April 23, 1863, The Charleston Mercury
We lay before our readers the proceedings and debate in the House of Representatives in Congress, on the resolutions denouncing Martial Law. It is the very best conclusion that we can make to our observations, calling their attention to three points.
1. The usual motion to postpone the resolutions, and thereby to kill them, was made and carried; but on the motion to reconsider this postponement, and debate arising, the reconsideration prevailed, and the resolutions were passed. If the proceedings had been in secret session, there would have been not the slightest chance of their passing.
2. The Government is not ignorant of the acts of Major-General HINDMAN. General ALBERT PIKE has not only perferred charges for high crimes and misdemeanors against him, but has printed and circulated a pamphlet, to give them notoriety and publicity.
3. There was but one Representative from South Carolina who voted on the resolutions – Mr. BOYCE – and he voted for them. Mr. MILES had not returned from Charleston when the vote was taken.