Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1861-03-21

WASHINGTON, March 20-Much curiosity IL
manifested respecting the action Of the Admins
tration relative to affairs In the South, and various
rumors prevail in this connection. But informa-
ton derived from authentic sources warrant the
assertion that whatever movements may he In
progress involve nothing whatever Of a hostile
Design On the contrary, they are In the direction
OF peace. Ii Is generally agreed, however, that
the military status Of the Gulf forts now held by
the Federal Government will be preserved.
The Commissioners Of the Confederate States
will wait leisurely for the action of the Govern
ment. Great efforts being made by distin-
guished gentlemen 10 effect peaceful solution
at Montgomery have apprehensions of a COLI
sion at Fort Pickens IL Is said the accounts pub
lished are gross exaggeratons Of the true condi-
ton OF affairs In that quarter. The Commission
ers have Information that the best feeling exists
between the Federal authorities and the ofhcers
In command Of the Confederate troops and no
danger OF collision IL entertained
AS intimated, several days since, Fort Sumter
Is to be evacuated by Major Anderson through
arrangements to be made by himself with the
New York steamer, which sails from Charleston
on Saturday next for New York. The steamer
has been chartered by him for the return trip,
and he was to-day to commence to pack up the
baggage of his officers and men, preparatory to
| the evacuation. He will leave the fort In good
| condition, In charge Of an Orderly and two men,
who are instructed to surrender whenever de-
| manded by the South Carolina authorities or
| those Of the Confederated States.
| This mode Of evacuation 10 Just such as would
1 DO Hkely 70 DC dQOpteU In tlm6 OF peace, Tor tne
| withdrawal of troops. and avoids all parley on
| the part Of the Government with the Secession
lists An aid Of Gen. Scott left last evening for
| Charleston, with further instructions for Mai.
Anderson as to his destination
The Southern Commissioners are anxiously
waiting dispatches from Charleston, to know II
| the Administration have In good faith arranged
for the evacuation. They received dispatches
| from Montgomery to-day, but not Of special i'm
portance.
Lord Lyons sent special bearer Of dispatches
Yesterday TO the British Government, giving a
full statement of the true state of affairs in this
country, enclosing also copies Of the new tariff
| acts Of the United States and the Confederated
States.
The telegraph has noticed tie fact that the Post
master at Madison, Fla, had been using postage
stamps other than those authorized by the Post
Office Department. This statement reaching the
said official he Immediately addressed the De-
partment in explanation, saying that in the ab-
sence OF regular stamps and small change he had
issued a number Of one and three cent checks,
which, as used, were charged against himself in
| favor Of the Department. He expressed great in
disnation at the suspicion of attempted fraud
on his part. The present able and efficient Third
Assistant Postmaster General replied to this letter
to-day, reading the postmaster at Madison pretty
severe lecture on the introduction of unauthorized
checks, and calling bis attention to the law,
which requires all postage to be prepaid with
stamps.