Civilian & telegraph. [volume] (Cumberland, Md.) 1859-1875, 1861-01-31
From our Washington Cores
DOndent.
WAsHISGToN, Jan. 90, 1861

y last by Mr.. Corwin and has progressed fror
Y day to day with unabated interest. 1t ha
= drawn out some Of the most eloquent all
= statesmanlike appeals ever delivered in tn
@ lower House Of Congress.
. The speech Of Mr.. Corwin, whilst not a
e elaborate as had been anticipated, was char
, actcristic forcble and able. 1t was chief!
p an appeal to the reason of Southern men in
tended to convince them that the plan pro-
posed by the Committee Of Thirty-three wa
the best which they could hope for and SUI,
licient, if SO received by them, to restore
peace, requiring no sacrifice Of principle in
its adoption on either side, but alike honora-
bic to both 1t is believed that he will take
occasion in closing the debate to present his
views more at length.
The efforts of Messrs. Clemens Of Va, Eth
ridge and Nelson of Tenn, and Gilmer of \.
c., deserve especial notice. At once manly,
brilliant and convincing, with audiences large
aud intelligent, the attention was profound,
and as one after another touched the keynote
Of the Union the outburst Of applause from
gallery to floor was spontaneous aud irreprcs-
sble.
The closing remarks Of the last named, in
particular, were, without exception, the most
impressive and affecting have ever heard III
u DeliOerative Body. As the speaker traced
the causes Of our present troubles to their
proper source, and pointed with unerring pre-
cision to Mr. Cnrwin's report as a balm Suf
iicient to heal them all, and as the conse
qucnces involved in its settlement pressed
upon him, the chord, Of feelings were swept
with a master hand. stirring to their Utmost
depths the fountain Of human passion. Many
was the tear which suifused tho eyes anu
coursed down the cheeks If his auditors.
The floor to-day will, it is Understood, be
occupied by Pryor Of Va. and Thad Stevens
Of Pa. 1t is impossible to state the time at
which a vote will he had upon the various
propositions. There are some Forty or Fifty
members yet anxious to lie heard. think
it altogether likely the distinguished Repre-
sentative from our own State, Mr.. Davis, will
speak to the subject on Tuesday or Welnes-
day Of this week.
The most hopeful sign is to he found r the
deep, earnest and growing attention which
these debates are cliciting.
Both Houses have been sensibly thnned
by the departure Of the members from the
seeding States, Ten in the Senate and Twen-
ty-scven in the House This number will
doubtless. he increased this week by the Sc
ceSsion of Louisiana and Texas to Fourteen
and Thirty-three respectively. Whether from
this cause or the gravity Of the crisis the or
der and decorum of the House has been much
improved and excites comment at tho hands
Of members and spectators.
In the Senate the Crittenden propositions
have been made to give place to the consd
Grafton of the Pacific Rail Road Bill, the a.
amendments to which have increased to the
extent of rendering it uncertain whether any
agreement will he reached
The more thoroughly this matter is discus
sed, the greater would seem to he the difficult
ties in the way Of its accomplishment, whilst
men OF all sides cnncede its utility, and both
the great pariie, of the country have been
pledged to its construction, through their
platforms, for years past.
A very general belief is springing up that
n collision between the Federal and State
Troops will be avoided, and yet, the latrs,
advices inform us that the "Bronklyn" has
sailed with sealed orders, containing
it is said, reinfnrcements for Fort
Sumter and Pickens. The latter as is known
commands the Gulf of Mexico, and is now
invested by at least one thousand Of the
State Troops from Florida, aud the rest Of tie
seeding States. The knowledge of its con-
emplated reinforcement by vessel Of war
nay have the effect OF precipitating coils
on. Fort Pickcns is situated much like
'Sumpter" and is pronounced by experienced
military officers Of the Army, now here, quite
IS impres enable as the latter, and could only
II taken at the expense Of great loss Of life
o the assailing party.
The special committee of which William
\. Howard Of Mich. is Chairman, appointed
. inquire into the manner in which the Fed
raj property has been seized or surrendered
shat officers have resigned, &C., has had un- l
er examination Capt. Armstrong and his
ssociate officers, recently in charge of the
'ensscola Navy Yard, Florida, and whi,h. it {
'il he remembered, was so ignominiously
Irrendered to the demands Of the Rebels and
'raitors.
Several Companies Of Artillery are quar- i
cred here at the instance of Gen. Scott, with 4,
view to the preservati n of the public peace
ntil after the 4th of March. The Star
ublislel on Friday, stated that Ex- Gov i
had written to friend here, advising L
ne immediate removal of his family, as a
ieasure of safety.
C,sslus NJ. Clay Of KY, has been here for
week past lie is said to favor Corwin's d
and to be exerting his influence 1,
) that end with the Republicans in Congress :
Ie addressed large meeting, on Saturday /,
light. in company with Green Adams. of the
louse, Ut Odd-Felluws Hall. q,
OCCASIONAL. o
II is not believed here that any attack II
pom Washington is seriously meditated.