February 6, 1861; The New York Herald
WASHINGTON, Feb. 5, 1861.
The Peace Congress assembled this morning at twelve o’clock, and ex-President John Tyler was elected President. Mr. Tyler being the highest official dignitary in the United States, and the State of Virginia, which he in part represents, having initiated the movement creating the convention, it was deemed but an act of courtesy that he should be selected to preside over the body.
Upon taking the chair, Mr. Tyler spoke briefly of the early struggles of the colonies, rehearsing history. He commented upon the present crisis, and finally came to an analysis of the Convention. He pointed to the Vermont delegation, members of which would not have participated in the Convention had Massachusetts declined to send delegates, and commented upon her early history in Revolutionary times; then Connecticut, then North Carolina, and other States of the original thirteen. But he remarked that there was a State whose peerless history in the struggle of the Revolution was eclipsed by no other, and asked, ‘Where is Massachusetts?’
A profound sensation was observed, when Hon. Thomas Ewing, of Ohio, announce, ‘She is coming,’ which produced the most tremendous applause.
The Committee on Credentials reported, that as the delegations of some four or five States had not yet arrived, that they would delay their report.
The Convention agreed to open their daily sittings with prayer, and without transacting any other business adjourned until tomorrow.
The doors of the Convention were guarded by police, whether to keep out Gen. Scott’s troops or the HERALD’s correspondents is not known, as the Convention seems to be about as terrified at the sight of one as the other.
The Iowa Senators and representatives in Congress received instructions from their State to take seats in the Peace Congress, and did so this morning.
The Conference expects to have at least thirteen States in conclave within a few days, and are delaying action to await the arrival of new Commissioners.
After the election of ex-President Tyler as permanent Chairman, the conference voted to have their proceeding thus far made public.
The Pennsylvania Commissioners are favorable to compromise. David Wilmot is not here, nor is he likely to be, as it is reported he has resigned.
The presence of these venerable Commissioners give some encouragement to those who are laboring to save a further disruption of the country. But they have arrived too late to do much good.
Great indignation is manifested here because the Peace Convention hold secret sessions. It is asked what outrage upon the public peace do they propose to commit, that they meet in a dancing saloon and locked themselves up, after the manner of the Star Chamber inquisitions of Henry the Eighth? It is conceded that the Convention is not composed of men who comprehend the living issues of the day, and if they did, they evidently lack the boldness and activity which the times require to meet them. They are the fossil remains of another generation, brought to the surface again, by the storm of secession, as the HERALD of today declares, and which seems to meet with a general echo.