The war began in Slavery, and it can end only with the end of Slavery. It was set in motion and organized by the Slave Oligarchy, and it cannot die except with this accursed Oligarchy. Therefore, for the sake of peace, and to restore the Union, every power should be enlisted by which Slavery, which is the soul of the war, can be reached. Are you in earnest? Then strike at Slavery. Liberation is usually known as a charity; but while none the less a charity, comprehending all other charities, it is now, in the course of events, a necessity of war. Through liberation alone can we obtain that complete triumph, bringing with it assured tranquillity, without which the war will stop merely to break forth anew, and peace will be nothing but an uneasy truce. Among all the powers of Congress incident to our unparalleled condition, there is none so far-reaching, as there is none so beneficent,—there is none so potent to beat down rebellion, as there is none other by which peace can be made truly secure. Powerful and beautiful prerogative! The language of Chatham is not misapplied, when I call it the “master feather of the eagle’s wing.”
PRIZE-MONEY AND ITS POLICY.
Remarks in the Senate, June 30, 1862.
The pending bill, providing that property taken by the Rebels and then retaken under national authority should be restored to the former loyal owner without salvage, was opposed by Mr. Grimes.
Mr. Sumner said:—
I take it that the policy of prize-money is always open to question. It has been handed down from other generations, but I cannot doubt, that, in proportion as nations advance in civilization and refinement, it is more and more drawn into doubt.
Mr. Grimes. I will ask the Senator, whether, under the law as it now exists, our officers and sailors have not certain vested rights? This bill is retrospective, as well as prospective.