Eljt Vi4tsz TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 1862. EXTRACT FROM THE LAST SPEECH OF STEPHEN A. DOUGLAS.—"" The conspiracy s• break up the Union is a fact now known to all. Armies are being raised, and war levied se accomplisb U. There can be but two sides to the controversi. Every man must be on the Side of the United States or against it. There can be no neutrals in this war. There can be mono but patriots and UMW'S." • THE LATEST WAR NEWS After a nwst determined resistance, Fort Donel son surrendered at nine o'clock on Sunday morn ing. By this victory we have captured Generals A. Sidney Johnston, Buckner, Bushrod, and 15,000 prisoners of lesser rank. Gene. Floyd and Pillow, with some five thousand men, are reported to have escaped. The loss on our side is estimated at four hundred killed, and eight hundred wounded. Commodore Foote, although wounded, will imme diately proceed, with his gunboats and mortar Sleet, to attack Clarksville. This is a thriving post village, and is the capital of Montgomery county, Tennessee. It is situated on the right bank of the Cumberland, and at the mouth of the Red river, and is about fifty miles northwest of Nashville. It has a population of between five and ten thousand. Gen. Curtis still continues to olosely pursue Gen. Price and his rebel force. At the latest dates the latter wrs at Crane - tweak, seventy-nine miles from Springfield, and the Federal forces were only five miles in his rear. Price evidently expects rein forcements from Arkansas, but Gem. Curtis has so laid liia plans that he will probably defeat Price's calculations. The glorious news of the capture of Fort Done - e= has been received with immense eclat throughout Ml loyal portions of the Union. A despatch from New York informs us that, yesterday morning, while the veteran hero, General Scott, was making some private purchases on Broadway, an enthusi astic crowd rushed into the establishment to ac quaint him with the latest news. The throng speedily increased in dimensions,-until it had blocked up the streets, meanwhile cheering lustily and crying for a " speech!" The Gene ral, however, Analog himself unable, to the task, begged leave to be excused, and entering his car riage was driven up Broadway amid a storm of cheers. The General was again recognized while entering the Shoe and Leather Bank, and was a second time compelled to extricate himself from his enthusiastic friends, who seemed bent on " twice jeopardizing his life and limb." In Baltimore, a like feeling of enthusiasm was shared by the loyal citizens. The few Secessionists hid their diminished heads in shame, and cursed the for tunes of their cause. We hope that As news from relosl sources, to too effect that our forces had made an attack on Sa vannah, may prove true. Ry the last arrival from Port Royal, we learn that two formidable expedi tions were fitting out at that place, one of which was to operate on Charleston, sand the other on Savanrah. A new channel, leading into the Sa vannah river, bad been discovered by our naval officers, by which our gunboats could ascend the river to within a few miles of Savan nah, without coming within range of the guns of Fort Pulaski. The naval - portion of the expedition was to have been under the command of Captain Davis, feet captain of Commodore Du pont's Squadron, and the land forces were to have been under the command of General Wright. It is probable that this expedition has commenced to strike a blow, and if it has, we are sure that it will be effective. According to all accounts the Texan rebels are having their bands full. A eorrespondent of a St. Louis journal states that they are now extremely busy making preparations to prevent the advance of Col. Canby with a large force from the northwest, the Cementite Indians from the north, Gen. Hunter from 'Kansas, and the naval expedition supposed to be approaching Galveston. Under these circa's -glances it is hardly to be expected th a t (1. 00, Sibley Fill have the State for the purpose of making an attaok upon posts in New Mexico, thus scattering his forces far and wide. It is highly probable that the rebel Col, Barber bee been reinforced at Fort Fillmore, that post being necessary to secure pos session of the Territory of Arizona. The Oamancbe Indians design making a treaty with our Government for a trent of land to be used by them as a permanent home for themselves and their posterity. They are already disgusted with the so-called Confederate States of America and its Government. Colonel Pike, as agent to these Indians from the Jeff Davis Confederacy, made what be was pleased to designate a treaty, which was duly signed. The Camanchos then sent the document to their Great Father, the President of the . United States, and the same band are now en route to the Arkansas river to make a treaty with our Government. The London papers, of the 29th of January, pub lished . the following monster hoax, under the heading; "Rumored Confederate Victory at Port Royal :" " The Asia has brought intelligence from New York of a battle having been fought, on the 12th of January, on the mainland. in the vicinity of Port Royal, between General Lee's forces and the Fede ral troops, resulting in the total defeat of the latter, with a loss of 1,700 killed and wounded. "The Washington Government, we are informed, bad taker, steps to suppress the news of this reverse, which, ucTerthelese, has reached a highly respects• ble party in Liverpool, through a private chan nel. Gen• Sedgewick, a brigadier general in General Ifeintselman's division, is assigned to the command of General Stone's division, now on the Upper Potomac "Move oY, Ms - x."—The motto of General " move on, men," is being nobly acted upon by our brave troops in every quar ter. Victory follows victory in quick succes sion, and the soldiers of all the Northern States are at different points sharing in the rich har vest of glory that is being reaped by the de fenders of the flag of our country. COTTON Dzeume,--Among the Significant - signs of the times in commercial circles is the rapid decline in the price of several kinds of cotton goods. The day is rapidly approaching when, instead of cotton-ing to King Cotton, the sovereign people of the United Sato Wilt find him one of their most humble and submissive subjects. rArgio DRAM FOR THEIR WHISITLB.-.. , The London Times says that the release of IlLtsov and SLIDELL and their two secretaries cost the British Government (in its preparations for hostilities, we presume,) £1,000,000 a piece, or in all about $25,000,000. No wonder that the people of England are somewhat dissatis fied with their bargain and disposed to believe that they have paid too dearly for their whistle. Death of Ex• Speaker Pennington. HoN. Wit. PENNINGTON, one of the most able and diatinguished sons of New Jersey, died at Newark, an Siiiidey morning, in the sixty-fifth year of his age. lie was born in New Jersey, and had always lived there. He was a prominent mem ber of the bar, and at one time occupied the posi tion of Chancellor of that State. in 1837 he was chosen Governor, which office he held for seven terms of one year each. He was appointed Gover nor of Minnesota by President Taylor, and con firmed by the Senate, but he declined the appoint ment. Subsequently, he was appointed by Presi dent Fillmore one of the judges to settle claims under the Mexienn treaty. In 1855 he MN elected to Congress from the Fifth. New Jersey distiict by the People's party, his political anteeedents being Whig. During the protracted straggle for the •Speakership in the Thirty-sixth Congress, his name lien onhatitated for that of Mr, Sherman, in a Republican caucus, and on the tat of Fe bruary, 1860, he was chosen to that position. He discharged the duties of his office with signal ability and impartiality. In 1861 he came before hie eonatitnente for re-Olisotinei tb Congress, and -was defeated. His son is secretary of the legmlon • to France, and is now in Paris. The cause of Mr. Petadngton's death was as fel lows : On Thursday evening last he attended a lec ture, and when he returned home he complained of being unwell. The following morning he be came worse, when two physicians Wervealled who stated that his complaint was typhoid fever. On Sunday morning he appeared to be no better, - when a prescription was written fat quinine, and, sent to a drug store. The prescription, directing powders, was dispensed and labelled quinine." Shortly after the powder was administered to the Governor. In the course of a few minutiekit was discovered that there was something rang, and on examination , the powders a ware' din Oared to be morphine, eight grains of which had heen The sad affair will be fully investigated, when par ticulars will be made public. , IT WAS NOT without a certain degree of hesi tancy that we examined the plan of Mr. Senator LATHAM, as proposed in the Senate yesterday. We are rather afraid of vast telegraphic enter. prises ; for the disastrous experience of Mr. CYRUS W. FIELD, and his colleagues in the Atlantic Cable, and the utter failure of the Red Sea and India Submarine Telegraph, have dis heartened and disappointed us. We began to think that the science which can compasethe mysterious ways of the vasty deer, and en circle the globe with its invisible current, had not been vouchsafed to our age, and that be yond the sublime point already reached we could no further go; that having conquered the earth, and the lightnings and clouds above the earth ; having laid tribute upon Nature as she is with us, and in the Universe around us, we must yield to the relentless sea. There is something in the idea of the Senator' from California which carries us away. A tele. graph from Paris to San Francisco, which passes through St. Petersburg and Moscow, across the European boundary into the cold countries of Siberia, running into Tartary, and passing the northern boundary of the great Chinese empire, joins the Amcor river, and keeps along The shores of , the Okhotsk sea, and through the wild province of Tchuktehoustil it passes from Asia into the narrow waters of Behring's Strait, embraces the Western Continent, on the bleak shores of Northern-Russian