Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1861-12-07
CONGRESS YESTERDAY.


The members Of the House were not " lrm
in their seats, before the Slavery question
was up full fledged. Immediately after the
first prellminaries of the Session. Mr.. Elliot
of Massachusetts, offered the following:
Resolusd Jy the House Of Representatives. Of the
United States of America.
First. That in behalf of the people Of these
States we do solemnly declare that the war IN
which we are now engaged against the insursen'
bodies now in arms against the Government, mas
for its object the suppression of sucn Ieoeu'on
ty of the National Constitution and Laws over
the entire extent Of our common country.
Second, That while We disclaim all power IN
der the Constitution to interfere By ordinary leg
islation with the institutions of the several oaes
vet the war now existing must be conducted &c
cording to the usages and rights OF military sei-
vice. and that during its continuance the recog-
ni.ed authority of the maxim that " the safety OF
the State is the highest law, subordinates the
right of property and dominates over civil reia-
tions.
Third, That therefore ve do hereby declare that
in our Judgment, the President Of the Uni'ea
States. as the Commander-in- Chief OF our army,
and the officers in command under him, have the
right to emancipate all persons held as slaves IN
any military district in . state OF insuiio0.ion
against the National Government; ana ,nas
respectfully advise that such order OF emAnI'P
ton be issued whenever the came VIII s'
weaken the power Of the rebels in arms, OF 70
streugthe en- the military power of the loyal forces
Mr.. Dunn. Of Indiana, moved to lay the
resolution on the table, but the motion was
disagreed to by yeas So, nays 20.
The resolution was amended 80 as 70 MAKE
| it amply to the slaves OF disloyai citizens ana
L ut
further consideration was postponed until
.o-norrow. week. He vas In favor OF the
main features of the proposition, but desired
modification.
Mr.. Campbell, OF Pa, gave notice that he
would call up the following on Bezt Tuesday
week
P,solv,d, That in legislsting to meet tn. ext
rencies of the present rebellion, Congress should
oon6scate .he property Slaves included) OF all the
rebels and protect the property and rights under
tie Constitu ton and Laws of all loyal citizens
MIR. Stevens 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 TINS
Republic so long that institution exists within
| II. and risreas, slaves are now used BY be reo-
els as an essential means Of supporting and pro-
tectng them and rhsreas, by the law OF nations
is right to hberste the slaves OF an enemy 70
weaken his power therefore,
| Be resolved BY the Senate aud House Of Rer-
r,s,nravss of the United STATES, IN CorSTsss a'ss-
bed. That the President be requested to declare
free. and direct all our Generals and omcers In
command to order freedom to, all slaves VINO snsil
leave their masters or shall aid in quelling tns
rebellion. And be II further resolved, Inat tne
limited States pledge the faith OF the nation te
! make full and fair compensation TO all loyal Gu
,ens who are or shall remain active In supporting
the Union, for sl loss they may sustain, oy virtue
| of this resolution.
The following notices of bills were given
ByMr. Washburn of H., to establish
most road from New York to Washington
By Mr.. Stevens, bill to REPEAL certain law
creating ports Of entry.
Mr.. Bernheisel Of Utah, presented a con
stitution formed by a convention OF deleSate'
at Great Salt Lake City, IN March last
accompanied by a memorial asking Congres'
TO admit Utah into the Union as State
Resolutions were adopted-one OF inquir.
as to who is responsible for the disaster a.
Balls Bluff and one requesting the Presi,
dent to order that Mason and ohdell shall
re,eive the same treatment as that give
by the rebels to Col. Corcoran and Col
Wood of the LIST n. Y, who were take
! prisoner at Bull Run, and ordered TO con
, huement IN felon prison.
: The President announced that ne woui
send in his message at noon on Tuesday an
the House adjourned.