Indiana State sentinel. (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1861-1865, 1862-05-19
Meeting of Conservatives in Congress
A Determination 10 Oppose the
Passage of Abolition Measures.

WASHINGTON, May IL.
In accordance with previous notice, there was
a meeting of the conservative members of both
branches of Congress in the Hall of Representa-
tives yesterday afternoon, for the purpose of
sulting as to the best means to defeat the
schemes of the Secessionsts and Abolitionists.
The meeting consisted of the following named
gentlemen:
New York-Eljah Ward and John B. Steele
New Jersey-George I Cobb and William G.
Steele.
Tennessee-Horace Maynard and Al. Glenn
ents.
Pennsylvania Philip johnson and Joseph
Bailey. t
ohio-wm Allen, Samuel s. Cox and James
X. Morris.
Illnois-wm m. A. Richardson, J. C. Robertson,
A. L. Knapp and VIM Kellogg.
Rhode Island-Wm. p Sheffield.
Kentucky-John j. Crittenden, Garrett Davis
L. W Powell, Robert Mallory, John W. Men
zies. Aaron Harding. Vim. H. Wadsworth, Henry
Order, George w. Dunlap, L. Casey and Chas,
A. Wcklihe.
VIM. s. Holman and John Law.
Missouri-R Wilson, T, L. Price, W. A. Hall,
John w. NOEL and James s. Rollins.
Maryland-John W. Crisield and Edwin II.
Webster.
virginia-Joseph segar, Jacob B. Blair and
VIM q. Brown.
Delaware-W Willard Salisbury and George z.
Fisher.
Shortly after the hour appointed for the meet
ing Mr.. Mallory. of Kentucky, arose and stated
the reasons that had induced the call for such a
consultation. 1t had been made in the hope that
there might be some concert of action to destroy
the enemies of the Union, South and North, and
/ with view to future results that were not only
expected but also needed and demanded by the
people of the country. The object was to do
! good service in this time of peril, when we were
Threatened with destruction by abolition and Sc
cession, and to unite against ali schemes which
are imperilng our republic.
On motion Of Mr. Sheffield of Rhode Island
Hon. j. J. Crttenden, of Kentucky chosen
| Chairman
On being escorted to the chair, Mr.. Crittenden
said:
1--WE are assembled, as understand, for pa
triotic purpose-none other than to consult on
/ the best mode and manner to preserve and pro
mote the vital interests ofthe country, and adopt
some wise plan of action to secure its redemption
and everlasting welfare. This is the object and
the only object, of the meeting In such coun-
Gil l am glad to be. Our acts are not to be in
fuenced by any party purpose. much less is it our
object to organize any new party. Our country
| is the only object to claim our attention, while
we are to give that attention to the performance
of such duty in the most wise and efficient man
ner. He had heretofore taken his part in politics
I'VE all had-but now he wished to devote the
remnant os his life to the great purpose of saving
our Republic. We should take such action as
men and patriots"
On motoH of Mr. Cravens, of Indiana, Mr.
Cox, Of Ohio, was chosen Secretary of the meet
ing.
Mr. Wickffe of Kentucky, said we had bet
ter have some unity of action for the purpose oil
declaring the object of the meeting, and suggest
ed committee. He moved for such COM
mittee,
Mr.. Mallory suggested that in the formation Of
the committee, to get the largest expression o.
the people OF the United States, one from each
State present be selected. M
Mr.. Wickliffe accepted the suggestion.
Mr.. Steele IN. Y } said there was no desire OF
his part to give this meeting partisan character
The meeting had not been called as he under
derstood, with a view to party policy of any kind
whatever, although many of US have been mixed
up during our lives with party matters, party pre-
objections, and party prejudices. But we are in
time when all personal and party consideration
pales before the immense and moment0us event:
that have transpred, and the immense subjects
and great questions submitted 10 our Judgment
and action. We meet here to day with but on,
desire and purpose, and that is TO rise above al
party consideration. that we may act wisely fo
ourselves and our posterity, and the present anC
future good OF the country. /, for one, am ready
to engage in any measure that will tend 20 thi
result am ready 20 make any sacrifice, perso
nal or otherwise, that may be considered neces
sary for the best interests 9th country. i hop,
the committee suggested for appointment vii
report some resolution that will unite us all to
gether as one solid body, to act for the good o
the whole country.
Mr.. Wickliffe-I think made it distinct tina