The constitutional union., 1861-03-22

the Secretary of War for information, respecting the mastering of troops in the District of Colum- bia into service, since January the first. Doug las called up his resolution relative to Southern Forts. Clark resolution, that the seats of Brown, Davis, Clay, Mallory, Toombs and Benjamin hay ing become vacant, their names be omitted from the roll, passed.
 C. NJ. Clay, confirmed Minister to Spain
 WASHINGTON March 15
 Yesterday Seward asked time to consider the propositions made by the Southern Commission CTS, which the latter granted. It is supposed the whole matter will be referred to the Senate.
 The Administration deny that any unusual naval display on Southern waters is intended. Government vessels now at New York are to be put into the transport service; upwards of two thou sand five hundred troops being in Texas awaiting conveyance northward.
 Elijah Hamlin brother of the Vce-Prcsident, is appointed Commissioner under the British Re ciprociy Treaty.
 Messrs. Forsyth and Crawford say there will be attack Fort Pickens until they have ported to Jeff Davis.
 General Scott was present at a meeting of the Cabinet yesterday.
 An unconirmed report says the Crusader goes to Charleston to take off Major Anderson's com mand.
 Senator Mason offered a resolution nquring of the President the number of United States troops quartered in Washington; for what purpose; when would they be withdrawn; or if not, for what purpose they maintained, and to what l. tl,
 Senator Douglas said the President had no power to collect the revenue in the seeding States nor to call out the militia, except as a posse comitatus and to aid Federal officers. He said army of quarter of a million, at an ex- pense of S35, 100000, was necessary to take the forts etc. He advocated amendments to the Constitution to hold the border States, and secure a reunion of the whole.
 Senator Wilson replied, saying the Admnistra- ton should make known its policy through gen. tlemen in whom it had confidence
 Douglas retored, saying Wilson belonged to the war-wing of the Republican party. Sharp words ensued between Douglas and Fessen- den. Hale said he did not mean the Union would be broken up the country thrown into war. GAppIause.1 A motion was made to clear the galleries.
 Mir. Douglas abruptly took his seat
 WASHINGTON, March 16. The Washington correspondent of The Post says startling rumors are afoat of a collision having taken place at Pensacola, between the Federal and State troops.
 It is reported that the forces under Lieut.. Slem- mer had been attacked by the Floridians, result ng in a serious conflict.
 Other reports say the outbreak took place not near Fort Pickens, but near Pensacola. Nothing definite has yet been received, but the excitement is intense.
 It is understood that the Senate will adjourn next week
 The War Department has issued orders for sail ing of several ships of war. Their destination is not known.
 The Mohawk and Crusader have gone to the Gulf A number of revenue vessels have been added to the fleet, with the intention of aug menting it to a respectable coast guard, in the event of the evacuation of Fort Sumter, when the steamer Philadelphia will probably bring the garrison to Old Point Comfort Virginia.
 WASHINGTON, March IS. Messrs. Crawford and Forsyth, the Commis- sioners from the Confederated States entertain strong hopes of preserving peaceful relations be- tween the two Governments.
 It is not yet known whether the Administra tion has ordered the evacuation of Fort Sumter, but it is generally believed that the evacuation will soon take place.
 The reported attack on Fort Pickens is gener- ally disbelieved.
 Rumors are afloat that the Federal troops now in Texas will be transported to Fort Pickens
 General Beauregard will not permit Major An derson to depart from Fort Sumter, except as prisoners of war
 The Cabinet last night discussed the Southern question for two honrs, without arriving at any definite conclusion.
 The Administration have determined to appoint no foreign born citizens to diplomatic posts in Europe.
 It is stated that Charles F. Adams, of Massa- chusetts, has accepted the French Mission.
 W. A. Fry, musical composer, is to be Secreta- ry of Legation at Paris.
 The Treaty with the Winnebago Indians has been confirmed
 It is understood that the Administration has sent agents to the European powers to inform them of the future policy of the Federal Govern ment.
 The same course is to be pursued relative to Mexico, as soon as the question of the evacuation of Southern forts is settled
 The Administration consider the collection of the revenue necessary, and agree that it ought to be collected, but the manner thereof is the trou- ble,