Ely aoirt. HIIXTIVGDON, PA. Wednesday, April iri, 186 L THE STARS AND STRIPES 'MUST BE DEFENDED.—The time for action, and resolute action, by the Government and by all to whom the honor of their country is dear, has arrived. Our flag must be defended by brave and patri otic hearts, or be dishonored. Rebel lion South, and treason North, must be met and conquered. The issue is not whether the Democratic party or the Republican party shall triumph in the next campaign, but it is simply whether this Republic or its enemies shall be overthrown. We shall know no party but the party in favor of de fending the flag of our country. We were for peace as long as it was possi ble to hope for peace; -but now that war has been forced upon our Govern ment by the Southern disunionists, we are for dealing with the rebels as they deserve. There is no middle ground in the issue before us—every man, high or low, must take his position for or against the. Government, as a patriot or traitor. The Government would be false to its trust if it failed to meet its enemies resolutely and fearlessly.— We call upon men of all parties to throw old party jealousies to the wind, and unite in one solid column for the defence of our Government and the honor of our country. BY THE PRESIDENT OP THE V. S A PROCLAMATION WHEREAS, The . laws of the United States have been for some time past, and are now opposed, and the execution thereof obstruct ed in the States of South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Florida, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas, by combinations too poilrerful to be suppressed by the ordinary course of Judi• vial proceedings, or by the powers vested in the marshals by law: Now, therefore, I ABRAHAM LINCOLN, President of the United States, in virtue of the power in me vested by the Constitution and the laws, have thought fit to call forth, the militia of the several States of the Union, to the aggregate number of seventyfive thousand, in order to suppress the said com binations, and to cause the laws to be duly executed. The details for this object will be immediately communicated to the State au thorities through the War Department. I appeal to all loyal citizens to favor and facilitate, and aid this effort to maintain the honor, the integrity, and the existence of our National Union, and the perpetuity of the popular Government, and to redress the wrongs already long enough endured. I deem it proper to say that the first ser vice assigned to the forces hereby called forth will probably be to re-possess the forts, places, and property, which have been seized from the Union, and, in every event, the ut most care will be observed consistently with the objects aforesaid, to avoid any devastation, any destruction of or interference with prop erty, or any disturbance of peaceful citizens in any part of the country. And I hereby command the persons com posing the combinations aforesaid to dis perse and retire peaceably to their respective abodes, within twenty days from this date. Deeming that the present condition of pub lic affairs presents an extraordinary occasion, I do hereby, in virtue of the power in me vested by the Constitution, convene both Houses of Congress. The 'Senators and Representatives are therefore summoned to assemble at their respective chambers at 12 o'clock, noon, on Thursday, the 4th day of July next, then and there to consider and termine such measures as, in their wisdom, tfie . public safety and interest may seem to demand. In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the United States to be affixed. Done at the City of Washington, this 15th day of April, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty one, and of the independence of the United States the eighty-fifth. ABRAINIAM LINCOLN. By the President, WILLIAM' 11. SEWARD, Sec. of State. The Surrender of Fort Sumpter After undergoing for forty hotrrsone of the most terrific sieges known in military history, Fort Sumpter has been surrendered into the hands of the rebels. The details of this con flict are elaborately told in our telegraphic despatches from Charleston. The story is one of intense and thrilling interest. As these advices are sent under the eyes of the Secessionists, and as they hear evidence of having been prepared by those unfriendly to our laws, there must be many statements of an improbable and exaggerated nature,which our readers should be careful in crediting. Out of this mass of strange, contradictory, and partial rumors we can, we think, safely assume these conclusions : The rebels were determined to compel a surrender of the fort as quickly as possible, and at whatever cost. Their well-construct ed and efficiently-managed batteries com pletely surrounded the fortress, and, from the time the firing commenced at 4 o'clock on Friday morning until the time of surren der, on Saturday afternoon at 1 a'clock.there was no cessation in the fire. The effect on Fort Sumpter began to be manifest on Sat urday morning, when dense clouds of smoke were seen to arise from its walls, occasioned, as we learn, by the bursting of loaded shells, which were ignited by the fire.in the fort be fore they could he removed. The flames pro gressed so rapidly that the commander was compelled to cease firing, and turn his atten tion to quenching them. In the meantime, the fire was continued with fearful effect, and the interior of the fortress became a mass of ruins. The flag-staff was shot away, but another flag was immediately hoisted on a pole on the ramparts. Finding that ho was overpowered, the Major hoisted a flag of truce, but the rebels still continued to fire, refusing to make terms and insisting on an unconditional surrender. In the meantime, the ships-of-war were outside the bar, spec tators of the conflict. No effort was made by them to relieve the fort, for reasons which are not explained. The commander, finding that such relief was impossible, and seeing that certain death awaited all under his com mand if the conflict was continued, uncondi tionally surrendered. The troops remained in the fort, cornpltte ly prostrated from over• exertions. Five men were wounded, one it is thought mortally.