In Washington, the U.S. House creates its "Committee of Thirty-Three" on the sectional crisis

The House of Representatives gathered for the "lame duck" session and immediately determined to form a committee, one member from each state to immediately explore ways to moderate and mediate the sectional crisis.  Called very quickly "The Committee of Thirty-Three," it was approved 145 to 38, with almost all the "nays" coming from southern members, and Ohio Republican Thomas Corwin named as chair.  It reported on January 14, 1860 it had agreed on a constitutional amendment to protect slavery where it existed.  (By John Osborne)