, 1861-02-01
tFER PONY EXPREss.l
Letter from the National Capital.
rrRoM OUR REGULAR CORRESPONDENT
WASHINGTON CRY, Dec "a, 1860.

WASHINGTON CRY, Dec "a, 1860.
Editor Pioneer and Democrat:
Since my last South Carolina has passed
her ordinance of secession, and the Caro-
lima members have formally retired from
the councils Of the nation. But the laws
of the United States still remain in force
, in Carolina. The practical difficulties
growing out Of actual secession were forci-
/ bly, presented in the convention itself the
day before the ordinance was passed. Thus
the stoppage of the mails was likened to
the Withholding of food. People with
hungry stomachs soon think Of and resort
to the strong arm to get food. Riots, tu-
muts, revolutions, result Mails were nee
essary, and so the mails contnue 10 be car
ried as before The Custom House also,
was found to be indispensable. For if ves-
sells could not be entered or cleared,
Charleston was as effectually closed to
commerce as though blockaded by hostile
feet. Nor was it Il preferable alternative
to carry on the two services on account
with the general government, for the ex-
penses of collecting the revenue and carry
ing the mail much exceeded respectively the
receipts In the Post Ofice Department,
the income of whole year did not much
more than defray the expenses of single
quarter No attack has been or will be
made on the Forts. 1t would necessarily
iuaugurate war, and Carolina would be the
aggressor.
A great point has therefore been gained.
4 olI; l.,
been averted. Carolina practically has re-
solved to cooperate with her sister States.
The Georgia Legislature has voted down
separate secession. Every Southern State
will pause, deliberate, take council with her
sister States, and in my opinion no State
will eventually reject the olive branch
1t is true the committees have not made
the progress expected in my last letter.
But Davis of Mississippi serves on the Sen
ate committee, although he at first declined
to serve. The coercion speech of johnson
Of Tennessee meets with no response from
men anxious to compose our troubles The
ground taken by Pugh Of Ohio against CO.
ercion and in favor Of dispassionate re-
view Of the whole subject matter of griev-
future peace, or if that be impossible, upon
the terms of separation, is approved of by
most of the northern democracy, and by
large numbers of the republican party. The
members Of the city of New York, and
gallant men from the central and north
western States occupy the same ground as
Pugh. Douglas, it is understood sustains
Pugh.
am aware that the tone of the republi-
eau party is much irmer than it was week
since, and that the significant indications OF
a radical change IN a portion Of the party
have not yet lead to the results then pre-
dicted. But it must be borne in mind, that
whilst the danger of collision has been oil,
most entirely averted, the delberation ard
corporation now taking place, will ouly
serve to organize the South and prepare
her better to enforce practical secession
if all efforts fail to secure to them such
guarantees from the North as they feel re-
gard 10 their safety and their honor will
permit them to accept. The republicans
will not fail to see, that in the light of his
tory, aud according to the great facts on
which the laws Of nations rest, it will not
be rebellion or secession, but war,-cvil
war, it is true-but still war, where the
forces on either side will be entitled to all
the advantages of the uSages of war In
other words, it will be strife of subjUga-
tion, where the conquered States will be-
come provinces to be ruled by the military
arm. This status of the case will soon be
SO apparent, that no party, not even in the
highest exaltation Of victory, can for mo-
ment resist its logical conclusions, and,
therefore, have full faith tha, the northern
people, whatever may he the givings out Of
Presidents elect, or Of recognized leaders.
will respond to the appeal to meet in con-
ventiOu for peace-either as one people or
as two or more. The road through these
diScords aud troubles has not been marked
out on our constitutional chart. They were
never, in their present magnitude, foreseen
by our fathers. Old saws will not do
Logic aud rhetoric are Of no avail. We
have to deal with stern facts and the rapid
movement of great events. The FIRST diff
cult point has been turned. There will be
comparatively smooth sea for all parties
for few weeks. Shall the next difficult
point be turned, and that is organized re-
sstance by several sovereign States in uni
son? Or shall their ordinances practically
60 into effect when the effort to reconcile
has failed and the respective parties have
agreed upon the terms. Then let us meet
in convention as soon as possible. Let the
Nwbole matter be referred to the fountain Of
power JEFFERSON.
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| EG- We make the following extract