The daily Gate City. [volume] (Keokuk, Iowa) 1855-1916, 1863-02-13
NEGRO SOLDIERS.

FRIDAY, FEBRUAAf iS.
NEGRO SOLDIERS.
sssseH or Hon. JAMES 7. WILSON,
In THK HOUSE, or REPRESENTATIVES,,
February 2. 1858,
On the bill ia. R. No. s75j TO raise additional sob
diers for the service Of the Government.
IooScLupED
Now, sir, In reference to this policy, I
have cited she opinions Of some Of the
most eminent nsen in our history, and ]
have cited the acts of Congress and of
the Legislative Assembly of Rhode Island.
/ might present the acts Of other States
where the employment Of mon Of African
descent in the army was considered ex-
pedicnt. xs But the cases cited are sufi-
Client VI ahex that during the struggle for
our Independence the employment Of col
ored meti ixs 1oidiers Was regarded Ufgrsat
importance. Every man who hes read
the history of his country knows that we
have many practical examples of the en-
ploymsnt of these men in the service OF
the country, not only in the revolutionary
war, but also during the war of 1872 be-
tween this country and Great Britain
and have yet TO learn that the nation
regrets the performance ofany act by the
black man which advanced its interest;
and have yet to learn that the truly
loyal people of the country will object
now 10 the performance of any act by
any man, white or black, which will tend
to the restor ation Of the Union, the main
terance Of the Constitution, and the en-
forcement Of the, laws.
Now, sir, this shows what the policy
Of the Government was in 6rmer times.
We have struggled along through nearly
two years Of this bloody war without
adopting my measure tu-curry into effect
i've force the principles embodied in the
bill before the House. Sir, we propose,
by this bill, to change that policy and 70
act Ike sensible men, determined to main
this Government at whatever cost, and
willing to resort to any means tending to
that end which are recognized by tile
laws of war among civilized nations. W.
propose, BY this bill, to say to all who are
willing TO light for the Union and The
Constitution, in the language of Gen
Jackson in his celebrated proclamation
Through mistaken policy you have hsretofor'
bsen deprived Of any participation in this struggle
for national rights in which our country is engaged
This NO longer shall exist"
Such, in effect, Is the language which
this bill proposes to sutheFise the Presi
dent to address to Che colored men Of I'll il
nation who are willing to fight for the
maintenance of the Constitution and the
enforcement of the laws. What Jackson
said TO them in 1914, we need not blush
to repeat IN 1868. We are addressing the
same proclamation to tho same race, and,
in many instances, TO the descendants OF
the very men to whom Jackson spoke,
and We propose nothing more.
Why shall we not adopt this policy p
Why shall We not cali to our standard ev.
cry man who may be willing to fight fol-
the maintenance Of this Government p
We have had several reasons given why
We should not do 30. and the gentleman
from Ohio, IMr. Cox, ] in his speech thu
other day, gave one which is remarka
bic enc to come from that source. will
quote the gentleman's own language, in
order that / may do him no Injustice
Speaking in opposition to this bill, he
said:
II lay thAt believe the object Of the gentleme,
In forcing this bill here, is to bring about or rath
or make final and forever, dissolution Of tn,
=
Whsn that declaration was made by til,
gentleman from Ohio, thoughts woul.
have been in better taste for him to hav
abstained from that charge until aiter hi
New York speech got cold. It 10 not b
coming my eentleman. entertaining III
sentiments attributed to him by The news
paper reports Of that speech, to com
here and object that the passage Of til
bill will possibly lead to 1 dissolution 3
the Union.
Mr.. Cox. The gentleman quotes some
thing fton the psHspaper reports Of
speech of mine in New York.
Mr.. Wilson. No sir; what quote,
was from the Globe Of last Saturday.
Mr. Oox. To what gentleman from
Ohio, then, does the gentleman from 10
wa re6ery a-'t
Mr.. Wilson. In connection with VIA
/ qpQtsd from the Globe. referred 10 !
speech j. New York by the gentlema,
himseif We
Mr.. Cox. / will say to the gentlema
from Iowa that the reports given Of th,
sPsseh innertaia ahnAseous josraah, lii
the Trihqse, are not true, and the gentle
man ought to know il 10 not fair TO auot
in this House from any such garblsd q
thority a that. / can give. the gsstl,
man copy ofmy spssch in New Yor
entire; 10 which iake ground sksiu1
any m1tilai0n or diamsmbcrmsnt 81 Til
Republic In any way.
Mr.. Wilson. The gentleman has ha
an opportunity TO discIaim the sentimen,
Of Mat apeeeh. / have not based m
charge upon what Vas reported in Ne,