January 18, 1861, The New York Herald
Our despatches from Washington state that Col. Hayne, the South Carolina Commissioner, after conference with the secessionists at the capital, has considerably modified his proposals to the government. He no longer demands the unconditional surrender of Fort Sumter to the authorities of South Carolina, but suggests that it be given up to them in order to prevent a collision and a useless effusion of blood.
We have no news of startling import from Charleston today. Governor Pickens has recommended the legislature of South Carolina to increase the army of that State, so as to be prepared for enemies from any quarter, and also provide for fortifications and a seacoast police.
In Congress yesterday the Senate took up the Deficiency Appropriation bill and passed it. Among other appropriations is one of $350,000 for the New York and California mail service, from July 1, 1860, to July 1, 1861; $300,000 for a coaling station on the Isthmus of Panama, and a sum sufficient to carry out the provisions of law relative to the Printing Bureau. The Pacific Railroad bill was then discussed till the adjournment. In executive session the nomination of Mr. Holt as Secretary of War was received from the President, and a lively contest arose between the secessionists and their opponents on the question of referring it to a committee. In this is the opponents of Mr. Holt were defeated, and the nomination will probably be confirmed today. In the House the debate on the crisis of the nation was continued by Messrs. Thomas, of Tennessee; Sickles, of New York; Ashley, of Ohio; and Perry, of Maine. The discussion will be closed today by Mr. Sherman, of Ohio.
It would seem that the Alabama secessionists are not altogether harmonious. It is reported that they have telegraphed to their delegation in Congress not to resign their places just yet, as the delegates to the Stat Convention from North Alabama hesitate to sign the ordinance of secession.
Jas. E. Kerrigan, member of Congress elect, and John A. Kennedy, Superintendent of Police, yesterday attended before the Grand Jury of the Circuit Court in order to testify in regard to any armament being fitted out for the Southern ports, thus giving aid and comfort to the enemies of the United States government.