my
Appropriation bill was under consideration, proceedings relating to
the Peace Conference were opened as follows:

Mr. POWELL:--Is it in order to move to postpone this bill and take up
another?

The PRESIDING OFFICER:--The Chair believes it is in order.

Mr. POWELL:--I move to postpone the Army bill for the purpose of
taking up the resolutions to amend the Constitution proposed by my
colleague. For several weeks Senators have declined to make an effort
to call up the propositions of my colleague, for the reason that
certain Peace Commissioners were in session in this capital, convened
at the call of the State of Virginia. I am confident now that that
Commission, or Peace Congress, or Conference, or whatever you may call
it, will not accomplish any thing. Indeed, certain facts have fallen
under my notice, that cause me to believe that it has been the fixed
purpose of certain Republicans that that Conference should not
accomplish any thing. I believe, sir, that certain commissioners from
States of this Union have been brought into that Conference for the
purpose of preventing them from agreeing on any thing. I have thought
that for some time past. A friend sent to me yesterday the Detroit
_Free Press_, containing two letters from the distinguished Senators
from the State of Michigan to their Governor, which, I think, clearly
and fully establish the fact that the Republicans, a portion of them
at least, instead of sending commissioners to that Conference with a
view to inaugurate something that would compromise the difficulties by
which we are surrounded, and save this country from ruin, have
absolutely been engaged in the work of sending delegates there to
prevent that commission from doing any thing. I send this paper to the
desk, and ask the Secretary to read these letters.

The Secretary read as follows:

WASHINGTON, _February 15th, 1861._

DEAR SIR: When Virginia proposed a Convention in Washington,
in reference to the disturbed condition of the country, I
regarded it as another effort to debauch the public mind,
and a step toward obtaining that concession which the
imperious slave power so insolently demands. I have no doubt
at present but that was the design. I was therefore pleased
that the Legislature of Michigan was not disposed to put
herself in a position to be controlled by such influences.

The Convention has met here, and within a few days the