he Secretary, and I hope the Conference
will be patient for five minutes while it is read.

The proposition of Mr. TUCK was read as follows:

TO THE PEOPLE OF THE UNITED STATES:

On the 4th day of February, 1861, in compliance with the
invitation of the State of Virginia, commissioners from
several other States met the commissioners of that State in
Conference Convention, in the City of Washington. From time
to time, commissioners from other States appeared, appointed
as were those who first appeared, some by the Legislatures,
and some by the Governors of their respective States, until,
on the 23d instant, twenty-one States were then represented.
The Convention thus constituted claims no authority under
the Constitution and laws; but deeply impressed with a sense
of existing dissensions and dangers, proceeded to a careful
consideration of them and their appropriate remedies, and
having brought their deliberations to a close, now submit
the result to the judgment of their fellow-citizens.

We recognize and deplore the divisions and distractions
which now afflict our country, interrupt its prosperity,
disturb its peace, and endanger the Union of the States; but
we repel the conclusion, that any alienations or dissensions
exist which are irreconcilable, which justify attempts at
revolution, or which the patriotism and fraternal sentiments
of the people, and the interests and honor of the whole
nation, will not overcome.

In a country embracing the central and most important
portion of a continent, among a people now numbering over
thirty millions, diversities of opinion inevitably exist;
and rivalries, intensified at times by local interests and
sectional attachments, must often occur; yet we do not doubt
that the theory of our Government is the best which is
possible for this nation, that the Union of the States is of
vital importance, and that the Constitution, which expresses
the combined wisdom of the illustrious founders of the
Government, is still the palladium of our liberties,
adequate to every emergency, and justly entitled to the
support of every good citizen.

It embraces in its provisions and spirit, all the defence
and protection which any section of the country can
rightfully demand or honorably concede.

A