The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1861-12-06
xxxvIIth .congross-F,rst Session.
W.sutxcrnx Dec

would INTRODUCE u biI W cohnscate property
OF the rebels. aud To give freedom to persons
in .he slave States.
Mr.. Wilkinson of Minnesota gave notice
OF bill to abolish the distinction between
the regular and volunteer forces.
The Committee appointed to wait on the
President, reported that he would commune
cate bis message to Congress tomorrow noon.
Adjourned.
Housx.-The house was opened with pray
er by Rev. Mr.. Stockton.
The roll was then called by the clerk. ia
members answered TO their names, including
Sargent and Phelps Of California. Hooper Of
Mass, " ilson of Iowa, Bernhisel, delegate
from Utah, and Cradlebaugh, delegate IRON
Nevada.
Mr.. Dawes OF Mass. moved that Mr.. May
nard Of Tenn. DO sworn in as member OF
the House from the second Tennessee dis
trict.
Mr.. Maynard was sworn in.
Mr.. Hickman Of Penn. presented ccrtit-
icate Of the provisional government Of n
Carolina. dated Hatteras. rs TO the election
OF Mr.. Foster, aud moved that the papers b
read.
Mr.. vallandigham Of Ohio raised the ques-
ton OF order.
The claim Of Mr.. Foster was referred at
the extra session TO the Committee ON Elec-
tons, without favorable action.
Mr.. Hickman said this was new ques-
ton, different from that Of the former elec-
ton.
The Speaker oyerruling Mr.. Vallandis-
hams point, Mr. Stevens OF Penn. said no
harm could be done by u reference. On his
motion. the case was referred to the Commit
tee on Elections.
Mr.. Watts, delegate from New Mexico,
was sworn.
Mr.. Blair Of Va, successor of Mr.. Car
Isis was sworn and also qualified.
Mr. Richardson Of III. moved that Mr.. Sc
CUR Of Va. should be sworn.
Mr.. Dawes Of Mass. desired that the case
should be referred.
Mr.. Richardson earnestly argued that Mr..
Segur should be sworn IN. The House should
not deny to the people of Accomac and
Northampton counties n proper representa-
tive, especially rs they had lain down their
arms which they had taken up against the
Federal Government. AL the forms OF law
had been complied with under the proclama-
ton Of the provisional government OF Vir-
.ginia.
After some debate the subject was referred
10 the Committee ON Elections.
Mr.. L0yejoy Of III. offered joint rcsolu-
ton, rendering the thanks Of Congress tn
Capt. Wilkes for his arrest OF the traitors
Mason and Slidell. Adopted.
Mr.. Blair offered tho following as ques-
ton Of privilege:
Resolsed, That John W. Reid, member
Of the House from the Fifth Congressional
District Of Missouri, having taken NJ arms
against the Government Of the United States,
is hereby expelled from the House, and that
the Speaker notify the Governor OF Missouri
of the fact.
The resolution was passed.
A resolution was unanimously adopted to
ask the President 10 treat Mason and Sldcll
rs the Confederates treat Col. Corcoran.
Mr.. Elliott OF Mas offered the following :
Re,olrcd, BY the House Of Representatives
Of the United States Of America, that IN be-
half OF the peOplc Of these States, we do
soletnnly declare that the war in which we
are now engaged against the insurgeut bod
lea now in arms against the Government, has
for its object the Suppression OF such rebel
lion. and the re-cstablishment Of the rightGnl
authority OF the National Constitution and
laws over the entire extent Of our common
country.
"a. That while we disclaim all power un'
der the Constitution to interfere by ordinary
legislation with the institutions OF the sever
al States, yet the war now existing must be
conducted according to the usages and rights
oil military service that during its cUntinu-
ance the recognized authority OF the maxim
that the safety Of the state is the highest
law, subordinates the right Of property and
dominates over civil relations
Cd. That, therefore. we do hereby declare
that In our Judgment the President OF the
United States. as Commander-in'Chief OF
our army, and the officers in command under
him, have the right to' emancipate all per-
sons held rs slaves IN any military district IN
n state of Instruction against the National
Government, and that we respectfully advise
that such order Of emancipation be issued
whenever the same will avail to weaken the
power of the rebels in arms, or TO strengthen
the military power OF the loyal forces.
Mr.. Dunn of Indiana moved TO lay the
resolution ON tho table. Disagreed to-yea.
Sc, nays 20.
On tho question on Mr.. Elliott's resolu-
ton, Mr.. Conkiin. Of N. Y. proposed an
amendlneut, which Mr. Elliott accepted, 30
as to mako the resolution apply to slaves oil
disloyal citizens.
On motion Of Mr.. Stevens, Of Penn. the
further consideration Of the resolution was
postponed until tomorrow week, In order
that il may be discussed, and the amendments
submitted lie was IN favor OF the main Tea
lures Of the proposition, but desired modih-
cation.
Mr.. Campbell. Of Penn. gave notice that
he would call up the following, on next Tues
day. week -
Resolved, That in legislating to meet the
exigencies Of the present. rebellion, Congress
should confsoats the property, slaves includ-
ell, OF all rebels, and protect the property
and rights under the constitution and laws
Of all loyal ci,irens.
Mr. Stevens Of Penn, submitted the fol-
lowing Tor future consideration.
Whereas, slavery has caused the prescnt
rebellion In the United States. and whereas
there can be no solid and permanen, peace in
this repoblic 80 long As that institution ex.
lists wi,hinit, and, whereas slaves are now used
by the rebels as an ESSENTIAL means of sun
porting and prosecuting the war and where
rs By the law Of nations, IL Is right TO liber.
ate the slaves of an enemy to weaken his
power therefore, be IL enacted, by the Sem
ate and House Of Representatives the Uni
ted STATES. in Congress assembled, that the
} President be requested 10 declare free, and ID
direct all our Generals and officers in com
msnd. TO order freedom to all the slaves who
shall leave their masters, or aid in quellins
the REBELLION.