The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1861-01-04
WASHINGTON. Dec, 81. 1860.

WASHINGTON, Dec. u, looo'
Events of a marked character have transpir-
ed here within the past three days. Friday
the news was received that the South Carolina
rebels, for after this act of resistance to FEEDER
al laws, this offensive term Of rebels is prop
erly applied, had possessed themselves OF Forts
Moultrie, and Pinckney, and that they had al
so seized on the Custom House and Post Office.
pulled down the stars and stripes, and run up
the Palmetto flag. These acts Of violence, and
Major Anderson's evacuation Of Fort Moultrie,
now known to have bsen done upon his own
responsibility to strengthen his position, were
made the subj,c. Of Cabinet Consultation
which, commencing on Friday afternoon. ad-
journed over until Saturday. During the con-
ference the South Carolina Commissioners oh
truded themselves into the presence OF the cab
met or the President, and demanded the dis
avowal of the act of Major Anderson, and an
order for his return to Fort Moultrie, threaten
Ing il their demands were not complied with,
TO break off the current of attempted negotia.
tons, go home, and prepare for war. The
President informed them that Major Ander-
son acted without orders from the War Depart
ment, and on his own responsibility, but avoid
ed promise for his return. The question un-
der consultation by the cabinet was the CON-
pliance Of the demand Of the s. Carolina Com
mi,sionersto order Major Anderson to abandon
Fort Sumpter, and return 10 Fort Moultrie.
Friday, the cabinet stood three and three in
relation to giving the order. Toueey,the Score
taryof Navy being wayering. Saturday Toucey
decided 10 give his vote against il, and the con-
sequence has been that Floyd, Secretary Of
War, has resigned, and his resignation accept.
al by the President Floyd giyesas reason
for resigningthat he had given his word TO the s.
Carolina delegation that the military status at
Charleston should not be changed, and that he
considers Anderson's movement o decided
change. The President, il Is said. favored
giving the order. All manliness seems to have
deserted him. These events, and the surrender
of the Revenue Cutters at Charleston news of
which was telegraphed here on Saturday night,
have preeipitated matters and will compel the
administration TO take position in the sup
port of the Constitution and the laws, or on the
side OF open treason to the country.
With regard to Congressional action to COM
promise matters, the Senate Committee having
vainly endeavoured to agree have adjourned,
and will ask to be discharged. The last thing
acted on was proposition Of Mr.. Rice, Of
MINI. TO divide the Territories into two
States. one above 80 30, to be free, and called
Washington, the other below to be slave and to
be called jefferson. The Republicans asked to
except Kansas and this being rejected by the
Democrats II was voted down.
The House Committee Of thirty three had 3
pro,rac,ed session on Saturday, and the re-
suits are Of such general importance, that they
call for detailed and precise statements. Prom
i.ing to our readers that the information
we give them is authentic and may be relied on
We proceed TO Saturdays action ofthe
House COMMITTEE
The propositions under consideration were
those Of Afr. Nelson Of n. G. for certain amend.
men,s to the Constitution, the most important
Of which reads thus