America, crosses the penin sular territory above Prince William's Sound, pauses in Sitka, the capital of' the litteelaii pro vince, runs along the coast to 'Vancouver's Island, from thence to Oregon, and over the golden shores of our Pacific States until it rests at San Francisco, and uniting with our great Pacific line, brings London within a day of New York, cannot but startle the progres sive people of this ambitious and daring age. This, briefly stated, is the proposition of Senator LATHAM. It has received the consi deration of the Committee on Military Af fairs, who sustain it in an elaborate and ex_ haustive report recommending it to the patro nage of the Government. It cornea in the shape of an application from PERRY MoD. Conms to have a survey made of the waters, coasts, and islands in the Northern Pacific, in order to"'show the practicability of this tele graphic scheme. Mr. COLms has given the subject a vast amount of time and attention. He personally undertook a journey to St. Pe tersburg, and from thence to the mouth of the Amoor river, with a view of proving to the commercial world the resources of the hitherto unknown. and unexplored regions of Siberia. Ho was the first American who penetrated these unknown and forbidding regions, and his eiperleiieee arc 'very valuable. On these ex periences the plan of Senator LATHAM is based. The striking feature is the avoidance of the fa tal obstacles which ruined other schemes. He uses but one ent.niarine sublet and that is at Behring's Straits. Hero the distance is but forty miles, and there can be no trouble in suc cessfully spanning it, especially when we re member that, in cases like the Malta and Alex andria line, communication is constantly main tained through submerged cables three hun dred miles long. There are many difficulties surrounding the plan of the Senator_-These he frankly meets, and as far as possible obviates. Our impres sions of Siberia have always, been unfavorable. It is not such a country as we should regard falgrable for telegraphic communication. The barbarous tribes of Tartary, the Cossacks, and the nations beyond the Amor, could not very well be trusted with a line of telegraphic communication so delicate and extensive. The Senator tells us, however, in reply, that the route selected is for a great distance the route of Russo-Chinese caravans, along the frontier of Chinese Mongolia, and is protected and secure. Along the main course of the Amoor, Russia has sovereignty and maintains security, while the Cossack settlements are orderly and safe. He is so impressed with these representations, that he considers the whole country as safe for telegraphic opera tions as the country from Leavenworth to Sacramento. The Russian Government itself guaranties to extend the line from Moscow to the mouth of the Armor, and to insure its integrity from the interference of tribes and enemies. The American part of the plan does not' Include these regions, and as far as the population is concerned, the Russian territory is the only part of the route where these diffi culties exist. Russian America, British America, and our Pacific coast, are safe enough, and may easily be traversed. It is a scientific question whether insulation can be maintained in the frigid regions of Si beria and North America. We have no facts in existence affecting this question, and, in the absence of experience, we have the theory of Mr. NOME, which, in all matters like this, we regard as conclusive. "So far. as the climate is concerned," (these are his words,) c , I con ceive there is no insurmountable obstacle to the advancement of the enterprise." It is claimed, indeed, by many who are expert in the science of telegraphing, that a cold and dry temperature is more favorable than other wise and that insulation may be maintained without any difficulty. The question of cost is presented in this form: Our Pacific tele graph cost two hundred dollars a mile, and it is the longest and Most Citpensive that has been erected. Allowing for the additional difficulty and expense attending telegraph ope rations in the Northern countries, Mr. LATIUM thinks the proposed line will cost no more than three hundred dollars a mile, or, for the whole five thousand miles, a million and a half of dol lars, quoting a well-known and experienced telegraph manager to show that it may even be done for a smaller sum. On this point, how ever, we are not satisfied, and Mr. LArzum's figures are far from convincing. W e have thus given to our readers the plan of the Senator, as he presented it to the Senate. Its advantages are apparent ; its disadvantages are those suggested by our selves in the exercise of a reasonable eriti eism. , His proposed route unites the whole world telegraphically, with but forty miles of submerged cable at Behring's Straits. It unites India, China, and Japan upon the main trunk route, with but twenty-five miles of water. A branch may be extended through Asia to the capital of Spanish India, on the island of Manilla, and by another and more intricate route may embrace Australia and the important countries of the Lower Pacific. By opening this route, American and Russian commerce will push into Northeastern Asia, where American steam=engines, saw-mills, and machine-shops are already found, thus open ing up in the wilds of Tartary a new field of practical occupation. 'China, Japan, and dif ferent points of the South Sea, are within rapid end easy contact_ Rusisia is progressing eastward ; America is pressing westward, and the interests of humanity and civilization de mand that they should meet. Filled, as this vast region is, with coal and minerals, and wonderful resources, it opens up a vast field for exploration. Viewed as. an investment, there can be no dispute that the union of the whole world upon this route will be advan tageoue and profitable. So far as. the question of cost is concerned, we do not think the Senator need anticipate any difficulty. We should be willing to pay ten millions of dollars to aecomplish the re . sults he presents with so much enthusiasm. The more we examine his plan, the more we are impressed with its practicability and im portance. It is bard to realize at once; it dazzles the reason, and robs us of judgment; but a project which embraces the earth in the circle of an hour, which brings London and Paris, and Moscow, and San Francisco and Phi ladelphia together, and outstrips Time itself in the transmission of thought, is worthy of our age and our country. Nor can we refrain from feeling that a Senate which can pause in the midst of this whirlwind of war and revo lution, to contemplate and arrange one of the giatelest prilocts or rivtliv%tion, most repre sent a people whom no danger can dishearten, and no defeat destroy. Let the experiment be tried, and having consummated this triumph of peace, we can say in the eloquent word* of the Senator from California : is We hold the ball of the earth in our hand, and wind upon it a net-work of living mid thinking wire, till the whole is held together and bound with the same wishes, projects, and interests." TEE bravery of our soldiers has saved the Republic. We have foiled the of modern times as Cicsno foiled CATMINT. We may rejoice that we have a nation as powerful as lila wealthy ; a Union as inseparable as it is grend and extensive ; a people as brave and patriotic as they are intelligent and free. We may now more proudly than ever sing Rail Columbia, and boast that the Star Spangled Banner shall triumphantly wave over the whole country. The Capture of Fort Doneleon The telegraphic despatches announcing the capture of Fort Dennison so fully explain the incidents connected with that glorious victory that there is little necessity for further comment. The bloodiest and most important battle of the war has been fought and won by the noble troops under command of General GRANT. They have achieved # triumph not less difficult, daring, and majestic than the capture of the Redan, by the allied troops, at Sebastopol. They have Btonned one of the strongest fortifications that the genius of the best rebel generals could devise, and paralyzed aa army of 80,000 men,' taking 15,000 prisoners, and killing or disabling 10;000 of the enemy. This is one of the grandest military achievements of ancient or modern times. If our soldiers had not been the bravest of the brave, and so fully devoted to the honor of the Republic that they were ready and eager to offer up their lives as holy sacrifices upon the altar of their country, they could never have performed such marvellous deeds of valor, Every part of Kentucky is now practically redeemed from rebel thraldom, except that portion which is located in the immediate vicinity of Columbus. We have an immense arialy, which has Wen triumphant at every point, available for an attack upon that re maining stronghold or for a descent upon Ten nessee. All the roads to that State east of the Mississippi are open to us, or so poorly guarded that we can easily put to flight the rebels who are defending them. It is scarcely possible that Columbus can long be held by the enemy. If it is deemed advisable to attack it, such a Wen Porde can now be concentrated as will render its down fall inevitable, and when it is taken the Great Father of Waters—the Mississippi—will fall as completely under our control as the Tennessee and Cumberland now are. The rebel reign in the great Southwest is nearly ended. Tennessee in the occupation of our armies would soon become almost as loyal as Kentucky is to-day, and it would form such a basis of operations against the rebels in Virginia, and those who may still hold out in Mississippi, Louisiana, Arkansas, or Texas, that it would be utterly- useless and hopeless fbr the enemy to prolong the contest. Foreign Neutrality It is proper to be juit, no matter how un fairly a'person may have acted, or appeared to have acted, towards us, at any time. With out too curiously going into motives, it is pleasant to record that Lord PALMERSTO' is undeubtedly manifesting a desire to make Queen VICTORIA'S Neutrality Proclamation a living thing, instead of the dead letter it has been in some respects. Under his direction, Earl :Rennin has written a letter to the Ad miralty, to the Treasuiy, and to the Secre taries of State for the Home, Colonial, War, and India Departments, distinctly and deci di-diy laying down certain rules of: neutrality to be practically and efficiently carried out by all persons employed in the service of Queen ICTORIA. We published this despatch in full yesterday. The avowed design is to prevent British har bors, ports, coasts, or waters, home or colo nial, from being used for warlike purposes by either the United States or the rebels, and ex pressly prohibits any war-ship or privateer of either belligerent from entering or remaining in the port of Nassau, or any port or harbor of the Bahama Islands, except by special leave from the Governor, or in case of stress of wea ther. In the event of two hostile vessels being in any port, (in such a case are the Nashville and Tuscarora at Soutbampton,) one of them is to have twenty-four hours fair start of the other. N‘ither party in the war shall be allowed to have a war-vessel remain more than twenty four hours in a British port, except in case of stress of weather, nor shall either receive sup plies,'except such previsions, &e., as are no, •cessary for the subsistence of the crew, and only as much coal as will carry the vessel to the nearest port. No second supply of coal to be allowed within three months. - This order reflects great credit on the Bri tish Government. The only question it can provoke is this—why was the Sumpter receiv ed, patronized, supplied, and coaled, twice within one month at Trinidad ? But we shall not rake up old scores, and will gratefully ac knowledge fair play from England, though tar dily bestowed. No doubt, other European nations will follow the lead of England in this matter. If so, we shall not again hear of the Sumpter being made much of by the authori ties at Cadis,—a procedure the more =ac countable, inasmuch as Spain must know that the projects for annexing Cuba to the United States have all been fostered, if not created, in the Southern States. Another satisfactory symptom is the non reception of MASON and SLIDELL in England. The public really did follow the advice of The Ihunderer, and treated them precisely as if they were of no more interest or value than CLesar or Pompey, or any other brace of ne groes. In Paris, whither Mr. SLIDELL betook himself without delaying to test public opinion in London, he has been treated as a mere nobody,—as a person with no recognizable position. In fact, all South erners are_ at a discount in Paris, because the Court has determined to pay them no atten tion. -They did think, on what ground is un kUPWII, that NArRLEON would raise the block ade, and thus virtually recognize ic the so called Southern Confederacy." Mr. MASON remains in England, whore he is no/ invited to Ministerial hospitalities. Against him is arrayed the sentiment of a vast number of educated British ladies and gentlemen— persons who, holding anti-slavery opinions, can have no sympathy with a cause repre 7 sented by ec the author of the Fugitive-slave Law," which is Mr. MASON'S familiar appella tion in England. -- It is right to state, in referring to the neu trality regulations of the British Government, that they were issued, of course, far in ad vance of intelligence from this country of our recent great successes by sea and land. When that news reaches England, the Ministry, no doubt, will bless the prescient prudence of LordiParmstesrom. The Debate in the British Parliament The English journals state that a warm de bate in regard to the recognition of the South ern Confederacy was soon expected in the British Parliament. The zeal of the orators who propose to speak on the aide ofthe - South will be terribly checked, however, by the an nouncement of our recent successes, as each steamer arrives in England. If the debate is a protracted one, n the logic of events " on this side of the water will very easily decide it by showing that there is no pretence of cc Confederacy " left here to be-recognized. It is already melting away before the re sistless march of our armies like the "cc base less fabric of a vision." To any harangues that Mr. LINDSAY or MT. GREGORY may make, it will only be necessary for those who sustain the policy of non-intervention to say : Tao- MASbas routed CRITTENDEN ;" " BURNSIDE has captured Roanoke ;" or ce Foorz has taken Fort 'Henry:" or ec Fort Donelson has surren dered ;?? or if SIIIIRMAN threatens Charleston and Savannah." The swords of our soldiers are making more forcible arguments for the Parliamentary debate on American affairs than were ever' uttered by the masters of English eloquence. Tae Rutato Passiox:— General FLOYD, finding nothing else to steal at Fort Donelson, stole away. RALF THE HEAD. OF THE SECESSION SERPENT bas been bruised by our late victories. A few more such blows will crush it, and break its back-bone, and though its tail may still possess a little muscular vitality, it will speedily be come helpless and lifeless. LARGE POSITITH SALE OP . BOOTS, SHOES, BRC. GANS, CAPS, ac,—The early atteutioriof purchasers is requested to the large assortment of boots, shoes, brogues, caps, boot-jacks, %0., embracing a general assortment of seasonable goods, to be peremptorily sold, by catalogue, for cash, commencing this morn ing, at 10 o'clock, by John B. Myers it Co., anc• tioneers, No 232 and 234 Market street. SALE. OF REAL 'ESTATE, STOCKS, LOANS, &C. this day, at the Exchange. See Thomas h Sons pamphleVostaloguei. naranzacz to our advertising columns, it will be seen that the tine of opening , the proposals for furnishing horses for the army of the Potomao has been extended to Saturday next, the 22d inst. - live days longer than originally advertised: Tux WASHINGTON HAIL had not arrived up to the hour of our going to preen: THE PRESS.-PHILADELPHIA, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 1862. The Offer of Mason and Slidell to Abolish Slavery. The statement bee been so often reiterated in various shapes that the Southern Comtnis sioners in Europe have offered to the Govern ments of France and England (as an induce. went to secure the recognition of the Southern Confederacy,) to abolish slavery, that, start ling as the proposition may appear, it can scarcely be longer doubted. WiLMEtt & Smrrul European Times says "These gentlemen [Moen end Slidell!, we See it stated, are commissioned to buy the recognition of the South, by France and England, on very liberal terms—complete freedom of trade//'or fifty years, suppressionthsuppression of the African slave trade, and even tho cmanczpation of all blacks born in. the Southern States after the conclusion of the treaty." This is possibly a mere newspaper rumor, but if well founded, it is unquestionably one of the most significant events of the great contest in which the nation is engaged, we can scarcely suppose that, even if the offer were made and accepted, it would be kept in good faith. It is like the good resolutions of an in corrigible sinner on what he believes to be his death-bed, - which are so easily broken If When he devil was eick, the devil a monk would be ; When the devil got well, the devil a monk was he." But, • whether made in good or bad faith, it shows What sacrifices the leading rebels are ready to make to destroy our 'Union. Much as they love slavery, it seems they love Seces sion (or political power) still more. After contending that all interests in our country, North and South, stook} be jeopardised to save slavery, and making no other plea for Disunion than the preservation of their 4 i fa vorite institution," they now avow a willing ness to offer up that benign feature of South ern civilization as a sacrifice upon the altar of Southern independence. What the people of the South, who have been taught that an Abo litionist was the embodiment of all imaginable Wickedness, will think of leaders who, without consulting them, voluntarily propose a grand emancipation scheme, remains to be seen. If they approve such a policy, they can easily establish a "happy accord" with the people of the North, who would be delighted to learn that the course of the old free States in abolishing slavery was popular in the South. If they disapprove of it, what faith can they have in the rebel conspirators, who p after plunging them in untold grief and misery, pro pose to free their slaves, and make them vas sals of foreign kingdoms ? The state into which our paper currency has been thrown, by circumstances which need not be elaborated now, is pregnant with so much inconvenience and loss to the public, that it is high time the Legislature should interfere for the protection of the community. Our city is flooded with country bank notes from every quarter of the State, far and near, all of which are refused on deposit at our banks ; they will= not be received in payment for any city claims—though the city warrants are unpaid by the treasurer—and cannot be cashed on the street except at a heavy dis count; they are even refused when tendered for State taxes, though the very bank note thus offered may have been received on the State Treasurer's check. They are not a legal tender for any debt, as everybody knows ; and they are repudiated at the counters of the very banks that issued them, of course, as the banks bare universally suspended specie pay ments_ The consequence is, that persons who wish to show their solvency are obliged to in cur very considerable loss in brokerage, paid for the discount of their uncurrent notes, to enable them to meet their ebifgations, In this emergency we think it is the clear duty of the Legislature to compel the country banks to keep their notes at par in Philadel phia and Pittsburg, with the allewance, pre bably, of one-fourth to three-eighths percent. to cover the expense of transmission and col lection ; current funds should be made receiv able for taxes, and the treasury notes, that were not long since issued by the banks, should not be refused by them now. The attention of our representatives at Harrisburg is directed to the measure of re lief which we have thus briefly - luggested. We would be very reluctant to aggravate the pecuniary embarrassment of