Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1861-03-06
Important News FROM Washington,

WASHINGTON, Feb. q.
SENATE.--Mr. Powell moved to take up the
Crittenden resolutions which had been laying
on the table several weeks because the Peace
Conference was in session, but he now be-
licved that there was a plan on foot on the
part Of the Republicans to prevent any adj
justment by the Conference. As a proof Of
this he read letters from the Senator's from
Michigan TO the Governor Of that State, advi-
sing the appointment of delegates-to the Con-
ference to prevent its aetion, which would
split the Republican party. One Of the let
tiers concludes thus The Union oiH not
be earth a rush mithout a little blood letting
Mr.. Chandler said that these letters were
substantially correct.
The Committee of Conference reported that
they had concurred In the tariff bill, which
stands passed.
A communication from the Peace Confer
ence was read.
Mr.. Crittcnden moved its reference to a Sc
lcct committee, to report tomorrow. Agreed
TO.
IIoUsE-A resolution was adopted appoin-
ting a committee to ascertain if Russell paid
any money directly or indirectly, to any
United States Official, or others, to assist
him in obtaining the government contracts,
&c
The debate on the report of the committee
Of ThlIty-Three was resumed
Several amendments, including Kellogg's
and Crittenden's, were rejected.
The ist and End resolutions were adopted
the latter including the force clause.
Fne 3rd resolution was amended as fol.
lows NO amendment is to be made to the
Constitution which will authorize or give
Congress the power to abolish or interfere
with the domestic institutions Of any State
including that of persons held to service OF
labor under the laws of said State
Pending the discussion of this resolution
the House adjourned.
CoNGREss.-In the Senate, on the 28th
Mr.. Crittenden presented the Peace Confer
ence resolutions, with q recommendation tha
they he submitted to the several State L.egis
latnres; and it was made the special orde
for March LIST. Mr.. Seward offered a reso-
luton for the call of a national Convention
In the House, Mr.. Corwin of Ohio movec
a reconsideration of the vote of Yesterday
by which the proposition to amend the Con
s%titution was rejected. He was in favor Q
recognizing the independence of the South
ern confeieracy, rather than go to war wit
them. The slave States that remain in tn
Union had stood by it nobly, and it was II
more than just that they should have guar
antees from the republican party. The mo
ton to reconsider prevailed--yeas 128, nay
65. The following proposed amendment t
the Constitution of the United States wa
then voted on and carried by the requsit
two-third vote of the House, viz-yeas IS;
nays Is.
ARTICLE 12.-No amendments shall /
made to this Constitution which will author
ize or give Congress the power to abolish
interfere in any State with the domestic il
situations thereof, including that of person
held to service or labor by laws Of said Stat
This amendment, if ratified by thre
fourths of the Legislatures of the sever
States in the Union, will become a part
the Constitution of the United States, Or,
vided it shall first pass the Senate of the |
S. by a two third vote, which is considere
doubtful, and of which we shall know in
day or two.
An Intellectual effort was made to get u
the force bill, but it was generally discou
aged by the republicans. 1t is considere
etfectually killed.
About fifty Republicans voted with men
bers of all the other political parties for Co
wins amendment to the Constitution. Hin
man, of Ark, was the only Southern men
Der who voted with the Republicans in tt
negative Although there is no probabilit
of the amendment passing the Senate, the a
ton of the House gives much joy to the Co
servatives.