The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1862-06-04
ions when duly called upon. The several

tions when duly called upon. The several
departments of the Government at that
tine contained so large number of dis
loyal persons that it would have been i'm
possible to provide safely through official
agents only for the performance of the du-
ties thus con6ded to citizens favorably
known for their ability, loyalty and patri-
otism. The several orders issued upon
these occurrences were transmitted by
private messengers, who pursued circui-
tous way to the seaboard cities, inland,
across the States of Pennsylvania, Ohio
and the Northern lakes.
81 believe that by these and ether sim
liar measures, taken without authority of
law, the Government was saved from
overthrow. l am not aware that dol.
lar of the public funds thus conided with
out authority of law to unofficial persons
was either lost or wasted. although ap-
prehensions of such misdirections occur
red to me as objections to these extraor
binary proceedings, and were necessarily
overruled recall these transactions
now because my attention has been di.
rected to resolution which was passed
by the House of Representatives on the
30th of last month, which is in these
words:
"'Resolued, That Simon cameron, late
Secretary of War, by investing Alex.
Cummings with large sums of public mo-
ney and authority to purchase military
supplies without restriction and without
requiring of him any guarantee for the
faithful performance of his duties, when
the services of competent public officers
were available, and by involving the Gov.
ernment in vast number of contracts
with persons not legitimately engaged in
the business pertaining to the subject mat
ter of such contracts, especially in the
purchase of arms for future delivery, has
adopted policy highly injurious to the
public service, and deserves the censure
of the House.
"Congress will see that I should be
wanting equally in candor and justice if l
should leave the censure expressed in this
lCoOi0tioh w AOob OASiuoiSOiy, VI CulChy,
on Mr.. Cameron. The same sentiment
is unanimously entertained by the heads
of the departments, who participated 10
the proceedings which the House of Rep
resentatives has censured. It is due to
Mr.. Cameron to say that. although he
fully approved the proceedings they were
not moved or suggested by himself. and
that not only the President, but that all
the other heads of Departments were at
least equally responsible with him for
whatever error, wrong or fault was COM
mitted in the premises.
TSignpd1 ABRAHAM LINCOLN.
"Washinyton, May 26. 1862
Two thousand copies of the Presidents
Message were ordered to be printed. aud
the Message was referred to the Commit.
tee of the Whole.
The House then went into Committee
on Hospital in the District of Columbia.
A sharp discussion ensued between
Messrs. Dawes and Voorhees,.
Mr.. Wadsworth drew comparison be-
tween the present Governments of Ken
tucky and Massachusetts. saying Kentuc
ky would furnish troops without condi-
tions, and fight till the States were again
under the Constitution.
Mr.. Dawes replied vigorously for Mas
sachusetts, referring to the past course of
his State, saying Massachusetts, will not
tire of this war. She has no blood. no
treasure she will not freely offer. She
will freely give her last man and last drop
of blood for war for constitutional iiber-
ty and freedom.
The Committee rose
Mr.. Porter moved to reconsider the
vote of yesterday rejecting the bill con-
6scating the slaves of rebels, pending
which the House adjourned.