The New York herald., 1862-04-12
GENERAL NEWS.

GEN ERAL NEWS.
->~~o~>~~o->~~.>~1-.>>~>~>~
~ WASHINGTON, April IL, 1852. \
PASSAGE OF THE BILL EMANCIPATING SLAVES IN
THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.
The bill to emancipate slaves in the District Of Column
ba was rushed 10 at late hour this afternoon
passed without amendment. During the debate upon
Mr. Crttenden, OF Kentucky made powerful speech,
entering his solemn protest not only against this
particular measure, but against others which have
been necessarily pressed upon Congress, with
view to agitats the slavery question. After listen.
ing with some patience to the venerable member
from Kentucky, the House proceeded to rush tho bill
through under the hve minutes rule. It evil
dent that no amendment would be entertained Some Of
the friends Of emancipation in the District protested
against tho indecent haste with which the various pro-
positions passed over; but IL of no avail the
majority seemed to be acting according to concerted
plan, and went ahead NJ full speed laughing at tho
efforts of the conservatives and members from the border
slave States TO arrest the proceedings No amendment
would DO allowed although pressed by friends
Of the measure essential to the perfection Of the bill
to make IL constitutional
serious objection made to IL is, that IL do
niss compensation for any slave transferred, at
any time heretofore, to the present owner from
any person who has in any manner aided or
sustained tho rebellion. Most Of the slaves held
in the District have come by purchase gift otherwise
from parties in Virginia, many Of whom have participated
in the rebellion. This clause completely cuts Of the
owners Of such slaves from any compensation under the
bill.
Another serious defect brought to the attention Of
the House by Mr.. Tran Of Massachusetts, who tried to
have amended but although his amendment obtained
fifty three votes, it voted down The defect alluded
to may yet vitiatc the bll and render it imperative
II was represented by Mr.. Train that the bill, as
1t has been passed. conflicts with the fifth and seventh
amendments to tho constitution, providing that private
property shall bs taken for public without JUS,
compensation, and that where the value exceeds
twenty dollars the damages shall be assessed by jury
II is the opinion of the most emn ent juriss in the House
that this omission will occasion the bill to be aside
by the Court Of Appeals, If IL should prevent the
approval of the President.
The passage OF the bill occasioned some applause in
the galleries. The House Immediately adjourned.
few Of the radical members INDUCED in excessive and
quite undgn6ed manifestations of delight, hurrahiug
the corridors, and seizng every negro they met and
overwhelming them with congratulations. These men
exhibited qualification this occasion than they
have shown any Of the Union victories.
Opinions havo been freely expressed TO the course
that will be pursued by the President in reference to tho
measure. They all nero speculations. Mr.. Lincoln
constitutional right Of Congress abolish slavery in the
District of Columbia, and desired its accomplishment,
but insists that due regard shall be had the rights
individuals in breaking up nstitu,ion!tha closely
interviewer with all conditions OF society here. The
question Of constuonalty raised in the House day
by friends Of the measure, WILL Of course, receive
sdoraton whenever the bill shall be presented ror his
approval
THE DEBATE IN THE SENATE on THE CoYPIscATIoN
BILL.
Mr.. Wiley, Of Virginia made spesch to-day full OF
fiery indignation in to Msssrs Trumbull, OF I
nois and Halo OF New Hampshire. who had opposed his
colonization amendment to the emancipation scheme, in
words that understood TO imply contempt their
minds for members of Congress from the border States
as though they permitted to occupy their seats by
tho charitable suerance OF the dominant party He had
been hunted from pillow TO post in Virginia when he op.
posed in tho Legislature OF that State he
thought hard be denounced here for expressing his
convictions Of right. lie snnounccd his determination
to stand by his rights os Senator in that body,
So long as he was permitted TO sit there
Senator pooitlc, Of Wisconsin, in his speech upon
conhscaion complained bitterly OF the misreprcsenia
tons Of his position mado by the correspondents Of tho
New York Times and the Chicago To,Jphe Mr.. Doolitts
claims be sound upon the antisavery question: but he
is not fast enough suit the views Of tho progressive
abolitionsis in Congress.
EXTENSION OF FEDERAL AUTHORITY IN THE REco-
yERED TERRITORY.
Tho restoration Of federal authority and its attendant
advantages are steadily progressing in the
ritoy Postmas,ers have been appointed for Manassas
Junction. Prince William county, and at Fairfax Court
House, Fairfax county, Va. The mails to these Offices
have already been restored.
THE POTOMAC FISHERIES.
All the fisheries on the Potomac that have nos been de-
stroyed by military occupation in full blast but they
are insufficient meet the daily demand OF the market
here Many Of the best fisheries have been denaded Of
their apparatus and cannot be put order in for use
this season.
PRESENTS FROM THE SECRETARY OF STATE 10 THE
PoPE.
Secretary Seward TO day His Holiness Plus TX
tho en,ro edition Of the History OF tho state Of New
York. consisting of thirteen qusrto volumes handsome.
ly illustrated with coorcd plates, and richly bound in
Turkey morocco and gold also copy Of the diplomatic
correspondence for 1861 bound in like manner This
return 10 the compliment recently paid by His
Holiness TO the Secretary by the presentation Of The
perb edition Of II vatecano colossal work Of twelve
volumes containing illustrations Of all paintings and
statuary belonging to the papal government in Rome.
TIE CASE OF COLONEL vANDEvER.
The report Of the Committee en- Elections the House
'oday in the case Of Mr. vandeve from the Second dis.
tct Of Iowa. is to the effect that 10 person can lawfully
hold commission in the United states Army and at the
time be entitled to seat in Congress Aresoution
is appended declaring that Mr. vandever has not been
entitled TO seat in the House since he was mustered
into the service Of the United states September "a Is6I
The committee express their admiration for Col Vands
vsrs patriotism in joining tho army while they assert
that ho cannot, under the constitution and laws retain
also his seat Congess II this report accepted Il viii
deprive several other cooncs Of their In the House
ARMY APPOINTMENTS CONFIRMED.
The Senate to-day in executive session, confirmed the
nominations OF Francis +. Patterson, Of Pennsylvania
and Cossias ~ Clay Of kcutugky, Brgadcr Generals
Of Volunteers.