— It was physically impossible for them to con tinue the fight. It is said that none of the Carolinians were injured. The fire from Fort Sumpter badly damaged Fort Moultre and the floating battery, but was otherwise very ineffective. The small number of men prevented Major Anderson from working many of the guns, and even these lie was fi• nally compelled to abandon, in order to pre serve if possible, the fortress. The Major went on board the steamer Isabel, on Satur day evening and sailed for New York,vvhere he will probably arrive on Wednesday morning. His men will accompany him : — However humiliated we may feel as a nation at witnessing the surrender, there is no doubt that Major Anderson proved hiniself to be a courageous and discreet officer, and that his defence of Fort Sumpter was in every respect creditable to his fame as a soldier and cora mander,—The Press, WAR BEGUN The First Gun Fired by the Rebel Government! Fire Opened on Fort Sumpter ! MAJOR ANDERSON REPLIES ! BRISK CANNONADINC! Fort Sumpter Surrendered. [FIRST DISPATCH.] CHARLESTON, April, 12.—The fight has commenced. This is all I can say at present. [SECOND DESPATCH.] CHARLELTON, April 12.—The ball has been opened at last, and war is in augurated. The batteries on Sullivan's Island, Morris Island, and other points, opened on Fort Sumpter at 4 o'clock this morning. Fort 'Sumpter returned the fire, and a brisk cannonading was kept up. The militia are under arms, and the whole of our population are on the streets. Correspondence Between the Southern Authorities preceding the Hostilities. CHARLESTON, April 12.—The follow ing is the telegraphic correspondence which took place between the War Department of the Confederate Gov ernment and General Beauregard im mediately preceeding the commence ment of the hostilities. The corres pondence grew out of the formal noti fication of the United States Govern ment disclosed in Gen. Beauregard's first despatch [so. I.] CLIARLF.SION, April 8 To If ox. L. P. WALsra, Soconaur or WAR: An author ized messenger from Lincoln hms just informed Governor Picken9 and myself that provisions will he sent to Fort Sumpter—peaceably, if possible, otherwise by force. (Signed) G. T. BEACREGARD. [No. 2,] MONTGOMERY, April 10. GEN. G. T. BEAUREG tRD, CHARLESTON If you bare no doubt of the authorized character of the agent alto com municated to ou the intention of the Washington Gov ernment to supply Fort Sumpter by force, 3011 Mill at once demand its oyacuatiom and II this is refused, proceed in such manner as you ma) determine, to reduce it. An ewer. (Signed) L. P. Wsrsen, Sect etnry of War. [No. 3 ] Cu tnteSTON, April, 10. To L. P. IVAtkrn, Srenr.mny or Won: The demand n il! be made to-mm row, at 12 o'clock. (Signed) Cl. T. DEAUREO tan. [No. 43 JlourcomEnr, April 10 GEN. DEIVREOARD, CIPIRLENION Unless there aro espe cial reasons connected with your own condition, It is con. sidered proper that you should make tiro demand at an earlier boor. (Signed) [No. 5.] ell 11ILESTON, April 10. To L. P. 'WALKER, SECRESAra OP WAR, .)11.1GWILRY The reasons ate special for 12 o'clock. (Signed) G. T. BEWREG 4.RD. [No. 6.] tRLFATOS, April 11. To L P. IVALsEn, SECRETARY OF WAR: The demand aas sent at 2 o'clock. Allowed till 6to airmen (Signed) G. T. BEAVREGARD. [No. 7.] MONTIIOIIF.RY, A pt II 11. GEN. BEALTEGIRD, Gli.lttLESToN: 'Woun d. the reply of Anderson. (Signed) L. P. 11 - m.gen, Ereretau of War. turriv er A.u9rdurol.t.3 [No. S.] CIIARLFSTON, April 11. L. P. IVALsen, SECllEttlir or Won: Major Anderson re plies 113 fi1110146 I have the honor to achowledge tho receipt of your communication demanding the e‘acuation of thk fort, and to say in reply thereto that it is adenoma milt uir id] I regret that my sense of honor. and of toy oblrgation to my Oce.ernment, prevents lily compliance." Ile adds \ wholly: "1 nil] anon the [list shot, and if you do not batter us to piece,, no udl bo stored out in a tea days," Aussm. . OEM [No. 9] MONTOOMERr, April 11 To GEV. MAMIE° MD, CHARLESTON; We do not desire needlessly to hombind Poi t Sumpter. If Major Anderson will state the time at midrib as indicated by bins ' lie will emcuate, and agree that, in the meantime, he will not use his guns against us, unit ss ours should be employed against Sumpter, ) on are authmizeil thus to avoid the ef fusion of blood. If this or its equivalent ho refused re does the fort as your judgment decides to he most practi cable. (Signed) L. P. WI.EICER, Secretary of War. [No.lo.] CIIRLESTON, April 12. To L.P. WALKER, SrCRETARY or WAR: 110 would not cousent. I write to-day. . [THIRD DESPATCH.] CHARLESTON, April 12 (received in Philadelphia at 9.30 P. 31.)--The firing has continued all day without intermission. Two of Fort Sumpter's guns. have been silenced. It is reported that a breach has been made in the southeast wall of Fort Sumpter. The answer made by Major Ander son to General Beauregard's demand was, that he would surrender when his supplies were exhausted if he was not reinforced. Not a casualty has as yet happened to any of our men (the Carolinians.) Of the nineteen batteries in position, only seven have opened on Fort Sump ter. The remainder are held in re serve for the expected fleet. . Two thousand men reached the city this morning and embarked for Morris Island and other points in that neigh borhood. [FOURTH DESPATCH.] CHARLESTON, April 12.