REPUDIATION OF THE REBEL DEBT.
Concurrent Resolution in the Senate, February 17, 1865.
February 17th, Mr. Sumner introduced the following concurrent resolution, and asked its immediate consideration.
Whereas certain persons have put in circulation the report, that, on the suppression of the Rebellion, the Rebel debt or loan may be recognized in whole or in part by the United States; and
Whereas such a report is calculated to give a false value to such Rebel debt or loan: Therefore,
Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives concurring), That Congress hereby declares that the Rebel debt or loan is simply an agency of the Rebellion, which the United States can never, under any circumstances, recognize in any part or in any way.
Mr. Saulsbury and Mr. McDougall objecting, its consideration was postponed. In the evening of the same day the resolution was taken up, on motion of Mr. Sumner, and adopted without a division.
March 3d, the resolution was concurred in by the House of Representatives without a division.
This resolution was a direct answer to a pretension set up in England.