The Nashville daily union. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1862-1866, 1865-06-29


its laws, nor stay the judgment of tn,
Court; for the legislative and iudicia
power had co-equal Jurisdiction with
the Executive. But be did offer an the
power Of mercy, and pardon, and inhu
ence, both ss the Chief Magistrate and
as popular party leader, and that is a
better offer than rebels on the eve Of
destruction and ruin ever had before
from victorious power
Mr.. Hunter stated that he had never
entertained any fears for his person or
life from so mild a Government as that
of the United States 10 which Mr.. Lin
coin retorted that he, also, had felt easy
as to the rebels, but not always 80 easy
about the lamp posts around Washing
ton city--a hint that he had already
done more faVors for the rebels than
was exactly popular with the radical
men of his own party.
During the conference the proposed
amendments TO the Constitution adopt
ed by Congress on the 3lst were brought
to notice; these amendments provide
that neither slavery nor involuntary
servitude, except for crimes, should ex-
list within the United States or any
place within its jurisdiction, and Con
gress should have power TO enforce the
amendment by appropriate legislation.
Mr.. Lincoln had almost assumed the
tone of argument, and minated that
the States might do much better TO re-
turn to the Union at once, than to
stand the chances of continued war and
the increasing bitterness Of feeling in
Congress; and that the time might come
when we would cease to be an erring
people, invited back to the Union as
citizens, but looked upon perhaps as
enemies TO be exterminated or ruined.
Mr.. Seward then remarked: "Mr.
President, it is as well to inform these
gentlemen that yesterday Congress act
ed upon the amendment to the Consti-
tuition abolishing slavery"
Mr.. Lincoln stated thatwas true, and
suggested that there vas a question as
to the right of the insurgent States to
return at once and claim right to vote
upon the amendment, to which the
concurrence OF two-thirds of the States
was required
He stated that il would be desirable
to have the institution of slavery abol-
ished by the consent of the people as
soon as possible-he hoped within six
years. He also stated that four humid
red millions of dollars might be offered
as compensation to the owners, and re-
marked, You would be surprised were
l to give you the names of those who
favor that"
Mr.. Hunter said something about
the inhumanity Of leaving so many
poor old negroes and young children
destitute, by encouraging the able
bodied negroes to run away, and asked
what are they-the helpless--to dO2
Mr.. Lincoln said that reminded him
of an old friend in Illinois, who had a
crop of potatoes, and did not want to
dig them. So he told a neighbor that
he Eould turn in his hogs and let them
dig them for themselves. But, said the
neighbor, the frost will soon be in the
ground, and when the soil is hard fro
zen, what will they do then2 To which
the worthy farmer replied, "let EN-
root"
Mr. Stephens said he supposed that
was the original of Root Hog or Die,
and fair indication of the future of
the negroes.
The finishing up part of the report
Of Mr.. Davis commissioners reads
thus:
OF all correspondence that preceded
the conference herein mentioned, and
leading TO the same, you have hereto
fore been informed.
Very respectfully, your obedient ser
wants, ALExAEDER H STEPHENS,
R. M T. HUsTER,
JoHNiA CAEPBELL
We remark now, that all we know of
the correspondence above mentioned
we have fr n the report of Mr.. Seward,
as Mr.. Davis never favored US with it
The whole meeting was friendly, and
the parting cordial, as reported. Mr..
Stephens reported to Mr.. Davis that
nothing had been done, but that moth
ing was determined, and that if be re,
lied upon the sincerity Of Mr. Blair, the
conference was but a confirmation Of
the desire for peace on the part of the
United States, and the way open for
settlement. Mr.. Davis, however, looked
upon the proposition as insulting, and
seemed to have the concurrence Of Mr..
Hunter in that view, somewhat. He
wished q statement to 90 before the
public that only insulting terms were
rendered; but the commissioners de
clined 10 make it, on the ground that
it was not true.
With some difficulty they secured the
reception Of the brief and perfectly
truthful, but not very clear report that
vas published, and Mr. Davis put the
eoloring to it, and endeavored 70 Sc
cure his object Of crushing the great
Southern Peace party By an inAamma-
tory dispatch all over the country, fol-
lowed by the actual report, with the
following ingenious preface, written by
himself:
EXECUTIVE OFFICE, richmond,
Feb. 6, 1865
To tie Senate and House Of Representatives.
ef tie Confederate States
/ recently received written notifca-
ton which satisfied me that the Presi-
dent Of the United States was disposed
10 confer informally with any official
agents that might be sent by me, with
q view TO the restoration Of peace.
requested the Hon A II. Stephens,
Hon. R n I. Hunter, and Hon. John
A. Campbell 70 proceed through our
lines and hold conference with Lincoln,
or such persons IS he might depute 70
represent him
/ herewith submit for the informa.
ton Of Congress the report Of these en-
inent citizens above named, showing
that the enemy refused 70 enter into
negotiations with the Confederate
States, or any Of them separately, or
give our people any other terms or
guarantees THAN those which Congress
may grant or 70 permit as b have a
vote on any other basis than our uncon-
ditional submission 70 their rule,
coupled with the acceptance Of their
recentlegislstion, including the amend
ment Of the Constitution emancipating
al negro slaves and with the rights on
the part Of the Federal Congress to leg.
islate on the subject Of the relations
between the white and black popula-
tons in each State Such il, a. / IN
derstand, the effect Of the amendment |
70 the Constitution which has hsen
adopted By fhs congFsssof.t the Uniasd !
ssAteA JEEEERsos DAYTA !