Bradford reporter. [volume] (Towanda, Pa.) 1844-1884, 1863-04-16
WHAT THE SOUTH REJECTED.
The Proposals Of the Peace Convention.

The following address and resolutions, offer
ed to the acceptance of the southern leader
in the Peace Convention held at Washington
are referred to in onr editorial
" To The People Of the United States:
"On the 4Jh day Of February 1861, IL
compliance with the invitation of the state O
Virginia, Commissioners from several otheI
states met the Commissioners Of that state il
Conference Convention, in the city Of Wash
Egton. From time to time Commissioner
from other states appeared, appointed as were
those who first appeared. some by the legisla
lures and some by the Governors Of their re
spective states, until, on the 23d instant, TWEEN
ty-one states were then represented. The
Convention thus constituted claims no author
ty under the constitution and laws but deep
~ Impressed with sense CT existing dissen
SI0ns and dangers, proceeded to careful con
sideration of them and their appropriate rem
edies, and having brought their deli1eration;
to n close, now submit the result to the judg
ment of their fellow. w.citiZens.
" We recognise and deplore the divisions
aud distractions which now aflict our co0utry
interrupt its prosperity, disturb its peace, and
endange. the Union Of the states but We
repel the conclusion, that any alterations or
d ssensions exist which are irrecOncileable
which justify attempts at revolution, or which
the patriotism and trsternal sentiments of the
people, and the interests and honor Of the
whole nation, will not overcome.
" In n country embracing the central and
most important portion CT the continent, a
mong q people now Numbering over thirty
millions, divercities of opinion inevitably eX-
list and ryalries, intensified at times by local
interests and sectional attachments, must Ct
ten occur yet We do not doubt that the the.
Org of our government is the best which is
possible for this nation, that the union Of the
states is of vital Importance and that the con
stitution, which expresses the combined wis
dom Of the illustrious founders Of the govern
ment,is still palladium OF our liberties, adequate
to every emergency, and justly entitled to the
support Of every good citizen.
" 1t embraces, in its provisions aud spirit
all the defence aud protection which any sec
ton Of the country can rightfully demand 0!
honorably concede
Adopted WIKI primary reference to the
wants OF five millions OF people, but with wisest
reference to future expansion aud development
it has carried rs Onward with rapid increase
Of numbers an accumulation OF wealth, and a
degree CT happiness aud general prosperity
never attaned by any other nation.
Whatever branch OF industry, or what
ever staple production, shall become, in tht
possible changes OF the futnre, the leading i0-
tcrest Of the conntCy, thereby creating uutore
seen complications or new coalicts Of opinion
| rn itcg
States, properly understood and fairly enforc-
ed, is equal to every eXigency, shield and de
fence TO all in every time Of need If, how
ever, by reason Of change in circumstances
or for any cause, a portion Of the-pe0ple be-
lieye they ought TO have thier rights more eX
actly defined Or more fully explained in the
constitution, it is their duty, in accordance
with is provisions, TO seek ii remedy by way
Of amendment to that instrument aud it is
the duty of all the states to CCucGr in sUct
amendments Is may be found necessary to in
sure equal aud exact j"stica to all
In order, therefore, 10 announce to tht
country the sentiments of this Convention, re
Spectng not only the remedy which should bt
sought for existing discontehts, but also t
communicate 10 the public what we believe e
he the patriotic sentiment Of the country, We
adopt the following resolutions :
ReS0lard, That this Convention recognises
the welIunderstood propositin that the Consti
tuition OF the United States gives DO power tC
Congress, or any branch OF the federal govern
ment, to interfere in any manner with slavery
in any Of the states aud we are assured by
abundant testimony that neither o: the greal
political organizations existing in the country
contempiates violation of the spirit of tht
constitution in this regard or the procuring o
any amendment thereof, by which Congress, ,o
any department Of the general government
shall ever have Jurisdiction over slavery in an.
of the states
Rrs2lred That the constitution was ordain
ed aad established, as set forth in the pTeam
hle, by the people of the United States, in or
der TO form q more perfect Union, establish
Justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide fo
the common defence promote the general wei
fare end secure the blessings of liberty t
themselves and their posterity and when tht
people OF any state are not IN full eDJoymen
of all the benefits intended 10 be secured t.
them by the constitution, or their rights 10
der it are disregarded. their tranquility disturb
ed, their prosperity retarded, or their liberty
imperIed by the people of any other state
full and edequate redress can and ought to b'
provided for such grievances.
ResOLred, That the Constitution of the Unit
ed States and the acts of Congress in pursu
ance thereof, are the supreme law Of the land
TO which every citizen owes faithful obedience
-aad it is therefore respectfully recommend
ed TO the legislatures of the several states tC
consider impartiaily whatever complaints ma,
be made of acts, as inconsistent Herewith, bl
sister states or their citizens, and carefully re
wise their statutes, in view Of such complaints
and to repeal what ever provisions may b.
found to be in contravention Of that supreme
law.
Resolred, That this Convention recomment
to the Legislatures of the several States of tb
Union TO follow the example of the legisla