The Placer herald., 1861-02-02
NEWS FROM THE EAST.
Secession Of Mississippi and Florida.

The Pony Express. with St. Louis dates to
January llth, arrived at Fort Churchill on
the 9th. The following is from the dis.
patch to the Union re
STAR OF THE WEST FIRED upoN.-The
passenger steamer Star of the West, with
25O U. s. troops and munitions, to reinforce
Fort Sumpter, in attempting to enter Charles.
ton harbor on the morning of the 9th, was
fired into by the garrison on Mores Island
and Fort Moultrie Four shots struck The
steamer, when she put about and went to
sea. Fort Sampler did not reply to the fire
upon the vessel, although the guns were run
out as is in readiness.
On the 9th OF January, Major Anderson
sent note to Gov. Plckens, demanding OK.
planatoc for the fire on the Star of the
West, and disclaimer Wf
Governor Pickens gave reasons for the
proceedings, when Anderson agreed to refer
the matter to Washington.
Lieutenant Talbot Immediately set off
with dispatches.
SEcEssIoN.-The ordinance of secession
in Mississippi passed January 9th, by 81 to
l5 Efforts were made to postpone, but
voted down. The fifteen will sign the or
nance to-day, making it unanimous. There
was intense eXcitement--cannon fired and
fireworks displayed.
The Florida Convention, January 7th.
passed, 10y a vote of 6S to 5, a resolution
declaring it the right and duty of Florida
to secede.
A Committee reported secession ordi-
nance, which was adopted.
In the Alabama Convention, January OH,
a Committee of seven secessionists and six
co-operationlsts was appointed to draw an
ordinance of secession, who will report to-
day. On test vote the secession ordinance
will probably pass by small majority.
SPECIAL MESSAGE OF THE PREsIDENT.-
The President, Jan. 9th, sent a special mes
sage to Congress, stating that we are in the
midst of great revolution, and that there
is no alternative but to collect the revenue,
and protect public property as far as practi-
cable under existing laws. 1t devolves on
Congress, in whom is the re erved power to
declare war and remove grievances which
may lead to war, to act in the present emer-
gency. He recommends the Missouri Com
promise line AS an adjustment, and says forts
and arsenas have been seized by aggressive
acts. Congress should endeavor to bring
the difficulties to peaceful solution. Major
Anderson had faithfully, but imperfectly per-
formed his duty. He gives reasons for not
sending troops to Charleston, believing it
would furnish pretext ifnot provocation for
aggression.
1t was discussed in the House, and mo-
ton made to refer it to Special Committee
and inquire into the whole subject with pow.
Ell to send for persons and papers, The
Committee was appointed by a vote of l03
to GO.
The PACIFIC RAILRoAD.-In :he Senate,
Jan. 5th, the Pacific Railroad Bill was con.
sdered.
Seward said he had some objections, and
preferred more northerly route, but would
support the bill. He regarded this as great
measure which would bind to-
gether the North, South, East and West
Rice offered an amendment providing for
a moro northery route. 1t was not acted
upon.
Polk offered an amendment making North
Kansas river the initial point.
Wilson, of Massachusetts, supported the
and it was adopted by a vote of
80 to %.
Senate adjourned.
A dispatch to the Cincinnati Gazette says:
"Polk's amendment has killed the bill. 1t
will not pass this session, owing to the lis
position Of the Senate to load it down with
amendments OF "A sectional character"
Thompson, Secretary of the Interior has
resigned.
Edward Cowan, of Westmoreland county,
Pennsylvania, has been elected to the U. S.
Seuate, to fill the place of Senator BigIer
On the ! lth Of January State troops from
New Orleans took possession of Forts Jack
son and Pike, and the U. S. Arsenal at Baton
Rouge.
Forts Johnson and Casseval, North Caro-.
lima were seized on the night of Jan slh by
the Smithville Guards.
The Virgieia Legislature proposes to vote
one million of dollars to arm tie State.