Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1861-02-01

WASHINGTON, Jan. 3I-The United States
sloop-of-war Brooklyn has probably joined the
steam rigate Macedonian at Pensacola, ard SD uld
an attack be made on Fort Pickens, which is not
now improbable, within a short time, consider
Ing the advice Of parties distant from the scene,
these vessels will cooperate with Lieut., Slemmer
in Its defence, although IL u supposed here that
he would be able successfully to maintain his posi-
ton without additional succor.
Hon I. Judge, Commissioner for Alabama,
appointed to treat with the Federal authorities In
reference TO public property in that State, has ar
rived here, ard in correspondence with Col.
Hsyne, Of South Carolina, and others.
The Select Committee of five have examined
about twelve witnesses as to an alleged conspira-
cy to seize the Federal Capitol Nothing startling
or convincing has been elected. Lieutenant Gen.
eral Scott was before them more than two hours
to-day. He said there was abundant evidence
. to bis mind, to Justify him In making military
Capt Randolph is the only naval officer OF that
rank who has resigned, and be was on the reserved
list. His resignation was accepted before the In
formation was reached the Department Of the sur
render Of the Pensacola Navy Yard.
More care is taken than heretofore by both the
Navy and War Departments to prevent their secret
orders from obtaining premature publicity, which
has on several occasions frustrated the designs of
the administration, TO the public detriment.
Applications continue to be received from post
masters in the seeding States for supplies of
are furnished on the condition that the postmasters
will acknowledge and conform to the laws affect
ing the postal service.
The telegraph furnishes a synopsis Of the cor
respondence between Lord Lyons and other
foreign Ministers and the Secretary Of State, In
relation to the collection Of reve at Charleston
and the Inconvenience and damage that NAV
result to foreign commerce from the anoma lous
condition Of affairs there. The Secretary, I'm reply,
asserts that no authority but that of the United
states can be recognized in the collection # duties
at Charleston, but declines to say whether the
state Of affairs existing there will be regarded as
~ ties
OF the law against foreign ships and goods. He
declines giving any assurances on the points pre-
sented, and says that each case must be Judged
when II arises on its particular merits
Capt. Meigs, who commands the United States
forces In the fort at Tortugas, dispatches to the
Government that he 10 now sufficiently reinforced
to defy any power. While the Government
steamer was landing troops and supplies, the
steamer Galveston, OF New Orleans, with force
on board to take the fort, appeared In sight but
upon discovering the steamer, and probably I'M
Outstanding the object of her visit, did not ap-
proach or make any demonstration other than 10
put about and disappear.
1t is also stated that Fort Taylor, at Key West
is well manned and prOvsioned.
Aspecial messenger from South Carolina has
arrived, bearing dispatches from Gov Pickens to
Col Hayne 1t is supposed that these contain the
resolutions passed by the Legislature of that State
on Monday, when the demand was made In them
for the surrender Of Fort Sumter; and being thps
sent that they contain also advices to him TO ACT
| In accordance with the spirit and intention OF
GOV. Wise having advised his son-in-law, DR.
Garnett, to remove his family from the CITY, IL IL
probable DR. Garrett will be summoned TO appear
before the Howard Committee.
An important dispatch has just been received
In this city from Columbia, the capital of South
Carolina. plot has been ex posed by one of the
negroes, showing an attempt to destroy the town
by fire and shoot down the citizens as they ap.
peared at the doors of their dwellings. This pIo,
was exposed by one Of the negroes and a white
stone-cutter who is implicated, is to be hung q.
soon as examined and all possible testimony
elected The event has created good deal Of
alarm among the inhabitants, and especially
among the women upon the plantations