New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1856-01-09
FROM WASHINGT
From Our Own Correspondent
WASHINGTON, Monday, Jan. Z, 1856.


summoned TO convene here tomorrow, VIII De put
thiny attended, unless there should be accesslons
within the next twenty -four hours. The principal
business of this conference will be to nix the day
for holding the Convention at Cincinnati although
il may assume 70 shape other matters bearing upon
that occasion. An effort will be made 10 oficial
quarters to direct the proceedings with reference
TO individual advantage, and thus, as it WERE toget
possession of the preliminary organization. The
friends Of those candidates who are supposed to
have 1.-the track"-in racing phrase-wlll urge the
earliest day; while others, who are looking to the
development of new contingencies, VIII advocate
DELAY a. most convenient for their prospective
movements. 1t is suggested that che first Monday
in June would be acceptable to those who stand
between the two extremes and who are quite Will
ing to adopt whichever may appear the stronger IN
terest.
The harmony of the Southern Know-Nothings,
which has been often threatened during the contest
for the speakership, was damaged materially to-
day by demonstration from an unexpected quar-
ter. Mr. Eustis of Louisiana took occasion TO
declare that the party in his State not only ignored,
but deprecated the religious test as inconsistent
with the spirit and letter of sbc Constitution, and
announced his purpose, here and elsewhere, to
resist any such bigOted restrictions. This declara
ton called out Mr.. Smith of Alsbama who regarded
hostility 10 Catholicism as cardinal feature in
their political faith, upon the ground that the spr-
itual allegiance of that sect involved surrender of
political independence. Mr.. Walker of Alabama
was free TO say he would renounce the American
party if any religious test to be made the basis
of its organization, and cOncurred mainly in the
views of Mr. Eusts. 1t is quite evident from
these and other indications, there is no bond Of
cohesion in this Southern section, md that separa-
ton is Inevitable a. ultimate fusion with the De-
mocracy is probable. All the feelers which have
heretofore been thrown out III the House have
contemplated such a practical combination, as all
the advances which have been made were prepare
tory to a conditional surrender. The individuals
composing this organization aspirants TO dstinc
tions of one sort or another and they are not EN-
barrassed by any compunctions which might inter-
fere with such cherished expectations.
Mr.. Bunks's column stood up pretty firmly,
through sitting OF five hours, and closed after
four ballots, with only two temporary Withdrawals.
Mr.. Bishop and Nr. Clawson of New-Jersey went
over to Mr.. Pennington, expressing readiness to
turn to Mr.. Banks whenever their cooperation
would aid in his election. Mr.. BrentOn cast his
vote for Mr.. Bennett Of New.York, with similar
declaration Ia his friends. Ii has been no secret
for weeks past that fraction of the column voting
cor NJ RaDEo nrotarra1 aunther candidate and
were anxious to try some other experiment Per-
haps they have honestly differed from the body OF
the true and fsithful Anti-Nebrasks men, who, hav-
ing consolidated their strength, questioned the
policy of DETECTION from 1t, under inspirations of
real or imaginary expedlency. As they claim to
be Influenced BY upright motives let us not doubt
the sincerity of any movement which may be at
tempted; but if they should fail to detsch sufficient
strength to render the demonstration important, an
immediate return TO Mr.. Banks will alone compen-
safe for error Of Judgment, which yentured upon
the enterprise in defiance Of the protestatOns and
against the best adyces Of the friends with whom
they have heretofore proessed 10 act in good faith.
II by on unfortunate concurrence of events, and
the operation Of secret treachery, Mr.. Banks
sHOulu Dt ultimately uclcdtcd-d PIODduiitI WHICH
/ do not snticipate-the responsibility will rest
with the few who have filtered in this moment of
critical emergency equally with those who have
basely deserted the they were elected TO de-
fend, and fagrantly betrayed their solemn and re.
corded pledges.
This contest does not involve the mere success
OF Mr. Banks an individual. He is but the
champion OF the cause chosen for particular pur-
pose. Higher and more momentous considerations
are at stake. This is the first trial Of the fidelity
of majority of the peoples representatives sent
here to rebuke and to repeat the iniqutOus legsla-
ton of the last Congress. A detection now would
be an admission both Of weakness and per6dy.
More than this, it would strike blow al the moral
power of the principle from which recovery might
be- difficult Mr. Dunn and his cOmpatriOts who
have 40 often and earnestly protested their deyo.
ton to this principle should not be Indifferent 10
reasons like these--reasons which address them
selves to the plsinest comprehension.
After hard and repeated struggles the House
scceded to an adjournment till "Wednesday, to
allow the Democrats an opportunity of csucusng
tonight and Of celebrating the Eighth of January
tomorrow. proposition TO admit the plurality
resolution has--as the readers of this correspond.
ence are sware-been under deliberstiou for sey.
ersl days, and will be offered tonight with the
sanctiou OF several OF tho leading members. who