Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1864-07-22
PEACE rnuro,,r,o,r.

The following despatch from Niagara Falls
to the Rochester Democrat we find in the New
York Times Of yesterday:
George N. Sanders, q. c. Clay, Of Alabama,
Jacob Thompson, OF Mississippi, and J, p.
Holcomb, of Virginia, arrived at the Clifton
Their arrival was duly announced in the pub
lie press, and the object Of their mission was
understood to be to consult with the Democrat
ic leaders OF the North in reference to the Chi
caso Convention.
Results proved, however, that they had q
double purpose in view, which was first devel-
oped to Horace Greeley by George N. Sanders,
" no wrote to Mr.. Greeley, stating that Messrs.
Clay, Thompson, and Holcomb were duly rec
ognized commissioners of the Confederate Gov
ernment, and desired to know what terms
could be made for Terminating the war between
the two sections. He added, however, that
these commissioners were not specially author
lied to negotiate for cessation of hOstilities or
a restoration OF the Union, but that they would
like to have an informal conference with such
persons as the United States Government might
indicate to meet them. These facts ha wing been
presented to Mr.. Lincoln, he requested Mr..
Greeley to act In the matter as he thought ad-
Visable under the peculiar circumstances, and
stated that he (Mr. L. should at any time be
pleased to receive propositions from those who
had been in arms against the Government for
return to their allegiance and duty as citi.
Zens of the Union.
He also stated that he should be pleased to
see the Union restored upon any terms con-
sistent with the present and future safety,
welfare, and honor OF the Government. Mr..
Greeley having settled all preliminaries with
MI. Lincoln, proceeded to this place, reaching
here last Monday morning and took up quar-
ters at the International Hotel A correspond
ence was at once opened with the commission
ers, and, as final result, they made the fol-
lowing proposition, and gave it as their opin-
ion that the Richmond Govern ment would
approve and ratify the same. The restora-
tion of the Union i" stat" quo upon this
basis:
1st All negroes which have been actually
freed by the war to be secured in such free
dom.
2d. All negroes at present held as slaves to
Sd. The war debt Of both parties to be paid
by the United States.
4th The old doctrine OF State rights to
be recognized in reconstructing the Union.
This proposition was laid before Mr.. Lin.
coin by Mr.. Greeley. The President at once
telegYaphed to Mr.. Greeley the terms upon
which he would propose settlement and re.
The full and complete restoration OF the
Union In all its territorial integrity; the aban.
donment Of slavery by the seeded States, un.
der conditions which should, while respecting
the property. rights OF all loyal men, afford
ample security against another war In the in.
terest Of slavery.
After considerable correspondence between
the parties, it was concluded to refer the whole
matter back to the two Governments for recon-
sideration. All negotiations having been termi-
Private Secretary Of Mr.. Lincoln, called upon
the commissioners at the Clifton House, on the
Canada side, where protracted and pleasant
interview was held, and the various questions
under consideration were discussed at length.
Mr.. Greeley left the Falls for New York on
this afternoons train. It is understood that
the commissioners, with Sanders and Jewett,
who are both here, are to remain and carry on
negotiations with the Democrats. A letter is
TO be prepared for the Chicago Convention, in
which the commissioners will hold out strong
assurances of q restoration OF the Union under
Democratic auspices. The whole movement is
regarded by many q mere scheme to entrap
the Administr alton into a false position before
the country and the world, for the benefit Of
the disuniOn Democrats.