—(Received in Philadelphia at 10.30 P. M.)—The bombardment of Fort Sumpter still continues. The floating battery and Stephens' battery are operating freely. Fort Sumpter continues to return the fire. [FIFTH DESPATCH.] CHARLETTON, April 12.—The firing has ceased for the night, to be renewed at day-light in the morning, unless an attempt be made in the meantime to reinforce Fort Sumpter, to repel which ample arrangements have been made. The seceders have worked their guns admirably well. Only two were wounded during the day. Fresh troops are arriving here by every train. [SIXTEI DESPATCH.] CHARLESTON, April 12.- , --(Received in Philadelphia, April 13, 2 o'clock, A. M.)—The bombardment of Fort Sump ter is still going on, every twenty minutes, from the mortars. It is supposed that Major Anderson is resting his men for the night as he has ceased to reply. Three vessels-of-war are reported outside, but they cannot get in. The sea is rough. [SEVENTH DESPATOIL] CHARLESTON, April 13.-2.30 A. M. —lt will be utterly impossible to rein force Fort Sumpter to-night. A storm is raging, and the sea is very rough. The mortar batteries will be kept playing on Fort Sumpter all night. CHARLESTON, April 13, 101 o'clock.— At intervals of twenty minutes, the firing was kept up all night on Fort Sumter. Major Anderson ceased to fire at 6 o'clock in the evening. All night he - was engaged in repair ing the damage done to the Fort, and protecting the guns in barbette on the parapet. He commenced to return the fire this morning at 7 o'clock, but seems to be greatly disabled. The battery on Cumming's Point does Fort Sumter great damage. At 9 o'clock this morning a dense smoke poured out from the walls of Fort Sumter. CHARLESTON, April 13.—(Received at Philadelphia at 2P. M.— The Equ al flag at Fort Sumter is at half mast, signalling distress. The shells from Fort Moultrio and Morris Island fall into Anderson's stronghold thick and fast. They can be seen in their course from the Charleston battery. The breach made in Fort Sumter is on the side opposite Cumming's Point. Two of its port holes are knocked into one, and the wall from the top is crumbling. Three vessels, one of them a very large sized steamer, are over the bar, and seem to be preparing to partici pate in the conflict. The fire of Morris Island and Fort Moultrie is divided between Fort Sum ter and the ships-of-war. CHARLESTON, April 13.—Two of Ma jor Anderson's magazines have explod ed. - It is thought that they were only the smaller magazines. Only occasional shots are now fired at him from Fort Moultrie. The Morris Island battery is doing heavy work. The greatest excitement prevails in the city. The wharves, steeples, housetops and every available place are packed with people. The ships in the offing have not y9t aided Anderson. It is now too late for them to come over the bar, as the tide is ebbing. CHARLESTON, April 13.—INroon.— The ships in the offing appear quietly at anchor, and have not fired a gun. The entire roofs of Anderson's bar racks are in a vast sheet of flames. Shells from Cumming's Point and Fort 'Moultrie are bursting in and over Port Sumter in quick succession. The Federal flag still waves over the fort. Major Anderson is only occupied in putting out the fire. Every shot appears to tell, and the spectators are anxiously expecting the striking of the flag. L. P. WWEilt, Secretary of War [RECEIVED AT THE BULLETIN OFFICE AT 3.15 r. ll.] CHARLESTON, April 13.—Fort Sump ter is undoubtedly on fire. The flames are raging. Anderson has thrown out a raft loaded with men, who are passing up buckets of water to eltinguish the flames. The fort is scarcely discernable for the smoke. The men on the raft are now the objects of fire from Morris Island. With good glasses, the balls can be seen skipping the water and striking the unprotected raft. Great havoc is created among the poor fellows. It is surmised that Anderson is grad ually blowing up the fort. He scarce ly fires a gun. The flames are bursting from all the port holes of Fort Sumpter, and de struction is inevitable. The few shots that Anderson fired this morning, knocked the bricks off the chimneys on the officers' quarters at Fort Moultrie like a whirlwind. G. T. BESLItEO Ali% It seems that Anderson's only hope is to hold out for aid from the ships. Two war ships are making in to wards Norris Island with the view to land troops to silence the batteries. G. T. DEALIMOASID SURRENDER OF FORT SUMPTER. Details of the Surrender. CHARLESTON, April 13.—Evening.—Hos tilities have fur the present ceased, and the victory belongs to South Carolina. With the display of the flag of truce on the ramparts of Fort Sumpter, at half past tine o'clock the firing ceased, and an uncon ditional surrender was made. The Caroli nians had no idea that the fight was at au end. Soon after the flag-staff of Major An derson was shot away; Colonel Wigfall, the aid of General Beauregard, at his comman der's request, went to Fort Sumpter with a white flag, to offer assistance in extinguishing the flames. He approached the burning for tress from Morris Island, and while the firing was raging on all sides he effected a landing at Sumpter. He approached a port-hole and was met by Major Anderson, the command ant of the fort. The latter said that he had just displayed a white flag, but the firing was kept up nevertheless. Colonel Wigfall replied that Major Ander son must haul down the American flag ; that no parley would be granted—surrender or fight was the word. Major Andersou then hauled down his flag and displayed only the flag of truce. All firing instantly ceased, and two others of Gen. Beauregard's staff, ex• Senator Chestnut and ex-Governor Manning, came over in a boat, and stipulated with Major Anderson that his