White Cloud Kansas chief. [volume] (White Cloud, Kan.) 1857-1872, 1862-07-24

COn64c1t1On.
We are glad to see that Congress at
length shows signs of meeting the con6s-
cation question in the only sensible way
in which it can be met. The two Hous-
es not having been able to agree upon
bill, conference. committee was appoin-
ted, which finally came to an agreement.
The main features Of the bill are as fol-
lows:
EVERY person who shall commit the
crime of treason against the United States.
and shall be adjudged guilty thereof. shall
suffer death, and all bis slaves, if he has
any, shall be declared and made free. or
he shall be imprisoned for not less than
FIVE years. and fined not less than $40 900,
and all his estate. real and personal. ex-
cluding slaves, shall be levied upon, any
sale or conveyance to the contrary not
withstsnding.
IF any person shall hereafter incite.
set on foot. assist or engage in any rebel
lion or insurrection against the authority
of the United States, or the laws thereof.
and shall give aid and comfort to any
such existing rebellion, and be convicted
thereof. such person shall be punished BY
the forfeiture Of all his personal property.
or shall be punished by Imprisonment Of
ten years and fined not exceeding SIC. 900.
and his slaves. if be has any. be liberated
at the discretion of the court. and all such
property. excluding slaves. shall be for
feited to the United States.
"Any person guilty of either of the Of
fenses described in this act, shall be for
ever incapable and disqualified to hold
any Office of trust under the United
States.
This act is not to be construed in any
way to affect the prosecution, conviction
or punishment of any person guilty oi
treason, to insure the speedy termination
of the present rebellion. The President
is authorized to cause the sale of all prop
erty, real or personal. of all such persons.
aud apply and use the proceeds Of the
same for the support Of the United States, !"
Five classes are affected by the bill
those who shall hereafter hold the office
Of President, Vice. President. members oi
Congress, Foreign Ministers. &c. under
the so-called Confederate States. The
President is authorized to issue procla-
nation, if after 60 days all persons in re-
bellion do not return to their allegiance.
that their property shall be forfeited. &c.
All slaves of persons engaged in rebel.
lion or who shall in any way give aid
and comfort thereto. escaping to and
taking refuge within the lines of our army.
and all slaves deserted by their masters
and coming under control Of the Govern
ment of the United States. and all slaves
found at places occupied by rebel forces
and afterwards by United States troops
shall be held captives of war and be for.
ever free.
No slave escaping from one State to
another shall be delivered up unless for
crime or some offence against the laws ol
the United States. until the claimant shall
FIRST make oath as to his loyalty. No
persons engaged in military or naval
service shall decide on the validity Of the
claim. and shall surrender of such slaves
on pain of being dismissed from the SER
vice.
The President is authorized to employ
as many persons of African descent, for
the suppression Of the rebellion. and use
them in such manner as he may deem fit.
He is authorized to make provisions for
colonizing the blacks beyond the limits
of the United States. The President is
authorized to extend to persons in rebellion
pardon and amnesty on such conditions
as he may deem expedient for the public
welfare.
The bill has since been modified. pass
ed. and approved by the President.