The daily exchange. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1858-1861, 1861-02-20
THE PEACE CONGRESS.
MONDAYS PROCEEDINGS.

MONDAYS PROCEEDINGS.
WASHINGTON, February 1S.-The Peace Congress
opened its session at eleven o'clock, A. NJ and did
not adjourn until four o'clock, P. NJ.
The Territorial question under consideration
to-day, and the debate directed to the object
of securing unanimity on that point.
Various amendments were offered, and a substi-
tute for Mr.. Guthrie's proposition. These were
severally voted down, indicating clearly that the
Convention will ultimately sustain the report of its
committee, to wit, Guthrie's plan of adjustment
The speech that marked the deliberations was
that of Gov. Boutwell,, of Massachusetts, who de-
clered against all compromise concessions at
present He knew of nothing the North had done
called upon to concede Massachusetts,, the State
which he in part represented, is a party to the
great Constitutional compact. She does not desire
to shrink from her share of that responsibility and
is not inclined to release any other State. Massa-
chusetts does not understand that the Constitu-
tional act of electing President is cause for
compromises concessions. To demand them of
her is demanding penalty for doing right thing
in toe right place. 1t was not for him to offer or
accept any compromise. His State perfectly
satisfied with what her people had done, and they
suffered no compunction of conscience for having
exercised their right of citizenship in supporting
the man of their choice for President
Governor Boutwell's speech is considered fair
index of the sentiment of New Engl nd and is the
subject of considerable comment tonight. He be-
lieyes il is the duty of the people of the South to
test the new administration before coudemning it.
Afterwards there viii be time enough for compro-
mise.
Mr. Seddon, of Virginia, made an earnest appeal
for concession. He was in favor of the majority
report if it could be modified so to embrace the
main points in the Virginia resolutions.
Reverdy johnson, of Maryland, moved to amend
the majority report by inserting the word "pres-
ent' in the first line Of article first, so that the
proposition will only apply to present territory
south of thirty-six thirty, and not to territory
hereafter to be acquired.
The motion was adopted.
Mr.. Guthrie, of Kentucky, said he should sup
port the majority proposition, and yield up the
points stricken out OF his plan originally reported
BY him. He urged the delegates from the North to
agree upon something by which the slave States
now in the Union could be induced to remain. Mr..
Guthrie was asked if, in his opinion, the Conven.
tion should agree to any plan of settlement, and at
too late moment for Congress to act upon it,
whether it would have any good tendency, Mr.
Guthrie Immediately responded that it would, be-
in such an event the question could be taker
before the people.
Governor Cleveland, of Connecticut, made con
ciliatory speech, proposing nothing in particular
but putting the Convention in good nature, under
the influence of which it adjourned.
The ultra Republicans are less sauguine than Oh
Saturday in their expectations of defeating the
tion of the committee. If the Michigan and Kan
sas Commissioners arrive here before a vote ii
taken on the plan of compromise they may be able
to defeat it. The Commissioners from these two
States have been sent for especially to defeat any
measures looking to settlement. If this matter
is understood by the Conference, it may strengthen
the conservatives.
There will be strong effort made to bring them
TO vote tomorrow on the Guthrie plan. Ii a vote
is had they will carry it; but if it is delayed unit
other States arrive, there is little hope.
Mr.. Granger, Commissioner from New York, ar
rived this morning and took his seat
An attempt was made TO day TO have verbatim
reporters employed to report the debates of th'
Convention, but the proposition was voted down.