The Act of Emancipation in the District of Columbia has been consummated. President Lincoln has approved the action of Congress, and given his official signature to the measure. To-day there is not a slave in the capital of the Republic. The long desired hour has arrived, when, as a nation, the United States is not the supporter of the institution of human slavery.
The first great act of humanity and freedom, on the part of the government, resulting from this infamous rebellion, has at length been effected—a sure indication that a wider freedom will soon follow and more chains fall from bondsmen’s arms, by the action of Sovereign States. We rejoice in this day and look forward with brighter hopes to nobler acts yet to be accomplished. Honor to the American Congress for the noble position which it has taken. Honor to the Patriot President, who gives it his sanction and will execute its provisions.
Even the most bitter opponents of the bill do not contend that it is unconstitutional, or that Congress has not full control of all matters pertaining to the District. In ordinary times the expediency of the measure may have been questioned by some of the best friends of the slave, but now, when the despots of the South proclaim to the world their determination to make slavery the chief corner stone of their new edifice, it behooves us, if we would purge ourselves from all connection with such an odious doctrine, to put our own National Government wholly on the side of freedom, wherever it can be done.
The Daily Manchester American, Manchester, NH