Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1863-01-23

the Northwest with the South--but covering
this scheme Of treason with protestations that
be believed in and hoped for the entire I'M
ion, with hundred new States added and
suggesting an armistice, a reduction of the
armies North and South to peace establish
ment, free trade, free mails, free intercourse
in short, peace, leaving the people of the
South to do as they please. He protested,
however, an expectation that they would con-
sent to Presidential election I'M sG4. Bing-
ham Of Ohio responded in brilliant speech,
exposing, and e1coriatibg his colleague to
the satisfaction of the House and galleries ;
but the memorable event Of the day was the
speech OF Mr.. Wright of Pennsylvania, a
staunch democrat of the Jackson school, a
supporter Of Douglas at the last Presidential
election, but whs. is better, a stern patriot,
worthy Of the epoch of l776, who has already
offered up a son as a sacrifice for che salvation
Of his country. Vallandigham's speech was
well received by too many Of the Democratic
members Wright filed them with conster-
nation; it touched the chord Of patriotism,
and every heart which had scintlla Of it
leaped in joyful response, as he warned the
uniathful democrats around him that the
people-the rank and file Of the loyal democ-
racy in all the North will hold them to strict
responsibility and visit in6delity to the coun-
try with terrible retrbution. Hall and gale
RIGS responded with applause, which the
chair could not repress. Noble. true-hearted'
brave man love such Democrats veneer
ate them honor them. Democrats No
no -patriot-patriot rising above
party, loving and laboring and suffering for
his whole country. Let us reverently and
ioyfully thank God for such men, and pray
that their numbers may be multiplied and their
hands strengthened. send you condens-
ed report Of Wright's speech, which you must
publish. am sure that most of the demo-
Gratis of Verment-all good men-will re-
spond heartily to its sentiments.
The commissioners under the act abolish
ing slavery in the District Of Columbia have
completed their duties, and their report APP
pears this morning. The number Of slaves
paid for is, in round numbers, three thou
sand. There were, in addition, slaves OF
rebels, for which no compensation was allow
ed The average value Of the slaves limited
by the law was $500 per head: so it has cost
the country soOO,O to wipe out the black
cloud which has ever until now enshrouded
the national capital, and degraded the nation
itself in the eyes Of Christendom The price
is reasonable enough. An expert that
is to say, a slave-dealer Of large experience
was called from Baltimore to testify as to the
value Of slaves in this region. He fixed the
value Of slaves at 5000 per head up to the
commencement Of the rebellion; since that
period no sales, and Of course no market
value BY allowing nothing for infants, and
sums less than the average $500 for disabled
men, the commissioners we're enabled to al
low mere than the average in cases of valua-
Bile men; and thus it is probably fair to infer
that the loyal owners of slaves here have re-
ceived from the government just or fair com
pensation Indeed l do not remember to
have heard any complaint from masters on
that point. II they are dissatisfied they are
nevertheless quiet.