The twenty-five were all Republicans; the twenty-three were all Democrats, except Mr.Crittenden of Kentucky and Mr.Kennedy of Maryland, who had been supporters of Mr.Bell in the Presidential election.

It is a fact worthy of note that six senators from the extreme Southern States sat in their seats and refused to vote on the proposition.

Had they chosen they could have defeated the action.

But they believed, with a certain consistency and wisdom, that no measure could be of value to the South unless it had the concurrence of senators from the North; and with this motive they imposed upon the Republicans of the Senate the responsibility of deciding the Crittenden proposition.

It was matter of congratulation with Republicans who did not lose their judgment in that trying season, that the Senate stood firmly against the fatal compromise which was urged by so many strong influences.
Much was forgiven for other unwise concessions, so long as this was definitely rejected.
PROPOSITIONS OF THE PEACE CONFERENCE.
Meanwhile a body of men had assembled in the National Capital upon the invitation of the State of Virginia, for the purpose of making an earnest effort to adjust the unhappy controversy.