The daily Evansville journal. (Evansville, Ind.) 1862-1863, 1862-05-22
Speech of Hon. Joseph A, Wright
on Confscation,
In the q. S. Seunte. April 29'h, 1862.

Mr.. Without OBTAINING the
Senate at any great length, l propose to
state some of the reasons which will con-
troll my action on the pending propositions.
] am in favor of some measure for the con-
fiscation of the property of those in rebel
lion against the Government. Too long, in
my judgment, already, have we delayed the
discharge of this duty, imposed upon US for
the speedy suppression of an armed rebel
lion, which has struck, with murderous in
tent, at the very vitals of this Government.
If Congress had truly felt the necessities of
the occasion if instead of acquiescence in
policy of leniency towards these conspir-
ators, we had held the reins of government
firmly in our grasp, a confscation act
would have been enacted at the called ses-
ston, and have been now upon the statute
book, terror to traitors. 1t would seem
that, until within a recent period, we have
gone on as though there was not a great
war upon US, which demanded serious leg
islation and earnest effort at our hands. If
that impression had not yet been removed
from the minds of Senators when Congress
came together in December last, it can no
longer exist, when the whole Valley of the
Mississippi trembles beneath the fierce con-
fict of vast armies. We must be alive, sir,
to the exigencies of the hour. I his monster
rebellion must be crushed and destroyed
speedily; and as one of the means for the
accomplishments of that object, look to
the passage of some proposition for the
confiscatlon of the property of rebels.
This proceeding is absolutely necessary.
II will strike heavier blow against seces-
sion than an army with banners. Now,
when the power of this government has
been displayed upon land and sea- it pro-
claims to the deluded masses of the South
that the only way in which they can save
themselves and their property, escape from
anarchy and bloodshed, enjoy peace aud
prosperity, and once more live under be-
neheent, free government, is TO lay down
the arms which they have taken up for its
destruction. II they persist in their mad
ness, then let the vengeance of an outraged
Justice pursue them TO the death. We have
forborne until forbearauce has grown to be
dishonor- Treason has run rot in the
land. It is time that lawlessuess should
cease, whether under a pretended govern
ment in the rebellious States, or in the
more insidions guise Of "freedom of speech"
which gloats over every obstacle that can
be brought forward to prevent the restora-
ton of the Union. 1t is time that rapine
and murder should be called by their right
names, and punished as they deserve.
would direct the operations of this law
against the insngators Of the rebellion
against the leaders of their army-those
who hold its executive appointments, the
members of the Confederate conventions
and legislatures, and all those Who have de-
ceived and Infuriated the Southern masses
against this government. They should be
made to feel, in their persons and property,
the disasters that afflict those whom they
have led to the brink of destruction
would imp0verish them, as they have i'm
poverished their own people. The Davises
and Slidells, the Yulees and Masons, the
Beauregards and Johnsons, the Breckin-
ridges and Benjamins, who have sought the
annihilation of the Republic that nourish-
ca nonored, and protected them, spreading
oeSolaLlon throughout the Southern States
ana VINO nave been remoreIess in carving
out the promptings of their uubolv ambi-
ton, cannot expect from this Congress anv
other treatment. than that of a. Tigid en-.
forcement OF the sternest penalties IF ne
tice. 1t is duty which we owe 70 tbo
country, that we owe to posteritv. IN tbo
peace and happiness of our citizens, and to
the perpetuity of our Institutions.
It would provide no way of escape for
those who, with reference to a possible houI
of their conntry's peril, have been educated
for and supported in this Army and Navy
and then, when that hour came, went ovel
to its enemies. We must make it under
stood that we educate and support men fol
their ceuntry's service, and not TO Officer
rebel armies.