surrender should be unconditional for the present, subject to the terms of Gen. Beaure gard. Major Anderson was allowed to remain with his men in actual possession of the fort, while Messrs. Chestnut and Manning came over to the city, accompanied by a member of the Palmetto Guards bearing the colors of his cotnuany. These wore met at the pier by hundreds of citizens, and as they marched up the streets to the General's quarters, the crowd was swelled to thousands. Shouts rent the air and the wildest joy was manifest ed on occasion of the welcome tidings. Your correspondent accompanied the offi cers of General Beauregard's staff on a visit to Fort Sumpter. None but the officers, how ever, were allowed to land. They went down in a steamer, and carried three fire-engines for the purpose of putting out the flames. The fire, however, had been previously ex tinguished by the exertions of Major Ander son and his men. The visitors reported that Major Anderson surrendered because his quarters and barracks were destroyed, and he had no hope of reinforcements, as the fleet lay idly by during thirty hours, and either would not or could not help him. Besides this, his men were prostrated from over ex ertions. There were but five of them hurt, four badly, and one, it is thought, mortally, but the rest were,worn out and physically incapable of continuing the fight. The explosions that were heard and seen from the city in the morning were caused by the bursting of loaded shells ignited by the fire, which could not be removed quick enough. The fire in the barracks was caused by the quantities of hot shot poured in from Fort Moultrie. Within Fort Sumpter everything but the easetnates is an utter ruin. The whole inte rior looks like a blackened mass of ruins.— Many of the guns are dismounted. Fort Moultrie is badly damaged. The offi cers' quarters and barracks are torn to pieces. The frame houses on the island aro riddled with shot, and in many instances the whole sides of the bowies are torn out, Dr. Crawford, Major Anderson's surgeon, is slightly woundeded in the face. It is positively asserted that none of the Carolina troops are injured. [The above is from a special correspondent of the Associated Press, who reached Charles ton only on Saturday, and may be relied on as entirely correct.—REPORTER.] Later from Charleston---The Negotiations Completed. CITARLESTON, April 14-9 o'clock A. M.— The negotiations were completed last night, and Major Anderson with his command will evacuate Fort Sumpter •this morning. It is supposed that he will embark on board one of the war vessels on our bar. Ten o'clock.—The steamer Isabel is now steaming up, and will take General Beaure• gard to Fort Sumpter, which will be turned over by Major Anderson to the Confederate Stntes. It is now reported that Major Anderson and his command will proceed to New York on the steamer Isabel. Departure of Anderson and his Men for New York—The Fleet Still Outside. CHARLESTON. April 14.—Major Anderson and his men will leave to-night at 11 o'clock, in the steamer Isabel, for New York. The war fleet is still outside. The scene when Anderson and his men took formal leave of Fort Sumpter was a thrilling and impressive one. LATEST NEWS. Albany, N. Y., April 15.—The Legislature this morning passed a bill appropriating $3,- 000,000 to equip thirty thousand volunteers, in additition to the present State force, and Governor Morgan has issued his proclama tion accordingly, Montgomery, Ala., April 15.—Secretary Toombs has received a dispatch from Breck inridge and Goo,. Magoffin, of Kentucky, stating that the people are greatly excited over the war news, and their friends sympa thize entirely with the South. They repre sent that 7,000 men of the Border States are under arms, and have offered their services, to move at a moment's notice for the War Department at Montgomery. Washington, April 15.—The Philadelphia Banks have tendered to Gov. Curtin, who is now in this city, all the money that the State may need fur the war. A similar communi cation from the Banks of Pittsburgh has just been handed him by a distinguished capital ist of that city. Baltimore, April 14.—The deep Union sen timent of the city has been displayed unmis takably since Friday. Mon with cockades and Secession emblems have been chased by crowds and obliged to seek the protection of the police. Worcester, Mass., April 14.—Men of all parties here declare their readinessto sustain the Government. P , ovidence, April 14.—Men of alleges and vocations are offering to enlist. Norwich, Conn., April 14.—A1l our people are ready to uphold our Government, and hundreds are ready to enlist. Chicago, April 14.—A1l parties here ex press a determination to. uphold the Govern ment in enforcing the laws and mainlining the supremacy of the nation. Detroit, April 14.—The unanimous senti ment of the State is, that the position assumed by the Government must be maintained. Washington, April 14.—Senator Douglas called upon the:Tosident last evening, and assured him that he was prepared to sustain the Administration in the exercise of all its constitutional functions to preserve the Union, maintain the Government, and defend the Federal Capital. Cincinnati, April 15.—The surrender of Fort Sumpter has created a profound sensa tion. The military spirit of the city is titer ()uglily aroused, and the stars and stripes wave from every point: The people to a man will sustain the administration. Washington, April 15.--Secretary Camer on this murnbfge.;cePted the services of the Washington Brigade of Philadelphia, com manded by General William F. Charleston, April 15.—:When Major An derson's quarters were burning, Gen. Beau regard sent orders of assistance before the white flag was run up. Culonel Wigfall re ceived the sword surrendered by Anderson, and then complimented his bravery by re turning it to him. Lancaster, April 15.