Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1861-12-19
THE FEDERAL EMANCIPATION
REEE.

Late northern adyices from Washington, in
our possession, give unmistakable indications
that the infamous confscation and emancipation
bill, introduced into the Federal Congress by
BINGHAM, Of Ohio, viii be speedily passed by
that body. Al q caucus of the Black Republi-
can members, held on the night of the 1lth inst
which was attended By not less than sixty Con-
gJessmen, it was unanimously determined tlat
this measure should be engineered through into
g law. The nan, BINGHAM, who claims its
paternity, is tie vertable miscreant, who intro
ducsd the celebrated Force Bill" into the
House Of Representative in the early part Of
last Jauusy-a measure which was voted down
by an overwhelming majority. He revives the
public recollection Of his infany in what is gem
orally termed a " confscation BILL" but whose
leading feature is really negro emancipation.
1t provides that, if any person within the juris-
dicfOn Of the United States (ineluding, of course,
the Confederate states) shall either engage in
armed rebellion or aid and abet it, " all the
property, moneys, stocks, credits and effects" Of
such person shall be declared forfeited to the
government of the United States, and regarded
as lawful subjects of prize and capture where
ever found" and " seized, confscatel and con
demnsd . By any district or admiralty court.
Also that such person "shaI forfeit al claim
which he may have to the service or labor Of
any slave OF slaves the same being declared
d" freelen. and forever relieved from such seTvi-
tude. anything in the laws of the United States
or any State TO the contrary Notwithstanding
The same bill forbids a fugitive slave from being
surrendered on order Of any military or naval
officer in the Federal service.
The sole animus of, the enactment is to invest
the spuned and disgusting dogmas Of abolition
ism with the form and responsibility Of law.
i IS the last card played by the political black
legs at Washington, who have now completely
despaired Of successfully prosecuting their war
Of s~ubiugation on the South. Such was indeed
the hamilisting confession made at the RepubI-
can caucus TO which we have alluded. SHER-
MAN, Of New York, DUNN and JULIAN, of In
diana, and others, in considering the p%ropriety
Of this vile bill, svowed the absolute impossible
~ Of subduing the southern movement with the
bullet alone, alleging that negro emancipation,
and even negroes themselves must assist in the
tyrsnnous work. It makes but little difference
% these stupid fanatics that they are cutting
their own threats by this ultra and reckless
measure, characterized, as it Is, alike by folly,
falsity and ferocity. Il is a fit sequel to FIRE.
MoST's proclamation, CAMERoN's report and
LLSooLS's message, and viii give a new impe-
tus 70 cur cause in Missouri, Kentucky and
Maryland, which has already been so greatly
promoted by these a~trocious documents.
fit had any effect beyond the limited domain
Of LRcoLS's "pent-up Utica" its sweeping
provisions would simply confscate to the United
States government the very neat little sum Of
S5lG00,o00,000 worth Of rebel ~property-which
Wsuld assist materially in relieving LNCOLN's
afflicted subjects from tie burden Of the crushing
war-tsx which is yet to grind them IN the dust
Of penury and indigence. But whereas, Nj.
BEGHAfIs splsnetic efusion il merely 81 on
Paper,' and has about as much force in the
limits Of The Confederate States, as IN Russia.
France or Great Britain, we presume the equa-
uimity Of our people viii not be hightfully dis
turbed by investing it With the dignity of law.
Indeed, we rather think they IKE this species Of
legislation, inssmuch as it wins victories for us
which The bayonet snd the bullet would be more
tsrdy to achieve. We hope that it may speedily
become q law.