The national Republican., 1861-02-27
MR.. TUCK,S PROPOSITION.

We subjoin the proposition made in the
Peace Congress by Mr.. Tuck, Of New Hamp.
shire, being the draft of an address to the peo.
pie, accompanied by resolutions expressive of
the views of the Congress: r.
To the People ofthe United States:
This Convention of Conference, composed in
part of commissioners appointed in accordance
with the legislative action Of sundry States, and
in part of commissioners appointed by the Gov.
ernors of sundry other States, in compliance
with an invitation BY the General Assembly of
Virginia, met in Washington on the 4th of
February, 1861. Although constituting body
unknown to the Constitution and laws, yet be.
ing delegated for the purpose, and having care.
I fully considered the existing dangers and dis
to q close, publish this address, and the ac-
companying resolutions, as the result Of their
deliberations.
We recognise and deplore the divisions and
distractions which now afflict our country, in.
terrupt its prosperity, disturb its peace, and
endanger the Union Of the States but we repel
the conclusion that any alienation or dissen.
sions exist which are irreconcilable, which
Justify attempts at revolution, or which the
patriotism and fraternal sentiments of the peo-
pie, and the interests and honor of the whole
nation will not overcome.
In q country embracing the central and most
important portion of q continent, among q peo.
pie now numbering over thirty millions, diver.
sites of opinion inevitably exist and rivalries,
intensified at times by local interests and sec.
tional attachments, must often occur, yet we
do not doubt that the theory Of our Government
that the Union of the States is of vital import.
ance, and that the Constitution, which ex.
presses the combined wisdom of the illustrious
founders Of the Government, is still the pal.
ladium of our liberties, adequate to every
emergency, and justly entitled to the support
Of every good citizen.
1t embraces in its provisions and spirit all
the defence and protection which any section
Of the country can rightfully demand, or honor
ably concede.
Adapted with primary reference to the wants
Of five millions Of people, but with the wisest
reference to future expansion and development,
it has carried US onward with rapid increase
Of numbers, an accumulation of wealth, and
degree Of happiness and general prosperity
never attained by any nation.
Whatever branch Of industry or whatever
staple production, shall become, in the possible
changes Of the future, the leading interest of
the country, thereby cretting unforeseen com
plicGtions, or new conactc Of opinion and in.
terest, the Constitution of the United States,
properly understood, and fairly enforced, is
al to every exigency, shield and defence
to ali, ia svery time Of need II, however, by
reason of change in circumstances, or for any
cause, portion of the people believe they
ought to have their rights more exactly defined,
or more fully explained in the Constitution, it
is their duty, in accordance with its provisions,
to seek a remedy by way Of amendment to that
instrument; and it is the duty Of all the States
to concur in such amendments as may be
found necessary to insure equal and exact
justice to all.
In order, therefore, to announce to the coun.
try the sentiments of this Convention, respect.
iug not only the remedy which should be
sought for existing discontents, but also to
communicate to the public what we believe to
be the patriotic sentiment Of the country, We
adopt the following resolutions;
/. Resolued, That this Convention recognise
the well. understood proposition that the Con.
stitution of the United States gives no power to
Congress, or any BRANCH of the Federal Gov.
ernment, to interfere in any manner with sla.
very in any of the States; and we are assured
by abundant testimony, that neither of the
great political organizations existing in the
country contemplates violation Of the spirit
of the Constitution in this regard, or the pro-
curing of any amendment thereof by which
Congress, or any department of the General
Government, shall ever have jurisdiction over
slavery in any of the States