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584 DOUGLASS' MONTHLY. JANUARY, 1862 [[line]] [[3 columns]] [[column 1]] THE SUBJECT OF SLAVERY IN CONGRESS. [[short line]] HOUSE——DEC. 2. Mr. ELIOT (Rep., Mass.) offered the following resolutions: Resolved, by the House of Representatives, First——That in behalf of the people in the U.S., we do again solemnly declare that the war in which we are now engaged against the insurgent bodies now in arms against the Government, has for its object the suppression of such rebellion and the rebellionists, and the restoration of the rightful authority of the National Constitution and laws over the entire extent of our common country. Second——That while we disclaim all the power under the Constitution to interfere by the ordinary legislation with the institutions of the several States, yet the war now existing must be conducted according to the usages and rights of military service, and that, during its continuance, the recognized authorities should recognize the maxim that the safety of the State is the highest law, subordinates the right of property, and dominates over civil relations. Third——Therefore we so hereby declare, that in our judgment the President of the U.S., as Commander-in-Chief of our army, and the officers in the command under him, have the right to emancipate all persons held as slaves in any military district in a state of insurrection against the National Government, and that we respectfully advise that such on order of emancipation be issued whenever the same will avail to weaken the powers of the rebels in arms, or to strengthen the military power of the loyal forces. Mr. DUNN (Rep., Ind.) moved to lay the resolutions on the table, but the motion was disagreed to by a vote of 56 against 77. The question recurring on Mr. Elliot's resolutions, Mr. Conkling (Rep., N. Y.) proposed an amendment, which Mr. Eliot accepted, so as to make the resolutions apply to the slaves of disloyal citizens. On the motion of Mr. Stevens, (Rep., Pa.,) the consideration of the resolutions was postponed until to-morrow week, in order that it may be discussed and amendments submitted. He was in favor of the main features of the proposition, but desired modification. Mr. CAMPBELL (Rep., Pa.) gave notice that he would call up the following on the next Tuesday week: Resolved, That in legislating to meet the exigencies of the present rebellion, Congress should confiscate the property, slaves included, of all rebels, and protect the property and rights, under the Constitution and laws, of all loyal citizens. Mr. STEVENS (Rep. Pa.) submitted the following for future consideration: Whereas, Slavery has caused the present rebellion in the United States; and Whereas, There can be no solid and permanent peace and union in the Republic, so long as that institution exists within it; and Whereas, Slaves are now used by rebels as an essential means of supporting and protecting the war; and Whereas, By the law of nations, it is right to liberate the slaves of an enemy to weaken its power; therefore be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives, that the President be requested to declare free, and direct our generals and officers in command to offer freedom to all slaves who shall leave their masters, or shall aid in quelling the rebellion. 2d, And it be further Resolved, That the United States pledge the faith of the nation to make full and fair compensation to all loyal citizens who are, or shall remain active in supporting the Union for all the losses they may sustain by virtue of this resolution. HOUSE——DEC. 4. Mr. GURLEY (Rep., Ohio) gave notice of his [[/column 1]] [[column 2]] intention to introduce a bill to confiscate all property belonging to persons in rebellion against the Government of the U.S., including persons recognized as slaves, who shall be made free men; to provide for their employment during the war; their subsequent apprenticeship to loyal masters, and their final colonization. Mr HUTCHINS (Rep., Ohio) introduced the following, which was adopted: Whereas, It has been represented there are confined in the Government jail forty-five prisoners, who are not charged with crime, but are represented as being slaves; therefore, Resolved, That the Committee for the District of Columbia be instructed to inquire into the truth of said report, and by what authority they are confined, who are the reported owners, and what legislation, if any, is necessary, to relieve them from imprisonment and to prevent persons from being similarly imprisoned hereafter, and to report by bill or otherwise. Mr. HOLMAN (Dem., Ind) introduced a preamble reiterating the sentiments contained in the Crittenden resolutions adopted at the last session——in effect that the war was forced upon us by the disunionists, and that the only object in carrying it on by the United States is to re-establish obedience to the Constitution and the Union, and that when these objects are accomplished the war shall cease. The resolution was tabled——71 against 65. Mr. DUNN (Rep. Ind.) offered a