, 1861-02-08
Proceedings in Congress.
PREPARATIONS FOR WAR;
NTizoozlaaeor1s rtozzas.
From the Portland Daily Times, Feb. l.


From the Portland Daily Times, Feb. I.
This morning we obtained copy of tht
Red Bluff Independent Of the 22d ult.
which contains the following startling new.
by Pony Express
Sr. LOUIS, January !, 1861.
Itappears from Washington reports that
there was new Cabinet yesterday Sec,
retaries Thompson and Thomas resigned
and Gen. Scott was appointed Secretary oI
War. This created great indignation
among the secessioniss, who were aware
that Scott was in favor Of extensive militia,
ry preparations.
Subsequently, the differences were recon,
ciled, by the withdrawal Of Scott's name,
and placing the War Departmental in charge
of Holt
1t is said that Thompson will now stand
by the President, and that troops have
been ordered to Charleston
Gen. Scott was neither at the War De
partment nor the Presidents house yestcr,
day Thompson and Thomas attended the
Cabinet meeting on Monday.
The Charleston Courier pronounces Ma
ior AnderSon's action as the opening of
civil war between American citizCus, by an
act Of gross breach Of faith says he has
violated a solemn pledge given by his chief,
and that he had the assurance Of South
Carolina that his honor, position and duty
would be respected, until a proper and
open declaration of war; also, that he had
fortified himself in Fort Moltrie, into which
he could have retired with safety, and have
blown up the ether forts when be had a
mind to, and laid trains ready for the ap-
plication Of a match. 1t also says that on
Christmas day Major Anderson dincd with
the authorities of Charleston, and retired
in good feeling. This caused the authofi-
ties TO relax their vigilance, and favored
him in carrying out his plans.
The Committee Of Investigation on the
Bailey frauds organized Dec so. There
arc no new developments. The bonds miss
ing have been recovered.
A caucus of Maryland Senators have is
sued an address to the Governor, urging an
early convention Of the Legislature. 1t is
signed by eleven Senators, who profess TO
speak for five others, making sixteen oct Of
twenty-five Senators Of the State. They
profess to desire the preservation OF the
Union, and think the time has arrived for
Maryland to express an opinion. They re-
fer to the fact that Virginia, Kentucky and
Tennessee Conventiods meet next Monday,
and say, although they cannot divine what
the action Of those States will be, it is i'm
possible for Maryland TO act with them un-
less it is put in condition to do So They
promise to consider no other matters than
what relates to the national crisis.
CONGRESSIONAL.
In the House, yesterday, Bingham Of
OHIO, (Republican) introduced a bill to
further provide for collection of duties 1t
looks to an increase of the Presidents pow
er to epforce the revenue laws.
In the course of the proceedings, Davis
of Indiana, (Anti-Lecompton Democrat), },
asked leave to offer preamble recting the
secession ordinance Of South Carolina, with
resolution inStrucling the committee on
the Judiciary to report what legislation, if
any, is necessary in consequence of the po-
sitiou OF South Carolina.
Lovejoy, of Illinois, (Republican) and
Barksdale, of Mississippi, Dem objected.
Davis moved a suspension of the rules.
Holman, of Indiana, (Dem.) wished to
offer q substitute asserting that no State
has right to withdraw What neither the
! President nor Congress has authority to
recognize such State; that the Govern
ment is invested with power to collect rev.
enue and protect public property-and d.
recting the committee to inquire if addi-
tional legislation y necessary for the pur,
pose.
Hill, of Georgia, (American), moved to
lay the whole subject on the table Lost,
80 to AZ.
Without coming to a conclusion, the
House adjourned till Wednesday.
Other proceedings were had, but Of no
definite character.
The proposal of the Committee Of Thirty
three was adopted December 80 Messrs
Morrill,, of Vermont, Robinson, Washburr
and Tappan, Of New Hampshire, voted
against it. Morse, of Maine, declined tc
votc-Stantou, of New Jersey, was absent
Tue other seven Republicans voted aye
1t provides an enabling act for New Mexi
co as State-thus settling the Territoria
question.
TWO DAYS LATER.
The following are the Unions specia
dispatches via Fort Kearuey:
ST. LOUIS, January 3d-6f.M.
Yesterday this city was gratiGed by til,