Daily State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1861-1865, 1862-07-21
The Modification of the Confiscati on
BILL.


Debate in the Senate-Republican Senator's assail
the President-Hs action is stignaatized as
"Monstrous," "Hegitimate," and "UnconSti-
tutional," and he is charged ,cith attempting
TO Coerce Congress"
In the Senate on Wednesday
Mr. Clark called up the resolution from the
House explanatory OF the confscation act. He
offered as an amendment, that no punishment
under the bill shall work the forfeiture of real
estate beyond the natural life of the person ac-
cused
Mr. Trumbull opposed the amendment, as life
forfeiture of real estate IN the West amounts to
nothing.
Mr. sherman of Ohio (Rep.), said that, if the
Senator Clark would say that it was likely the
President would veto the bill unless this amend
ment was adopted, he (Sherman) would vote for
it, but he wanted the President to take the re-
sponsbility of it.
Mr.. Clark think may say that am au
thoriZed to state that this amendment will re-
move one of the objections OF the President to
the bill. One OF the objects of this amendment
was nm inducement To obtain the Presidents sig
nature He should also offer another amendment
that the words granting an amnesty shall be
construed so as TO authorize the President TO re
store any property under the bill if he thinks it
necessary.
Mr.. Lane of Indiana (Rep), said that he was
not willing to legisate under any duress. He
would never surrender the independence of the
Senate to the dictation of any President, how
ever much we might trust him. Let the Presi-
dent, if he does not like the bill, send it back
here with his veto, and then he (Lane) was will
ling to make the issue con6scation confis
cation He (Lane) was not willing to have the
hands of the Senate tied by the Executive or any
other power this side of heaven.
Mr.. Clark thought they might as well look at
the question practically. and not stop at little
points OF eiquette. If there honest objec
tons, we might well try and harmonic them.
Mr. King of New York Rep }, thought that
this was an entirely new mode of legislation. If
the President has objections to the bill, it is his
business to send the bill back with his objections
Ii is time that we met the enemies OF this country
fairly and not with tmd policy. We must de
fend the country from its enemies, and from any
timidity on the part of those whose duty it is to
take care of the country. We must meet the
question boldly. and not by this back door legls-
lation. He thought it monstrous precedent TO
establish
Mr. Harris of New York. (Rep) thought
there nothing so m0nstrous in this PROPOSE
ton Ii the President had constitutional scru
piles, We ought to have proper respect for
them II we can pass this resolution. and thus
do so
Mr. Wade of Ohio (Rep) thought that this
was entirely novel question. This way OF COM
ing ia here ilegitnately-in a way unknown to
the COnstitution--he did not like. He Wade
did not know who was authorized 10 speak for
the President promulgate his views. II this =
the way We are TO legislate. we ought 70 have a
Committee to wait on the President when We pass
a BILL and ask what his royal" pleasure is. and
{ box hall alf tn no vol
This Is disgracefu IL il a total surrender of tire
rights Of this holy. The only constitutional way
tor the President H. it he has objections to the
BILL TO stale them in his veto There Is no other
way tor him To act. unless desire to surrender
all our constitutional rights and all the dignity OF
the Senate This WAY of coming in here with
/ back door vetoes cannot be tolerated. lie seems
that some gentlemen have been To see the PreSi-
deut-to learn his opinions. These gentlemen
are very fortunate. Most gentlemen when they
+ 90 to see the President are debarred from his
F presence. and those only admitted who are
charged with hs constitutional conscience. he
F (Wade) would be very sorry il the President
should veto this important measure liz would be
the saddest news that eve. went out OF this Cap
ital II such however is to be the case, ne want
ed the President to take all the responsibility OF
his own actions lie Wade wanted no back
f kitchen way OF doing business.
Mr. Wilson OF Massachusetts, Rep said be
had been engaged here for months trying 10 pass
+ "A confscation bill OF some sort, and one finally
was passed, To which there we're strong objections
E bv some senators He WILSON, regarded the
present resolution "a of little consequence, and il
its passage would in any way satisfy anybody
constitutional scruples. he WILSON, vas perfect
ly wiling 10 vote Tor IT, He admitted this mode
of legislation seemed improper, but he believed
the great measure far above all little irregu
larties Ii he could secure the passage of thc
BILL he would DO so
Mr. Fessenden. OF Maine. (Republcan.) SAID
that be could see no Improperly in any Senator
asking the President about his views upon an.
bill Such improperly. if there Is any, conls
not be charged strongly against him lFessenden.
for he had done il for the first time in his life
He had been solicited 10y many gentlemen to IN