Meeting of Conservative Congressmen

WASHINGTON, May 13. -  A meeting of all the conservative members of Congress from all the States to defeat the schemes of the abolitionist and secessionist was held this evening in the hall of Representatives.  Mr. Crittenden in the Chair and Mr. Cox, Secretary.

Mr. Richardson, to test the sense of the meeting moved that the Chairman have power to call them together whenever it shall again become necessary, in order that they might make arrangements for defeating objectionable measures.  There was no legislation pending of which they knew enough to determine what course to take.  They were in the midst of shifting scenes.  He therefore suggested that the report proposed be not submitted, for when a report was adopted there was no recalling it.  They should hold themselves in readiness to act on all measures as policy might dictate.

Mr. Kellogg concurred in the suggestions.  He thought the results of the meeting on Saturday highly beneficial.  He referred to the modifications of the bill, rendered to secure freedom to the persons within the territories of the United States, it having been stripped of its other features.

Mr. Cox said we had not killed the abolition business yet.  All conservative men ought to consult upon what action should be pursued at all times.  The committee to be appointed ought to see that their friends are in their seats to defeat mischievous legislation, and some plan for convening and combining at any time when necessary.

Mr. Mallory coincided with the view just expressed.  It finally concluded to appoint a Committee of 7 members for the purposes suggested.

Mr. Crittenden suggested that it was desirable that Congress should adjourn at an early day.

Mr. Wickliffe said it appeared the Senate determined not to adjourn, and had rejected the house resolution fixing the time.

Mr. Mallory remarked that he had a conversation with Senator Fessenden, and was informed by him that they would be ready to adjourn by the middle of June.

Senator Powell said he had heard some extreme men remark they would not adjourn during the war.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, May 17, 1862, p. 3