Muscatine weekly journal. [volume] (Muscatine, Iowa) 185?-1890, 1861-01-04
From Washington.
Reason for Secretary Floyds Resigna
tion-The Committee Of Thirty Three.

l ASHINGTON, DeC. on.
The ground assigned for Secretary Floyd's
resignation was the refusal or delay of the
President to consent to an order withdrawing
the troops from Fort Sumpter. In the Sec
retarys opinion, this was incumbent on the
Administration, from the following crcum
stance: With a mutual desire to avoid civil
war and bloodShed, it had been answered by
the Administration that there should be nc
change IN the condition of things in Charleston
harbor, and by South Carolina that she would
make no attack on the troops or property Of
the United States The movement of Major
Anderson was violation of this solemn agree.
ment, which could not be repaired except by
Withdrawing the troops, which measure was
thus demanded by the honor of the Govern
ment While both branches of Congress are
engaged in endeavors to settle the sectional
controversy, it was deemed the duty of the
Government to maintain relations of peace
with the Southern States. Mr.. F oyd, it is
| said by his friends, soon returns to Virginia,
to follow out bis policy to restrain, to the
extent of his power, any act which may lead
to bloodshed; and to exert himself, if disso
luton becomes inevitable, to its reconsdera-
ton.
1t is not certain that Maj. Anderson and
| force will remain at Fort Sumpter. They will
be remanded to Fort Moultrie, provided thai
| satisfactory assurances can be given that they
| will not be there attacked by the South Caro-
| linians.
There seems to be reasons for the belief that
Gen. Scott, several days ago, submitted to the
President, plan in writing for the blockade
of Charleston, reinforcing strongly all the
Southern garrsons, and suggesting other
military movements. This, however, it is
said, was not received with favor.
The Committee of Thirty three, on Satuf-
day, considered Mr.. Nelson's proposition for
IN amendment to the Constitution, being SUP
stantially those offered by Mr.. Crittenden.
On motion of Mr.. Corwin, the COMMITTEE
struck out the words, 'or hereafter acquired
so that division on the ;ioe of 5000 may be
applicable only to territory now held by the
United States. The yeas ~ were composed
of Republicans, with Davis, of Maryland, and
Stout, Of Oregon. The nays (lO) were from
slave States, with the exception of Burch, Of
California. The question of the adoption Of
the article. as amended, was negatived Mr..
Taylor, of Louisiana, remarked that the de-
cislon thus reached made it clear to his mind
that there would be no agreement By the
committee upon the proposition for the adop-
ton of the amendments to the existing con-
stitution which would he etfectual for the
settlement of the main question now pending
between the two great sections Of the country,
growing out of the slavery question; and
that, in consequence, it was his purpose to |
take no further part in the deliberations Of |
the committee, and it was his determination |
not to- vote upon any other proposition pending
before it. lie further statel that he did not
intend to resign his place on the committee
that it was his intention to remain in posi-
ton which would enable him to join in the
minority report upon the subject submitted
to the committee, if that should become nee
essary or appear desirable. Thereupon. Mr..
Taylor, with Winslow, of North Carolina, and
of Alabama, left the committee room.
Mr.. Adams offered resolution declaring it
that all New Mexico be admitted as
'oon as may be as State, on an equal footing i
With the original States, and the committee n
:ause to be prepared an enabling bill for that
purpose. Agreed to-12 against 10, one-third I
# the committee absent or not voting. The
MY two from the slave States were Barlow. i
+ Kentucky, and Davis, of Marylsnd. These !
acts are abbreviated from the official proceed
ngs, the injunction Of secrecy having been .
emoved. +
The President accepted the resignation of I
low. Floyd the same day it was rendered.
WASHINGTON, Jan. 2.
An earnest address to the people of the Z,
'nited States is prepared, Recommending :
hem to rally to compromise on the basis Of 4
lie propositions Of Senators Critteniea and =
igler, already signed by number ofSenators
ID Representatives. ~ . .as
The most intimate friends of the President
y his present course and determination is
1t toremand Maj. Anderson to Fort Moultrie.
The report that troops haye been sent to d
harleston created great indignation anong N
II any order for such move 10
emit has been given, itwas rsyoksd.ss Jar