---Secession lies no followers here. All parties are united in sustaining the government nt all hazards. Ex-President Buchanan remarked to one of his most intimate and political friends to day, " That the government had gone to the utmost verge of forbearance, and it was now the duty of all good citizens, to stand by the government." Boston, April 15.—A1l political questions and divisions have been dropped here, and the universal sentiment of the city and State is for the defence of our flag to the last.— Twenty thousand volunteers have already tendered their services at the Adjutant Gen eral's office. General B. F. Butler, an ar dent Breckinridge supporter, has tendered his services with his entire brigade. Baltimore, April 15.—The. Union feeling in the city is strong this morning. Tho Min ute Men, an organization 2,500 strong, which has been drilling ever since the Presidential election, threw out the Stars and Stripes this morning, from their headquarters, with the motto " the Union and Constitution." Charleston, April 15.—Major Anderson, with his command, departed in the Isabel for New York to-day. In saluting his flag before leaving, a pile of cartridges exploded killing two men and wounding four others. One was buried in the fort with military honors, and the other is to be buried by the Carolina troops. The wounded were brought to this city. The confederate and Palmetto flags were raised on the fort, which is garri soned by Palmetto guards. It is believed that the war vessels have established a block ade. Philadelphia, April 15.—The war feeling in Philadelphia is intense. Men of all par ties (with a few exceptions,) are preparing to stand by the Government. Harrisburg, April 15.—The whole people are ready to aid the Government. WASHINGTON, April 15th, P. M.—General Scott ran up his flag to-day on the War De partment, and that will henceforth be the Head-quarters of the Army. An attack on Pensacola is expected to be gin before to-morrow night. Information has been received that there will bo a determined resistance to the passage of Pennsylvania troops through Baltimore. The following are the requisitions of the President upon the Governors of the several States for military to act in the maintenance of the Union : New York, 17 Regiments, Pennsylvania, - 16, Illinois, 6, Indiana, 6, Missouri, 4, Kentucky, 4, Ohio, 3, Tennes see, 2, Massachusetts, 2, Wisconsin, 1, Min nesota, 1, lowa, 1, Michigan, 1, Delaware, 1, Connecticut, 1, Rhode Island, 1, Vermont, 1, New Hampshire, 1, Maine, 1. Seventy-five Regiments in all, of one thou. sand men each. I:l3ut Seventy Regiments appear in the above list, and as New Jersey and Maryland are not included, we infer the other Fire Regiments have been accidentally omitted by the Telegraph Reporter.] INDIANAPOLIS, Ind., April 15.—Gov. Mor ton is in possession of information from all parts of the State indicating that volunteer companies are being formed everywhere, and that 30,000 men can be relied on to respond to any call for their services in defending the National flag. READING, April 15.—The Ringgold Light Artillery are on parade this morning, for practice, and muster 90 men. F,very ono ex pecting to be ordered on duty for the United States service before leaving their guns. Witntiagton, April 14.—The Union senti ment down here is strong. You can safely estimate the little Diamond State as Union to the core. Ten thousand men could be mustered at short notice, in defence of the Stars and Stripes !. ~ . . FROM WASHINGTON. Special despalcbes to The Press.) WASHINGTON, April 12, 1861. THE EFFECT OP THE REACTION IN THE FREE STATES. The bold and thorough national tone of nearly all the newspapers in the great cities North, East, and west is having the happiest effect upon our population here, and cannot fail to be welcomed by the Union men in the Border and Cotton States. It is be yond controversy that the martial at titude of Pennsylvania, and the utter extinction of all party lines in a deter mination to uphold the hands of Mr. Lincoln and his Cabinet in executing the laws and defending the public property, will encourage and strength en every true friend of the country wherever he may bo found. THE ATTITUDE OF PENNSYLVANIA Leading Democrats who have reach ed Washington by the morning and evening trains bring the gratifying in telligence that the Democratic party, with the exception of a few Disunion fossils, is uniting o heartily with all the friends of the Government, and that whatever steps may be taken by Mr. Lincoln to vindicate his authority and to maintain the flag will bo sustained by an overwhelming majority of the people of that gallant State. THE CAPITOL GUARDED BY TROOPS The Secretary of War, yesterday af ternoon, detailed as a guard for the Capitol, the Union Mechanic Rifle, mustered into service the day before, numbering sixty-odd men, and com manded by Captain Rutherford. This corps is composed chiefly of the work ing men engaged on the Capitol ex tension. They aro comfortably quar tered in the most commodious part of the building. VOLUNTEERS IN THE U. S. SERVICE As an indication of the spirit of our community, it is gratifying to know that quite a number of our citizens, hitherto not connected with any mili tary organization, have volunteered to enlist in the United States regular ser vice, while others are ready to do so if their services are required. LOYALTY OF TUE VOLUNTEER COMPANIES The Government has received the full complement of men required from among our volunteer companies, and was obliged to dismiss a number of companies who tendered their servi ces after the full number of 500 men were mustered into the service. In the