resolution, which was adopted, instructing the Committee on Foreign Affairs to inquire into the practicability and expediency of procuring the rights and privileges of settlement and citizenship, on any part of this continent, or on the adjacent islands south of the U.S., for the habitation of free persons of African descent who may choose to emigrate from the U.S., for the formation of independent colonies, to be protected from foreign molestation. Mr. LOVEJOY (Rep., Ill.) and Mr. CONWAY (Rep., Kan.) both introduced propositions on the slavery question, the consideration of which was postponed. Mr. HUTCHINS asked leave to introduce a bill to abolish slavery in the District of Columbia, but objection was made by Mr. COX, (Democrat, Ohio.) SENATE——DEC. 4. Mr. SAULSBURY (Dem., Del.) caused some amusement by offering a resolution to appoint Messrs. Fillmore, Everest, Dallas, Taney, and some others, a Commission on the part of the North to meet a similarly constituted Commission from the South, and bring the war at once to a satisfactory termination. After the Senate had laughed at the resolution, it was brushed aside. Mr. SUMNER (Rep., Mass.) introduced a resolution calling upon the Secretary of War for copies of any General Orders issued by the Commander of the military department of Missouri, having particular reference to the first General Order issued by Gen. Halleck In alluding to this order, Mr. Sumner said it was of such a mature that it was difficult to speak of it and keep within bounds; that Gen. Halleck had the reputation of being a good tactician, but the act with which he had chosen to inaugurate his command was not calculated to give assurance of his success hereafter. Beside being illogical and inhuman, it contemplated the surrender of fugitive slaves beyond any constitutional provision.—— [[/column 2]] [[column 3]] Gen. Halleck had ordered, as it appears from the newspapaer reports, not only that no slaves be admitted into his camps or within his lines, while the army was on its march, but that those already within should be thrust out——The very strange reason he gave for this order was, that these slaves would convey information to the enemy. This order of General Halleck would cover him with a shame which no victory he might win could remove. Mr. WILSON (Rep., Mass) called attention to the suffering of the negroes confined in the prisons in Washington, sent there by persons calling themselves Justices of the Peace. The report had been made by Detective Allen to the Provost Marshal. Mr. Wilson remarked that he had visited these persons in jail, and witnessed the things of which he spoke of, and the cruel condition in which the inmates were placed. He concluded by introducing a resolution for their release, which was referred to the Comittee on the District of Columbia affairs. [The facts shown by the report of Mr. Allen are of the most revolting nature. They are briefly these: From sixty to seventy negroes are now confined in the jail, some of whom have been there for months. Some are slaves of citizens of the District, who, on going over to the rebels to fight in the ranks of the rebellion, left their chattels in the jail for sake keeping. Others are fugitive slaves, who have been taken up by the police of the city and incarcerated, because, in the language of local law; they had 'no masters.'——Others were free negroes, who have been employed in camp, and in visiting the city were taken up by the police——the presumption being that they were slaves, and of course that they had no masters. When committed, they had no clothing with them, except that which they had on their persons, and even those who have been imprisoned for months have not had a change, and all are now covered with filth and vermin.] On motion of Mr. CLARK, (Rep., N. H.,) it was resolved that the Marshal of the District of Columbia be requested to report immediately to the Senate the names of all persons now confined in the city of Washington, with the causes of their commitment, the names of the magistrates by whom committed, the length of their imprisonment, and the names of the persons who made the first arrest. On motion of Mr. WILSON, it was resolved that the laws in force within the District of Columbia relating to the arrest of fugitives from service or labor, together with all other laws concerning persons of color in the District of Columbia, be referred to the Committee on the District of Columbia, and that the Committee be further instructed to consider the expediency of abolishing slavery in the District with compensation to the loyal owners of slaves. SENATE——DEC 5. Mr. Trumbull (Rep., Ill.) introduced his bill for confiscating the property, and giving freedom to the slaves of rebels, and made a lengthy speech in support of the bill. Referred to the Judiciary Committee. [Mr. T.'s bill provides for the absolute and complete forfeiture forever to the U. S., of every species of property, real and personal, belonging to persons beyond the jurisdiction of the United States, or beyond the reach of [[/column 3]]
