here, however, know
ingly assert that in less than two weeks Fort Sum-
ter will be in the hands of the State The Carroll
mans have from one to two thousand men busily
| engaged in throwing up works of an extensive
character, and the guns at Fort Moultrie have been
remounted and put in proper order. Hot work
may certainly be expected
1t is asserted that the secessonists had arranged
for the seizure of all the forts and arsenals in the
| South during the week person claiming to be
well informed told me to-day that Florida would
undoubtedly put herself out of the Union this day,
and seize the important works at Key West, and
| other points on the coast.
While the secessionists appear thus to be having
everything their own way, the Administration
seems to be doing nothing next to it. Strong
efforts are being made in view of the alarming facts
which have stated to induce the Government to
| take prompt, active and bold steps.
The Senate did not go into Executive session to-
| day upon the appointment of Mr. McIntire, as Col
lector of Charleston and it is believed that that
body, as at present constituted, will not confirm
| him.
! 1t is surmised that the Harriet Lane is detained
with the view of taking Mr.. McIntire to Charleston
and that he will collect the revenue off the bar.
| despatch from one of the Charleston editors re-
ceived to-day, says that the. appointmeu was re.
! ceived there with the greatest Indifference. The
despatch reiterates tn statement that the Sc
eessionists had carried Georgia. 1t was impossible,
however, that at the time the despatch was sent
| that more than half the State could have been
heard from. The vote in the counties reported
| might, however, have been so decisive to leave
no doubt of the result.
Mr.. Crttenden is greatly afflicted at the threat
ening aspect of affairs and will endeavor to press
| to immediate vote his resolution, submitting the
substance of his resolutions to the popular vote.
Mr.. Mclntire, the newly-appointed Collector OF
| Charleston, a strong Breckenridge man during
| the late Presidential campaign.
Mr.. Bingham to-day got up his bill to enforce the
collection of the revenue (the Force bill of 1922,
and presented sundry amendments, after which be
asked its re committal. The Southern members
violently opposed the motion, claiming the right OF
full discussion. Mr.. Bingham said he had no dis
position to prevent that, and by common consent
the bill went over till Tuesday next.
The Southern members are now anxious to en-
gage in debate, and the ball will probably open
| next week.
1t is not known when the expected message OF
Mr.. Buchanan will be sent in, and it is now posi-
The greatest rush of the sea- on was towards the
Senate galleries to-day, it being know that Nh
Baker would finish his speech and Mr.. Douglas
would follow. The heat of the room was suffo.
eating, and seemed to oppress the speakers The
extraordinary interest now felt in political affairs
manifested by the patience with which ladies
sat for seven mortal hours listening to the debate
The position of Mr.. Douglas may be briefly stated
After administering severe lecture to the Repub-
licans, and assailing the position of the Pes
dent elect, he took the ground that there
was way to reach a seeding State except by
making war upon her-that the conflict woulc
have to be regulated by the rules of war; and pris
oners could not be treated as trators-that tht
Constitution provided only one mode of enforcing
the laws and that was by civil process, and thert
being no United States Courts or Marshals in Sc
ceding State she could not be coerced. As to ma
!. king war, he said that he would use every othe
| expedient before he even would deliberate abou
that.
He declared against secession, however, an
pointed out its wrongfulness. These were the mai
points of his speech, and took all but few wh
knew his views by surprise. One of the secessio
Senators, anticipating repetition of the Norfol
speech, had prepared certain questions which
intended to put to him, and was much surprised t
ground occupied by Southern Republican
denounce the speech as exhibiting complete lac
Inconsistency. Southern men were highly delight
ed with it. OBSERVER.
SPECIAL DESPATCH.
| WASHINGTON, Jan. 3-1l p. M.--The War D
d partment has countermanded the order for the r
It moval of the heavy ordnance from Pittsburg, col
corning which there was so much excitement
= few weeks since.
E The orders for the sailing of the steamer Broo
r lyn from Norfolk, have been, for the time bein
q suspended,