Cleveland morning leader. [volume] (Cleveland [Ohio]) 1854-1865, 1865-02-11

with the Richmond party. Under these
circumstances, the Secretary, by the Presi-
dents direction, remained at Fort Monroe
and the President joined them there on the
night Of Feb. I'd.
The Richmond party was brought down
the james in .. 8. steamer.
The conference was altogether informal;
there was no attendance of secretaries,
clerks, or other witnesses; nothing was
written or read. The conversation 'al-
though earnest and free, was calm, courte-
GUS and kind on both sides. The Richmond
party approached the discussion indirectly,
and st no time did they make categorical
demands, or tender formal stipulations or
absolute refusals. Nevertheless, during
the conference, which lasted four hOnrs,
the several points at issue between the Gov
ernment and the insurgents we're distinctly
raised and discussed fully, intelligently and
in an smicsble spirit.
What the insurgent party seemed
chiefly TO favor, was postponment ofthe
question of separation upon which the war
is waged, and mutual direction to the
efforts of the government. The Legislative
Judicial and executive appropriation bill
was taken up at one o'clock, but was
laid aside to hear the reading of thes
Presidents message.
After reading Of the latter It was ordered
to be printed.
The Executive Appropriation bill was
again taken up.
The deficiency bill, with the House
amendment sppropristing $4,000 for eI-
ira compensation to clerks, expunged there
from, was added as s new section.
The amendment sPpropriating SCI, 900
for the expenses Of the Government print
ing Office was adopted.
The amendment increasing the eompen-
sation of Congressmen to $4,000, was
lost
Pending the consideration of the amend
ment increasing the salaries of Judges in
California and Oregon the Senate adjourn
ed.
HOUSE.
A message was received from the Presi-
dent relative to the Peace Conference. BE
says Mr.. Blair, although going to Richmond
with his consent, had no authority to speak
or act for the Government. Mr.. Davis
wrote q letter through him expressing his
readiness to send or receive commissioners.
Mr.. Lincoln subsequently expressed him
self to the effect that he was willing to re-
ceive gentlemen informally appointed with
view to secure peace on the basis Of one
common country. The particulars are Civ
en- how the conference was brought about
Particular instructions were given as to
how the rebel commissioners should pass
through the ines, promising safe conduct
and protection. They vera explicitly told
it was TO be an informal conference onthe
basis already mentioned. The commits
sioners wrote letter saying they wished
to csnfer on the subject Of the existing war
and on what terms it may be terminated.
SuppOsing the proper point had been reach
ed the President dispatched Secretary
Seward to meet the commissioners with
instructions to confer on the basis of 8
restoration of the national authority, no
receding by the executive on the slavery
question, no cessation of hostilities short of
an end of the war and q distribution Of
the rebel forces.
MI Seward was further instructed that
he was not to conclude any arrangement.
The President, meanwhile, sent an order
to General Grant, not 10 delay military
operations. Mr.. Seward communicated
with the President, and the latter went
down on the representation Of General
Grant, having previously received dis
patch stating that the commissioners had
accepted the proposed terms on which the
conference was 70 take place.
The commissioners said, in q note, that
their earnest desire was 8 Just and honor
able peace and they were ready to submit,
or receive propositions for that purpose.
In accepting passport they were not to
be understood as admitting apart from the
object of their mission. No papers were
exchanged st the conference which ended
without result.
The House remained in session till $50
this morning, and finally defeated, by
large majority, Washburnes motion to tax
spirits on hand.
On assembling to-day, Messrs. Higby, of |
California, Frank, Of New York, Crsvens, |
of Indians, Ancons, of Pennsylvania, and |
Norton, of Illinois, were appointed COM
mittee to investigate charges Of official
corruption, made by q gentleman who
says he can prove them.
Mr.. Cole, of Californis, reported bill |
granting lands for railroads in that State,
which was referred.
The Senate bill extending tlsk's metal |
lie coffin patent was passed.
The Presidents message was received
and read.
Mr. Washbune, Of Illinois, moved that |
20, 900 extra copies be printed as it was of
great importance and would meet with the |
cordial appreciation of every loyal heart in
the country.
Mr.. Brooks differed with Mr. Wsshburne |
and regretted that the President had |
asked any other terms than submission to |
the Constitution, and that he had closed |
the door against State action at the South. |
He (Brooks) was in favor Of an armistice,
believing that peace would have followed,
and argued that the rebels did not ask for
but were ready for reunion if
the principle Of self-goVernment was Sc
cured.
Mr.. Stevehs said Probably the rebels
ought TO have an advocate on this floor,
and he could see great propriety and fitness
in the gentleman undertaking the work.
WASHINGTON 1TEMs.
WAsHIEGToE, Feb. 10.
The President has approved and signed
L ~ y