Abolition of Slavery in the District of Columbia

April 11, 1862

This article recalls that for years abolitionists have petitioned for the abolition of slavery in the District, but have failed.  It refers to the speech by Sen. Henry Wilson, printed in this edition, and credits him for a strong vote in the Senate, which has passed the emancipation bill.  “Of course, the ‘loyal’ slaveholding Senators, ….were rampant in their opposition to the passage of the bill, and tried the old game of bluster and menace, but to no purpose……the overseer’s lash has ceased to have any terror, …”