Mr. GUTHRIE:—This amendment would not be satisfactory either to the South or myself. In my judgment, it ought not to be adopted. We claim the right under the Constitution as it is, to go into all the Territories of the Union with our property. This right is confirmed to us by the decision of the Supreme Court. There will be no compromise, if we cannot go home to our people and tell them that you concede this right south of 36° 30´. Otherwise, they would throw the propositions in our faces. As it stands, the article gives you security, North. As it would be when this amendment is adopted, it would give the South law and litigation. We want peace. We cannot take this amendment.
Pending the consideration of the amendment offered by Mr. Curtis, on motion of Mr. James, the Conference adjourned to ten o'clock to-morrow morning.
SIXTEENTH DAY.
Washington, Saturday, February 23d, 1861.
The Conference was called to order at ten o'clock a.m., by President Tyler, and its proceedings commenced with prayer from Rev. Dr. Butler.
The Journal of yesterday, in part, was read. The Secretary stated that he had not found time to complete it.
Mr. ALEXANDER:—I move to rescind the resolution adopted yesterday allowing ten minutes to a member proposing an amendment, and ten minutes for the reply. I do not propose to discuss the motion. I think all will agree upon the necessity of rescinding the resolution. This will leave the five minutes' rule in full force.
A vote by States was asked by several members.