April 18th, Mr. Sumner offered the following resolution, which
was considered by unanimous consent, and adopted.
“_Resolved_, That the Secretary of the Interior be
requested to furnish, for the use of the Senate, a list of
all persons residing in the District of Columbia who appear
in the returns of the last census as owners of slaves,
indicating the number claimed to be owned by each person,
with the classification of their ages according to the
returns.”
April 28th, the Secretary of the Interior accompanied the
return with the suggestion, that, as it exposed the private
affairs of individuals, it was questionable “whether it would
be proper to print it for circulation.” On hearing this
communication read at the desk, Mr. Sumner moved its reference
to the Committee on the District of Columbia, and remarked:--
MR. PRESIDENT,--In offering the resolution, I felt that I was doing
good service to the Commissioners appointed to carry out our recent
measure of Emancipation, and I felt also that I was helping to correct
possible abuses in anticipation of its operation.
I have been sorry to hear of efforts during the last few weeks to
run able-bodied slaves out of the District. Slavery is often called
a patriarchal institution, and I am anxious to see how many of the
patriarchs, in avoidance of the action of Congress, have transported
slaves beyond the reach of its beneficent power. Such an outrage
ought to be exposed. I confess that I find no good reason for delicacy
towards persons so guilty. I am sure that freedom and truth will be
gainers, when such conduct is laid bare. I cannot doubt that the object
proposed is important.
These statistics should be brought before the Senate, if not before the
country. They will be needed by the Commissioners, and I am sure they
will do something to illustrate the character of Slavery.
The motion was agreed to.