The Wheeling daily register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1864-1878, 1874-01-12
CONGRESSIONAL.
House.
WASHINGTON, January

no business was transacted.
Mr.. Field, Of Michigan, said he pro-
nosed this afternoon to discuss tour
propositions. First, That the United
States sbould iseue bonds at low rates
o, interest at par. Second, That such
bonds should be paid by the government
at the option OF the holder. Third,
That the receipts of the treasury notes
for the redemption Of bonds shall be
used TO purchase fve-tweuty bonds in
the open market. Fourth, That on
and alter the 30th of June next, the
National banks OF issue should cease TO
be banks OF issue. He then proceed
ed to discuss these propositions at
length.
Mr. Vance. of North Caroline, op.
| posed the civil rights bill.
A spirited colloquy sprang up at the
close of Mr.. Vsnce's remarks, brought
on by remark that if be was . color
ei msu he would not stand az 8 beg
gar before Congress for these rights, but
would rather strive TO elevate himself
to be worthy OF them. =,
Mr.. Rairey. Of South Carolina, asked
If these were his views, and what he
thought of the southern whites who
were coming here and asking the re-
moval OF political disabilities.
Mr.. Vance said he had expected such
e. question. Everywhere this skeleton Of
the war was brought up. 1t was
right for Congress to remove these dis.
abilities, for President johnson had
practically done so by his proclama-
lion. God Almighty had not, he said,
placed the brand OF Cain on the southern
race. The bones OF his countrymen
| laid in their graves at Chicamsgus,
Missionary idge,Spottsylvania, Peters
burg and elsewhere, where they fell IN
defending what they believed to be
right.
rebellion right. -, :,
Mr.. Vance replied that he did, and
under similar circumstances would res
bel again. -,
Mr.. Fort replied that he should
not under any circumstances be Induced
to raise his hand against the govern
ment 3galn.
Mr. Vance said that there never was
more sublime sight than when, after
the surrender at Appomatox, the south
ern people went home with the greatest
GOOD will to the old flag OF their faith
ors The south hal been willing 10
io;n handa, and when Mr.. Greeley pro-
posed TO shake hands across the bloody
chasm they, after seeing that he bad no
knife 10 his hands. run to the edge oi
the chasm to grasp it,
Mr. Fort said he desired 10 ask one
more question.
Mr.. Vance, who had yielded the re-
mander Of his time to Mr. Whitehead.
Of Virginia, eaid he saw no good to
come rom having the war over again,
and would not take the time for 1t,
which he iad yielded to his friend from
Virginia. :,
Mr.. Fort appealed to Mr.. Whitehead
TO Weld few minutes.
Mr.. Whitehead said he supposed the
war had ended eight years ago and de-
cllned to yield.
Mr Fort, insisting, put the question,
which was, The gentleman has stated
tha, he was sworn to support the Con-
s,iru'iop." Had net the leaders Of the
rebelIo taken the same oath
beore they attempted to overthrow the
constitution and the government?
Mr.. Vance said thar after the South
had sece1ed they had held that oath
usa no lonL Ler binding.
Sfr Fort He said that now under
the circumstances be would rebel again.
| ask him whether that would be per-
! iurv or not
Mr, Vance-No. he then went on
to cav that be had not brought this
matter about. 1t had been brought BY
the question OF Mr.. Rsiney. He was
no, ashamed OF what he had done, but
toe same circumstances could not oc-
cur again, therefore the discussion was
iruilless.
Mr. Whitehead claimed the floor,
SAYING that he hoped this cruel war
was over" 1t had been decided to bis
complete satisfaction.
Mr.. Miller, OF New York. spoke up
on the currency question, advocating
Gradual return 10 specie payments by
avoidance OF Initiation Of currency, and
the retirement OF national bank notes,
subs,itutug therefor notes OF the Uni
ted States.
Mr.. Cain, OF South Carolina, advo-
Gated the passage Of the civil rights bill,
and recounted the discrimination made
against himself and his colleague, Mr.,
Elliott, at Wilmington, n. c., on their
way 10 Washington, where they were
not allowed to obtair food at the lunch
room while the train stopped for TWEEN
tv minutes, 10 show that the civil rights
=
Of colored men were not respected IN
| the noble old State OF North Carolina.
At the conclusion OF his remarks he
wss com plimeuted on bis effort by
quite a number oil the Republican
members.
Mr Crosland, OF Kentucky, oppos ed
toe civil rights bill, declaring that the
coIored people OF his State felt that 1t
vas no. in their interests and did not
desire its passage.
! Mr.. Meilish. Of New York, made q
speech in is7or Of the civil rights bill
the passage Of which he considered as
! certa
| After which, on motion Of Mr. Park.
er, the House adjourned.