Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1861-02-25
Ssuthern Congress.

MoSIsoxERr, Ala, Feb. 2I.-The Convention
met to-day at noon.
The Journals Of yesterday were read and con.
Mr.. Chiffon, Of Ala, said he had two oommu.
nications, sent to him by a scientific gentlemsu-
one In relation 70 cast-iron cannon and the other
i, IN, relation to patenn This gentleman has plan
equal to and perhaps superior 30 the armstrong
gun. He desires 20 try the experiment and de-
monstrate to the Commute on Military Arsin the
communications was referred 70 the M Hillary Com
mittee and the other 20 the Committee on Patents
The references were made
Mr.. Fearn, Of Alabama, presented a communal
cation from Mr. Marshall on the subject Of metal
castings which, without being read, was re-
ferred TO the Military Committee.
MT T. r.: r.. Cobb, Of Georgia, offered the fol-
lowing resolution, inquiring into the eIpedlency
Of an export duty on cotton:
Resolved, That the Committee on Finance be
Instructed TO inquire into the eIpediency Of lay
ing an export duty on all raw cotton which may
be exported nom the Confedersted States 20 any
foreign country, by any other channel than through
the seapors Of this Confederacy.
Mr.: Cobb said propose merely, Mr. President,
70 refer that resolution 20 the Finance COMMITTEES
at this time. l am not prepared TO discuss the
policy Of levying such q duty. That we have the
power to do 90 there can be no doubt appre-
bend that we are conscious Of the power we hold
In our hands, by reason Of our producing that
staple 90 necessary 70 the world. doubt not that
power will exert an influence great and mightier
than armies and navies. We know that BY an
embargo we could soon place, not only the United
states, but many Of the European powers under
the necessity Of electing between such q recoeni-
ton OF our Independence a. we require, or do
nestle commissions at home.
The Information In our possession seems 20 ius-
MY such an enquiry az the resolution propoees
IL Is fact that some Of the cotton now Produced
In this Confederacy 10 already seeking a new
channel TO the sea. We are Informed that at Pits
burg, Pa, more than y, 600 bales Of cotton have
already been received, convened thither up the
Mississippi and Ohio rivers. We are also in
formed that more than % 600 bales Of cotton from
Rsme, Ga, have been sent by railroad 20 seek a
port at Norfolk and Alexandra. We are further
Informed that the directors of the railroads con-
Meeting with the principal lines In our territory,
are now concerning schemes for the purpose Of
reducing freighz on those roads, in order in that
ports.
The result of such course, IL successful would,
In the first place necessarily be 10 make the block
ade Of our ports a matter Of importance 20 for
eign nations; secondly, IL would destroy all com
merce with our own seaports, and, thirdly, and
most important II all, IL would compel us 20 re
ceive all the imported goods we mi ght need after
paying duties on them In New York city. These
considerations have induced me 10 offer this res
olution Of inquiry; ! do not think that the res
olution should elicit discussion at the present
time, but after the committee on finance have
made their report, IL may become grave matter
for the consideration Of this body.
The resolution was adopted.
Mr.. Shorter, Of Ala, Chairman Of the Commit
tee on ENDORSEMENTS, reported, az duly enrolled
and ready for the signature Of the President, the
following acts:
An act TO determine the salaries Of the Vice
President and heads Of Departments.
An act 10 organize the Department Of State
An act 70 establish the Navy Department.
An act 20 establish the War Department
An act to organize and establish an Executive
Department, to be known a. the Department Of
Justice.
An act to establish the Post once Department.
On motion Congress went into secret session
Congress adjourned about O'Clock. None Of
the business transacted was made public with
the exception Of the combinations Of portion Of
the Cabinet. There were no other nominations
made to Congress to-day by the President than
the following
For Secretary Of state-Hon. Robert Toombs, Of
Georgia.
Secretary Of the PRESUMPTION. c. g. Men,
minger, Of South Carolina
Secretary Of Walton. l.. Pope Walker, Of
Alabama.
The foregoing nominations were confirmed, and
Congress adjourned until tomorrow II O'Clock
MONTGOMERY, Ala, Feb. 22.-The Congress to-
day unanimously passed act declaring the estab-
lishment of the free navigation OF the Misissippi
river. This measure gives general satisfaction.
MONTGOMERY, Feb "a Congress held public
session to-day, but nothing Of Interest was done
long secret session was held subsequently. No
further Cabinet nominations have been made.