seven companies enrolled last, not a single man declined the oath or the service into which he was called. Letter From 4 , Occasional." [Correspondence of the Press.] WASHINGTON, April 12, 1861. It is barely possible that, by the time this letter reachesyou, the dance will have been opened at Charleston, by the attack upon Fort Sumpter, or rather upon the vessels bearing pro visions and supplies for Major Ander son and his garrison. This step of the Administration places the confederated conspirators in a most fearful position. It is proposed not to reinforce Fort Sumpter, but to send food to keep the American troops alive who are behind its walls. The expedition is, therefore, an expdition of pure humanity. Our Government proposes to do only what the Secessionists themselves did until they had been furnishing to Anderson in the hope of compelling him to evac uate. The responsibility of directing a fire upon unarmed vessels, coming upon such a mission, will add a new burden to the odium which has accu mulated upon Jeff. Davis and the men who are following him into the abyss of disunion and disgrace. Should this forcible resistance be attempted, in that event, a determined effort will be made to enter Fort Sumpter, and in this effort many valuable lives may be lost, and probably an internecine war fare begun, the end of which no human foresight can tell. The moral power, the right and justice, and of loft for bearance under repeated outrages— will be ont he side of the Administration of the General Government; and the accusation which cannot be successfully an swered,of having rushed into rebelion without excuse, and of having pushed this rebellion forward, amid all man ner of crimes, and finally of having opened the war, by an attack upon a peaceful and entirely humane expedi tion, will settle upon the conspirators in such a manner as to disgrace them in the eyes of the civilized world. The next thing to ascertain, should hostilities begin either at Charleston or Pensacola, is whether the men en gaged in these insane proceedings will be sustained by the great body of the Southern people—whether, in fact, the first gun fired in these distant waters, when heard in Maryland and Virginia, will induce these two States to secede. Should they do so, the Government will find itself sandwiched between Secession States, in the midst, possibly, of a community which itself may be come disaffected in that event,' and thus its troubles will be immeasureably increased. The utmost confidence is expressed that both Virginia and Ma ryland will go out, and the desire to force them out, doubtless, is ono of the controlling motives of Davis and Beau regard in hastening a bloody collision with the authorities of the Federal Government. Time will determine. Meanwhile, Mr. Lincoln, General Cam eron, General Scott, and the friends of the Administration and the Union, have adopted such precautionary meas ures as to render it impossible, in any condition of things, to capture Wash ington, or drive from it our public ser vants constitutionally cleated. Wash ington will be held not only against the Disuuionists of the Cotton States, but until the Union sentiment in Virginia and Maryland, if temporarily over whelmed, shall become strong enough to put down those who aro now boast ing of their supremacy. Should Wash ington be beleaugered, should Mary land and Virginia strike hands with the Secessionists, nothing will prevent the people of the free States from coming here and from sustaining the Govern ment in its determination to hold on to Washington to the last Whatever may be said of coercing the Cotton States, one sentiment is embedded in the American heart, and that is, that the capital can never be surrendered to the conspirators; and if the madcaps of Maryland and Virginia entertain any idea that the people of the free States will not come hither in thous ands to defend their own Government, they are greatly mistaken, OCCAKONAL. [From the Phila. Evening II alintio.) The Virginia Commissioners—lnterview With the President—His Reply. WASHINGTON ; April, 13.—The Com missioners from Virginia had a pleas ant interview with the President this morning. The result was simply a statement by the President that he will act ac cording to the Inaugural programme, hold the public property and defend it, waging no war against the Seceding States, and maintaining the defensive. The President's reply was given in writing. It will be recollected that the Com missioners came hither under instruc tions to respectfully ask the President to communicate to the Convention the policy to be pursued in regard to the Confederate States. WASHINGTON, April 13.—The regu lar troops have been ordered to the outskirts of the city and have proceed ed thither, to watch every avenue thereto, while the volunteers recently mustered in guard the armories and public buildings. WASHINGTON, April 13-3 P. M.