the'-country of the banks in any way, but our citizens should. not be vexatiously overburden)ki at a time when they ire willing to stiain every nerve to sustain the Government in crushing the re bellion. _ LATEST NEWS FROM WASHINGTON. How the Fort Donelsos. Victory GEN. GRANT NOMINATED FOR A MAIOR-GENERALSOIF'. WASHINGTON, February 17, 1882. The Hero of Fort Donlon, Gm Gant, Nommated for a Major Generalship. "Honore follow swift on the heels of victory." Immediately on the receipt of the telegraphic news Pliottneing the capture , of Fort Donohoe. the Se• cretary of War sent the name of General GRANT to the President for nomination to the Senate as major general, as a reward for his gallant services. The War and the Telegraph. Yesterday the military telegraph, the lines of the American Telegraph Company and those of the Western Union Company, were connected =with the headquarters of Major . General BloCrintaan, and put in diesel eonimunicaties WU General Dtr - iitth at Louisville, General Relaxes at 'St. Louis, and Commodore rocas at Cairo. By arrangement, the messages of the General in-Chief to each com mander were repeated at the same time to the. others. The distanos traversed by the electric fluid at one writing was-over 1,300 miles. The commu nication was maintained from 11 o'clock In the morning till 0 o'clock in the evening, with the promptness of a personal intervieny, and not only gave entire datisfivetion, but called forth the warmly- expressed admiration of the distinguished cor respondents. . Trophies of Victory Received.' The Legislature and the Currency. BY TELEGRAPH. THE PROCEEDINGS OF CONGRESS. was Received. TEX PHNOM= comntrlEEM CiEUZAL LANDER, Special Despatches to " The Press." The War Department to-day received by ex.- preen a number of ikorocion isga, trophies of -vic tory at Mill Spring and Fort Henry. • Congratulations by the Navy Departinent. The Secretary of the Navy has sent oongratuhte tory letters So Commodore FOOTS and one to COM' moders Gormsnonoune. The officers anii men under their respective commands are also oomph merited for their heroic achievements, accomplished under extraordinary circumstances, andafter sur mounting great and almost insuperable difficulties. While the hearts and wishes of the nation have been with them through the long trials they have endured, and most sincerely, the Seoretary says, do we rejoice with you in the successes which you have obtained. The Horse Contracts. The Ileum Committee on Contraeth have bleu discharged from further consideration of Quarter master VAN VblST'a advertisement for horses. TIM committee say that the shortness of the notice for bids was owing to pressing necessity. They are perfectly satisfied with his integrity, and big action in the premises was.with a view only to the public Interest. The War in Missouri, This forenoon, Gen. Ilataxcx telegraphed to Gen. MCCLELLAN the gratifying news that Gem CURTIS' pursuit of PRICE'S fleeing army hus, BO far, been eminently successful. lie had, up to yes terday, captured one colonel, one lieutenant colo nel, twioaptains, and more privates, ke.,..than he could, by any possibility, just then take ..eare of. This means, evidently, that he has anecomded in breaking up PRICE'S army. Complimentary Letter to General Lander. WAti ) WAsninGTON, Feb. nary 17,1863. 5 The:President directs me to say that he has ob served with pleasure the activity and enterprise manifested by youreeff and the officers and the sol diers of sour command. Yon have sho'wn hoer much may be done in the worst weather and worst roads, by a spirited officer at the bead of a sunlit force of brave men unwilling to waste life in camp when the enemies of their country are within reach. Your brilliant mews is a happy presage of what may be expected when the army of the Potomac shall be led to the field by their gallant general. BDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War. To Brigadier General F. W. LINDER. The Slave-Trader Gordon's CMG WABEINGTON„ Feb. 17.—Chief Justice Taney, this morning, delivered the opinion of the court us the case of Gordon, the slavertrader. It denies the motion made by Judge lean for a wnt of ptoldbl tion to prevent its execution, on the ground of a want of power in the court to review proceedings ld oriminaioases, or-to restrain the aotton of a minis terial officer. The allegation was based on alleged irregularity in the New York Circuit Court - An application will soon be made to' the President, in behalf of Gordon, on the same grounds. TH FORT DONELSON VICTORY. OFFICIAL. DESPATCHES FROM OUR COMMANDERS. YEDIRAL LOBS, TOUR HUNDRED KILLED AND EIGHT HUNDRED WOUNDED. Three of Our Colonels Killed. THE ILLINOIS REGIMENTS SUFFER TERRIBLY. Cens. rillow and Floyd Steal Away from the Fort, :Unknown to its Commander. COMMODORE FOOTE GONE TO ATTACK CLARKSVILLE. SPEECH OF GENERAL HALLECK ON THE VICTORY. HOW THE NEWS IS RECEIVED TIIE DETAILS. FORT DOIMSON, Feb. 113--i Special to the Times.] —Fort Donelson surrendered at daylight this morn ing unconditionally. We have Generals Buckner, Johnston, Bushrod, and 15,000 prisoners, 3,000 horses, and 20 ? 000 stand of arms. Generals Pillow and Floyd, with their brigades, ran away on steamers without Gen. Buckner being aware of their intention. General Smith led the charg9 OA the lower end of the works ] Scat waa et inaide of the fortifies- Hons. The runaways from Fort Henry were bagged here. The primer' ere . being placed aboard the steamers for Cairo. - Our loss is heavy, probably 400 killed, and 800 wounded. We lose a large percentage of the officers; moon them are-. Lieut. Col. Erwin, of the Twentieth Illinois Regimeut. Lieut. Col. White, of the Thirty-first Illinois. Lieut. Col. Smith, of the Forty-eighth Illinois. Among the wounded are Colonel John A. Logan, member of Congress. Colonel Saar,. Colonel Ransom. Major Poet, of the Eighth Illinois Regiment, with two hundred privates, are prisoners, and have gone to Nashville, having been taken the night before the surrender. The loss of the enemy is heavy, but not so large as ours, es they fought behind entrenchments. We should have taken them by storming the fortifica tions on Saturday if our ammunition had not given out in the night. Gen. McClernand's division, composed of Ogles hie, IWallace, and kleitrthur's brigades, suffered terribly. They were composed of the Eighth, Ninth, Eleventh, EiEhteenth, Twentieth, Twenty. ninth, Thirtieth, Thirty-lint, Thirty-fifth, Thirty eighth, and Forty.ninth Illinois Regiments. General Lew Wallace, with the Eleventh Indi ana, Eighth Missouri, and some Ohio regiments, participated, Taylor's, Williard's, McAllister's, Schwartz's, and De Cesse's batteries were in the fight from the commencement. The enemy turned our right wing for half an hour, but our lost ground was, more than regained. Gen. Lanman's brigade of Gen. Smith's division was the first in the lower end of the enemy's works, which position they succeeded in obtaining by charging bayonets. As nine-tenths of the rebels were pitted against our right wing, our forces on the right were ready all Saturday night to recommence the attack. On Sunday morning they were met on their ap proach by a white flag, General Buckner having gent early in the morning a despatch to General Grant surrendering his command. The works of the fort extend some five miles on the outside. The rebels lose 48. field pieces, 17 heavy guns, 20,000 stand of arms, limiting a large quantity of commissary stores. The rebel troops are completely demoralized, and have no confidence in their leaders, as they charge Pillow and Floyd with deserting them in their honr of distress. Our troops displayed immense physical endu rance, as well as undaunted bravery during this ftiVilfe glfliggicr Since the invedtment of the fort; on Wednesday last, they were often times exposed to a heavy storm of rain or snow, fighting during the day and lying on their arms at night; and were without provisions half of the time, and all the time without teats. Speech of General 111111eCk. BT. ( Louls, Feb. I.7.—Thie city is wild with ex citement and joy. The news was read at the Union Illetchaate RW611,6146, orvaang the most intense enthusiasm. The , " Star-Spangled Banner," "Flag of our Union," and " Red White and Blue," were sung by all present, after which they adjourned and mar9be4 to he4quortoro, from 1,200 to 1,500 strong, where three rousing cheers were given for Ilalleok and Foote. General Halleck appeared at the window and thanked the people for their hearty demongralien. He said, "I promised, when I came here, with your aid, to drive the enemies of our flag from your State. This has been done, and they are now virtually out of Kentucky, ana soon will be out of Tennessee." [Three cheers for the Union.l The Star-Spangled Banner " was repeated, and the crowd dispersed. Judge Bolt, ex-Secretary of War, wept for joy whoa ha heard the stews. Massy at the stores are closed, the city is being decorated with flags, and evidence of great joy is everywhere manifested. Governor Yates, Secretary Batch, and Auditor Dubois, of Illinois, left for Fort Donelson this niatsa ing, to look after the wounded among the Illinois troops. A requisition has been made for all the steamboats in this vicinity to be held in readiness for the transportation of Government stores, Sr. Louis, Feb. 17.—Fort Donelson was sur rendered at 9 o'clock on Sunday morning to the land forces. Several of the gunboats were present at the time. Ark immense amount of war rchtetle.l &re among, the trophies of the victory. General Floyd skulked away the night before the surrender. The Paint Ofrodekt, Captain Walker, has arrived M Cairo. A large number of our wounded have been brought to the Paducah and Cairo hospitals. Official Despatch to General McClellan. OAIIIO, Feb. 17, 1862. The Union flag floats over Fort Donelson. The Carondelet, Capt. Walker, brings the glorious in telligence. The Fort surrendered at 9 o'clock yes terday (Sunday) morning. Generals A. Sidney Johnston and lituakner, 1.6.600 primeners, and a large amount of material of war, are • the trophies of victory. The lose is heavy on both sides. Floyd, the thief, stole away during the night previous with 5,000 men, and is denounced by the rebels as a traitor. l am happy InfCTgl 3 1 9 a that Flag Officer Foote, though suffering with his foot, with the no ble spirit characteristic of our navy, notwithstand ing his disability, will take up immediately two gunbOats, and with the eight mortarboats which he will overtake, will make an immediate attack on Clarksvgle, if the stage of water will permit. We are new firing a national salute from Fort Cairo,Slen. Grant's late post, in honor of the glo rious achievement. Geo. W. Orrums, jkigadier General Volunteers, 11. S. Army, and Chief of Staff and Engineers. To Major General MOO:LEMAN Despatch from Cons.