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From Washington.

Washington, Jan. 20.
--The minority report of the Committee of Thirty-Three, which is signed by Taylor of Louisiana, Phelps of Missouri, Rust of Arkansas, Whitley of Delaware, and Winslow of North Carolina, embraces, in substance, the following: that the changes which have taken place in the situation and sentiments of the people of the different States since the formation of the Constitution have been such that through the misconstruction of some of its provisions, and the willful perversion of others, and the introduction of new principles in forming parties which are in direct antagonism with the usages and opinions of the whole American people when the Constitution went into effect, that instrument has ceased to accomplish some of the most important ends aimed at by its adoption. The difference between the Northern and Southern sections of the Confederacy from this cause has at last risen to such a height that they have resulted in the formation of a sectional party in the North, of the slavery question alone, which will practically exclude the Southern people from any voice in the management of national affairs, in which they have a common interest with their Northern brethren, and that as this fact, notwithstanding the Republican forms of the Constitution are preserved, in truth destroys the spirit of Republicanism in the Government, it is therefore impossible that the two sections should any longer go on together as one people, unless the existing state of things is remedied.

The report proceeds to say that the present difficulties can only be remedied by amendments to the Constitution, and suggests the amendments proposed in the Crittenden resolutions. If adopted, they would restore tranquility to the country, and place the Union on such a foundation that it could never again be shaken. These amendments would not in reality change the Constitution, they would only have the effect of restoring it, by the added propositions, to what it was in point of fact on the day of its adoption, through the operation of the circumstances which then surrounded it, and which erected barriers against the present sectional contest then, as the constitutional propositions would now.--If a constitutional majority cannot be united in support of Crittenden's resolutions, or the substance of them, then a dissolution of the Union is inevitable.

The report recommends that steps be taken for calling a Convention of the States, with a view of peaceable separation by providing for a partition of the common property of the United States, settling the terms on which social and commercial intercourse between the separated States shall be conducted, and making a permanent arrangement with respect to the navigation of the Mississippi river. The report gives what the signers consider a full account of the rise and progress of the slavery agitation, which produced the existing difficulties.

Letters from a distinguished source in Georgia, say that though that State considers it her duty to secede, she is willing to re-unite with the other States on a satisfactory guarantee of her political and social safety. She takes the secession step at this time in obedience to what she considers her vita interest.

Two nights ago, Fort Pickens, Fla., was in immediate danger of assault; but since, a dispatch, signed by numerous secessionists in Congress, has been sent thither, their friends urging them by all means to avoid a collision with the Federal forces. There seems to be no danger, therefore, of an immediate conflict in that quarter.

Col. Hayne, of S. C., will remain in Washington ten days or two weeks longer. His visit has been productive of great good in the interest of peace. It is not apprehended that any attack will at present be made on Fort Sumter.

The Alabama members of Congress await instructions from their State. Those from Georgia will remain until they receive an official copy of the Ordinance of Secession.

Active measures are in progress to have the course of Virginia, in sending Commissioners to Washington on the 4th of February, responded to by similar movements in all the States. Dispatches have been sent to Harrisburg, Pa.; Albany, N. Y.; Columbus, Ohio, and other State Capitals where Legislatures are in session, urging the prompt appointment of good and able men to confer with the Virginia Commissioners.

Washington is now more free from excitement than at any time since the commencement of the session of Congress. Apprehensions of difficulties attending the inauguration of Lincoln exist, but to a limited extend.--However, to guard against any possible disturbance, ample measures have been taken to preserve the peace.

With the probable action of Louisiana this week, the secession movement will be retarded as to other States.

A company of sappers and miners, from West Point, acting as infantry, arrived here to-day, and are quartered at the Columbian armory.

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Winslow (1)
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Stephen Taylor (1)
Thomas A. Rust (1)
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Abraham Lincoln (1)
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