Cleveland morning leader. [volume] (Cleveland [Ohio]) 1854-1865, 1860-12-13

slave shall have been rescued the owner shall be
allowed double the value Of q slave recoverable
Ia the state ports
Mr.. Kilgore introduced resolution for
instructions 10 the Committee TO inquire
into the expediency Of 80 amending the
Fugitive Slave Law as so to provide for the
right Of trial by jury, where an alleged
fugitive claims to be free when citizens Of
a non slaveholding State assist In the es-
cape of a fugitive, or in a fOreible rescue,
the owner Of the slave shall be indemnifsi.
Persons thus acting 10 be subject to ori
nal prosecution, and that the Committee
propose such other amendments as may be
thought necessary to give satisfaction with
out destroying the efficiency Of the law, or
without impairing the constitutional rights
Of every citisen Of the United States.
Mr.. Holman introduced resolution de-
olaTing the right Of secession wholly un-
warranted by the letter and spirit Of the
Constitution. That mutual and common
obligations render it obligatory on the fed
eral government to enforce in good faith
the laws enacted pursuant to its authority,
and instructiDg the committee 10 inquire
whether any action is necessary, in view Of
the present condition Of the public, against
the attempt by any State to nullify the
laws necessary for the existence Of the con-
federacy.
Mr.. Davis, of Ind, presented a petition
asking Congress to preclude legislation
on slavery, Sc.
Mr.. Niblaek presented q resolution proyi-
ding for indemnity for slaves rescued by
force or violence, and that the committee
report by bill or otherwise.
Mr. MoClernand introduced resolution
resolving that the committee of 33 be in
structed TO enquire and report whether Con-
gress has constitutional power to make the
people of any particular State or municipal
corporation therein liable to indemnify the
owner of any slave escaping into such
State, and who has been rescued from right
full custody or otherwise, and also whether
it is expedient to establish q special feler-
al policy for the purpose Of executing the
laws of the United States and promptly
suppressing any unlawful resistance there
to, and also whether any further legisla-
ton is required TO secure a prompt action
and full enforcement Of the guarantees Of
the Constitution, or whether an amendment
Of the Constitution is necessary for the pur-
pose.
Mr.. Noel introduced q resolution instruct
ing the special committee to take into con-
sideratiOn the prOpriety and necessity of
sbOlishing, by amendment to the COnstitu-
ton, the Office of President, and Of estab-
fishing in lieu thereof an Executive Coun-
Gil, consisting of three members, to be
elected BY districts composed of the con-
tiguous States as near as practicable, each
member Of said Council to be armed with
veto power such IS is now vested in the
President, and if such plan be deemed
practicable by said special committee, that
they report to this House such details there
Of as may be necessary to accommodate the
same to the existing Constitution Of the
United States, and that said special COM
mittee also be requested to take into con-
sideration the means necessary, if any can
be devised, to restore the equilibrium be-
tween the free and slave States in the Sen
ate, and particularly whether this end can
be accomplished by voluntary division on
the part Of some of the slave States into
two or more States.
Mr.. Hindmsn proposed amendments to
the Constitution, expressly recognizing
property in slaves where slavery now or
may hen eater exist and express the denial
Of the Federal Government to prohibit or
interfere with it any where, or restrict the
trade in slaves between the States; also to
express an agreement to protect slavery
wherever the Federal jurisdiction extends,
and guarantee the protection of slaves
while passing through the free States. Any
State defeating or impairing the Fugitive
Slave law not to be entitled to representa-
tion in Congress until the nullifying laws
be repealed, sc.
Mr.. Larrabee introduced q resolution
recommending the several States to call
Convention for Amendments to the Consti-
tuition, to the end that the people may thus
be enabled to confer together in the manner
provided in the establishment Of a Gov
ernment and adopt such measures as in
their wisdom may be proper to promote
the common wealth Of the States.
ThesboTe propositions were severally read |
and referred to the Union Committee.
Mr.. Bonham said he had received notice |
TO attend meeting of the Committee on
Military Affairs, on Friday, and as he didn't /
expect to remain much longer a member Of
he felt it his duty to resign his
position as q member thereof, in order that |
lhe vscsney may at once be filed. He did |
not adopt this course owing to any dissst-
sfaetion with the committee; be had always
cherished lively recollection Of their uni
orm and courteous kindness toward him.
He was excused.
The House passed bill making further
provision in relation TO incorporated land
,fioes, and the bill extending the time for
oregon to select certain lands.
Mr.. Thsyer, from the Committee en- Pub
10 Lands, reported bill creating the land
district Of DacOtsh, and providing for the
admission Of o delegate in Congress from
hat Territory.
Mr.. Grow opposed the bill and mentioned
hat he had prepared bills for organizing
-ariOus Territorial Governments, including
)aeotah.
Mr.. Cox inquired whether they would be
'epOrted with the same provisions as those
f last session, prohibiting slavery.
Mr. Grow replied in the affirmative and
aid the House could, if they choose, strike
ut the provisions.
Mr.. Thsyer's bill was referred to the
Committee Of the Whole on the state of
be Union.
MIR. Sherman. from the Committee on
Ways and Means, reported deficiency ap-
ropriation bill
Mr.. Morris, of III, wished to offer reso-
1tion declaring devotion to the Union, and
isde some remarks thereon.
Mr.. Rufin called him to order.
Mr.. Morris-I have said all I wanted to
ay.-[ Much confusion now existed.
Mr.. John CochraDe thought that these
rOceedings were a sufficient argument why
he House should adjourn, which was agreed
} amid calls for the ayes and nays on the
lotion.
Adjourned.