The weekly Butte record., 1862-08-02
Meeting Of Conservative Members OF
Congress.


held this afternoon, in accordance with the in
yitation. as announced yesterday, TO the con-
servative members, in the Hall of the House
of Representatives, Crittenden of Kentucky in
the chair, and Cox of Ohio, acting as Secre-
tary.
At a previous meeting, Crittenden, Wick
life, Richardson, Biddle and Cox were ap-
pointed Committee to prepare resolutions,
and Wicklife now presented a series for con-
sideration.
Several of these resolutions gave rise to a
discussion, principally with reference to their
phraseology, during which Menzies of Ken
lucky SAID he was not disposed to assert that
even if the Confscation and Emancipation bills
should become laws be would have little hope
of speedy termination of the war. No, his
hope was in the people. He would appeal
from the Law makers to them.
johnson, of Pa, said it seemed to him that
the hope of the gentleman from Kentucky was
that the people would repudiate the laws-,he
"
Menzes explained his meaning, to the effect
that they would not be approved by the people
or suffered TO remain on the statute books.
Allen, of Ohio, looked on the emancipation
and confscation scheme with adherence. 1t
occurred to him that the border free States had
more to dread from the scheme Of emancipa-
:. fhap bo har eio
Steele, Of New York, said that it was not
generally known that this meeting would take
place to day, and as the resolutions were of a
very important character, he suggested that
their further consideration be postponed. The
members who sympathized with the object of
this meeting should have an opportunity to
participate in the deliberations
A conversation ensued, involving the pro-
priety of postponment which was adversely
decided upon, though by formal vote.
Richardson, of Illinois, expressed the opinion
that if the authority of the Government is to be
everywhere restored, it must be by saying to
the great masses OF the South You have
done wrong lay down your arms, and you
shall not be touched" He was in favor of
saying so decisively.
Biddle, Of Pennsylvania, thought they shod
be guarded, and not express any particular
means of reconciliation.
Richardson, in further explanation, said be
was in favor of applying the batter to the lead
ers of the rebellion.
White, of Ohio, wanted the language Of the
resolutions to be so plain that there could be
no mistake in them.
Holman, of Indiana, said national man of
the country could stand on the Crttenden reso-
rutions heretofore adopted by the House as to
the objects and purposes of the war, better
than on any other. The time for offering an
amnesty has not yet come. When the authori-
ty Of the Government is re-established every
where, then we should adopt magnanimous
and liberal policy toward those who have not
been leaders in the rebellion
Allen, of Ohio, said be was sick and tired of
hearing of the confscation of property when he
saw acts stimulated by personal aggrandze-
ment, and Major General Withdrawing from
his command because he thought he did not
occupy as high position as he deserved. He
confessed that be could discover no indications
of speedy close of the war. He incidentally
said that the leaders should suffer the extreme
penalties of the law.
Mallory, of Kentucky, wanted the resolutions
expressed in plain terms He was opposed to
generalities.
Phelps, of Missouri, after advancing to the
resolution declaring that such punishment
should be inflicted upon such of the guilty lead
ers as will satisfy public justice, ETC., suggested
an amendment, that our Government should
adopt such wise measures of clemency as will
tend to bring back a cordial reconciliation and
peace to the whole country, This was agreed
to.
Hall, Of Missouri, believed that if the Abo-
litionists should succeed in their confscation
and emancipation schemes, they would produce
a serious embarrassment 10 the prosecution of
the war but he should not cease to struggle
for the maintenance of the Constitution, aud to
trust in conservative influences and upon the
Judiciary.
Holman, of Indiana, thought that if these
schemes were not rebuked, there would be but
little hope for the country.
Rollins, of Missouri, was ready to vote for
and sign the resolution now. Although this
was nc: party meeting, we are, be said, lay
ing the foundation OF an organization which is
to exert great moral and political influence
upon the country.
Fouke, of Illinois, regarded this as one Of
the most important meetings ever held here,
for reasons similar to those suggested By the
gentleman who had proceeded him.
The resolutions were then all adopted in an
amended form. as follows:
Feeling the great weight of our responsible
- -, ,,o,,hars IF ConrreS- xa hava mat in m