The Union and journal., 1861-12-20

the cause of this war. THIS proposition he
(Steele) denied. lie asserted that it was
caused by unnecessary agitation OF the slave
~ question. Proposing To test the gentle
mans argument by the message OF the Pres'-
dent which had been quoted, he insisted that
no sentence therein contained could he con-
strued to mean that the President desired
any legislation on this subject. He lSteele)
had supposed that the test OF loyalty was.
Who will stand by the government in this
time of need? lIc had hoped that gentle.
men here would rise above all passion and
prejudice. and stand up for the country
lie (Stcele) was ready to 90 as far as any
gentleman in support of the sentiment.
In further response to Mr.. Elliot, MIR. Steele
said :-"Let 1t be proclaimed that this war is
for the extinction of slavery, and whether you
believe IL or not, the power Of our army Is par
alyzed."
Mr.. Conway of Kansas contended that the
conflict which has been progressing for nine
months, has changed its original character IRON
an attempt 10 put down an insurrection; II has
settled into deliberate war. We have not en-
countered the enemy in any battle which we
haye gained an unquestionable victory, with the
exception OF the advantages gained by two ex-
erywbere oyerborne, notwithstanding our vol
unteers have displayed gallantry rarely un-
equalled. The general purposes OF the Govern
ment have been defeated, and the rebels have
secured with nations belligerent character, IN
derogation of their responsibility to the feder-
al Union. How, then, could they have rights
under the Constitution which the Government
is bound TO respect, while they exercise the
rights Of belligerents, arising from unimpeach-
- ham gNsln ar
States while they are warning upon US.
In condcmning the slayeholding power, he
said its lust for dominion would cover the whole
continent with its black pail. The principle up
on which the war is conducted by the Admins
tmtion would restore slavery 10 its former rea-
tiOns and the Union would again meet with
disasters similar 10 the present result, ana the
causes which now operate would in the iuture
involve us in the horrors of civil war; the old
issue would revive with nll its political earnest.
ness. The emancipation Of the slaves should
be declared, as military necessity.
Mr.. Harding of KY, obtained the hoor.
Mr.. Fouke of Illinois Intellectually asked him
TO give way. as he wished briefly to reply to re-
ply TO Mr.. Conway, who had said that the bat
tie of Belmont was a defeat, which was doing
injustice to the brave soldiers who participated
in that action. lie (Fouke) wanted to nail the
falsehood
MIR. Wadsworth of Kentucky commenced
speech but yielded for motion to adjourn.
Mr.. Conway wished TO know whether Mr.
Fouke intended his remarks to him Us person.
all
Mr.. Robinson sail-AIr. Fouke has left the
hail.
Mr.. Richardson, of Illinois, would say that
whatever his colleague (Fouke) had said on the
floor of the House, Of q personal character,
ought to be settled elsewhere.
Mr.. Conway remarked that he did not wish
10 he subject to the Imputation of having told
n f,lsehood. He understood the proprieties Of
the House rs well as any other member.
Adjourned till Monday.