The Irish republic. [volume] (Chicago, Ill.) 1867-18??, 1868-02-29
Our Washington Letter.
WASHINGTON, D. c., February IA, 1868.

RIGHTS.
1t is to be presumed that gratitude due the Hon. W.
L. Robinson of New York. for having persistenty placed
before the country the position of American citizens abroad
and especially the outrages inflicted upon those Irish birth
or affiliations within the British domains Mr. Robinson,
who often aceousy termed the member for Ireland
presses the subject in and out of tmore often the
latter regret say STILL it is unfortunate for Irish-Amer-
cans we'll for the of due protection to our ci
zens everywhere that the present great agitation had not
been brought before the country by one would have
handled it with becoming of its Importance,
and thus acted somewhat less like "spread eagle orator
and demagogue than has unfortunately been the case
The work now is in worthier hands-that of the great
loyal leaders and who have carried the nation
through its past terrible years The debate begun on the
introduction upon the 9th utmo of the bill reported by
General Banks has progressed day by day with great spirit
since The morning hour has been appropriated for
debate the questions issue 1t has been exhaustive
and thorough. There difference of opinion to the
object the discussion turning details of the bill and the
best mode of attaining the desired object
The bill prepared by the Committee Foreign Relations
is satisfactory the House. epomize the criticism
on it as follows:
1s Its declaration protection, of the right of natural
ation vague, and capable of misinterpreaton
3D. That the bill accord undue and unconstitutional power
to the Executive Department. in that it allows 1t, ineren-
TALLY least declare for the acts which may be and
are charged power belonging only to Congress.
3d. That the bill is Objectionable by of special
cepons claims for protection being named which be
interpreted to the very points which we are
now at issue with European Governments for instance
the claim of military service.
strong feeling among the Republicans though notopeny
expressed is that the State Department had too much to do
with shaping the Mr.. Seward is regarded
trckste who will always avoid difficulty rather than
meet 1t.
The debate has turned these points The Committee of
stand by the gallant Chairman Judge Orh of In
dana made strong speech in defense of the measure Mr.
Cuom, of Illinois, had previously spoken the general
question General Hamilton Ward, of New York, criticized
the BILL giving undue power to the President Mr.. Bng
ham, in previous debate with Mr. Robinson took the most
conservative view of the questions at issue General Butler
of Massachusetts, and Jenck of Rhode Island have both
introduced substitutes. Mr.. Wilson, of Iowa, has moved
an amendment Mr.. Jehu Baker, of your own State has
offered excellent amendment or substitute, which pre-
sent hereafter. Mr. Norman Judd, of your city, has
offered excellent declaration of principles that govern
the demand be made in positive TERMS which to
many to fully the Among the best speeches
made besides those of General Banks those of Mr. judd
Mr. Donnelly of Minnesota Jehu Baker, Sidney Clarke
of Kansas and Mr. Pruhyn, ofNew York. Democrat There
have been in all thirty speeches made besides good
share of most interesting nterocutoy discussion which has
been of great value in the eucidaton of the subject
The bill and pending amendments have all been recon-
med 1t is understood that it will be reported back
Monday and if possible the previous question will be called
The House however, evidently anxious to discuss thesub
ject fully This but natural and commendabe All
feel that position taken must not be rereated FROM
even if war be the deadly cost of steadfasness
When the measure perfected in the House. shall reach
the Senate there will be full and able discussion Mr.
Sumner understood to be engaged in preparing Speech
reviewing the public law the questions of
patriaon and naturalization, both in this country and
Europe.
PROPOSED AMENDMENTS BANKS BILL.
Mr. Wilson, of Iowa, has moved to strike out of the first
section the following Words
"And the President is empowered to employ all the
resources of the Government in just efforts the
recognition by other Governments of the foregoing principles