Important from Washington.
resignation of Secretary Cass.
the Committee of Thirty-three--no hope of compromise — views in Washington — the question of force in South Caroline, &c., &c. Washington, Dec. 14
--There is good reason to believe that Secretary Cass intends resigning indeed, it is reported that the President already has his resignation before him, but will endeavor to dissuade him from the step.
It is said the principal reason for the resignation is the refusal of the President to strengthen the fortifications in Charleston harbor--Gen. Cass believing that the present force now there will be sacrificed to the fury of the secessionists.
The President is said to be well assured that there will be no attack on the fortifications unless reinforced, and therefore apprehends no danger to Capt. Anderson and his men.
W. H. Trescott, Assistant Secretary of State, from South Carolina, has resigned his office.
[second Dispatch.]
Washington, Dec. 14.
--Daniel S. Dickinson, of New York, will be Secretary of State in place of Gen. Cass
There is great regret in all circles at the resignation of Gen. Cass.
In some quarters the assurances that South Carolina will not resist the Federal laws until the expiration of Mr. Buchanan's term, are regarded is more promises to quiet apprehension in official quarters.
Gen. Scott has expressed the opinion that additional forces should be sent to South Carolina for the protection of the public property.
The President, however, is still opposed to such a course, for prudential reasons, and is apprehensive that it would augment the present excitement.
The publication of the manifesto of the Southern members of Congress has produced a depressing effect on the conservatives, who say they are now satisfied that the former are opposed to any compromise.
It is generally reported Senator Douglas will make a coercion speech in the Senate at an early day.
Several conciliatory measures were proposed to-day in the Committee of 33 Speeches were made and opinions interchanged, but with no decided action.
The committee has adjourned until Monday.
[Third Dispatch]
Washington, Dec. 14.
--The public mind is more excited to-night than on any previous occasion.
Early in the day, strong hopes were excited that the conservative movement among the people North and South, together with concessions in the committee, would form the best of an amicable adjustment, but the resignation of Mr. Casb and the resolve of Southern extremists to accept no compromise, and dogged silence on the part of the Congressional Republicans, have produced a depression among the most hopeful that can scarcely be conceived.
It is reported, but not confirmed, that Secretary Floyd strongly coincided with Mr. Cass, as to the necessity of reinforcing Fort Moultrie, believing that, otherwise, Anderson and his handful of men would be sacrificed.
There are conflicting reports as to the authority of the President for the belief that no present attempt will be made against the Federal, military or judicial authority in South Carolina.
The Northern element of our present city population believe the die is cast, and are looking to force of arms in a brief period.
The adjournment of the Committee of Thirty-three until Monday, is interpreted into the fact that there is no hope of an amicable adjustment.
This, gloomy as it may appear, is the reflection of public sentiment to-night. 