Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1861-02-09
cT UNION OF THE SOUTH FOR
THE SAKE OF THE SOUTH
THE PEACE CONVENTION AT
WASHINGTON.

Correspondence OF the Kew York Hsrad.I
WAsHIN0ToE, February 4.-The peace Con-
gress convened to-day at noon in Wizards
hall. III is probably one Of the most dignifsd
~sssemblsges Of men ever gathered together in
the country. All appear impressed with the
solemnity Of the crisis, and to recognise the
fact that The eyes Of the nation are bent on
their deliberations.
Iowa, under the authority Of Governor Kirk
wood has requested her Senators and Repre-
sentatIves to act as commissioners to the
peace conference. They have the matter in
consultation, and are as yet undecided how to
act, the prevailing impression being that their
duties in Congress and to the state will bar
her their participation in the proceedings Of
the conference.
The Vermont delegation have declined ac-
eepting the invitation Of the governor Of that
State to participate in the peace conference.
They do not recognize The authority that called
the conference.
Ex-Governor Vroom, Of New Jersey, peace
commissioner, arrived Tonight. He, like the
rest, is at a loss what 10 do. They say every
thing looks dark, and it is intimated in Repub-
llcan quarters that things will look still darker
before they leave.
The proceedings Of this body will be
strictly private. The first question likely to
engage its attention after it is organized is the
veEed point Of the status Of the seeding
States. Before proceeding to the discussion
Of the various projects OF settlement, the cen
trail slave States are forced to the inquiry as
to the relation the States that have gone out
sustain TO the Government at Washington.
All Of the central slave States are on record
against coercion, and IL il is TO be the law Of
the incoming government, there is no use in dis
GUSHING what will satisfy the States that are
in, for they will never permit the strong hand
Of federal power to be used against their erring
brothers. Here is the rock on which the de-
liberations Of the Congress are likely to be
irreparably broken up. The particular ques-
ton has to be organized az a condition prece-
dent to any discussion as to adjustment.
The central slave State men ask what is the
use OF spending weeks to arrange a basis OF
pscihcation when the whole edihce falls on the
first stroke Of the Federal hand against the Sc
ceded States. II they are not to be coereed
we will discuss plans Of settlement, and we
believe one can be arranged satisfactory TO
our people, but not otherwise. So it seems
that a question vital 10 the deliberations Of the
Congress comes up in limini, and may dis
peTse it al any moment.
The peace conference is not likely to achieve
the least possible good. The citizens are in.
dignant that the meetings should be held in a
small ball with closed doors. It is regarded
more as a dark lantern convention than one
to whose deliberations the largest publicity
should be given.
Thomas J.. Turner, one OF he Commission
eTs from Illinois, was a member Of Congress
from that State with Mr.. Lincoln in 1919,
The State Commissioners have as yet made
no formal order concerning the conducting Of
their proceedings with closed doors; the ma
jority, however, seem to favor the exclusion Of
the press and the public, at least for the pres
ent, considering that this will secure more
freedom for the interchange OF views. Il is
evident that they will act slowly tonight: a
number Of them are in consultation With men,
beis Of Congress.
The report thar Virginia has demanded the
withdrawal Of troops before entering upon
peace negotiations is not well founded, but
creates some uneasiness.
A committee are here OF secsssionists from
Maryland 10 protest against the admission Of
the delegates from that state.
or GET YOUR TICKETS, AND RE
MEMBER THAT THOSE WHO ARE IN
FAVOR OF CONVENTION MUST HAVE
"CONVENTIOND WRITTEN OR PRINT