-Foote—Clarksville to be Attacked by the Mortar Fleet. "CAIRO, Feb. 17, 1862. " The Caromeetet has just arrived from Fort Do nelson, and brings information of the capture of that fort by the land forces, yesterday morning, with fifteen thousand prisoners. " Johnston and Buckner were taken prisoners. The loss is heavy on both sides. " Floyd escaped, with five thousand men, during the night. " I go up with the gunboats, and, as soon as pos sible, will proceed up to Clarksville. Eight mortar boats are on their way, with which I hope to attack Clarksville. " The wound in my foot it painful, hut not den geroue. The army has behavet gloriously. I shall be able to take but two iron-clad gunboats with me; the others are disabled. " The trophies of war are immense. The par ticulars will soon be given. " A. H. Foors, Flag Officer. "To Hen. Chrisom WP.L7.119, secretary of the- Navy." . flow the News was Received. BALTIMORE, Feb. 17.—The Unkatnten otßalti more are overflowing with joy. , ;ahii Biwa is no where more acceptable than to-them. 'Seeeeh is overwhelmed with this Waterloo defeat, - Eosrox, Feb. 17.—A salute , of a hundred guns will be fired tomorrow by direction of the Mayor,. and all the bells in the citywill be rung. The citi zens will also fire five hundred guns. ReFolutfors were unanimously passed in both branches of the Legielistore,-prosentiPg gionlcs of the people of the Site to the gnllnnt officers anii • soldiers of the army and the sailors of the navy on the occasion of the series of brilliant achievements won by their courage and skill in the States of. South Carolina, Georgia, Missouri, North Carolina, Virginia, Kentucky, and Tenneene; and the Go venior was requested to fire a ssute in honor of ' these great successes of the . Union . : Deepatehes from . Maine, .Nliw Hampshire, and Vermont, announce the general manifestation of entbusieem and thanksgiving for the glorious re sult. WILMINGTON, Feb. ' l7.—The people here are crazy with ex c ite m ent; . firing. cannon, burning rockets, and giving demonstrationspf' theirjoy in every conceivable way. IBDIANAPOL I9 , Feb. 17.—The greatest exalts mint prevails hero, increased by the terrible anxie ty, of -the friends of the soldiers en egad in the struggle. A special train has left with physicians, twenty-five volunteer nurses, and a large quantity ' of-hospital stores. A citizens meeting has ; been called for taking ears of the wounded that will be sent here. Gov.. Morton iiillleave for Fort Donelson to-night. . Psovineritts, R. r., Feb. I.7.—The oitizue o f Providence Bred a salute of a hundred Edils this afternoon. A . . hundred guns were also tired by order of Governor Sprague. UTICA, Feb. 17.—Guns are firing, flags flying, fireworks and bonfires blazing, and the city in a ferment. }Matamoros!, Vt., Feb. 17.—Vermont fires ell the guns she has left at home, and rings all her bells in token of her great rejoicing over the feats of valor performed by the men of the West DETROIT, Feb. 17.—The news of the victory at Fort Donelson has caused indescribable joy here. A hundred guns were Bred, tend to-night many buildings are illuminated. There will also be a grand torchlight procession to-night. CHICAGO, Feb. 17 —The people of Chicago claim the honor of the victory for Illinois, there having been engaged twenty-five regiments of infantry of Illinois, ma of lowa, and four of Indiana; also, four regiments of cavalry from Illinois, and six companies from Missouri. ALBANY, Feb. 17.—Iluge bonfires are burning in the streets to-night, and the whole pity is a mane of rejoicing. Avnuaa, N. V., Pub. 17.--A hundred guns were fired today in honor of the great victory. Gelaays., N. Y., Feb. 17.—Bells are ringing and cannon firing. • Pouonazarsin, Feb. 17.—A salute of a hundred guns was fired here to-day. Roettragsfe, Fob. 17.—Our citizens are enjoying a general jubilee—cannon are being tired, bulb rung, etc. THE WAR IN MISSOURI. THE RETREAT OF GEN. PRICE: Rio Expected Reinforcements. THE PLAN PROBABLY DEFEATED GEN. SIGEL IN CLOSE PURSUIT. Brniworisin, blo., Feb. 16-ISpecial Despatch to the St. Louis Democrat.l—According to the latest advices, the Federal army was in vigorous pursuit of the rebels. Price's army was in Crane Creek, seventy-nine miles from /we, 913 ridgy sinning, and our forces were five miles in his rear, preparing to make an early start in pursuit the next morning. Plioo had placed his train in advance. About 100 wagons, containing supplies for him, were brought into this place, from Forsyth, a few boars 'before his retreat. The rebel sympathisers here claim that Price will be reinforced by twelve or fifteen regiments from Bentonville, Arkansas, under Gen. Van Dorn, but Gen. Sigel, who is advanoing on the rebel column on a different route than that pursued by Gen: Curtis, may strike a blow on their flank, and upset Price's calculations. Four rebel officers and thirteen privates fell into our bands.on Friday, and are now here. The offi cers are the notorious Col. Freeman, Major Berry, aid-de.camp to Gen. Mcßride; ' cßpt, Diatom chief engineer ; 'and Capt. Donne', quartermaster. A pony express, with relay posts, has been estab lished lbetweon Rolls and this point by Capt. Bald win. MOTH CONGRESS-lIIIST SESSION, W AEININOTON, Foto. 11, /KM 61E1 4 1Att. Communications and Petitions. Er. HARLAN (Rep.), of lowa, presented a commu nication from the Secretary of the Interior in regard to the recently discovered gold mine of California. Re ferred. EcTeral petitions for emancipation were presented Mr. HARRIS (Rep.), of New York, presented a peti tion from citizens of New York, asking that the full rank (d WRIT General ho conferred on Oeueral Wool. • Military Survey for a Telegraph Route. Mr. LATHAN (Dam.), of California, from the Mill tary Committee, reported a bin authorizing a OW DIY in relation to the construction of a telegraph to the Amoor liver. Payment of Awards. On motion of Mr. NESMITH (Dem.), of Oregon, the joint resolution relativo to the mode of paymont of awards for the settling of the Oregon and Washington war debt was taken up. - Capture of Fort Dorkeloott. Mr. LANE (Rep.), of Indiana, asked to have read the despatch received by General facClellan, — announcing the capture of Fort Donelson by the lend forces of the United States, There wee much laughter on the floor end in the gallo fiea was said that find had Amapa& The news was received with loud applause in the'galle- VICE PRESIDENT. That's all right. [Re newed applause and cheers.] THE VICE PRESIDE N T, The Chair rules that such OPplauoth neither alarming nor censuring the words of a senator, is correct and proper. [Laughter.] Mr. GRIMES (Rep.), said there was also information that the city of Savannah, in the State of Georgia, was taken. [Renewed applause.] Ort.oti War Debt. The resolution in regard to the Oregon war debt was then pasted. Circuit and Districts Courts of New York. On motion of Mr. HARRIS (Rey.), the bill to change and regulate the Circuit and District Courta of the Northun di.tkiot of Vow York wee taken up and pawed. Mr. FOOT (Rep.), or Ferment, asked to have the de spatches from rebel Sources read, in regard to the victo ries at Fort Donelson and Savannah. [Loud applause In the galleries. Mr. FOSTER (Rep.), of Connecticut. asked whether it Willi in miler to cheer the rebel mount& The Capitol Extension. Mr. FOOT, from tho Committee on Public Lands, reported • bill to transfer the continuation of tho Capitol extension, and the erection of a dome, from the War De partment to the Department of the Interior. Organizaiion of eavairy Forces. On motion of Mr. WILSON (Rep.), of Massachusetts, the bill to provide for the better organization of the cavalry forces of the United States was taken up. Mr. FIESSENDEN (Rep.), of Maine, thought that fifty regiments, which the bill provides for t wee too lap Eaelt regiment will cost about a minion a year, causing an immense expenditure. He moved to reduce the number to thirty. Ms. GRIMES said the number of cavalry wanted de pends on the character of the war. If it is to be a peas war, tben,we wilt need h large force of cavalry. me moved to lay the bill on the table for the present. Mr. HARRIS was in favor of this motion. Lie thought be could tell better in thirty days. He did not consider the expense would be so large as estimated. Eleven re giments were set down to the State of New York, while there were only three full regimentst many of them being mere skeleton regiments. Mr. FOSTER said it was evident, from the despatches received, that we should want more cavalry, as a man called Floyd had stolen away from Fort Donelson, and we would need cavalry to catch him. Mr, JOUNBON (U.), of Tennessee, asked the convent of the Senate to offer a joint resolution tendering the thanks of Congress to the officers, soldiers, and seamen of the army and navy, for their heroic gallantry, under the protection of God, and for their brilliant victories over the enemies of the Union and Constitution. The resolu tion wan passed. Mr. WILSON (Rep.), of Manachueetts, hoped the Senate would not make such a large reduction in the cavalry force, in consequence of any news that had yet been received. The war was not over yet. There were other battles to be fought and won. He hoped the re duction would be 0111 b to forty regiments. Mr. WILLEY (IL), of Virginia, agreed with the chair man of the Comeeittee on fdllitaryeAtfairs that the war was not over yet. He knew enough 01 the Southern• pen- ple to know that they newt fight yet. He hoped the Senate would consider well before they reduced this