Western Reserve chronicle. [volume] (Warren, Ohio) 1855-1921, 1862-04-16
Congressional.
WASHINGTON, April IA

HousE.-Mr. Kelly asked leave TO pre-
sent n petition 100 feet long. signed, he
said, by 5000 ladies of one slsyeand eley-
en- free States, asking for the extinction of
slavery. Objection was made to its open
presentation, and it was referred.
Mr.. Cox of Ohio, presented the resolu-
tons of the Legislature of Ohio, in favor of
such an amendment to the tax bill as may
permit the State TO collect the same with
i'm their respective limits, and determine
the compensation of the officers EMPLOYED.
Mr.. Cox said that those resolutions came
too late, perhaps, for their proper inlu-
ence with this house.
The bill is before the Senate, but It is
hoped that that body will so modify as to
make it more Just and equal upon def
cient localities, and so change the ma
chinery of its collection that it may be, if
possible. remittcd 10 the States who shall
have the privilege of collecting the same.
and Of determining the officers and their
compensation. Such is the unanimous
wish of the Legislature and people of
Ohio.
The Legislature in passing these resolu-
tions was actuated by the purest patriot
ism, with no other idea than TO have this
war tax levied and collected fairly and
economically. If the bill is thus modi-
fed, the vote of Ohio here for it will be
much greater unit.
MI. White of Indiana, from the Com
mittee on Foreign Affairs. made a report
asking to be discharged from further con-
sideration of petitions from citizens of
Northern New York and Michigan. pray
ing for the adoption of measures to cause
the speedy ~abrogation of the reciprocity
treaty with Great Britain.
Mr.. Price introduced q resolution call
ing on the Secretary of War, if not in
CONSTANT with the public interests, to
communicate any official information he
may have relative 10 the reported entry by
U. 5. troops from Kansas into Missouri
during the last 4 months, and the forcible
carrying away of slaves, mules, horses.
&c, to the amount of hundreds Of tl,ons-
andS of dollars, as well as the destruction
of dwellings and farm horses of peaceful
citizens, whether the said property has
been ac"ounte3 Tor, and if confscated I'M
de: what process, &c.
Eir. F. A. Conkling moved to Law it on
the table-disagreed, % to 60.
The resolution was referred to Commit
tee on Military affairs.
The bankrupt bill was taken up and
postponed till December Sd.
Mr.. Blair of Mo-, reported a bill for the
construction of a ship canal from the Mis-
sissippi river to Lake Michigan.
Adjourned.
SENATE
Mr.. Wilson called up the resolution of
enquiry if further legislation is necessary
to enforce the articles of war for prevent
ing the reclamation of slaves from within
the lines of the army.
Mr.. Grimes, at some length, reviewed
the instances lately occurring in Gen.
Rockers division, showing that efforts
had been made by slave owners to reclaim
their slaves within the lines, with the
knowledge of the commanding officer :;
that slaves were taken at Fort Donelson,
and carried to Columbus, and were forced
to do mental service under military law to
rebel masters, thus establishing a system
of slavery in q free State.
The Forts of the South Atlantic were to
be captured, and must be held for years
to come. How should they be garrisoned
when recaptured? He would answer that
he was in favor of garrisoning them who'll
ly or in part by soldiers of African descent,
commanded by white officers. Our troops
would wither under the enervating eli
mate of the Gulf States. Therefore this
measure was one of humanity, saving many
valuable lives. He had no doubt of its
efficiency, for contrabands had worked
the guns on the Minnesota at Hatteras.-
He was thankful that no one in the Navy
had followed the ~disgraceful example of
the officers of the army, of issuing procla-
nations in regard to slavery, and had re-
turned no slaves. He argued that the re-
bells were using by thousands the slaves
at Yorktown in throwingup Notifications.
Why should We not use them in putting
down this rebellion?
The Confiscation bill wasthen taken up
prior to its consideration.
Mr.. Hale resigned as Chairman of Nav
al Committee, and, in order that no APP
prehension might occur, he stated that
he was influenced by no cause outside of
the Senate.
Mr.. Harris finished his speech on the
confscation bill, after which the Senate
went into executive session and adjourn
cd.