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

RE were taken possession Of by South Caro-
lima military last night.
XXXVEth Congress ed Session.
WASHINGTON, Dec. 26.-In the Senate
Committee of 10, Mr.. Grimes, OF Iowa, asked
if Mr. Toombs' provision recognizing the
right of property in man was the ulti.natum
Of the South, if so, they should sign an
agreement to that effect and the Republicans
would sign one repudiating it.
Mr.. Toombs refused to answer, and would
not state what the ultim ,tum would be.
Mr.. Seward offered a resolution covering
pretty much the same grounds as his pre-
vious propositions in the Republican canvass.
The impeachment of Mr.. Floyd, Secretary
of War, is freely talked of tonight, in the
hotels and political circles, on account Of the
recent fraud developments.
In the committee of SO, Adams, Of Mass.
offered the proposition respecting New
Mexico, and will report the same to the COM
mittee himself Coming from the most radi-
cal man of the North, this is regarded as a
back down.
Kellogg, of ILL.,, asked if they were to con-
cede SO much of the Republican Platform,
why not give up everything demanded re-
speeding the Territories, especially as the
system Of sla very in New Mexic, was the
worst of any on the continent.
Kellogg Of ILL.,, Tappan Of N. H., and
Washhlrn of WIS, voted against it.
The District Judge of New Mexico, ap.
pcared before the committee at the last meet
ing, and stated that the Territory had 750
white native citizens, 1000 Mexicans citizens
under the Guadalupe Hidalro treaty, 5000
Mexican aliens, $4,000 Poems, and $4,000
Indians, about half civilized. Total, about
10000. 80 slaves only, mostly SER
wants of army and federal officers.
This question was urged in caucus If
New Mexico be admitted with only $3.50
white citizens, what excuse could be given
for keeping Kansas out with 10000.
Considerable feeling exists to night among
the Republicans, and the action of the three
who voted against Adams' proposition,
seems to be generally endorsed by the straight
out Republicans.
WASHINGTON, Dec. 27.-Gen. Scott de-
clares that Major Anderson's movement at
Charleston has been made without consulta-
ton with him, and whether in accordance
with Instructions from the President, he
could not say. He considered that, in a
stratigetical point Of view, Major Anderson
had done perfectly right, as he was now in
a position in which he could maintain him
self, as was not the case at Fort Moultrie,
where his small force could have been over
come in short time. 1t remains to be seen
whether Major Anderson has acted under
orders or upon his own responsibility.
1t has been ascertained with certainty that
a majority of the Republican members of
Congress are ready to guarantee the repeal
of the Personal Liberty Bills, if the South is
fndisposed to meet the concession proposed
The Republicans contend that it can only be
through determination to reject all COM
promises.
It is understood that Governor Brown, of
Ga, has solicited from the Secretary of War,
and has obtained, years leave of absence
for Col Hardee late commandant at West
Point, to go to Europe, to purchase guns
and munitions Of war, for the State CT
Georgia.
WASHINGTON, Dec. 2S.-The Cabinet con-
tinued in session nearly six hours, and it is
certain that it adjourned until tomorrow
without coming to conclusion of the affairs
of South Carolina. .--.
The act of Maj. Anderson is generally COM
mended Among other reasons, that while
Fort Moultrie was comparatively weak, and
might provoke the assault of a mob, the i'm
pregnable defence of Fort Sumpter, placed
it beyond such contingencies, as it could be
reduced only by regular and protracted
siege, thus avoiding an immediate collision.
The Senate select committee of Is, had
before them to day, Mr.. Douglas proposition,
as presented to that body on the Oath of
December Also, one by Mr.. Bigler, viz :
The establishment by construction Of the