— Official advices have just been received from Montgomery. They state that the Congress there will immediately declare war against the United States, discriminating in their declaration be tween alien friends and alien enemies —that is between those who sustain and those who oppose the Washington Administration. This may be relied on. A dispatch from a secession source at Charleston, in cipher, says that the fire from Fort Sumter ceased at 10 o'clock to-day. The flag was at half mast, and the fleet had been signalled 'by Major Anderson. The fleet was engaged with the battery on Morris Island. All is comparatively quiet at the White House and the Departments to day. There was a brief session of the Cabinet this morning at 11 o'clock. It is asserted in political circles that the President will call for the service of volunteers. A. proclamation for an extra session of Congress is expected to be issued on Monday. The President has no information of the operations at Charleston except what he gets through the press. More troops are being sworn in at the War Department. The volunteers of Alexandria were ordered out to-day. PASSAGE OF THE WAR BILL, An Act for the Better Organization o the Militia of the Commonwealth. The following is the law adopted on Friday evening at Harrisburg, and signed by the Governor: SECTION L Be it enacted, &c., That the grand stuff of the militia of this Common wealth shall, in addition to the commander in-chief, who shall have one aid for each di vision,to be appointed and commissioned by him during his term of office, consist of one adjutant general, who,. until otherwise or dered, shall act as paymaster general, inspec tor general, and judge advocate, one commis sary general, and one quartermaster gener al, who shall each be appointed by the Governor, by and with the advice and con sent of the Senate, upon the . passage of this act, and to hold their commissions during his pleasure; and they shall each give security in the sum of $20,000. SEC. 2. That the adjutant general shall re ceive a salary of-five hundred dollars per an nual, and in addition three dollars per day when actually engaged in the service of the State; the quartermaster general and com missary general, shall each receive five dol lars per day when actually engaged in the service of the State. It shall be the duty of the Secretary of die Commonwealth to pre pare the room formerly occupied by the canal commissioners, in the Capitol, for the use of the officers before named, who shall be al lowed one clerk, at a salary of one thousand dollars per annum, to be appointed by the adjutant general. SEC. 3. It shall be the duty of the officers before named,to proceed at once to a thorough organization of the militia of the State, and the adjutant general shall keep a complete and correct record of all the organized volun teer companies of the State, including the number of efficient men in each, and the number and quality of their arms and equip ments, and the captain of each company shall make monthly returns of the same to the ad jutant general. And should the President of the United States at any time make a requi sition for part of the militia of this State for the public service, the adjutant general shall take the most prompt measures for sup plying the number of men required, and having them marched to the place of rendez vous, and shall call them by divisions, brig ades, regiments, or single companies, as di rected by the commander-in-chief. Sec. 4. That fur the purpose of organizing, equipping, and arming the militia of this State, the sum of five hundred thousand dol lars, or so much thereof as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this act, be, and the same is hereby, appropriated, to be paid by the State Treasurer ont of any money not otherwise appropriated. SEC. 5. That should the ordinary revenues of the State nut be realized in time to meet the expenditures that may be incurred under the provisions of this act, the Governor is hereby authorized and empowered to antici pate the excess receipts to the treasury above the ordinary expenditures, including the in terest on the public debt, by temporary loans, based on the faith of the Commonwealth, at a rate of interest not exceeding six per cent. Such loans shall be negotiated by the Gov ernor, at such times and in such amounts (not to exceed the amount appropriated) as the objects and purposes hereinbefore stated shall require. The certificates of loan shall be signed by the State Treasurer and coun tersigned by the Governor, and shall not be extended beyond the close of the next fiscal year, to which period the excess receipts above the ordinary expenditures are hereby pledged for the payment of such loans. Sec. 6. That the adjutant general, quar termaster general, ana commissary general shall• expend such amounts of the money hereby appropriated as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this act. All such expenditures shall be made under the direc tion and by the - advice and consent of the Governor, and no bill shall be paid without being endorsed by him and afterwards settled in the usual manner by the Auditor General and State Treasurer, when the auditor gen eral shall draw his warrant on the State Treasurer for the same. SEC. 7. That so much of nny laws as may be supplied by or conflict with the provisions of this act be, and the same are hereby, re pealed. The War News at Boston BOSTON, April 13.—The war news produces intense excitement here and throughout the State. The general sentiment is that the Government is right and must be sustained. PENNSYLVANIA.---The military of this State are rapidly tendering their set-- viees to the Government. Twenty-five thousand men eau be thrown into Washington from this State alone, •within five days if necessary'. An Important Bill. The following bill passed the Senate unanimously on Saturday last. It has also passed the House. AN ACT supplementary to an Act to con solidate, revise and amend the penal laws of this Commonwealth, approved the thirty first day of March, one thousand eight hundred and sixty. SEC. 1. lie it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, in General Assembly met, and it is hereby enacted by the authority, of the same, That if any person or persons belong ing to or residing within this State and under the protection of its laws, shall take a com mission or commissions from any person, State or States, or other enemies of this State or of the United States of America, or who shall levy war against this State or Govern ment thereof,. or knowingly , and, willingly shall - aid or assist any enemies in open war against this State or the United States, by Joining their armies, or by enlisting or pro curing or persuading others to enlist for that purpose, or by furnishing such enemies with arms or ammunition, or any other articles for their aid and comfort, or by carrying on a traitorous correspondence with them, or shill form or be in anywise concerned in forming any . combination or plot or conspiracy' for be traying this State or the United States of America into the hands or power of 'any for eign enemy or any organized or .pretended government engaged in resisting the laws of the United States, or shall'give or send any intelligence to the enemies of this State or of the United States of America , for that put.