The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1861-01-13

The News.


The News.
The sloop-of war Brooklyn arrived off Charles
ton bar yesterday afternoon. She has not visited
that port for hostile purpose, but upon mission
OF peace. Reports from Charleston state that the
South Carolina authorities had communicated I'M
der flag Of truce, with Major Anderson, but for
what purpose had not TRANSFERRED Rumors were
current hat disafiection exists among the garri
son, and that surrender Of Fort Sumter is con-
templated. II il stated that there was good au-
thority for believing that negotiations going
with Washington for the surrender of the fort and
ce aation Of warlkc attitude. 1t is certain that
Col. Hayne, on the part of South Carolina, and
Lieut. Hall, ON the part of Major Anderson, have
left Charleston for Washington, respectively with
proposals and to obtain instructions.
The proceedings of Congress yesterday will be
read with unusual interest. The Senate Chamber
md galleries and Hobbies were occupied at an
early hour by dense throng of spectators
anxious to listen to the long expected speech Of
Mr.. Seward upon the rcrilous condition of the
country The diplomatic corps were also in at
tendance In due time Mr.. Seward made his
speech, which occupied some three hours in the
delivery. A full report Of it is given in to-day's
paper, and in the editorial columns may be found
marks as the occasion suggests. At the conclusion
ofMr. Stewards speech the Deficiency Appropria-
ton bill was discussed, and resolution was
offered enabling Commodore Paulding TO accept
of sw ord and tract Of land given to him by the
government Of Nicaragua in acknowledgment Of
his services in supprcssing the Walker flibuster
invasion.
In the House q resolution was offered calling fol
Information respecting the reported occupation
of the federal offices at ST. Louis by United States
troops but tho rcpupcans refused to entertain 1t.
communication was received from the Missis-
sippi delegation announcing the secession Of that
State from the Union and their withdrawal from
Congress. The Navy Appropriation bill was
taken up. Mr. Pryor announced the intention Of
the minority to oppose all appropriations Tor
the army and navy, in view OF the probability
of their being employed TO coerce seeding States.
The republicans refused TO allow debate upon the
subject, and an interesting discussion ensued 1t
was finally agreed that no debate should take place
on the Navy bill, but that when the Army Appro-
priation bill is taken up it shall be open to dis
cussion. The Navy Appropriation bill was &C.
cordingly passed. During the ensuing week,
therefore, debate In the House the crisis will
commence, and it has been suggested that, by
holding night sessions, the subject may possibly
be exhausted in three days
The steamer Star of the West returned to this
port yesterday morning from her unsuccessful
attempt TO land United States troops at Fort
Sumter. The Official account Of her reception
by the South Carolina forces does not differ ma
terially from that heretofore published. Seven
Teen shots were fired at the steamer, one Of which
took effect on her port bow, another on her star
board quarter, while a third passed between the
smoke stack and the walking beam but no dam
age was inflicted, save some splntcrng Of wood
work. The gunnery practice Of the assailants is
described as having been surprisingly accurate.
rumor was going the rounds Of the city yes
terdsy that five hundred government troops had
been despatched South from Governors island,
but We have reason to believe the whole thing to
be hoax: at all events, some Of the persons con.
nected with the island deny il In the most EN-.
phatic manner, and declare that there is no foun.
dalton for IT, There is an order TO Inevent all
persons from visiting the island, so that perhaps
such thing may be on the topis, but we feel con.
fldent that il has not yet taken place.
As we announced yesterday, the steamship
Marion, which was taken possession Of by the
South Carolina authorities, has been surrendered
to her owners, and is now on her way to this port
to resume her place in the line TO which she be.
n
given elsewhere in our columns.
In the Legislature yesterday the resolution Of
The Assembly providing for joint special Com.
mittee on Federal Relations was discussed and laid
On the table. In the Assembly bill to amend
The charter Of New York city was introduced.
1t aborshes the Councimen, and provides for q
Board Of sixteen Aldermen elected for four years,
half each second year, after the plan of the Super.
sisors' election; the Mayor TO preside over the
Board OF Aldermen, and have q casting vote, and
fuli vote on all appointments; the heads Of dc.
fartments TO be appointed BY the Mayor aud
Aldermen; Messrs. Haws and Bronson 20 remain
In Office till their term expires but al others 70 ro
out when their successors are appointed. Tho cite
election to be held on the second Tuesday, IN
April and the first election TO take place unaar
Che law next April when Mr.. Wood il leoi,la,ea
out OF office. The bill was referred 70 the Com,
mittee on Cities and Villages Both houses al
journed till Monday evening.
The Central Park skating pond last evening was
brilliantly illuminated, and many persons skatcd
both By day and night. large number Of
sleighing parties visited the Park during The day.
causing quite lively scene. In another column
will be found some few remarks on tho origin Of
skating as well as on the recent improvements
made In skates.
The Board Of Councilmen made another attempt
10 effect permanent organization last evening.
The democrats with the exception o. Mr. Pepper.
answered 10 their names but the republicans con.
tinued TO absent themselves II - understood.