Among the dispatches from
Washington we find the following of interest:
The Kentucky delegation had a conference last night, with a view of comparing opinions and shaping their course unitedly.
Mr. Crittenden has indicated a plan of adjustment, which it is believed will be offered as an ultimatum on behalf of the
South; and it declined, after an earnest appeal from him, without the suggestion of an alternative compromise from the
North, may lead to very serious consequences.
Its general features are an extension of the
Missouri line to the
Pacific, to be made as an amendment to the
Constitution; more effective laws, if necessary, for the prevention of the African slave trade; slavery not to be abolished in the District of Columbia, or the forts, docks and arsenals of the
United States in the
Southern States; the repeal of all laws conflicting with the spirit and obligations of the
Constitution; and the
Fugitive Slave law amended to satisfy both sections.
Mr. Crittenden thinks these terms, or others embodying the same principles, would kill off the secession scheme, and be accepted by the great body of the
Southern people as a peace-offering and settlement.
The condition of the Treasury is far worse than is understood by the public, or disclosed by the weekly statements.
It has not been so bad at any time since 1814, when Treasury notes were sold at 25 per cent, discount.
Overdrafts, amounting to $250,000, have been made on New York, and orders have been dispatched to
St. Louis, to transfer $300,000, sent there to pay army and other demands to New York, to satisfy these drafts.
There are only a few hundred thousand dollars in all the depositories, scattered in small sums, and thus rendered unavailable at any particular point.
The Mint fund, which is rarely touched for any other purpose, is exhausted, and there are warrants, amounting to $2,000,000, on the
Secretary's table, which are not signed, because they cannot be paid.
Mr. Thomas will take immediate steps to secure payment of interest on the public debt due on the first of January, if all other demands have to be temporarily postponed.
A melancholy state of facts surround the Post-Office Department, so far as the domestic affairs of its principal officers are concerned.
Postmaster General Holt is confined to his house with pneumonia, and is considered quite dangerous.
Assistant Postmaster General King is depressed by the illness of his daughter, who is quite low with typhoid fever.
Mr. Dundas, Second Assistant, is not expected to live, having suffered for some time with a fatal disease of the kidneys.
Mr. Childs, who has been acting for
Mr. Dundas, was yesterday summoned from his duties by the death of a child.
These facts, together with the natural complications presented in that department at this crisis, combine to embarrass the business to a great degree.
The Crisis Committee are not making much headway.
Mr. Corwin, the
Chairman, has reported a series of resolutions, which it is understood are intended to meet the crisis.
It is said that they meet the approval of a majority of the Republicans on the
Committee.--They are nearly as follows.
- First--Pledging the faith of Congress against any attempt to abolish slavery in the District of Columbia.
- Second--Against interfering with the interstate trade between the States.
- Third--The abolition of slavery in the dock yards and arsenals in the slave States.
- Fourth--In favor of any amendments rendering the Fugitive Slave act effective and satisfactory to the South.
- Fifth--Against any discrimination by Congress against slave States asking admission.
- Sixth--Protecting persons and property in the Territories till they have thirty thousand inhabitants, when non-intervention by Congress shall be the law.
The Committee had a laborious session today, and it is rumored that it is not improbable some plan will be proposed which will be satisfactory, and that the
Committee will be able to report by the middle of next week, perhaps earlier.
Mayor Lincoln, of
Boston, and a large party of the city government, with ladies, arrived to- night, and put up at
Willard's. The business of the party is of a municipal character.
They report that
Lincoln could not carry
Boston by five thousand if the election occurred to-morrow.
The revolution in public sentiment is rapidly going on in the eastern States.
It is reported that
Mr. Edwin Stanton, for merely of
Pennsylvania, but now a resident or
Washington, will be appointed
Attorney General.
