New-York daily tribune., 1861-02-18
THE LATEST NEWS,
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MAGNETIC TELEGRAPH.
From Washington.
specisl Dispatch to The n. Y. Tribune. 20,
'f'' WASHINGTON, Feb. II, 1861.

The city was filed with rumOrs yesterday, that
tbe " Peace" Convention had abruptly adjourned
in much excitement. They were entirely un-
founded. Mr. Baldwin Of Connecticut maze an
able argument in favor of calling a National
Convention in the alternative manner prescribed
by the Constitution on the application ol the
Legislatures of twothrds of the severh STATES
He thought this mode would AFFORD time lor It,
aecton. and avoid the prccipltancy OF urging
recommendations through Congress, when, II Ge-
feated. would only increase the embauassments'
MFR. Guthrie thought some immediate and de-
cisiye action was necessary to save the Border
States, aud unless ii was obtained there would
be great danger Of further secession. lie AM
madyerted, with much severity, upon the refusal
of Congress TO meet the exigency, and the ao-
sence Of sogacity, in not proposing some renedy'
while the Union was crumbling to pieces.
Mr.. Curtis Of Iowa answered this reference to
Congress with much effect, saying that II was
a deliberative body, and had right to con-
slider all the propositions submitted calmly
He believed there had been an organized con-
spiracy to break up the Government, and that
40 compromise here could have prevented 1t.
And he inquired of Mr. Guthrie whether he
thought even his own plan would have arrested
that movement
Mr.. Guthrie answered that it would have
saved some Of the States.
Mr.. Curtis then examined Mr.. Guthries
scheme aud demonstrated that its purpose was
TO establish and protect Slavery in future acqns-
tions of territory by an artful use OF language
aud to that the people of the North would never
consent. They were pledged against H. ana
would not surrender their principles, but intended
no aggression on the rights Of the South.
This declaration occasioned some commotion,
aud Mr.. WyckliIo and others rose and pro-
pounded interrOgatories.
Reyerdv johnson admitted that Mr. Guthrle's
plan did not distinctly exclude the future acqusI-
ton of territory, which he desired to have en-
phstcaIly declared, aud therefore offered an
amendment to that effect, which was generally
acceptable. No vote was taken on any OF the
plans, and, after some rambling discussion, the
Convention adjourned.
The probability is, this body will close its ses-
sion during the present week. The South Is dis
posed to reduce its demands materially No
proposition recognizing Slavery IN the Territories
can command such vote us would be elective
IN Congress, and the Compromisers may finally
settle down on . recommendation for National
Convention, as suggested by the Legislature oil
Kentucky, which requires twO-thirds OF the
States
Prominent members Of the Virginia Convention
nave written here, inquiring as to the prospect
of action in the Conference. They have only
been comforted by assuran Of good dispositions.
THE SPECIAL COsIEITTEE OF FIVE.
The Special Committee of Five yesterday au-
thorzed three reports TO be made--One by Mr..
Dawes upon the Navy Branch, with resolutions
condemaing severely Mr. Toucey's conduct IN
accepting the designations of traitors; one by Mr..
REYNOLDS on Mr. Buchauan's correspondence with
the Secessionists, and one giving general re-
view of the subjects referred to the Committee
by Mr. Howard
THE CHIRIQUI CLAIM.
The Senate receded from the Chiriqui amend
ment to the Deficiency bill after three confer
ences. The ownership of the scrip is alleged as
one of the causes for that remarkable ad1e.
siveDess.
THE PACIFIC RAILROAD.
The Pacific Railroad bill viii be called up on
Tuesday, but the third route imposed by the
Senate, and Mr. Craig's amendment superadded
IN the House, are staggering loads to carry in
the present condition Of the Treasury 1t wlll
therefore, fail this session.
THE TARIFF.
The vote on the tariff is expected to be reached
an Tuesday The House will, probably, non
concur in the amendments, and send the bill to
= conference Committee, where, it is hoped, the
warehousing feature, carried by Mr.. Seward,
will be corrected. 1t gives the British and other
foreign manufacturers immense advantages, and
at the very time when those Governments are
sgnif,ing the purpose here TO recognize the
Southern COnfederacy.
THE SUPREME COURT VACANCY.
Nr. Buchanan has made personal appeals TO
,nost Of The Democratic Senator's and several
Republicans to confirm the nomination Of Judge
Black, but he refused to nominate him two
months ago when his party had clear majority.
THE NEW LOAN.
Gen. Dix expects to get his Light Million
loan taken at about 90. In three months it viii
command a premium, when the people feel they
have Government, and Offices are Purged of
traitors.
TIE KANSAS !UDGEsIHP
Judge Petit will be rejected or sLeved when
ever his nomination is again considered. His
friends nearly succeeded in their last ruse, but
The Republicans will be more vgilant hereafter.
There are now pending before the Senate, be-