to arrive at a fair settlement, we have voted against Mr. SEDDON'S
amendment.

Mr. CRISFIELD:--Like Delaware, Maryland prefers the CRITTENDEN plan of
adjustment. That we think is now impossible. But that plan does not
differ very widely from the report of the majority. Certainly not
enough to warrant us in risking the Union, when we can get the one and
cannot have the other. For this reason Maryland votes "No" on Mr.
SEDDON'S proposition.

Mr. CLAY:--I gave notice some days ago that I should offer as a
substitute the CRITTENDEN resolutions--pure and undefiled--without the
crossing of a "t" or the dotting of an "i." I now offer them as
follows, and demand a vote by States:

WHEREAS, the Union is in danger; and owing to the unhappy
divisions existing in Congress, it would be difficult, if
not impossible, for that body to concur, in both its
branches, by the requisite majority, so as to enable it
either to adopt such measures of legislation, or to
recommend to the States such amendments to the Constitution
as are deemed necessary and proper to avert that danger; and
whereas, in so great an emergency, the opinion and judgment
of the people ought to be heard, and would be the best and
surest guide to their representatives: Therefore,

_Resolved_, That provision ought to be made by law, without
delay, for taking the sense of the people, and submitting to
their vote the following resolutions as the basis for the
final and permanent settlement of those disputes that now
disturb the peace of the country and threaten the existence
of the Union.

And that whereas serious and alarming dissensions have
arisen between the Northern and Southern States, concerning
the rights and security of the rights of the slaveholding
States, and especially their rights in the common territory
of the United States; and whereas, it is eminently desirable
and proper that those dissensions, which now threaten the
very existence of this Union, should be permanently quieted
and settled by constitutional provisions, which shall do
equal justice to all sections, and thereby restore to the
people that peace and good will which ought to prevail
between all the citizens of the United States: Therefore,

_Resolved_, That the following articles be, and hereby are,
proposed and submitted as amendments to the