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.