The Highland weekly news. [volume] (Hillsborough [Hillsboro], Highland County, Ohio) 1853-1886, 1863-03-12

privileges, or aug other equality, by
the decision Of this contest, and there.
fore they win decline to engage in il.
For that reasou-and havo no
doubt that reason will bo urged else
where than in my own COunty-you
cannot hope to have a very largo en-
listment from the North. Nor can we
nor ought We to hope for any very large
number in the loyal border slave
States. -aI
L Iapprove, let me say here, Of the
amendment, with some slight modifcn-
ton, proposed by tho venerable mem
Der from Kentucky, CMr. w1cKEFrE.1
II would be unwise to disturb the peo-
pie of the border States, when il is al
most morally certain that no good will
grow ont Of an attempt to recruit slaves
or freedmen in those States as soldiers.
But, sir, we can enlist them in the cot.
ton States, and not only at Now Or
leans, Memphis and Beaufort, but at
very point where forts are to be erect
ed and gurrisoncd, roads to be built, or
any hard work to BE- performed, we can
proftably use them in the service of
the country. Whether they make good
soldiers or not, il they are capable of
performing, to a certain extent, military
duties, we ought, as matter Of econo
my and good policy, to receive all that
come, and thus deprive the rebels of
that number of valuable laboreTs.
If, in time of profound peace, the
relation of master and servant has for
half century existed, without any in.
terruption by the slav es, it is not very
probable that in this time Of war, when
in every township and in every neigh
boTbood there are soldiers and armed
men ready to resist any attempt upon
the part of the blacks at uprising, any
such result is to be anticipated. Nor
do l believe, If we pass this bill, and
authorize the President to receive regi-
ments of slaves or Of freedmen in those
, States, that any of the calamities will
ensue that have been predicted by the
/, opponents Of this bill. 1t may cause
, desertions from the master, but not ra-
pine and murder. At New Orleans
and Beaufort, and other points where
slaves have been used as soldiers, no
} such consequences have followed. 1t is
not reasonable that these black men ol
the South, who have been Iauded for
their docility, for their kindness, for
their attachment to their masters
should all at once be converted by the
boon of freedom into cruel barbarians
, Sir; this is picture of fancy, and there
is no foundation for the assertion. We
all know that a certain degree Of intel
ligence exists among the blacks Of the
South from their association with the
whites; and many of them are no long
er to be recognized by their color AZ
belonging to an inferior race. UDfor
tunately you there find what is rarely
seen IN the Northern States-a bleach
ing process going on. And it might
, happen that many of those who would
6 volunteer would have the blood of some
= of the best families flowing in theil
a veins. 1t cannot be that a simple
g change Of position, nmeliorating Their
a condition by organizing and discipIin
J.. ing them for the service Of the coun
. try, would reconvert them into heather.
and barbarians. sa.. aa
n The objection to this measure sug
f gested by the honorable gentleman from
2 Massach usetts, Mr.. THOMAS in refer
! ence to the disposition of the slaves af
ter the war is terminated, is seriou
It one. You cannot remand them bacI
: to the condition Of servitude. The,
# cannot probably live as free men in th
States where they have been held il
It bondage. Where will you put themi--
e This difficulty applies with equal fore
70 to all elaves who have been freed b
e act of Congress, by proclamation Of tn
J. President, or by their own act. This
IT a problem TO be worked out in the fu
ture. Our present duty is nations
J. preservation. AS believer in Prov
It idence that does all things we'll, an
o that will ultimately make the right tri
umpb, I leave this question in His hanG
ie believing that Hcwill provide a plac
e for those who will have merited, b
II their bravery and cOursge, the right
Ie of free men. 'fso".
It The remark so happily expressed b
,s the distinguished gentleman frol
E. Pennsylvania [Mr. WVtdHr] yesterda!
/ in regard to the Importance Of burmC
g. ny and unity among the members
to this House, met my hcarty approval
W It's importance cannot bo exaggerate'
= Z. ol,.... -, .,