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130.-the peace proposition.
The following is the
Peace Proposition, offered by
Mr. Cox, of
Ohio, in the House of Representatives, on the 29th of July, 1861:
Mr. Cox. I ask leave to offer the following resolution:
whereas, it is the part of rational beings to terminate their differences by rational methods, and inasmuch as the differences between the United States authorities and the seceding States has resulted in a civil war, characterized by bitter hostility and extreme atrocity; and although the party in the seceded States are guilty of breaking the national unity and resisting the national authority; yet,
Be it resolved, First.
That while we make undiminished and increased exertions by our navy and army to maintain the integrity and stability of this Government, the common laws of war, consisting of those maxims of humanity, moderation, and honor, which are a part of the international code, ought to be observed by both parties, and for a stronger reason than exists between two alien nations, inasmuch as the two parties have a common ancestry, history, prosperity, glory, Government, and Union, and are now unhappily engaged in lacerating their common country.
Second.
That, resulting from these premises, while there ought to be left open, as between two alien nations, the same means for preventing the war being carried to outrageous extremities, there ought also to be left open some means for the restoration of peace and union.
Third.
That, to this end — the restoration of peace and union on the basis of the Constitution — there be appointed a committee of one member from each State, who shall report to this House, at its next session, such amendments to the Constitution of the United States as shall assuage all grievances, and bring about a reconstruction of the national unity; and that, for the preparation of such adjustment and the conference requisite for that purpose, there be appointed a commission of seven citizens of the United States, consisting of Edward Everett, of Massachusetts, Franklin Pierce, of New Hampshire, Millard Fillmore, of New York, Reverdy Johnson, of Maryland, Martin Van Buren, of New York, Thomas Ewing, of Ohio, and James Guthrie, of Kentucky, who shall request from the so-called Confederate States the appointment of a similar commission, and who shall meet and confer on the subject in the city of Louisville on the first Monday of September next.
And that the committee appointed from this House notify said commissioners of their appointment and function, and report their action to the next session as an amendment of the Constitution of the United States, to be proposed by Congress to the States for their ratification, according to the fifth article of said Constitution.
Mr. Washburne, (interrupting its reading.) I
[
436]
object to the introduction of that resolution.
We have had enough of it read.
Mr. Cox. I move to suspend the rules to enable me to introduce it.
The reading of the resolution was resumed and completed.
Mr. Potter. I wish to ask the gentleman from
Ohio if he is willing to insert, among the proposed commissioners, the name of
James Buchanan?
(Laughter.)
Mr. Cox. No, sir; not at all. I call for the yeas and nays on the motion to suspend the rules.
The yeas and nays were ordered.
Mr. Roscoe Conklin. I move that the
House do now adjourn.
The motion was not agreed to.
The question was taken, [on the motion to suspend the rules,] and it was decided in the negative — yeas 41, nays, 85.
