Daily Ohio statesman. [volume] (Columbus, Ohio) 1855-1870, 1864-06-15
Congressional.
WASHINGTON, June IA

Mr.. Wade called up House bill to amend
the act to provide territorial government
for Idaho, which was passed. 1t provides
for the reapportionment of the Territory,
and changes the time of the election till the
I'd Monday in October.
Mr.. Chandler, from the committee on
Commerce, called up the House resolution
for the repair and preservation of the Pub
lie Works. 1t appropriates $250,000 for re-
pairing the Public Works on Lakes Cham
plain, Ontario, Erie, st. Clair, Huron, Mich
igan and Superior and 100000 for repair
ing the Public Works connected with the
harbors of the United States seaboard.
The Senate then called up the bill to as
certain and settle the title to certain private
land claims in California, on the pending
motion to indefinitely postpone it, which,
after short debate, prevailed-21 to 16.
Mr.. Wilson called up the bill for the more
speedy punishment of guerrillas, and its
consideration was not concluded at the ex-
piration of the morning hour.
Mr.. Fessenden called up the fortification
bill, which passed after striking out an ap-
preparation for Boston harbor, and making
an appropriation of $177,00O for fortifica-
tions in San Francisco Bay.
The gold bill, as amended by the House,
was reported by Mr.. Fessenden, and order
action on it tomorrow.
On motion of Mr.. Wilson, the Senate adj
hered to its amendments to the bill equal
izing the pay of U. S. soldiers, and asked
for a new committee of conference.
On motion of Mr.. Sumner, the bill to es-
tablish bureau of Freedmen's Affairs, as
amended by the committee, was taken up
and discussed.
HoUsE.-The joint resolution reported to
extend the overland mail contract from the
first of July, was read twice and laid on
the Speakers table.
The vote by which the Senate gold bill
was recently laid on the table was recon-
sidered. Mr. Harper's substitute for the
first section was agreed to. The bill was
then passed-76 to 62.
The House then took up the civil appro-
priation bill. The bill was defeated by
striking out the enacting clause. 1t was
then re-committed.
Messrs. Fenton and Steele had consent to
record their votes on the fugitive slave law
repeating bill-Mr. Fenton for, and Mr..
Steele against the bill.
On motion, it was resolved that until
otherwise ordered, the House will daily take
a recess at 4:30 to 1880 for business.
The House resumed consideration of the
bill proposing an amendment to the Con-
United States.
Mr.. Pruyn, of N. Y, denied that the Con-
stitution could he construed to enlarge its
power, so as to deal with matters beyond its
reach. Two-thirds of the States cannot
take away the reserved rights of any State.
If so, what was to prevent the absorption
of the territory of one. Right or principle
could be destroyed. Under such doctrine
States might be annihilated and monarchy
substituted. Leave each State to say what
is best for its own people and institutions.
Mr.. Fernando Wood said that this was
no time for change in the organic law.
We were in the midst of civil war. The
din of the conflict and the groans of the
dying and wounded are sad evidence of the
destruction around us. The entire people
are involved directly or indirectly in the
conflict. There was too much excitement
in the public mind to admit of calm and
cautious Investigation. If such a change
could be made in the Constitution, this was
not the time tor it. The effect of such an
amendment would produce revulsion
widespread and radical in its character,
and add to the existing sectional hostility,
and if possible make the conflict more in
tense.
Among his reasons for opposing the res
olution, he said it proposed to make social
institutions subject to the Government, and
this was in antagonism to the principles
which underlie all republican system. 1t
was unjust; it was breach of good faith,
and not reconcilable even with expedien-
cy. 1t struck at property and involved the
determination of the whites Of the South
ern States and the forfeiture of their prop
erty and lands, to be given to the black
race, who may drive the former out of eX-
istence. Was this the last scene of the
bloody drama? scene on which the civ
ilized world would gaze with horror, and
which would be left to the future rs warn
ing to avoid civil war with all its terrible
atrocities.
Mr.. Wood argued that the Constitution
was compact and covenant and that
the control of the domestic institutions
of the States was never delegated to the
general government, and could not be
delegated excepting by the consent of
all the States. In the course of his re-
marks he spoke of the war Democrats
as political jackals, who had jumped into
place. He could read many evidences to
show that they had been the most intense
against coercion. Certainly they are now
erased from the memorials of the Demo-
cratic party and lost to the respect of those
who hold its time-honored principles.
The bloody and brutal policy Of the party
in power had well nigh destroyed all hope
of the Union; but much might still be done
by recalling the ancient spirit of coRces-
sion and mutual forbearance, with view
of restoring the Union as it was.
Mr.. Highly, of California, said that it was
most cautiously provided that the National
Legislature can make no such amendment.
1t may be proposed by Congress, but it must
be ratified by the State Legislatures or by
conventions Of the people. Nothing could
more clearly recognize State sovereignty.
He would ask whether the gentlemen who
have spoken against the proposition dare to
submit the amendment to their several
States?
Slavery struck at the roots of our insti-
tutions, and was terrible evil. What
rights had the institution, with two or
three hundred thousand men in rebellion,
which this Government was bound to re-
spect? lie said as self-evident truth, that
no Government is republican in form or
substance, which tolerates the institution of
slavery. Such republicanism was born of
hell. He refuted the assertion, which he
characterized as falsehood, that we COM
menced war upon the South. Ou the con-
trary, he showed from President Buchan-
ans message in January, 1861, that the Sc
cessionists first began hostilities by seizures
of Notifications and other public property.
He justified President Lincoln's emanci-
patton proclamation as a proper blow
against slavery, which has come so near
proving the death of the Republic.
nv Kolhfiash of NJ V smoke Of the