WASHINGTON, FRIDAY, February 8th, 1861.
The Convention was called to order
at 12 o’clock by President TYLER. Prayer
was offered by Rev. Dr. BUTLER. After sundry amendments,
the Journal was approved.
Mr. SUMMERS: I am directed
by the Committee on Credentials to report that they
find the following gentlemen duly accredited as members
of the Convention:
New York. David
Dudley Field, William Curtis Noyes, James S. Wadsworth,
Erastus Corning, Amaziah B. James, James C. Smith,
Addison Gardner, Greene C. Bronson, John A. King,
John E. Wool.
Massachusetts. John
Z. Goodrich, John M. Forbes, Richard P. Waters, Theophilus
P. Chandler, Francis B. Crowninshield, George S. Boutwell,
Charles Allen.
Missouri. John D.
Coalter, Alexander W. Doniphan, Waldo P. Johnson,
Aylett H. Buckner, Harrison Hough.
On motion of the respective delegations
the following gentlemen were added to the committee
raised on the resolution of Mr. GUTHRIE:
New York. Mr. Field.
Missouri. Mr. Doniphan. Tennessee. Mr.
Zollicoffer.
Mr. GUTHRIE: I am instructed
by the committee raised upon the resolution introduced
by myself, to inform the Convention that that body
is not able to report to-day, agreeable to the suggestion
made at the time they were appointed. Several
States are yet unrepresented on the committee, and
delegations from some of them have only arrived this
morning. I am therefore directed to ask for further
time to make a report, assuring the Convention, at
the same time, that a report will be made at soon
as a proper regard to the interests of all sections
will permit it to be done.
Mr. CLAY: I move that the
time for the report of the committee be extended until
Monday next. As in the mean time there will be
little business for the Convention to do, and that
of a formal character, it might be as well to adjourn
from this time until Monday; and I move further, that
if delegates arrive from States now unrepresented,
they may present their credentials to the committee,
and if no question arises on them, they may then select
a member of the committee on Mr. GUTHRIE’S resolution,
and report his name to the Secretary of that committee.
Mr. SEDDON: I object to
an adjournment until Monday. We can meet here
to-morrow and do any business which may come before
us.
The several motions of Mr. CLAY, with
the alteration suggested by Mr. SEDDON, were then
agreed to without a division.
Mr. ELLIS: I move that
the President be requested to issue cards of admission
to the members and officers of this Convention.
Which motion was adopted.
Mr. HITCHCOCK: I would
like to understand whether we all construe the rule
referring to the secrecy of our transactions alike.
I am told that different constructions are placed
upon it by different members, and would suggest the
propriety of the PRESIDENT’S giving his views
of the meaning of the rule.
The PRESIDENT: I understand,
by the correct interpretation of the rule, that nothing
which is said or done in the Convention having reference
to any subject of business in it, can be spoken of
or disclosed to any but members.
The Convention then adjourned.