arm of the service. He thought we should have to reduce numerous gumlike bowie, and cavalry would alone be competent for such service. Mr. FES3ENDEN, of Maine, modified his amend ment so as to reduce to forty instead of thirty regi ment& Mr. WILSON, of Massachusetts, thought that tffirtY a 'UM yCgifiieiits iv*ri , to-day skeleton regiments, scattered ovei the country. We have to purchase ten thousand horses to mount even forty regiments. • Mr. DOOLITTLE (Rep.), of Wisoonsin, disliked to be legislating on such a pendulum as cavalry seemed to be in• this war.. Before the battle of Bull Bun we wanted no cavalry ; after that we went to the other extreme, and authorized about eighty regiments, and now we propose to swing back again. Mr. Tessenden's amendment was adopted—yeas 25, nays 10. Mr. -DOOLITTLE, of Wisconsin, offered an amend- Petit ae a provlao, that the 'United Statile pay for the uniform and equipments of officers mustered out of the service, at the original cost. Mr. WILSON, of Massachusetts thought the officers received pay for their time, and that was sufficient. This would be like putting the Government into the old clothes btasiness. • . . . After eome farther discussion, the bill was laid over. The gefifitb ea' West iiito ciediitive beesiou l and . !lab sequently adjourned. HOUSE OF . REPRESENTATIVES. The Pert Doneleen Victory. On the opening of the hall, Mr. COLFAX (Rep.). of Indiana, asked and readily obtained permission to make statement relative to the capture of Fort Donelson. Amid a profound silence, he then announced that Gene ral-McClellan had authorized him to inform the House that he had just received a despatch from Cairo, inform ing him of the arrival of the gunboat Oarondele2 at that place this morning,, bringing the news of the capture of Port Dont49., yleter4,7ll2y the land forces the 4 iates army, with 11,005 prisoners, including Centrals A. Sidney Johnston and Buckner. Floyd ran away and succeeded in making his escape. The loss on both sides is very heavy. The news was received with great applause, with laughter at the announcement of Vloyd's cowardice. Mr. COLFAX wee surrounded by members to hear further news. Er. WASEBURNE (Rep.), of Illinois. I want the gentleman from Indiana to kbow that Gee. Ulysses S. Grant, who commanded the land forces that captured the fort, isfrom Illinois, and from Galena, in my district. • Mr. MALLORY '(17.), of Kentucky, in view of this gratifying fact, moved, but the House refused, to ad. jonrn. Mr. COLFAX said that he bad further news from Donelson, from rebel sources. [Cries, let's hoar it. Go to the desk and read it.' Read It loud.) Intense excite ment prevailed. The SPEAKER called the House to order, and deep silence prevailed. Mr. COLFAX then read the despatch se brought from Norfolk by the gag of truce. [Applause on the floor and in the galleries.] Mr. WRIGHT (Rep), of Pennsylvania, moved an ad journment, which was disagreed to. Mr. MALLORY moved to discharge the Committee on the Conduct of the War, as from the good news of this nierning, there• seemed to be no farther use for them. [Laughter, and cries of "agreed." , ilgood."] Motions to Adjourn.. Mr. WASHBURNE (Rep.), of Illinois, remarked that the news was so gratifying the Rouse was evidently in no temper for business, and suggested an adjournment; but the House agsin refused to adionrit. Mr. WRIGHT had made a similar ineffectual motion. Committee on the.Coaduot of the War. Mr. GOOCH (Rep.), of Massachusetts, addremed the , Mouse in. favor of the joint resolution authorizing the appointment of a stenographer for Committee on the- Conduct of tho War. Ho -called on Mr. Wickliffe to. otate on wlint ntliority th 4 . 3. 10tort on Prida/ PIA made. RD of egetien against the committee as to the manner: they perform their duties. if the gentleman had any authority for the allegation, ho 4Mr: Gooch) would yield. the Moor for him to make the statement. Dlr. WICKLIFFE (U.), or Kentucky, repeated what be bad heretofore said, /11/ 1 / I OW, that he had seen 'Gelato& thet the commitieo had U,e aquerel-in-chief beforethers. wbrui .they had Interrogated, and that Ova. Makellina gave an Reamer which at toast satisfied him. Mr. 000011. By whet authority 1 Mr. WICKLIFFE . . Wilt you deny the fact'. Mr. GOOCH. I astrAttsaal by what authority. Mr. WICKLIFFE. And I ask whether vino:1007 the foot. Vindielthidn of the Contithittre. Mr. GOOCH presumed the gentleman made thneiste. ment on a newspaper paragraph. Ho was perfectly free to say that the General-hi-chief did. appear beetre the committee, not by summons; but by inyitatien. He was free, to suppose that this House had. too much respect for those who mayor, the coatinitteo. as to supPosa they would , ash hiss any Question pertaining to the conduct of the war which be would object to answer. Hie testi trierrY was not Wiwi. That tha committed had au inter dew with General McClellan was true, but that he was called as a witness was not true, It was totally without, foundation that the committee had tattoo any teatintotter effecting any man without giving him fair and full Partway to answor the charge. The conorditee "'vagrant a Star Chamber court as had been charged. Ifr. VICKLIFFS. Did yen hear me say Ping Mr. GOOOIf. I heard semeholy say so an Friday. The committee bid aumennutd before them only such wit- news& se were necessary to the Investigation. The corn. mittee had deemed it their duty to keep to themselves what they bad heard from witnesses, 'Hwy had migl.a Re TO rOIOOODO to individuals or to IlevrisPapers which mem. berg might read in advance of the report being made. Ile did not believe that Congress had done Its whole duty when it had made the necessary appropria. Bone. It was the duty of Congress to remain In see. glen, and every member should be in his place to contribute by all means in his power to uphold and NH. fain the Administration in eettsking gut the eel:a:Allot,. The relatione between the committee and the Executive, the Becretary of War, and all the other officere of the Cabinet, are of the moat cordial character. The officers and men when going into the field should be assured that they are supported and sustained by every branch of the Government, whether In victory or defeat, pr i nid e d th e y fight , nintifully in the Add. tie trusted that we would lose no mere battles, and believed that we can seen win score of them if we only put the men we now have in the field against the enemy. The fall ot. Fort Henry, Fort Doneleon, Roanoke Island, end Bowling Green, is but the beginning of the series of victo ripe is the history of the rebellion, The con/milieu have, front the outset, been a watt in everything they have attempted or undertaken, and he felt authorized to say, that if there le any oue thing they desire more than another, it is fighting; for fighting only will crush this rebellion. Tho Romer this fighting could be done, the better—the object of the war being the maintenance of the Constitution without alteration or amendment—a war ebell 6ea.e only when the teat vestige of rebellion and treasonaball be cruehed out. The Battle of Bull Run. Mr. BLAIR (Rep.), of Missouri, referred to what be said on Pride*, and, in confirmation of the truth of his statement, read a copy of a despatch furnished by a gem- Ra na. who was on Cop, Patiereon's grafi as follows: OltaaLaStoult, July OA 6.C01. E. D. Townsend "SIB: With 11 portion of hie force, General Johneton left WincheFter, on the afternoon of the 18th, with about 30,000 troops. B. PATTSILSOL" **this was Baturday. Mr STEVENS (Rep.), of Pennsylvania, gave his re collection that General Scott, in the presence of the Cabinetotaid that the battle of Bull Bun was fought against his wishes and judgment, under the pressure of the highest autboitty, and further, that he deserved to be (herniated from the army for thus yielding hie consent, Mr. BLAIR replied that they all understood the statement which was heretofore made by Kr. Richard son, but the latter tied further related that General Scott, in answer to a question by the President, disclaimed that the latter had influenced him in risking the battle. It would not do for the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Stoyeno) to omit this important admission: Mr. STEVENS replied that he did not rise to vindicate anybody. He was no one's partisan. He merely wished to ascertain the troth. Mr. BLAIR said the gentleman's recollection was true as far as it Vent, but it was incorrect in omitting so much of t h e statement in relation to the Interview as re lieVatl Ilia President &OM' the rospeneibiliti of that battle. Mr. MAYNARD (U.), of Tennessee, said it was re psrted by the Secessionists, after the battle of Bull Run, that General Patterson sympathized with the South, and that he would soon be found acting with thorn. It was also openly expressed by Secessionists that Patterson was p,re.atly wahttikg I. loyalty arsl Adv Oc vernment. Mr. BIDDLE (Dem.), of Pennsylvania, said that Gen. Patterson was his townsman and constituent. Ile had no knowledge, from personal observation, of the army which Patterson commanded in July last. At that time he (Col. Biddle) was in the military service in that pact of Virginia within the scope of Gen. McClellan's coin. mend. A Hutt, biro - ibex. of his constituents, friends, neighbors, and connectiowi were with Patterson, and he never heard from them anything but what was in the highest respect honorable to Patterson, mid expressive of confidence in his ability. Some of the officers in high rank to the army, together with those from civil life, were on hie staff, and none of them, he believed, ever brought a charge kinked hint. Whatever was &ilk mental to that gentleman was merely tumor and hearsay, which the gentleman from Tennessee had repeated. Mr. Biddle caused to be read extracts front Gen. Scott's re port concerning Gen. Patterson's skill and bravery in Mexico, and also referred to the fact that Gen. Patterson rendered service in the war of 1812. Mr. doocii, resuming, said if sir. Blair . orillfr: Ste vens had any important revelations '{o make, on their own responsibility, the Committee on the Conduct of the War would afford them an opportunity of