The Smoky Hill and Republican union. [volume] (Junction City, Kan.) 1861-1864, 1862-07-26

Senate.-The militia driftinS bill, % called
has at last passed through the Senate. Il
is one Of the most important measures eve,
passed. The term of enlistment for which
militia will be called is limited. to nine
months, and one months pay and twenty
FIVE dollars bounty paid in advance. Il
amounts to conscripsion or draft law. A
strong effort will be made to put it through
the House. The following is the text Of
the sections in this bill relating to the
employment Of negroes: That the Presi
dent is hereby authorized to receive into
the service of the United States, fol
the purpose of constructing entertainments,
or performing camp service, or any othe,
labor, or any military or naval service fol
which they may be found competent, per.
sons of African descent. Such persons
shall be enrolled and organized under such
regulations, not inconsistent with the Con.
stitution or law, as the President may
prescribe that when any man or boy Of
African descent, who by the laws OF any
State shall owe service or labor to any
persons who, during the present rebellion,
has levied war or borne arms against the
United States, or adhered to their enemies
by giving them aid and comfort shall
render any such service as provided for in
this act, be, his mother, wife and child,
forever thereafter, shall be free, any law,
usage or custom whatsoever to the con.
trary Notwithstanding; that persons Of
African descent who, under this law, shall
be employed, shall receive ten dollar pei
month and one ration, three dollars Of
which monthly pay may be in clothing. {"
1t also declares free all slaves, including
their families, who shall thus serve the
Government except those belonging to loyal
masters. Senators Wright and Rice, both
Democrats, both voted for the bill.
Senator Vrighfi Ee1s-Mr. Wright
made . warm speech in favor of this bill,
declaring We should never put down rebel
lion in the world under the present general
policy of the Administration, saying if any
general refused to obey the clauses about
employing negroes, be would promptly turn
him out, and if necessary put arms in the
hands of negroes he put aside all ques-
tons of constitutional rights by saying
" traitors have no rights under the Consti-
tuition"
Congress and the Specie TrouJle.-The
Committee on wsys and means have a
recommendation before them urging the
necessity Of Congressional legislation to
relieve the specie market. No official
action of the committee has yet been taken
on the subject, bu. it is known that some
of the members are opposed to the project,
preferring to leave the matter to the com
mittee itself. Others are in favor of issuing
$3.50 treasury notes.
Secretary Chase recommends bill max
ing postage stamps legal tender, so as to
avoid the present difficulties about change,
and the Committee of Ways and Means are
likely to recommend the bill in accordance
with the suggestions.
The Border State Men and the President
The reply of the Border State men to
the Presidents application for gradual
is deferred till the con6scation
matter is settled. Fisher, of Delaware
Blair, of Virginia; Casey, of Kentucky
Noel and Maynard, of Tennessee, favor
The rest, about twenty in
number, WON'T commit themselves till con-
iscation is decided. May, of Maryland,
Won't touch emancipation in any shape.
The whole thing has been a great cry but
little wool, so far.
The National Republican expresses its
opinion that Congress has already gone far
nough towards accepting the Presidents
Emancipation policy, and that the whole |
natter had better 60 over to another session |
Whether this means that emancipation is
lready getting along fast enough without
be expense of compensation, readers can
udge. Certain it is that slaves in the |
'order States are melting away, and if their
wners were half as sagacious as Abraham
lincoln, they wopld hurry up their repre-
entatives to realize on the remainder. But
one are so blind as those who will not see.
Contrary to the general expectation
Vest Virginia admission was not reached
q the House to-day, but the prolougation
I the session will, it is thought, insure its
assage.
The Border State members had an inter.
lew with the President on Saturday. The
resident eutreated them on going home to
repare for emancipation, As circumstances
night soon arise that would make it neces-
ary. The members objected to this, but
therwise professed to have had q very
leasant interview.
Reps5lieon Address.-Bingham and Pot
sr are getting signers to the Address
resented at the Republican caucu. and
nperseded BY Colfax's resolution, with /.
lew to printing it any way. The effect of
ne Address is to make = party issue before :
he people. Colfax, who was so earnest in
as to leave Q sick bed and 90 To