The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1861-04-27
The News.

The News.
1twould require q paper of ten times
the dimensions of ours to give in a week
y issue half the exciting dispatches, re-
ports, rumors, and doings of the pastweek.
which would be read with vastly moro
avidity than profit by our readers. we
can only hope, in a column of condensa-
ton, to skim lightly over the prominent
points that appear to have some founoa-
ton of truttAbout them.
The Legislature of Illinois convened In
extraordinary session On Tuesday. There
was scarcely quorum present on the Erst
day, but on Wednesday both houses were
full. The Governors Message which We
publish. gave offence to some Of the
Southern members, but it is hot.apprehan-
ded that serious opposition will be made
to the passage of bills necessary for organ
ling the military of the State raise means
for their support, &c. The bill to organ
ize tho six regiments OILED out by the
Governor, provide for their support, equip
ment. &c, was passed on Wednesday
unanimously proposition is now be-
fore the Legislature for loan Of s., 000,-
Coo for war purposes.
Judge Douglas arrived at Springfield on
Thursday, and on Thursday evening adj
dressed both houses in the representative
hall His speech advised laying aside all
party feeling and r.llying to the support of
the government The effect is said to
have been to unite the members as one
man.
There were at last accounts about 4,oGO
volunteers in camp at Springfield, the bal
ance of the six regiments having gone 10
Cairo Capt Cook of Springfield, was
elected colonel of one regiment; r. J.
Oslesby, Senator. colonel of another; and
Capt Paine, of Monmouth, Of another
Four regiments have still to elect. There
was rumor, yesterday, that Maj. Wal
lace, of this city, had been elected colonel
OF regiment. Colonel McClernsnd Will
undoubtedly be appointed Brigadier Cen
eraL
About 1000 troops are at Cairo. They
are taking matters quietly, being disturb
Ell about once day by rutnors of forces
advancing from Memphis, but which prove
canards. Steamboat navigation on the
rivers appears to be uninterrupted
Washington and Baltimore ara at pres
ent the centre of interest There is little
doubt but the first serious battle will be
at Washington. The secessionists are I'M
questionably concentrating their forces in
that direction. The report that Besure-
gard had notified Lincoln to have all the
women and children out of the city ty
Saturday, We regard a. CANNON; but not
So the rumors Of attempts to fortify Ar
ington heights, &c. Scott must have now
some 5000 to %, 900 troops in and around
Washington for its defence, with many
more within call. A battle at Washing
ton will be a bloody one
Baltimore appears to be under the con
troll of the secessionists, but after the dis
turbances at the beginning of the week
is comparatively quiet. No northern
troops have attempted to pass through the
city since Monday, such troops now pro
ceeding from Havre de Grace to Annapolis
between which city and Washington tn,
road Is open Martial law prevails boil
at Washington and Baltimore
Virginia, since her secession, appears t,
have gone into the war business on hel
nerve. Besides taking Harper's Ferry, sh
is threatening all the government fort
and shipping at Norfolk, &c. She ha
called out 10000 men, ard consents, j
seems, that Davis shall make RichmcnC
his head quarters.
Western Virginia, however, appears t.
be loyal, and protests against secession
threatening to socede from Virginia.
There are many rumors, but none pos
tive or authentic, of negro insurrection
in Maryland and Virginia.
Kentucky appears to have taken tn
position of armed neutrality, althoug
volunteers are proceeding south from ,hs
State
Missouri is more strongly inclined to ca
in her fortunes with the Union, althoug
she has plenty of secessionists. The go
eminent property at st. Louis is in l.
danger.
Tennessee is crazy for secession.