relieving themselver. The Flint'liellfs of the committee. Mr. CRITTENDEN (Utilen), of Kentucky, was op posed to the committee, which should be abolishof in order that harmony might bo preserved in the opera tions of the Government. The power with which the committee was clothed was dangerous. Let the officers of the Goverhment be made to depend on the report *Thiel MU be made by the committer, and the committee would command the Government. the President included. Mr. GOOCH explained that the committee never ate tempted to bring the President before them, and he be lieved they never would. Mr. CRITTENDEN, continuing his remarks against the exirtenco of the committee, said the Houm might not always have such discreet gentlemen on euch a commit. tee. Others might become overbearing in the exercise of power. They might at first handle the sceptre lightly, but it would ultimately become the club of Hercules. They had no right tinder the Constitution to investigate the conduct of the war..which included the future as well as the vast . For hima — elt, he had hal aninvitation to ap pear before c9iMittcll int thi , nun Ohm In night be summoned. Mr. THOMAS (Rep.), of Massachusetts, said he was one of those who voted againd the raising of the com mittee, and would do so again were the question repeated to-day. He thought it wrong in principle, and useless for any wive purpose. There re no co-ordinatedePartmeots of GovenVel.t, Ecityr g E ti _ACCU.:YeI Her shot far Tested with power under him as the commander-in-chlef of the army and navy, could be summoned before the committee Idr.BOSCOE CONKLIIIG (Rep ) said ho voted for the appointment of the committee, differing from Hr. Thomas, and expressed the belief that to the committee we are in &fiat degree indebted for the imporiook move ments and the glorious news with which we are furnished to-day. Tribute to Gen. Scott. Mr. OBITTRNOGN wee of the opinion that we are in debted for these victories to the valor of our tones, Rader the skill and plane of the commanding general. He proceeded to speak of Gen. Scott, with whom he had en joyed an acquaintance of forty years, concluding by say ing that he never knew a man more scrupulous in all that constitutes integrity, and patriotism, and morality of eliareeter. Seettia name woe new a glaplens past of our nation's history. The Senate's resolution for the employment of a steno "grapher by, the Committee on the Conduct of the War was then adopted. A Departniestt of Agriculture LOVEJOY or Illinois, called op the bill, heretofore introdac.d by him, from the Committee on Agriculture, for the establishment of a Department of Agriculture, The principal amendment male by the HOMd wee in the rednction of the salary of the commis sioners from $5,000 to $3,000 per annum. The bill was then Tinami..,...Yellt till, nays 7. The. Postal Appropriation Bill. The Souse then went into Committee or the Whole on the stile of the linion on the Pest Office appropriation bill. Hr. ARNOLD (Rep.), of Snob, in the erwriroence meet of hie to the to-day frum the Weet—our troops having penetrated the heart and centre of the rebellion. He proceeded to speak of slavery as the cause of the conflict. Shivery is doomed. This fact should be recognized, and all unite in practicallt meeting the grave results involved. The question was libey ty under the Constitution, or elatery on its ruins. The committee.then roes. Appropriation for the Army Signal Service. hlr. BLAIR (Bop.), of Missouri, from tho Military Committee, reported the Senatebill making an appropria tion for the signal /avian of the army. NOVA. The House then adjourned. PENNSYLVANIA LEGISLATURE. Hasa: sera , February 17, 1.861. SENATE. The Senate was called to order at three o'clock by the Speaker. Messrs. MITE, DONAVAN, and CONNELL, pre sented petition@ Raking for the abolition of the enrh-atoos market@ in Philadelphia. Bills Introduced. Mr. ROBINSON presented a supplement to the act re vising the renal lane. Mr. REILLY, of Schuylkill, a bill relative to the Phi ladalvbia aud Bowling Railroad. Mr. PENNEY, of Allegheny, a supplement to the octet 1851 relative to boroughs. Mr. LANDON, of Bradford, a bill providing for the transportation of the remains of deceased soldiers. Mr. Clymer was excused from serving on the com mittee to inytetigate the offish - a of the Bankof Com• melee ) of Brie. Bills Considered. The supplement to the act relative to mechanics' liens PISS taken up on second reading, and passed The act relative to hawkers pedlers, and retailers in Bucks county was considered an d mod, The Recent Victories Mr-LOWRY, of Erie, introduced a resolution return ing the thanks of the Senate to the army and navy for the recent' victories, which resulted In the capture of Roanoke Island, Furt Donelscim and Savannah. The resolution was unanimously adopted. The Senate thou adjourned. HOUSE. Te Muse was called to order at 3 o'clock, by the Speaker pro tam., Mr. Crane. A. letter from Speaker Rowe; dated at Chamberaburg, deputising Me. Creho to act at Speaker, wee read. The Capture of Fort Donelson. Mr. PERSHING, of Cambpia, offered a resolution that members of the Douse have heard with feelings of patri otic joy, the inlellihence of the capture of Fort Done'son, and tender the thanhe of the people of Pennsylvania to the gallant officers and MOO of the army and navy, who by thement-viotories at Roanoke Island, Fort Hoary and Port Doneboo, have added new lustre to the Ameri can name, and have blighted the hopes of treason and traitors, and also thrown au imperishable glory over the age and over the nation. A second resolution provided that the House should adjourn Immediately. Mr. MOHAN, *might that tho rfwasii9n. W9ll , worthy of being pasted as joint resolutions. Mr. PERSHING had no objection to such a course. They would lio over fur a day, however, under the rules. Mr. BIG HA Ai then moved that the rules be suspended. Mr. WILLIAMS said that the first event in this sue condor' of brilliant engagements which have shed lustre on our arms has been overlooked. It is the battle of Mill Springs. It wee there our heroes died, and it was then that we turned the tide of rebellion. He thought that the thanks of the people should be conveyed through the hands of the Governor. During the evening the in telligence of the fall of Savannah would probably be an nounced. In that case the resolutions should be recon sidered. Mr. PERSHING was surprieed that the gentleman should wish a reference to the battle of Mille Springs. That affair should hays been noticed at the proper time. The events referred to in tie resolutions elf occurrel within the past few days. Mr. SMITH,. of Chester, hoped that the resolutions waiiia hares pawns without env fans-unity_ We want to declare here that patriots are willing to put down trai tors wherever fonud, and show that we rejoice as Ameri can citizens, as Pennsylvanians, and as the Pennsylvania Legislature. Mr.. PERSHING remarked that the resolutions were intended to convey the ontbuntings of our hearts. The whole -country slung the lines of the railroads is wild with excitement.. 'Air -SCOTT said that the whole State was electrified upon the receipt of the telegraphic news of the victories, ore after another. Melt could scarcely keep their thoughts from the glorious news. Mr. licti/ME remarked that the resolutions were in teLded as the spontaneous expiation of the sentiments of the House. Mr. 'HAMM preferred a careful expression of gentle mente-aud a communication from the Governor to the generals of the army and the naval officereon the At lantic coast and in the Southwest. Mr. SMITH, of Philadelphia, thought that this was the lbw to lay aside the cold conventionalities of life. There is not a man with a heart untailliod and purr that does not feel to-day under obligations to the gallant men who have accomplished such results, and thus made our skies be bright. Mr. OREENBANS referred to the announcement to the Continental Congress, by the sergeant-at-arms, of the capture of Cornwallis. The resolutions should Maud as they are, Milord Y saying something about Fort Basel - wit. ou t ceitertitita . in x cur gellant Mr. wiLLIA xis would go further, and offered an. amendment tendering thanks to the new head of the. War Department. If,, believed that the change which. was made has saved this batten, and led to this eh:tent, over which the heart now rejoices. Me. CESSNA wee of the opinion that a more amend expreeeion of tbacks should be conveyed to the different ewitudriere. Mr. 111011 AM here announced that Savannah, had been takes.. He hoped that it would not be len&heforo Charleston and Fort . Sumpter, too, are aurae:mated by the old banner of freedom. This mitclAbSietieet was resolved with tremendous she plause. Mr. CO-WAN thought that they had betilegedionni be fore Chailestou comes in. [Laughter.] ARMSTRObiI saki that, in esidition, to the flag waving, over Savannah. the 'coastal', slides that our troops met With congratulations fr,cot the citizens, and grow joy was expressed at Ibuir towing, bipplauwij There may be traitors in Charleston, and there Map be traitors at home, bat the friends of the Union, with thee, patriotic impulse which. beats In every true heart, &O. towel in every pert of the union. He believed that the thus iota come when the robe ion' is to crumble into nothing, the glorious Union restored, and the Reg float over every part , of the counties, lia . 