Part 53 (1/2)

~1860, July 11. Great Britain: Proposed Co-operation.~

Lord John Russell suggested for the suppression of the trade:--

”1st. A systematic plan of cruising on the coast of Cuba by the vessels of Great Britain, Spain, and the United States.

”2d. Laws of registration and inspection in the Island of Cuba, by which the employment of slaves, imported contrary to law, might be detected by the Spanish authorities.

”3d. A plan of emigration from China, regulated by the agents of European nations, in conjunction with the Chinese authorities.”

President Buchanan refused to co-operate on this plan. _House Exec.

Doc._, 36 Cong. 2 sess. IV. No. 7, pp. 441-3, 446-8.

~1860, Dec. 3. President Buchanan's Message.~

”It is with great satisfaction I communicate the fact that since the date of my last annual message not a single slave has been imported into the United States in violation of the laws prohibiting the African slave trade. This statement is founded upon a thorough examination and investigation of the subject. Indeed, the spirit which prevailed some time since among a portion of our fellow-citizens in favor of this trade seems to have entirely subsided.” _Senate Exec. Doc._, 36 Cong. 2 sess.

I. No. 1, p. 24.

~1860, Dec. 12. Congress (House): Proposition to Amend Const.i.tution.~

Mr. John Cochrane's resolution:--

”The migration or importation of slaves into the United States or any of the Territories thereof, from any foreign country, is hereby prohibited.” _House Journal_, 36 Cong. 2 sess. pp. 61-2; _Congressional Globe_, 36 Cong. 2 sess. p. 77.

~1860, Dec. 24. Congress (Senate): Bill on Slave-Trade.~

”Mr. Wilson asked, and by unanimous consent obtained, leave to bring in a bill (Senate, No. 529) for the more effectual suppression of the slave trade.” Read twice, and referred to Committee on the Judiciary; not mentioned again. _Senate Journal_, 36 Cong. 2 sess. p. 62; _Congressional Globe_, 36 Cong. 2 sess. p. 182.

~1861, Jan. 7. Congress (House): Proposition to Amend Const.i.tution.~

Mr. Etheridge's resolution:--

-- 5. ”The migration or importation of persons held to service or labor for life, or a term of years, into any of the States, or the Territories belonging to the United States, is perpetually prohibited; and Congress shall pa.s.s all laws necessary to make said prohibition effective.”

_Congressional Globe_, 36 Cong. 2 sess. p. 279.

~1861, Jan. 23. Congress (House): Proposition to Amend Const.i.tution.~

Resolution of Mr. Morris of Pennsylvania:--”Neither Congress nor a Territorial Legislature shall make any law respecting slavery or involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime; but Congress may pa.s.s laws for the suppression of the African slave trade, and the rendition of fugitives from service or labor in the States.” Mr. Morris asked to have it printed, that he might at the proper time move it as an amendment to the report of the select committee of thirty-three. It was ordered to be printed. _Ibid._, p. 527.

~1861, Feb. 1. Congress (House): Proposition to Amend Const.i.tution.~

Resolution of Mr. Kellogg of Illinois:--

-- 16. ”The migration or importation of persons held to service or involuntary servitude into any State, Territory, or place within the United States, from any place or country beyond the limits of the United States or Territories thereof, is forever prohibited.” Considered Feb.