Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1861-02-12
THE PEACE cONGREssI

A Washington correspondent furnishes the fol-
lowing in connection with the proceedings OF the
Peace Congress on Wednesday. As they occasion
ally sit with closed DOORS it is difficult to say how
this correspondent obtained his information but we
give it for what it is worth:
The Peace Congress are making little progress
They move slowly and surely. Their sessions still
incline to be secret. At their meeting this morn
ing, after adopting rules, by which they are to be
governed, Mr. Guthrie, of Kentucky, offered a reso-
luton for the appointment of committee from
each State to be selected by the delegates of each
State-on whom is to devolve the important duty of
reporting some plan of adjustment.
Mr.. Guthrie sustained his motion in powerful
and patriotic speech, in which he showed the great
Importance of speedy settlement of the political
differences now disracting the country. The great
Mississippi Valley he stated had right to be heard
on this vital question. She had more at stake in
this matter than any other section of the Union and
he called upon the Convention to come rSard, and
in proper spirit laying aside all prejudice and bias,
adjust the differences which had we'll nigh destroy
ed and if not speedily settled, would entirely de-
stroy our glorious Union.
MIR. William c. Rives, of Virginia. followed in the
same strain, making patriotic appeal to the con-
servatives, urging the adoption of Mr.. Guthries res
olution.
Mr. Caleb B. Smith, of Indiana also spoke in favor
of the resolution. He for doing everything that
was honorable and just to bring about an amicable
settlement
Mr. Chase, of Ohio, also sustained the resolution,
and made an exceedingly conservative speech. He
was willing to concede every thing that was proper
and right to the border States and he thought that
by mutual concessions all sides the troubles that
now menaced the Union might be happily and speed
| lily averted.
Mr.. Seldom, of Virginia, conceded with much
that had been said. He hoped the resolution would
be adopted, and that the Convention would proceed
at once to the important matter for which they as
sembled.
Judge Ruffn, of North Carolina, made powerful
appeal in behalf as he said of the Old North State
| whose people were anxious for settlement of the
questions at issue between the two sections. He
alluded to the alarming posture of affairs, and the
imminent peril of the country. The questions before
| this Convention were of the highest Importance,
and he urged every member to lay aside his party
| feelings and devote himself to the cause of his
! country. His speech was listened to with profound
4 attention.
Mr. Amos Tuck, of New Hampshire, spoke in
favor of the resolution. He, too, was anxious for
early settlement of the agitating questions that
| divide the two sections.
Other speeches were made and the debate was
continued until nearly three o'clock, when the ques-
ton was put and unanimously carried
After some further preliminary business, among
which was a motion that the Convention furnish
the press with synopsis of their proceedings each
day, which was referred to a committee, who are to
report upon it tomorrow, the Convention adjourned
Minnesota will appoint delegates to the Peace
Conference. Judge Goodrich and Captain Bakey
now here, will probably be appointed by Governor
Ramsey.
1t is thought by some Southern members that the
commissioners may agree upon Crittenden's com
promise, modified so as to compose Senate of two
classes of members, Northern and Southern, witt
the constitutional provision that territory
shall be acquired without the sanction of majority
of each Glass; this proposition to be submitted to
convention composed of delegates chosen directly
from the people.
The latest speculations in Republican circle!
about the Peace Conference to the effect that thu
proceedings will be protracted until after the 4th
March. Delay is desired by non-compromisers, il
order that Mr.. Lincoln shall have the>sclat of pre-
senting propositions in his inaugural that will Leaf
to a peaceful solution of the difficulties.