The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1861-03-17
New York, Sunday, March IL, 1861.



Since the administration has decided to evacu-
ate Fort Sumter, Fort Pickens has become the
centre of public attention. Reports, received
from Washington, were in circulation yesterday,
that q collision had occurred between the federal
and State forces at Pensacola. These reports
were premature. Up to the latest accounts no
actual hostile demonstration had been made
on either side. 1t is q fact, however, that
the commanders of the federal vessels off
Pensacola have been notified not to land
any troops at Fort Pickens, or communi-
cate with the shore. Should they disre-
gard this notification, collision will inevitably
ensue and as the Fort is invested by numerous
batteries Of heavy artillery, the result Of the con-
fict may be easily predicted Nearly all the fami-
lies have left Pensacola in anticipation of battle.
The answer of the administration to the commu-
nication of the Commissioners from the Southern
republic will be transmitted to the mto-morrow
1t is understood that the administration will de-
cline holding any official intercourse with the Com
missioners.
Nothing ofimportance occurred in the United
States Senate yesterday. Mr.. Douglas resolution
calling for information in relation to the forts in
the South, &c., was taken up, and Mr.. Wilson
moved as test question to lay it on the table. At
the suggestion of Mr.. Powell, however, the motion
was Withdrawn, and the further consideration of
the resolution was postponed till Monday. In
answer to an inquiry, Mr.. Fessenden said mem
Der of the Cabinet had stated that the Senate
would finally adjourn in very few days. Mr..
Mason moved that his resolution with reference
TO the quartering of troops at the capital but the
Senate decided to 60 into executive session on the
appointments.
Our advices from Brazos Santiago, Texas, Of
the It'll inst. state that GOO Texan troops still hold
that post, and that 800 State cavalry were sta
TONED at Camp Buena Vista, twenty-five miles
from there The United States troops at Browns.
vile on the 18th inst. numbered probably 500 men,
and there were between 800 and 400 more
marching upon that place. The most ef-
Elective portion of this force consists in the
cavalry and the light artillery, both of
which services are of the flower of the Ameri-
can army. Capt Stonemans command and the
Flying Artillery corps which were there, are both
imposing and dangerous, if they have mind to
turn their arms upon their countrymen. The ar
tillery was then making preparations to move
from that point as soon the light battery, with
four other companies of artillery, should arrive
from Fort Duncan. 1t is unknown to what point
they move, as they leave on the steamship Daniel
Webster, under sealed orders, to be broken and
discovered at sea. It thought among the officers
that their destination is Pensacola. Many deser-
fions from the United States forces were reported.
The steamship Arabia, from Liverpool I'd and
Queenstown Sd inst, arrived at this port last
evening. She brings the gratifying intelligence
of the safety of the Australasan, which had put
back to Queenstown, having broken two langes
of her screw.
In the British Parliament affairs in Syria and
fhe condition Of the navy were the chief subjects
occupying attention since our last advices.
In France the troubles between the Emperor
and the clergy appear to increase. In the Sc
nate Prince Napoleon had made an important
speech on the Papal question. The Monaer of
February q represents the imperial govern
ment as highly indignant at the duties imposed on
French goods by the Morrill, tariff. We give
summary Of the article In our news columns.
Austria has declared that she will never
recognise Victor Emanuel as King of
Italy that If the French troops are
withdrawn. from Rome, she will replace
them by an Austrian army; and that if revolution
airy movements take place in Hungary and vene-
tia she will instantly cross the Mincio.
AL is qniet at Warsaw. The funerals of the VIC
Tins Of the eme,te had taken place quietly and
the leading inhabitants had sent an address to the
Emperor.
Preparations were making for Immediately be-
siegng the citadel Of Messina the very last strong
hold Of King Francis. The Piedmontese already
occupied the heights around the city.
The Arabia brings 81 400 900 in specie.
The steamship North Star from Aspinwall,
March 7, with the passengers, mails and treasure
that left San Francisco in the Panama mail
steamer Of the 2lst ult. arrived at this port last
evening. She brings 5,54 in treasure. The
news from San Francisco Is unimportant From
some unexplicable cause our South Pacific and
Central American files by this arrival have not
come TO hand.
Among the news from San Francisco to the I'd
inst, received by the overland express, and pub
lished yesterday morning., 1t was stated that the
steamer Uncle Sam, with the New York mails Of
the lst ut., was overdue at San Francisco some
six days, causing much anxiety. The following
extract from letter Of passenger on board the
Uncle Sam, dated Acapulco, February IS, ex-
plains the reason Of her non-arrival:-"We
have had very rough time on this side
have lost one OF our wheels and shall not arrive
ii San Francisco until the 4th or 9Th Of March, We
expected TO arrive there on the oath Of this month
We lost one Of our men overheard, and you must
not have any anxiety concerning us"
Considerable business was transacted BY both
branches Of our State Legislature yesterday, some
oft Of general interest, but much being merely
local 10 is bearing. In the Senate the bill limit
iug the terms Of officers In the State militia 10
seven years was, after considerable discussion,
ordered to a third reading. The bill autho.
Iizing the sale Of the Quarantine lands
was also ordered TO third reading.
AEeng tic matters Of particular interest to