A Free National Capital

On the evening of the 11th inst. the House of Representatives passed the Senate bill for the emancipation of slaves in the District of Columbia by a vote of 92 to 39. Only three Democrats voted for the measure! John J. Crittenden of Kentucky made a bitter speech against it. The Republicans made no response save by their votes, for those embraced eloquence enough! Before this time the President has probably signed the bill, and the way is thus prepared for the permanent removal of Slavery from the District of Columbia! So far, so good! Now, then, let the Border States co-operate with Congress to drive this social and political curse from their soil and they will rapidly move forward to positions of prosperity and power!

– Published in the Daily State Register, Des Moines, Iowa, Thursday, April 17, 1862