Prescott journal. [volume] (Prescott, Wis.) 1861-1871, 1866-03-17
Congressional Proceedings,

WASHINGTON, March 5.-SENATE.-
Mr.. WILSON, of Mass, offered the
following (which was referred to the
Committee on Reconstruction Joint
resolution, to provide for the represen-
tation in Congress of the States lately
IN rebellion, and for the resumption of
the practical relations of the SAID States
to the United States
RESOLVED, BIZ The Senate and House of Rep
resentdtiUes of The United States of A erica
Ia Congress assembled. That nelther of the
Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Louis
ana Mississippi, Arkansas, or Texas, shall be
entitled to representation in Congress, and to
resume complete practical relation with the
United States whenever the said State, by its
legislature shall formally adopt the following
irrepealable fundamental conditions, namely:
That all laws, statutes, ordinances. rules and
regulations heretofore IN force, or held valid
in the said state, whereby or wherein Unequal
ity of civil rights, or immunities among the in
habitants of the said state, is recognized, au-
thoriZed or established, or maintained by rea-
son.Or founded upon any distinction or differ
ences of color, race or descent, or upon a pre-
yiOus condition OF status of slavery or invol-
untary servitude, be declared absolutely null
and void; and that il shall be forever unlawful
to institute, make, ordain or establish in the
said state any law, statute, act, ordinance,
rule or regulation, or to enforce the
same.
I'd. That there shall be no dscrImina-
ton whatever in civil rights or immunities
among the inhabitants of the said state on ac-
count of color, race or descent, or a previous
condition of slavery or involuntary seryitude,
but all the inhabitants without regard to
color, race or descent, or any previous condi-
ton OF slavery or Involuntary servitude, shall
have the same right to make and enforce con-
tracts, to sue. be parties, and give evidence in
all courts and causes, to inherit, purchase
L.. Ill
erty. and to have full and equal benefit of all
laws and proceedings for the protection of
person and property, and shall be subject to
the same punishments and penalties and to
none other.
Sd. That the right of voting for electors of
President and Vice President of the United
States, for Representatives of Congress, and
fof the members of the state legislature, shall
be granted by the said state to the fol-
lowing classes of persons of African
descent, VIZ: All males of the age of
Il years aud upwards, who have been
duly enrolled and mustered into service in the
army and navy of the United States, who pay
tax on real and personal property and all
males OF like age who are able to read the
Constitution of the United States. and possess
the qualifications required by the constitution
of the said state not Inconsistent herewith.
18th. That no payment shall ever be de-
manded by the said state Of the United States
for debt made by the said state or by the
United States for or on account of any debt
or incurred in aid of the rebellion
against the United States.
Sec. 2. And De IL further resotUed, That the
provisions of this joint resolution shall take
effect go soon as either of the said states for
and by its Legislature shall by solemn act
declare the assent of the said State to the
fundamental conditions herein prescribed
which conditions shall be in said act forever
under any circumstances what
aver.
WILSON called up Joint resolution
TO pay Miss Clara Barton $4,000 for
expenses incurred in searching for miss |
ing soldiers of the army, and for the |
further prosecution of the same.
GRIMES said he had examined the |
Ease. and was able to state that the |
work performed by Miss Barton was |
and was performed faithful |
md well. Whenever the name of a |
missing soldier was handed to her, she /
prosecuted diligent search for him
Imong returned Union prisoners and
others at Annapolis, and her means
we're exhausted in this work, and it was
he universal sentiment of those famil-
ar with what she had done, that the
was quite reasonable.
The resolution was unanimously passed.
Mr.. ASHLEY asked leave to introduce
Oncnrrent resolutions as follows:
Resoiued, by The House Of Representatives,
te Senate cOncuTTiIg, That the Constitution
I the United States confers on Congress am
lie power for the protection of the emanci-
ated slaves and freedmen of the states lately
] rebellion, so that in behalf of the loyal
merican people, the Congress of the United
tates pledge full and complete protection to
L loyal men. irrespective of race or color, re-
ding In the states recently in rebellion, and {
specially to the soldiers and sailors who ]
srvs d in the Union army and navy, and to !.
his end Congress will demand such guaran-
es as to them will seem sufficient before rec
yniZiDg any of the new state governments
hich now are or which may hereafter be or
Ie President, or by an independent move
ent of the people in such states. Ia