Cleveland morning leader. [volume] (Cleveland [Ohio]) 1854-1865, 1861-12-28
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WAsHIHogOH, Dec. "a.
The proceedings In Congress yesterday
were Of an interesting character, and cannot
fail 70 attract the attention Of the country.
The resolution Of kr. Wilson, declaring
that the return Of fugitive slaves BY the ofa'
Gers and soldiers Of the Army Is prohibited,
and making such prohibition one Of the arti-
cleB Of war, passed BY decisive vote
Surely all good citizens will rejoice that this
ground has at length been taken, and that 1t
Is to be enforced BY the most stringent Of all
our tribunAlS--the military.
Another resolution was that Of Mr.. Van
dsver, which was appropriately referred, in
strucdng the Judiciary Committee to inquire
into the expedisncy Of restoring rebellious
States to the condition Of territories, and to
report BY bill or otherwise. This opens a
series Of interesting and important questions,
which will, no doubt be ably dealt with, and
satisfactorily determined.
VallandlghAm offered a resolution for the
enforcement Of the kabsas corpus act, which
was referred to the Judiciary Committee.
While it is evidently proper that there should
be no embarrassment of the National Ad-
miaiStraton in the means it has, and may
adopt for the suppression and punishment Of
treason, the suspension of the habsaS corpus
act ought to be watched with jealous eyes.
In the hands of unScrupulous psrtizans its
uspenson may become an engine of oppres-
sion; and the establishment of PTsesdents
with respect to it, is a subject worthy the
careful attention and wisest discretion of our
statesmen. Il has already been the subject
of some discussion in the Senate, and will,
no doubt, afford occasion for more before the
Session closes.
The Potter Investigating Committee, which
is now about to report will develop an
amount Of treason among employees still in
the public service which viii sstonish the
loyal people. 1t Is said that they will fur
nish evidence BY which tlOO hundred clerks
still retained In the various departments, are
Justly under suspicion Of sympathy with the
rebellion Among them some are men Of
Northern birth.
The subject Of our coast defenees will nc
doubt at once receive attention at the hands
of our authorities. The news from England
Is not assuring Of q disposition to Hmsintair
the peace," and In view Ofit the PSOPls ought
to take the matter Of their own 6resids
defences promptly in hand. Particularly
ought the people npon the shores OF the
lakes look to this matter Of self.dsfsnce, and
move ct once-and vigorously. Cleveland
would not be 30 much exposed to the enemy
ss Detroit and Buffalo, but the subject is o.
sufficient importance to be worthy the imme-
diste attention Of your City Council and the
public.
E. B. Ward, Of Detroit Is here urging
upon the Government the duty of sending g
regiment of troops ct once to the Sault Sts
Msire, for the protection of Ourlake interests
in that vicinity, aad for the protection also
Of thspeOple. Mr.. Ward proposes to furnish
vessels for the conveyance Of these troops 1
the Governmsat will furnish them. Wheth.
er be will be successful or not will depend in
some measure upon the complexion of e1-
pected RdVicss from England.
X.Y.Z.
Three hundred troops have already beer