The weekly Ottumwa courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1857-1872, 1861-01-02

changed, requested the President to inform
them whether Maj Andcrsoa's movement
was in consequence of any order issued by
him or from the War Department The
President responded negatively, and added
that Maj. Anderson had acted upon his own
responsibility. The Commissioners then
requested the President to remand Maj. An,
derson to TT, Mou'trie, but on this point there
was no conclusion when the Cabinet adj.
joumed.
WASHINGTON, Dec 23.-About IS border
State Congressman met in caucus tonight.
Senator Crittenden presided, and Messrs.
Coliay and Barrett were the Secretaries.
The following propositions were offered A:
BY Mr.. Barrett-Eleven amendments to
the Constitution on the Slavery question.
By Mr.. Prior--That any attempt TO pre-
serve the Union between the States of the
Conederacy, by force, would be equally un-
constitutional, unpol:tic, and destructive of
Republican liberty.
By Mr.. Vallandingham-Th Crittenden
resolutions
| By Mr.. Colfax-That the laws of the Un-
ion should be enforced and the union OF the
States be maintained, and that it is the duty
of the Executive to protect the. property OF
United States with all the power placed in
his hands by the Constitution.
By Mr.. Morris of Illinois--That in ma
turing any plan for the adjustment of ex.
listing difficulties we will keep steadily in
view the preservation of the Union, under
the Constitution, as paramount consi1era-
ton.
After desultory debate, in which Messrs
Cox, Pryor, Smith of Virginia, Stevens, Sher,
man, Stanton, CoifaX, Noel, Hickman,
Montgomery, McClenard, Harris of Virginia,
and Harris of Maryland, participated, all the
pending propositions were, on motion of the
latter gentleman, referred to a Committee Of
one from each of the fourteen States repre-
scented, to report at future meeting to be
called by them if they agreed. ... ...
Mr. Holt, the Postmaster General, has sent
orders to the sub Treasury at Charleston, to
remit all the balance, So, 900 on the Post
Office account, in poss ession, Immediately to
the credit Of that Department If the order
is not complied with at once, he will demand
Of the Federal Government TO enforce tho
order He Is also determined, as before
suggested, to suppress mail matter to and
fered with in that State.
The Cabinet broke up tonight after five
hours session without coming to any con-
clusion relative to the disposition of troops
at Charleston. The impression prevails
| that a conflict was inevitable Secretary
! Toucey and Mr.. Holt, Postma teri General,
urged defence-the others further evacua-
alton if necessary.
/ A despatch received tonight by member
of the Cabinet, says that troops are pouring
into Charleston from all directions.
The opinion was expressed by promi-
nent Member Of the Cabinet, tonight, that
war is begun. Georgia troops, at last &C
counts, were called in to join the Souh Caro-
lima forces.
| A despatch from Charleston states that
the proposed State loan of 500, 900 is already
parceled out amongst the wealthiest men of
the State, mainly in Charleston, and that
each is expected t. furnish his share under
the penalty of being considered disaffected !