Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1861-02-15
Gaatebmau & State 9ournaI.
BY y. ?. WALTON
MONTPELIER, FEBRUARY Is, 1861.
FROM WASHINGTON.
The Voice Of yjrgima- Warning.

cidedly in the minority. The time has been
when disunion sentiments were loudest cheer
ed in the galleries of the Capitol That is
all changed the Union is the standing toast.
Too much confidence must not be put in the
Virginia election. Doubtless there is a strong
sentiment for tho Union without conditions !;
but it is certain that this election has been
carried by conditions that cannot be FULFILLED
The Virginia ultimatum will not receive the
assent Of Congress.
The Peace Congress
simultaneously with the Virginia election,
the peace Convention" which is the child
of Virginia, assembled here. Ex-President
Tyler presides. The meetings are secret, and
the business is conducted under the rigid
rules Of that illustrious Convention which
formed the Constitution Of the United States
Despite the injunction Of secrecy, tits known
that the Convention has been unanimous in
its preparatory work. and that a concliatory
spirit prevails. BY and by will come the tug
Of war. Were ! to predict, | should say that
in due time the Convention will find itself
like Congress to agree upon new
Constitutional provisions by two-thirds
vote. In any event, if the North is fully
represented, mider measures than those pen
ding in Congress will be agreed to. Perhaps
merely the suggestion of a Constitutional
Convention-or request to Congress to sub
NIT specific amendments to the States 1t
has been suggested that Congress may con-
sent to the submission of amendments pro-
posed by any State, or the existing Board Of
originate like amendments. The difference
is this if Congress originates amendments,
it is responsible for them if it merely sub
mits propositions originating elsewhere, it is
And the question is put to Congress in this
way will you preclude the States from act
ing upon amendments There is not great
deal in this yet there is just enough to war
rant the submission Of two sorts of amend
ments--the very good and the very bad
There would be no danger in either. Yer
mont is represented in the Convention. The
Vermont Congressional delegation was first
venience Of being in two places at one time,
as well as from doubt, at that time, of the
expediency of having Vermont represented at
all. 1t was deemed best, however, to have
Vermont prepared for every contingency
Her delegates have gone in to prevent mis-
chief. If no good can be done; and am now
persuaded that it would be best to have every
free State represented. Enough have gone
tons. 1t would be well to have all in to pre-
vent bad projects. The free States, if fully
represented would control the Convention
| think they can do it now but the delegates
in some of them possibly may not represent
the predominatng sentiment Of their States.
! say possibly" there are apprehensions OF
that sort, though none in respect to our own
The Defence Of the Capital
Still the troops come Washington now
reminds me Of Montreal and Quebec as
have seen them in the British garrisons.-
There is here even a more watlike appearance
The troops are stationed at different parts Of
the city, near the public buildings, and con,
sist mainly Of flying artillery. Some of the
companies, perhaps all. have battery of siS
cannon-of course with horses attached. Lit
orally flying artillery their evolutions arc
quick as lightning. 1t is terrible force tc
work upon an army-much more upon a mob
The impression is that there can be no organ
lied attempt upon the Capital now. under
State authority. Such was undoubtedly de-
signed ! think the evidence before the Com
mittee of Investigation will show that Now
what apprehensions exist are Of a mob, anC
incendiary attacks upon the public buildings
These are guarded, and to some extent sup
traitors within. That consideration greatly
diminishes the reliance OF the authorities up
on the militia of this District. Just now Their,
is quarrel between the Mayor of the cit,
and the military authorities The Mayor in
sists that he can preserve the peace. | thinl
the general sentiment is that better defenc
than that is necessary.
Sensation.
To-day. during gale of wind, an old der
rick fell upon the roof of the Capitol owe
the Hall of the House, with rattle of piece
of brick and mortar upon the glass, of whicl
the roof is composed, 1t sounded somewha
like the discharge Of three or four cannon
and a rattle of musket OF pistol shots. Il
short, the thoughts of some people were o.
war. There marked sensation on tn
Democratic side of the House, and in the gal
leries-many gentlemen and ladies left tn
galleries. The members in my neighborhoo,
were wondering at the noise, but none O
them left their seats. The thought Of an at
tack may have occurred to many-perhaps o.
both sides Of the House; but / doubt if
lasted long enough to hint the expediency q
retreat. presume the derrick fell over til
Democratic side, aud that the fear was tina
the roof would be crushed in. In my neigh
borhood, the noise was charged to a sever
hail'storm and the force of the wind Tn
gale was strong.