Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1861-01-11
MONDAY. Dec. 81.


DEM introduced resolution, which recited
the secession ordinance of South Carolina,
and referred it to the Judiciary Committee to
report whatever measures are necessary in
consequence thereof The rules were sus-
pended to consider this resolution. when
Holman Of Indiana Union DEM offered a
substitute, specifically requiring bills to be
reported for the erocution of the lars Of he
United States tChorcuer resisted. First there
was flashing Of Southern Gre and threaten
ing demonstrations by Barksdale Of Misss-
sippi, which were instantly resented by Nc
Clcrnand Of Illinois then the secessionists
and timid Union men Of the South "fllibus-
tered TO prevent vote, and the Republicans
insisted upon vote After an hour or two
of the yeas and nays dividing by tellers, and
a call Of the House, there was an adjournment
TO Wednesday, with the understanding that
the question will then come up again as the
first in order.
For hours today the city rejoiced (the
majority at LEAST in a rumor that Gen. Scott
had been placed at the head Of the War De
partment. 1t is more probable that Mr. Holt
of Ky. will take that post, and be followed
in the Post Office Department by Mr. King
of Maine, the First Assistant p NJ General.
The day has been marked by a very elo-
quent secession speech by Senator BENJAMIN.
1t was cheered, and the galleries of the SEN
ate were cleared.
TUESDAY, jan /, 1861.
The President Insulted
To-day the President received the public,
as has been the custom on New Years Day.
Comparatively few persons attended and, Of
those present, some wore Union and others
secession cockades OF the secessionis,s
many passed the President ,oithoW shaking
hands. The "Star" and States and Union
newspapers concur in this statement The
latter states that Mr. Buchanan looked pale
and wearied."
Reduction.
The "Daily National Intelligencer," now
moro than half a century old, appeared to-
day in reduced size. The Estates g. Union
appeared with both size and price reduced. 49,
Are they conforming to reduced nationali-
ty: Both are Union papers--the one Dem
ocratic, and the other Opposition but not Re
publican.
Official Correspondence.
send the following entire, because it proves
that the Administration was "solemnly pledg-
cd to leave Forts Sumpter and Pinckney to
the mercy of South Carolina, and the latter
was pledged not to meddle with the Forts.
Maj. Anderson did not interfere until he was
informed that there was danger from assault
by mob in spite of the South Carolina au-
thorities. In other words, South Carolina
could not carry out its part of the agreement
OF course, the Executive here was absolved
from that moment, from previous pledges.
WAR DEPARTMENT Dec. 81, 1860
sra On the evening OF the 9th instant read the fol-
lowing paper 10 you in the presence Of the Cabinet
"CouSUm CHAMBER, Executive Mansion.
"SlR 1t is evident now from the action Of The
mander at Fort Moure that the solemn pledges Of this
government have been violated by Major Anderson. In
my Judgment but course is left 10 vindcate
our honor and prevent civil 1t is in vain 10
hope for confidence the part OF the people Of South
Carolina in any further pledges as the action Of the
military. One remedy only is left, and that is to with
draw the garrison from the haIbor Of Charleston alto
Rether hope the President will allow me 70 make that
order at once This order, in my judgment, alone
peyent bloodshed and civil war.
JOHN B. FLOYD.
''To the PRESIDENT.
"Deccmher p, lS6O.'
then considered the honor Of the United States pedg
ed to maintain the troops in the position they occupied
for such had been the given to the gentlemen
from South Carolina who had right to speak for her
South Carolina, the other hand, gave reciprocal
pledges that force should be brought by them against
the troops against the property Of the United states
The sole object Of both parties 10 these reciprocal pledges
10 prevent collision and the cfusion Of blood in The
hope that some means might be found for peaceful
commodation OF the existing troubles, the two Houses
of Congress having both raised committees looking to
this object
Thus affairs stood until the action Of Maj Anderson
taken, unfortunately, whilst commissioners on
their way this capital peaceful mission looking tc
the avoidance Of bloodshed has complicated matters il
the existing manner, Our refusal, or even delay, tc
place affairs back they stood under agreement in
vites collision and must inevitably inaugurate civil
in our land cannot consent to be the agent Of such
calamity.
deeply regret to feel myself under the necessity o.
rendering you my resignation as Secretary Of War
because can longer hold it under my convictions G
patriotism, with honor, subjected as am TO the vic
/ laton Of solemn pledges and pliphted fahh.
! With the highest personal regard,
am most truly yours
To his Exceency the President Of the United States.
wAsnlSoroS, December 81, 1860.
My DsAR SIR have received and accepted your res
ignaton OF the office Of Secretary Of War; and no
wishing impose upon you the task Of performing IL
mere routine duties which you have kindly offered L
do have authorized the Postmaster General to admin
lister the affairs Of the Department until your sueeesso
shall be appointed.
JAMES BUCHANAN.
Hon JoHs u. FLoYp.
Rumors.
There are rumors of schemes to proven
the counting and declaration Of the votes TO
/ President; to prevent the entrance of Lin
coin to this city, al his Inauguration if h
does come here; and to seize the Capitol an'
other public buildings. Also, that there is
movement here to prevent or resist sucl
schemes note il as a theme Of the day
and therefore a sign of its political tempera
ture The notion Of preventing a count o
the votes, and Lincolns coming and Inaugural
ton are absurd. 1t is true the attempts ma.
be made. but these things cannot prevent hin
from being President. He has been elected
and the votes which elected MIN will be certi
fed to him, even if the Vice President doe
not count them certified either by the U.
Secretary of State, or competent certifying OF
ficers under the seals of the States. Lincol
may then take the oath anywhere he pleases
and before any magistrate competent to ad
minister and certify to the oath and he vii
then be the constitutional President Now
add another rumor it is that Chief Justic
fancy has said that he will administer th
oath to Lincoln though it costs his life, an
that, il necessary, he will @ to Springfield