March 27, 1861; The New York Herald
Our despatches from Washington state that the Cabinet have had under consideration of evacuating Fort Pickens, and there is good reason to believe that the fort will be abandoned by the federal troops within thirty days, thus removing the last immediate cause for hostilities between the two confederacies.
The Commissioners of the confederate States dined last evening with Mr. Corcoran, the Washington banker, in company with the foreign Ambassadors. The commissioners are, it is said, on friendly terms with the English and French Ministers–a circumstance regarded as very significant.
The South Carolina State convention reassembled yesterday. The first proposition presented was a resolution to cut off all the supplies and mail facilities hitherto accorded to the garrison of Fort Sumter. It is said the resolution will be voted down. As an evidence of popular feeling, however, it is suggestive.
In the United States Senate yesterday the debate on Mr. Douglas’ resolution calling for information as to the policy of the administration with reference to the seceded States, was resumed, and continued mainly by Messrs. Douglas and Breckinridge, who discussed the issued involved in the Kansas question and the present troubles of the nation. Finally Mr. Douglas’ resolution was laid on the table by a vote of 23 against 11. Mr. Breckinridge and Mr. Clingman then offered resolutions, to the effect that the Senate recommend the withdrawal of the federal troops from the limits of the confederate States. They were laid over for future consideration, and the Senate went into executive session and confirmed a number of appointments.
The commercial article of the Paris Constitutionel of March 3 says: –’If the Morrill tariff should pass congress, as appears likely, exportations from France, England and Germany to the Northern States would receive a severe check, and, nolens volens. European commerce would incline to fraternize with the South in spite of its slavery institution and principles.’
The United States mail steamship Bienville, Captain E. D. Bulloch, was on Saturday morning taken possession of by the Revenue Department for an alleged violation of the revenue law, in bringing a cargo from New Orleans without the regular certified manifests. The cargo is now being discharged and the question submitted to the Treasury Department at Washington. An answer is expected from the Secretary today or tomorrow, which will decide whether the vessel is liable to seizure or not.
The investigation into the charges of bribery and corruption against the Harbor Masters of New York was continued yesterday, at the Astor House, by the committee of the Senate. A number of witnesses were examined, many of whom testified to the payment of money to several of the Harbor Masters for the procuring of berths. Among those placed on the stand were several of the Harbor Masters themselves. The committee adjourned to meet at Albany on Friday next, ant three o in the afternoon.
The democrats evince an eager desire to be relieved from official duty under the republican administration of Mr. Lincoln. United States District Attorney Roosevelt resigned nearly two months ago, yet there are so many contestants for the office the President has as yet been unable to select the right man.