The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1861-12-18
House Of REPRESENTATIVES.

Mr.. Bingham, from the Judiciary Committee.
reported back the joint resolution directing and
requiring the Provost Court at Alexandria, Viz
gina, to retain and safely keep in its custody
any property taken as that Of persons engaged
in, or aiding the rebellion AGAINST the JnitcI
States, until the further action of Congress
touching the same. The resolution was passed.
The House resumed the consideration of the
special order, being Mr.. Eliots resolutions; pro-
posing the emancipation Of the slaves Of rebels,
etc.
Mr.. Harding (Ky.) invoked calm and pa
tIiotic consideration on the subject now before
the House. II was with the deepest main that
he witnessed the introduction of The proposition
at an early period in the session, and the at
tempt to pass II under the operation of the pre-
Nlous question. He thought there was a dispo-
sition hero to exclude all reflection, and reiu-
SUI to pause in the apparently mad career. But
"hen deposition was afterwards shown TO act
with deliberation, his hopes revived. Mr..
Harding then proceeded to elaborate the fol-
lowing points Of his oppo;it to the pending
resolutions
First-We have no constitutional power To
pass them or any billie on the subject.
Second-As he proceeded to show from copious
extracts, that Congress-, the President, and the
Administration stand pledged, in the most
solemn pubic manner, against all Interference
with slavery. Therefore to sane ion such n policy
would Ie palpable violation OF the plighted
faith Of this Government.
Thirdly-lle opposed the resolutions bee Iuse
Legislation on the subject is forbidden by every
principle of sound policy.
FouIth-lle opposed them, as all kin lred
measures, because they would inaugurate a war
which would involve in its horrors, the loy,l
anu nls'oyal the innocent and guilty a war dis
graceful to any civilized and Christian nation.
In the course Of his remarks, he said this war
mas holhlrg more to do with slavery than with
I'M L. 4 -. Of
take care of iEdf He showed thu Injustice Of
diverting the war from is original design,
namely, the restoration of obedience TO the
Constitution and laws and the preservation Of
the Union.
Mr.. Kellogg Qn.) moved that the resolutions
now under consideration, and all those relating
10 the subject included in the same special o rdcI
bereierred to the Committee on the Judicia y.
Motion agreed TO by Il agains 81.
MIR. Mashhurne from the special cOmmtte,
TO irquire into tho government contracts, mad,
| a report.
The following was submitted by Mr.. Var
. Wyck, Chairman Of the Investigating Commit
ReSolrei That the Secretary Of tho Treasur,
| be requested TO decline making any further pay
ments TO the parties interested in tn steambla
Catalina on account Of the charter of said yes
sci by the United States on the 25th day Of April
1861.
Resided, That The Secretary Of the Treasur,
he requested to adjust the claim against III,
government for the five thousand Hall carbine
purchased through Simon Stevens, Esd, b,
General John G. Fremont ON the 9Th Of August
1861, and afterwards delivered at the UnitcC
States Arsenal, or the City of st. Louis on th,
6mis OF a sale Of said srns to the government
for twelve dollars and fifty cents each, reject
ing all other demands against the government
account OF the purchase OF said arms.
Rtso!Vtd That the practice of employing ire
sponsible parties, having no official connection
with the Government In the performances o
public duties, which may he properly performeG
by regular officers Of the government, and Of
purchasing by private contract, supplies for tn,
different departments where fair aud open com
petition might very properly DO invited by rea
sonable advertisement for proposals, is injurious
10 the public service, and meets tho unqualified
disappTobation Of this House.
The consideration Of the report was postponed
till Tuesday.
] Mr.. Morrill, (vt.) introduced q bill which
Wa passed, 70 suspend ths appointment Of AZ