Daily Nashville union. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1862-1862, 1862-05-09
UOnaacation of Rebel Property.

NO OOnhscabOn Act has been passed
by Congress during the present session
although appearances indicate that one
win be passed. A friend has called our
attention to the Cohfscation Act passed
August 6, 1851, at the extra ses-
sion. Its provisions are worth looking
into, as il will be found that very large
amount of property is already forfeited
70 the United States. This act makes it
"the duty Of the President Of the United
States 10 cause TO be seized, conliscated,
and condemned" all property Of whatsoever
hind on description which has been used
OF employed by the owner Or with his
consent Gin aiding, abetting or promot-
ing" the existing rebellion, and also all
property which may have been acquired
OF purchased, sold or given with intent
TO be used or employed for such purpose.
twill be seen that the provisions of this
act are sweeping and comprehensive.
They include all foundries, machinery,
engines and implements of any trade
whatsoever, which have been used for
making cannon, shot guns, swords,
knives, saddles, brides, and clothing for
the Confederate service; also, all types,
printing presses, &c, used in tue publi
cation of reasonable and seditious mat.
ter; also, buildings and rooms which
have been erected for commissaries, quar-
termasters and other officers in the rebel
service. The list may. be almost indeIi
nately extended d.. ..r-.-.
Property subject to conGscation under
this act, may, it would seem, be properly
seized by the military authorities Of the
United States; but after such seizure, it
should be handed over by the military
to the civil authorities, that it may be
condemned by the tribunal having juris-
diction in the case.
lfnOt seized and handed over by the
military authorities, the United States
District Attorney, Of the District where
Che property may be, may institute pro-
seedlings for its condemnation. ll r5
Or any person having q knowledge
that property has been used in aiding,
abetting, or promoting the rebellion, may
go before the District Attorney and file
with him an information, upon which it
will be the duty OF the District Attorney
TO institute proceedings against the pro-
perty, and in event of its condemnation,
The person filing the information shall
have for his own proper use One-half the
proceeds Of the sale of such property.
The last section of this act, it will be
seen, provides for the freedom of all
slaves whose owners shalt have required
or permitted them TO bear arms against
the United States, or to work or be en-
ployed on any fort, arsenal &c, or in
any military or naval service whatsoever
against the Government o 'he United
States. ..0
AN ACT TO CoHFIsUArE PROPERrY USED
FoR. ISsURREQTIoEARY PURPOSES
Be It enacted ny the Senate and House of
Representatives. Of be United States oil
Anlerica in Congress assembled, That II,
during the present or any future insur-
rection against the Government of the
United States, after the President of the |
United States shall have declared by |
proclamation that the laws of the United |
States are opposed and the execution |
thereof DISTRACTED by combinations too |
powerful 70 be suppressed by the Ordi- |
nary course Of judicial proceedings, or
by the power vested in the marshals by |
law, any person or persons, his, her or |
their agent, attorney Or employee, shall |
purchase or acquire, sell or give, any
property of whatsoever kind or descrip-
ton, with intent 70 use or employ the |
same, or suffer the same 10 be used or
employed in aiding, Abotting or promot-
ING such instruction or resistance to the
laws, or any person or persons engaged
therein; or IL any person or persons
being the owner or owners Of any such
property, shall knowingly use OF em-
plOy, or consent 70 the use or employ
nent Of the same as aforesaid, all such
property ie hereby declared 10 be law
full subject Of prize and capture wher-
ever found and it shall be the duty of
the President Of the United States to
cause the same 10 be seized, coniiscated
and condemned.
SEC. 2. and h " fl1Asy enacted, That
such prizes and capture shall be con-
demned in the district or circuit court of
the United States having jurisdiction OF
the amount or in admiralty in any dis
trict In which the same may be seized, or
into which they may be taken, and pro
seedlings fret instituted
c.. g. - n. ..r.afrI That