April 16, 1862.
Fellow-Citizens of the Senate and House of
Representatives:
The act entitled “An act for the release of certain persons
held to service or labor in the District of Columbia” has this day been
approved and signed.
I have never doubted the constitutional authority of
Congress to abolish slavery in this District, and I have ever desired to see
the national capital freed from the institution in some satisfactory way. Hence
there has never been in my mind any question upon the subject except the one of
expediency, arising in view of all the circumstances. If there be matters
within and about this act which might have taken a course or shape more
satisfactory to my judgment, I do not attempt to specify them. I am gratified
that the two principles of compensation and colonization are both recognized
and practically applied in the act.
In the matter of compensation, it is provided that claims
may be presented within ninety days from the passage of the act, “but not
thereafter;” and there is no saving for minors, femes covert, insane or absent
persons. I presume this is an omission by mere oversight, and I recommend that
it be supplied by an amendatory or supplemental act.
ABRAHAM LINCOLN.
SOURCE: James D. Richardson, Editor, A Compilation of the Messages and Papers of the President, 1789-1908,
Volume 6, p. 73-4
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