Cleveland morning leader. [volume] (Cleveland [Ohio]) 1854-1865, 1861-02-11

will be necessary here for ne protection Of
the revenue. John CcchTane has postponed
the bill authorized by the Special Committee
on this subject several times, on account Of
the presence Of the ''Peacs" Congress, which
is only intended to arrest positive legislation,
and to strengthen the hands of the Secession
lists By delay. The time for emphatic action
has come.
~ THe GREAT ROBBERY,
On the day Mr. Benjamin retired from the
Senate, he appeared before the Investigating
COMMITTEES, and testified that be called upon
Mr. Floyd about year ago, to inquire con
cerning the security ofaconsiderable amoant
of acceptances held by one Of his clients
Mr.. Floyd assured him they would be paid,
and explained the mode in which they were
issued, as advances upon transportation IN
process of execution under contract Mr..
BENJAMIN cautioned him against that course,
as involving hazards which might embarrass
him officially. He professed surprise at the
suggestion, and afterwards addressed him q
note expressing Acknowledgements for il, and
saving hesWould give no more acceptances.-
After that time he issued $4,000,o00, and it
appears in proof that quite $4,000, 900 above
al the service yet rendered, and all the pos
sibilities under the contract allowing Russell,
Majors and Wsddall the largest margin Of.
transportation up to the time of its termina-
ton, have been issued, not one cent of which
will ever be paid. This enormous sum was
put out illegally, and sold for what it would
bring in market while the proceeds were
probably divided among an organized band
Of plunderers, who are concealed by perjury,
The evidence points Is them clearly, though
perhaps insufficient to obtain conviction un-
der criminal law.
Special Dispatches to N. Y. Times.
WHAT MR. LINCOLN NAY RECOMMEND.
There is an impression gaining ground
here-though cannot tell from what source
it emanates-that if the question between the
sections remains open until after Mr.. Lin
coins Inauguration, he will recommend the
calling Of Convention to propose amend
ments to the Constitution, providing the Leg
isiatures Of two-thirds of the States shall in
iicate a desire therefor This is the proper
constitutional mode of procedure. True,
Congress has power itself to propose amend
mepts for the consideration of the States;
but it is evidently impossible to get two
thirds vote of either house of Congress, as at
present composed, in favor Of any amend
ment that would meet the demand even Of
Virginia, on the Territorial question.
Special Dispatches to the N Y Herald
rEu5rEUr.
There are rumors of hostile meeting be-
tween Senators johnson, Of Tennessee, and
Wigfall, Of TEXAS. Mr.. Wigfan. shot the
brother Of Preston S. Brooks in Charleston
= E-4kA
W " INTERESTING FROM TT. SUMTER.
Letters are received this morning from
Charleston, bearing date Feb. 4. Governor
Pickens has yielded the point 70 allow Major
Anderson to make his own contract for pro-
visions, consisting chiefly Of fresh meat. 1t
was very difficult to find parties who would
venture to make contract, fearing they
would be lynched, but man who was at
last found, and the supply is being made
tWice each week, but only for immediate use,
o that the State authorities can stop the sup
rllies at any time. sst.J a
The stories about mutiny and insubordina-
ion among Major Anderson's men can ind
no better refutation than in the fact that
many OF the men have served their time out
and are entitled to leave. but refuse to re-
enlist and declare they viii never desert
their post while Major Anderson remains or
the flag waves over them, unless ordered
by their government Some of these very
men could have left with their wives on the
Sd inst, but preferred TO part with their bet
ter halves than their gallant commander.
Cummings Point Battery consists in part Of
three eolumbiaas and mortars. 1t is three
quarters of a mile south of Fort Sumter, be-
ing the nearest point of land; but the inn
portant fact attending Cummings Point Bat
terv is, that 1t Is directed against what is
supposed TO be the weakest place in Fort
Sumter, which is three and half feet thick
and two hundred feet long. OF course when
the United States government Constructed
Fort Sumter they did not calculate upon an
attack from land by any portion Of their own
people, but built the fortrsss with particular
reference to the channel and the approach Of
sforeign enemy in ships. But time will
show Che South Carolinians that what they
supposed to he the weakest may prove not
only the strongest but the most dangerous
for them to illustrate now; but Major Ander-
son viii do so if test is made, More than
this should it be possible to make breach in
the supposed weak point the South Carroll
mans could not enter by it, nor would any
possible harm come to the men under Major
Anderson.
The floating batteries being erected up in
the cove near Mount Pleasant tor beseiging
Fort Sumter are of little amount, and an army
officer writes that they will only convey
those who take passage upon them to watery
graves.
It seems to be settled, not only by letters
Official and private from Charleston, but by
parties inside and outside the army, that an
stack will be made upon Fort Sumter, and
that nothing can prevent it. It is said that
/ Gov. Pickens has no power to control the
masses, and they are only waiting either be
cause they think the federal government will
exhibit the coEardice to surrender Fort Sum-
/ ter through Col Hayne, or because they are
not quite ready to make the assault Other
seeding States are protesting against such
action, but it does net seem to avail anything.
Special to n. 7. Herald.
If-ist AEDHssos AND FORT SUMTER.
Thetine for withholding rsinforcements
/ to Major Anderson viii cease the moment
| Lieut.. Hall returns to FOlt Sumter.
1 learned from a reliable source that
Wednesday next has been fixed upon as
aoout the time when the secessionists viii
be ready to commence the assault upon Fort
Sumter fsjss r...
Major Anderson has written to Senator
Crittenden, relative TO the charge that on
his movement in retiring from Fort Moultrie
to Fort Sumter he took the act initiative Of