The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1860-12-03
THE CRISIS OF Tile UNION.
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HIGHLY IMPORTANT FROM WASHINGTON.
THE CONFERENCES YESTERDAY.
NO SUNDAYS In REVOLUTIONARY TINES.
fhe Presidents Message to be Referred TO a
Committee OF One from Each State.
THE PLAN AGREED UPON.
Important Amendment to the Consti-
tuition to be Proposed.
Consultations or Southern and
Northern Members.
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RESIGNATION OF SECRETARY COBB.
The South Carolina Delegation
in Town.
THE EXCITEMENT IN WASHINGTON,
70, 90, 90.
Important Amendment to the Consti-
tuition to be Proposed.
Consultations or Southern and
Northern Members.
RESIGNATION OF SECRETARY COBB.
The South Carolina Delegation
in Town.
THE EXCITEMENT In WAS sIHarON,
70, 6c., 10.

6c., &C., GO
WASHINGTON, Dec. 2, 1860.
This city is In state Of excitement preparatory to
she opening of Congress- and has the additional excite
from the election Of Lincoln to the Presidency and which
h agiang our political fabric from centre e crcumfe
renee.
The Union today stands upon the brink Of an abyss
Enorts are being made among conservative to
what they by giving up South Carolina lost beyond
perAdventure for the present. They hope.by solemn
consultation and mutual forbearancc and conciliston
yet 10 save other Southern States in wh;h
a the absorbing thought and ambition.
Twenty four hours win define the probable future OF
the country.
me Union are, to day although is the sabbath
hard at work consulting, devising AMI planning. A
committee may wait upon the President for the purpose
Of inducing him to withhold his Message until consa.
ia,on Of Union men is held. rhs esteemed, il high
circles, q wse and benif ,ent measure.
The message Of the Presiden, win not be sent In til
Tuesday. It's tone win be calm and concilistory.
Secretary Cobb resigned yesterday, his resignation 70
effect Wednesday Had the plan OF he proposed
settlement been made known yesterday, his resgna-
tion would not have been sent in.
This win probably be followed by the resignation Of
Georgia Senator's and Representatives. they cannot
with any reason advise Mr. Cobb retire the exc
catvs hey resdy 70 eaye the legislative branch
Of the same government.
This evening Affairs assumed different aspect and the
vislan, eye may see important movements beneath the
surface There among these members those who do
not despair OF the Union, who deter nlnei human
Efforts can moe, the catastrophe that shall be met
joan CochrSne has proposition which viii settle the
whole matter na viii vote for m II to refer the portion
Of the Message touchng secession In both hocses with
ont debate, committee OF from each state, with
Instructions report, In the Of thirty days.
m amendment, 10 the constitution which win cover
and settle all direrences-the members Of the commit
Tee to be selected by the delegations Of the staie
represented.
II this proposition ia accepted time win be Afforded
Tor deliberation, and . little time for reflection and
=
successful in this the Union win be nrmsr than ever
m IL the wish Of all the leaders OF all political com.
pexions 70 unite in such measures remove every
possible ground Of dicul.y. This deter.
mined upon late day.
number Of prominent, non political, innuensis-
Southern planters and merchants Of the highest rcspec
tabty arrived here Saturday morning, accordance
with previous arrangement amcngs, themselves and,
/ an informed called upon the President arcr which
private caucus meeting held In the parors Of the
Union Club House. nreensh street, where address
was prepared warmly endorsing the President This
address o prsted In the form Of petition and sent
10 rieads N all Of the Southern stcs after which they
arc 70 be sen, 10 their respective representatives Con
rress here, who will be urged 70 sustain Mr. Bachanan
AID The Union. Tnesc gentlemen, who appear 10 be
quiet aDsssuiag ihoaghiful men, an told, represent
slave property TO the amount Of o. 900, which, while
IN The rnion they believe 70 be comparatively s,fe
While oui the Union they contend there safety
me majority OF them len here for their tones ln,
evening and hope % rctsrn in few days with unni,
tskeabe cvdcEee Of the predo Of the coascrvsv
and Union sea. neIi oi lhe goota. This much an pe
risted 10 commuElcae 70 Ao EsEAID whose course As
the great paoiacA.or w ruIysOkuo vlsassi
and appreciated than Al tho present trying time
Resorilcts fscm the seeesss0nlss may DO
introduced al an early sage Of tte proceedings.
MANY Of the leading nemSss of Tho sna.e AMI H0Gfo
Of Representatives, now here have 90 plsnif tne ssl
ilemeni o. Tho qucslons o. tae day and he plcaeoa
Of the South aud TIE Oounny. The mos. 'or.'n,
movcnsnt, u Understood, originates with Senator
cIttcresr and two other conservative menbsrr
rher enact plans no,snown in detail to ou se cir.
eiea bat the nirary condition Of them ia 70 have
caucus % the Southern member, and ,slx
over the ms,ter. state their grievances and
place them in tangible thspc and make
written proposition for lhoir settlement Al ia tam
proposed 70 can caucus cf the Ncrthera nenbers who
shsi prerre another plan for equitable ocnoiaslon
q The momentoas questions al tho south Finally 70
compare the two plans and na united comprmise
plan car be agreed upon that will be satisfactory 10 the
scuth TArNculsry 10 the cotton and snrcms southern
saies
INC South carclBs delegation are all hers. rey have
rcs determined. whether they viii take their seats.
TfeI We eorisrlng win he representatives q ne cot