The event roused the secessionists in the city of St. Louis to the highest fury, and the night was made hideous by bloody encounters, in which several lives were lost. The Legislature, then in session at Jefferson City, alarmed by these vigorous measures on the part of the Government, passed, the same afternoon, a “Military Bill,” authorizing the Governor to call out and equip the State militia, and appropriating all the available funds of the State for that purpose, in addition to the issuing of bonds to the amount of $1,000,000, and authority to borrow $500,000 from the State banks. The bill also gave to the Governor supreme authority in all military matters, and subjected every able-bodied man in the State to such authority, under penalty of $150 fine. The telegraph was seized by order of Governor Jackson, and the bridges on roads leading from St. Louis destroyed, from fear that Federal troops might reach Jefferson City by railroad and arrest the conspirators. The loyal citizens of St. Louis trembled for their safety—fearful alike of an uprising of the secessionists in their midst and invasion from without. The “Home Guard” was organized—a reserve of volunteers proceeded to the arsenal for arms, and to take the oath of fealty, and other measures adopted for defence. On the afternoon of the 11th, a body composed mostly of Germans was assailed by a mob on their return from the arsenal. A fierce struggled ensued, and several were killed on either side. The following day Brigadier-General Harney, of the regular army, reached St. Louis, and assumed command of the Military Department. Being himself a citizen of Missouri, and enjoying the confidence of the people in a very large degree, his presence produced a marked and salutary effect. By proclamation he demonstrated the madness and futility of any attempt to withdraw the State from her allegiance, and gave warning that any disturbance would be promptly suppressed. On the 14th he issued a second proclamation, declaring the “Military Bill” in conflict with the Constitution and laws of the United States, and therefore a nullity—equivalent to an ordinance of secession, and cautioned all good citizens against obeying it. The geographical position of the State, and her best interests, he asserted, rendered it absolutely necessary that she should remain in the Union, no matter what might be the position of the cotton States; and he emphatically declared that the whole power of the United States would be exerted, if necessary, to keep her within the national domain.