Cleveland morning leader. [volume] (Cleveland [Ohio]) 1854-1865, 1864-03-01
AGrand Expedition From the
Potomac Army.
The Rebels Troubled About
Sherman.
LOngstreet Still Retreatlng'
News From Rebel Sources.
FROM WASHINGTON.
Especial to the Cleveland Lesder.l
HAaHInaroH. February q

WAsHIHaToE, February 20.
Mr.. Sumner, in very elaborate report
upon the Repeal Of the Fugitive Slave Law,
presented today the words of the Fugitive
clause in the Constitution, giving lis Ori-
gin and history. He exposes the uncon-
stitutiOnslity Of the present lsW, and re-
hearsss some Of the consequences locally
resulting from 1t. His position is essen
TALLY, that contrary to the laws Of the Ju-
risprudence, 8 clause Of the Constitution
has been interpreted to sanction the hunt
ing Of slaves, and is further interpreted
as an original compromise Of that instru-
ment, contrary to the testimony Of histo-
~. Upon this misrepressnted clause Con-
gress has enacted laws many times uncon-
stitutionsl, especially in three particulars,
namely: First, IS 8 usurpatiOn, by Con-
gress, Of ungranted powers. Second, as
q denial Of trial, by jury, in cases Of per-
sOnsl liberty; and third, IS concession Of
personal liberty to unaidsd judgment Of
petty Magistrate, without oath Of Office or
connection with Judicial powers appointed
and contained in office, ct the pleasure Of
the court, and not by an act Of the Presi-
dent. Yet were it strictly constitutional
regarded in it's terrible consequences
it is none the less offensive ss q scourRe to
the African race, grievance to the whole
country, scandal abound, and dead
weight upon the Union at home, devised as
an insult to free States, and g badge Of
subjection. 1t is unconstitutional then on
all points-mischievou in Its influences,
and obnoxious in its action. 1t should be
repealed at once, and If possible, Oblitera-
ted from the statutes; to put down the
rebellion, and uphold our fame abroad and
save the Constitution from outrage ex-
tiDguish slavery and establish National
justice.
The Senate to-day spent some time in
discussing the bill which passed the House
last week, extending the bOunties to tho
frat Of April. During the debate it was
stated that ninety millions Of dollars have
already been paid since the first Of this
year by special action Ofthis Congress for
bOunties, and that the passage Of this bill
would compel an outlay of OF least 25,-
900, 900 more. The bill after cOnsiders-
bic discussion, and after statement from
Senator Wilson that Generals Hancock
and Burnside had expressed the opinion
that the number Of men required in the
Presidents call would be raised by the first
Of April, was referred to the Military
Committee.
A bill is before the House from the
Military Committee to repeal the law pre-.
venting allowance Of extra pay for SOL
diers and non-commissiOned Ofhoers de-
tailed for special service.
Mr.. Grimes introduced a bill appropris-
ting forty thousand dollars to protect en-
igrstion across the plains, ten thousand to
be expended for the route between Fort
Abercrombie and Fort Benton, and ss
much for the route BY the valley Of NsO-
brarah and Idaho.
The bill has passed the Senate making
Parksrsburgh in West Virginia, post Of
delivery.
Mr.. Wilson in the House intr soduced
bill providing that after one levy
and the collection Of the deferred direct tax
Of stwenty millions the operations Of
that tax law shall be suspended until the
first day of April.
Mr.. Wilson's bill to prevent the sccu-
mutation Of gold in the Treasury, pro-
Eides for the payment of one-tenth Of the
duties on imports and up to July 1865 in
legal tenders.
Mr.. MorehOuse, Of Pennsylvania, has in
troduced bill to increase the salary Of
the Chief Justice Of the Supreme Court to
eight thousand snd FIVE hundred dollars
the Assistant Justice to eight thousand
and the Judges Of District Courts are
given from three to five thOusadd dollars.
The District in which Boston, New York,
Philadelphis and Baltimore are located
sreSlloWed the latter sum.
Northern Illinois Is allowed four thOus.
and and i've hundred dollars.
The Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana and Mis-
souri,, four thousand dollars.
As fOrsshadOEed in last nights dis
patches, the WhiHkey Conference Commit
tee to-day reported inability to agree and
asked Instructions.
The House instrcted the Com. to insist on