Cleveland morning leader. [volume] (Cleveland [Ohio]) 1854-1865, 1862-03-13


EEaneIparlan On the District Of Columbia
snd In the Border states.
10 more sngrOssing topic is at present en-
gazing the public mind at the National Cap
itsl, and indeed in the States Of Maryland,
Ksntucky and Delaware, than the question
before Congress of emancipation in the Dis
taict Of Columbia, for upon the solution Of
this question, in the view Of q class repre-
senting q la1ee share Of public opinion,
hinges the real purpose Of tbs North toward
the institution Of slavery, In its relation to
loyal Shareholders. The power and right of
Congress to determine the doom of slavery in
the District is not for moment disputed BY
any one, but the duty Of Congress to submit
the question to the people there, &c an earn
ct Of its intention to act impartally be-
tween the two interests, before determining
anon is disposition, is firmly contended for
By many residents who, II the question were
carried 70 the polls, would vote for emanci
patton. The late message to Congress of the
President In relation to emancipation in the
Border States, which is entirely In accord
a1ce with his record in relation to slavery,
has satisfied the people Of the District that
n Mr.. Lincoln they have q man well.dis-
posed toward their claim, and q more tranquil
feeling and earnest confidence is the result
This question interests the whole country,
and It is well that the people should take a
ssmprehensiTe view Of it. To my mind
whatever will best subserve the cause Of
emancipation, without introducing distract
ing and aggravating elements, is what the
nstIou at present wants. Direct and general
emancipation is justly regarded by the mass
OF the people as impracticable, and there are
but few who do not think it would be iuju-
dicious and unsaie, and in this view the Ad-
Einistratiou is settled. The cause, however,
q too important 10 be Lost sight Of, and
should not for moment be allowed to lag.
What therefore, should be done7 The course
suggested by the Presidents message should
be eneTgstically pursued. Let Congress ct
once pass the resolution accompanying the
message, and Immediately thereafter let the
question Of emancipation in the District be
submitted 10 the people of the District
Should they vote 1t down, which do not
believe would be the case, Congress may then
dstsrmine, which it will be in q much better
situation for doing than now, what course
interest and expediency suggest, and may
thus act wisely, Tighteously, and safely.-
While should q majority be found to favor it,
all opportunity for dissension and dissstis-
iactiOn would be avoided, and a wholesome
Htimulug given TO efforts toward the came
ead IN other directions. This course, too,
win quiet ail feelings Of distrust aud appre-
hension still felt toward the North ia the
Border States, and will be another assurance
Of the disposition on the part Of the North
70 deal impartially toward the loyal slavery
coumunities, while it viii also give
evidences Of its disposition 70 follow
rather than lead the Administration, which
latter, It is feared, the extremists ara seeking
70 do The effect l believe, would be most
salniary and satisfactory. Delaware is this
moment prepared, by large majority, to vote
out slavery, If LETT to do it in her own wsy /:
but il Is perfectly natural 70 expect that she
win not be, or even appear to be, forced 10
such q measure. am equally certain that
many Of the msst prominent men Of Nary
land are ready to advocate emancipation in
that State, upon the ground Of interesteven,
e they can be assured that they viii be left
70 themselves TO work out the result which
] feel satisfied would be The emancipation
cfeTsry slave within her borders within three
years. And Kentucky is not whit behind
either Of the above States in this regard, but
on the contrary W0uld probably precede
Hsryland Missouri would ineVitably fol-
ioR, and We might very reasonable hope for
Tennessee and North Carolina. Such action,
too. would ct once settle the question in Ka-
naWha, and secure 70 her free constitution
Il seems TO me that no policy could be more
acceptable to the nation just now, In regard
% the question Of emancipation, than tbis, %
timely and wisely Suggested By Mr.. Lincoln,
and Il i % Be hoped that Congress viii deal
With Il es statesmen, and not as politicians,
and thus speedily inaugurats q practicable
snd equitable means TOR the ssttlemsntot the
ysxing question Of slavery, By the gradual
roducfion Of is domain.