Richmond Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1862-1865, 1863-02-16
stepheu A. Douglas.

Mr. Nav, Of Baltimore, made very able speech in
the Yankee Congress against the whole policy of the
Yankee Government and in favor of peace and the i'm
mediate recognition Of the Confederate States In the
course of his remarks be made the following statement
respecting the late S. A. Douglas;
Mr. Sneaker that eminent and iar-seeing statesman,
the late Judge Douglas avowed TO me in April pIeced-
ing his DEATH his solemn conviction that oar political
union was at an end violate no confidence IN repeating
hs oppions since he assured me it was his purpose TO
rubsb his views at an early day and If the sequel OF
H. life NAV seem in conflict with these views there
those among his personal friends here this floor, who
can reconcile his conduct and show the conformity OF
his plans with peaceful though it might be revolu-
tonary solution Of our national troubles. Judge Douglas
on that OCCASION read 70 elaborate essay that he
told me had cost him more thought and labor than any
work Of his life that he feared it was too long, and he
wished both 10 abridge and simplify it. that it might
be read and understood by all that he would revise 1t
at Chicago and then give il to bis counymen. DEATH
alas denied this most patriotic design.
That essay bscrbed our present situation TO the sg
rressye spirit of Northern Abolitionsm. II declared
bs conviction that the union of our States originally
formed and maintained finally destroyed, and no po-
ca union could exist again between the Tree ana slave
holding States that such an idea must be abandoned
and a commercial union founded upon the plan gener-
ay of the zoverein Of the States Of Germany be ac-
ceped as the only practicable arrangement to secure
peace now and hereafter The mastery paper, every
word of which heard read by himself and which since
his death have endeavOred in vain TO procure Tor the
benefit Of its wise counsels TO our counrymen, luy eh
planned the PLAN operation, and results OF the zoVere
and showed how with certain notifications, 1t could be
adapted TO sustain all those principal and nnuen-
ces which have hitherto made the United States the hap
piest and most prosperous Of nations
Mr. May concluded his speech by reading the follow
ing resolutions which he intended to offer for adoption
Whersas, The deplorAbe civil war now existing be-
tween the States heretofore composing our Union has
failed 10 restore it, and if continued longer, will des'
troy all hope of its restoration in the fnture as ogl-
pally formed and maintained by Federal Consttu-
ton and no other political Union is either desirable or
practicable and whereas the interests of humanity, OF
civilization aud the future Of free constitutional Gov
ement all concur in requiring that this dreadful
test of arms should be terminated; Therefore,
Be Il resolvsd l. That it is the duty of Congress at
once to appoint commissioners to effect an armis-
tce between the contendng armies and to secure peace
at all events.
2. That said commissioners be empowered by COM
PROMISE to restore the Union if pOSsble but If not,
then TO arrange the terms of peaceful separation from
the Union as well of those States which now claim
to have seeded, Of such others as by the will OF
their people in sovereign conventions assembled, may
hereafter ordan TO sece6e, aud the said commission
ers be solemnly enoiued so to conduct their negos'
tons secure by every proper and honorable means
if practicable more harmonious and permanent re-
union of all the States in commercially not political
system.
g. That said commissioners make report Of their
transactions to Congress soon possible, in order
that such legislation may be provided may be neces-
ary to assemble the people Of the several States in con-
vention to determine their action in the premises.
l. That in the event Of refusal by the Government
Of the United States peace and the only hopes
of a reunion upon the terms and by the means herein
provided or by some other practicable pan is hereby
recommended to the governments of the several States
now composing the Union at to take measures TO
effect these objects