4 it hes here before, at home and abroad, and. never again to be diagraced or templed leader foot he traitors. The resolutions wore Hon adopted lllMAert° l o l li djoerned, Public Amusements. Mr. Hackett opened to a good house at the Wgi nut.street, Theatre last overall. He is the great delineator of the fat knight, and renders his cun ning, sensuality, duplicity, and eowardioe, in all their eccentricity and naturalness. Hackett's laugh has the true Falstathan ring, and his snore is Wadel-felly deago khd ludicrous. It is • treat to see him drink his favorite Sack, and his walk is the perfection of the ponderous and the awkward. One can almost see him perspire. Mr. John Drew did not fulfill his engagamm the Arch-street Theatre last night, having, We learn, been detained by a tardy train while on his way from New York. The theatre was closed in consequence, but the same bill will be given to night, and the secured seats will b@ rotAintd, On Monday next, M. GettSChalk, the famous composer of piano music, and the rival of Thalberg, Liszt, and Chopin, will commence a series of enter tainments in this city. Many of his most ingenious enorcerswx were composed at the age of twelve years, and he in now quoted at home and abroad as a brilliant pianist and a gifted composer. Re is the author of ballads, mazourkas, caprices, sympho nies, etc., and is also said to be a contributor to the best magazines in the French and thit , Ipinleh lan guages. THE Germania Orchestra and Dr. S. N. Landis, a lecturer of some local note, will give an entertain ment at Musical Fund Dail tonight, for the benefit 9f fil9 T9.411.4991' 611100 MI. THE CITY. FOR ADDITIONAL CITY NEWS, SEE EOURTE PA.(111..1 How Philadelphia Hailed the Vi ctory. The town ban been in travail since Friday, and was not completely at ease until the hoar of twelve meridian, yesterday. Mill Spring, Roanoke, Sa vannah) and Spri gfleld had not satiated the ear morant appetite of the people. They clamored for "more" in the manner of Oliver Twist (chap. 6), and finally got it in such overpowering quantities that their bloody desires will be satiated for a week. Fart DaaelM wad captured; that wawa matter or congratulation. Fifteen thousand rebels, having hoisted the black flag, probably supposing that our backwoods troops could be soared by an owl, had laid down their arms ; that was a matter of triumph. Floyd had escaped; that woo a mi l itia of usingled chagrin and amusement. Many lamented his escape. Some did not regret it, on the ground that our army should not be put to the ignoble service of overhauling 13orse.thieves. But a weight of Alm was lifted from a hundred themiand eyes, and a weight of doubt from as many minds the rain was falling, but all saw the sunshine, and the pavement might be ever so icy if there was no slip in the news. By and by placards were posted up bearing the talis manic word c , OFFICIAL ;" That was enough; for ee scan at %small doubted the word of the govern ment that had never yet published a canard. Gen. McClellan's advises came afterward, and as we had already heard the rebel acknowledgments by way of Norfolk, it was concluded that alt deglitg alga over. Folks at once fell into each othef'S attire, and all species of offences wore pardoned. Scores of umbrellas were taken by mistake, and never missed ; and nobody swore or grumbled at dinner though it was a rainy wash=day. Grim.visat i od wag bad a smooth countenance, at least in our direction and people were capering nimbly in sundry chain bers, and out of them, to music of lutes and pipes. Trade was dull. Very few merchants had the pre sence of mind to sell anything, and preferred swatt sales to cash. Ord enmities were forgotten in the common joy, and tho customary running up of flags was suspended; for flag owners were too happy to remember that they owned anything—but Fort Donelson; If, added to the general excitement, our worthy Mayor bad ordered the State-house bell to be rung—or if Col. Price bad made a parade on Chestnut street, we should have had to record a host of sudden deaths to-4y, ,itbloco of Luba became contagious, and we ate assured that some individuals failed to meet their obligations at bank. The railroad depots presented the spectacle of a number of through travellers that had been left. The hotels, jgclgig from yootorday, would do well to get up a great battle twice a week and pay the expenses of both aides; for. the devout and the carnal, of all persuasions, drank promiscuously, and some went to bed early in the day, havieg had Glotent nervous abode. A few have not gone home up to the hour of this writing, and many wives are objecting to more victories in the future—they so derange do mestic affairs. A rein in such cuss is a providen tial thing. It prevents conflagration, and folks were on fire. •So that, providentially, the rain seemed to keep pace with the news, and people that persisted in venturing out got soaked and caught colds. The pavements were slippery, and people that in the general joy did not know their head from their heels soon learned the difference. The police officers were shamefully derelict, and neglected their patrol business to talk over the news. In this way the town might have been rob bed, had the thieves not been ao overjoyed that they did not care to steal. Folks, that at a late election were loud in favor of Donelson, seemed united the other way, and none more so than the Native Americans. Joy overspread the town. Mails and teams one veyed the glad tidings to every suburb. To-night the theme will engross a million of happy Areaidea, and the prayers and thanks that go up to heaven will have nothing formal about them. The Union arms have regained their prestige. Our sons, fathers, and countrymen are either proud is Vigor" or prouder in death. The shame of our flag has been washed out in blood ; the rivers of the garden of our Con tinent carry the sails of the Union, and agony and gloom are tenants of hundreds of disloyal dwellings. The soldier, the sallor—pethepe the slere—lookS up. Our banners are blessed.; our bayonets are bristling—we thank God ! ar!gokPfix EIYYTAITNT p .1917111, When the intelligence reached the Court of Quarter Sessions, where Judge Allison presided, a deepateh containing the news was handed to the Jude. A per j ury ease was then being tried, buil such was the Judge's satisfaction that he bonded the message to the crier, and gave him permission to read it. The effect was immense. Tne culprits in the dock forgot their fears; the jurymen did not for the moment remember that they wertellying citizen for the loso of liberty and character; the veriest loungers in the rear gallery woltionp from their naps, and- the motley collection of students at•law, tipstavos, and attorneys in the bar area, leaped to their feet wt.& a shout, and thatiqua• nimity of the court bade fair to be a long while dis turbed. The judge them said that justice and the cause of our arms were so intimately relatad•tbat the eourt.room was the proper place to state our successes. After another cheer, the businessirent on. PROPOSED ILLUMINATION It is proposedin various• qparters to recommend a general illustration as the bight of the 224.1 giant, in honor of Vas great - victory at Fort Donel son. This great eventdeservessome local commemo ration, and as oilier cities are about to move in the matter, Philadelphia should not be the last tons press its gratitude and exultation. A grand proems• don of the people and an illumination of the whole city, conjoined with the military arrangements , al ready made, will be the proper proeodure, The ;natter, we understand, will be broached to-day. PATRIOTIC ACT/OA OM THU 11/MUCHA/ITS. In the Midst of the joy or the-merchants over the news, among the crowd in. the Oommeroial Room, in the Merohants' Exchange, a proposition was started to raise a fund of $200,000 to educate and ptatide far tha orphans of the slain en ant aide, and $5,000 was raised in a few- minutea. The-rest will be easily obtained. CM= We understand that Captain Turner, of the nary libid,l24a 6rderod n dalafa t 8 bo Plod, t3-dil, 14 honor of our glorious success aobieved• by thonavy and the army. CORONER'S CASES emteidity morn— ing an unknown Philo man was fimind drowned in that Delaware, °Mono Green.street Wharf. ♦ Bo was dressei in cavalry uniform, and had been in the water come time. The coroner was notified and took charge of the body. The man found drowned at °teen-street wharf, on Tuesday last, has been identified as James Ruben, who eft the Rust At aMsagla tha um. vied, fa. December last. MEETING OF THE REP,UBLICAN CON VENTION.—Last evening the 'Republican Convention re assembled at the County Coast House, hir., Wainwright In 04,.. chub, The only. Igithists trsistattod WIL4 the amending of rule fifteens which MOW slam& m follows: No citizen shall be eligible in a seat in more than one of the conventions provided for in these rutin; ; nor shall any member of a convention be a candidate for nomina tion before said convention." The meeting then adjourned until Thursday evening. THE RELEASE. OF COL.. CIRICORADL — Arrangements are now being made to hold a public meeting in this city, to nf.te the Government to use its power and influence for the releaso.of the gallant Old. Corcoran, of the Sixty-ninth Regiment New York State mihtia. The meeting, if held, witl be Winner to those that have Mien place in other cities. A large number are OPPOned to any stooling, on the grviml 01;4 MP 1 119. 7frnment, now havingho many nritelsors of war, will at once take active measures for the release of eti prisoners Geld by the rebels. BAYTIE?.I-: EasioaAvois.—The emigra, !ion to Tin:,ll from pm olty and interior atill continued. A rrnsei it now beinu iittmt 'nt- wi ihfn iinni for fin , mar pope ot conveying colored emigranni to that conutry. She will aceennuodate shout fifty pagsenders, aud ready to sail in May next. Quito a large number of colored persons raised In this city have already IN ge,.to 'Hayti, and commenced the oultivationot laud givist,thwa, Clatiarument. _ . TI JUNIATA HEADY - TO L The ahem of-war Juniata to now ready for iallnebinaho and cid ers are expected from the Navy Deportment-to teriunit her at an earlyohay. The Juniahr.will be one. at the need remote In Nee mm T, No expanse has, hi= spaniel to make be* all that alto shout tr be, and she hen beam strengthened in every passible way. Thole beet stessaaintixt with aaval architecture prononnce Wet am nazior model. Becoell IN.--"YesterOny ramping the following newly-elected beads oidepartments were nwont into office lby Mayor Henry: Charles McDonough Commissioner of City Property ; Dominick Torpey, Coe, odesionor of Markets; Francis P, Ms(kowdek, Humeri's. tentkint of Girard istato. ADJOURNEll. , Teaterday 14PAPNI the Co and Jury came tuto cuurt, end stated that Ow toil sojourned over to ono reek in oonseanence n 1 110 Ii dia. Pr•vieon of. WNlMlltin Q. ttl,lllll ktglasnt ittihiCt Attar.
Significant historical Pennsylvania newspapers