- ' pose, every person so offending and being le ' golly convicted thereof,, shall be guilty of a ' high misdemeanor, and shall be sentenced to undergo an imprisonment for a term not ex ceeding ten years, and be fined in a sum not exceeding five thousand dollars, or both, at the discretion of the Court. Provided, That this Act shall not prohibit any citizen front taking or receiving civil commissions for the acknowledgnient of deeds and other instru ments of writing. SEC. 2. That if any person or persons with in this Commonwealth shall build, construct, alter or fit out, or shall aid or assist in build ing, constructing, altering or fitting out any vessel or vessels fur the purpose of making war or privateering, or other purpose, to be used in the service of any person or parties whatsoever to make war, on the United States of America, or to resist by force the, execu tion of the laws - of the United States, such person or persons shall be guilty of a misde meanor, and on conviction thereof, shall be sentenced -to undergo an imprisonment at labor, not exceeding ten years, and be fined in a sum not exceeding five thousand dollars, or both, at the discretion of the Court. Excitement at Baltimore BALTIMORE,' April I.3.—The intelli gence from ch4eston has produced great excitement, and the anxiety to obtain further news is intense. A man made his appearance in the streets with a large secession cockade on his hat. He was pursued by a mob, and was only protected from vio lence by the interference of the police'. CONTEMPLATED SEIZURE OF THE FED ERAL CAPITAL.-MC following is an extract of a letter received in New York city from a gentlemen of- high position in Washington. It is dated on the 2d inst : " The possession of the sent of gov ernment by the southern confederacy, is an event most confidi3ntly predicted to take place within sixty days. The wife of a United. States Senator told me an anecdote illustrative of the pur poses of the President of the southern confederacy. He holds a very eligible - pew in the Rev. Mr. Hall's church, and a lady, wishing to obtain it, wrote to him that she would give what he gave for it. He replied, 'that so fhr from relinquishing my (his) pew, I have ordered an engraved plate to be affixed to it bearing my name.' A lady, just from Montgomery; in taking leave of Mrs. Davis, asked, 'And what message must I bear from yon to my lady lends in Washington ?' She re plied, " Tell them I shall be happy to receive their calls at the White House some two months hence.' This is Very elaborate, trifling, or unsurpassed castle building." The Dollar Tewelry The Syracuse Journal has an article on the subject of the "dollar jewelry," which is astonishing many people ,by its apparent cheapness, from which we make a few extracts. While the pro prietors have a perfect rt"ht, to sell these goods the public should also know what it is they are purchasing, especially as a large proportion of the purchaseas are composed of servant girls and poor people, of the middle walks of life, who - aro ignorant of the quality of what they purchase, and judge of the article purchased by the intensity of its glitter. The principal composition used in the manufacture of this jewelry is termed Oreide, and is simply an excel lent quality of brass. It is the most positive imitation of gold that has ever been discovered; it wears like it, not discoloring anything it touches us common brass or copper will : it may be engraved or chased—being the same al! the way through; it is, much softer and more readily fused than gold, however, and its value may be imagined when we say that a dozen finely chased table spoons of this met al, can be bought for $4.50, with a profit to the retailer, even at that price of over 4 ..hirty-three per cent?! "Of this metal, the .New York Sci 7 entific American, most excellent author- ity, says: " Oreide of gold, of wbieli so many cheap articles of jewelry are now made, is simply a very beautiful brass, without a single grain of gold in its composition,. "The costliest part of the "Oreide" operation is the moulds and forms in which the jewelry is shaped and cut. Were they obliged to have these moulds made expressly at each change of fashion, it would materially reduce the profits; but they avoid' this diffi culty by purchasing the moulds in which jewelers have the real gold jew elry, and thus also obtain the latest patters. Probably the most expen sive looking piece of jewelry does not cost for the metal, moulding, putting together and making up, forty cents. "These cheap jewelry stores now established in almost every city of the United States, originated only some three months since, yet: the proprie tors already are reaping a golden har vest- They advertise . liberally, draw crowds of customers, and in the ag gregate their sales must be enormous." Halifax, N. S, April 13.—The provincial legislature to•dny adopted'resolutions expres sive of the deepest regret' at* the state of af fairs in the South, and appeal to Gud Al mighty to avert the danger to our institutions.