This bill, after much debate, passed the Senate. It did not pass the House. POWER OF CONGRESS TO COUNTERACT THE CATTLE-PLAGUE. REMARKS IN THE SENATE, ON A RESOLUTION TO PRINT A LETTER OF THE COMMISSIONER OF AGRICULTURE ON THE CATTLE-PLAGUE, APRIL 25, 1866. Mr. Sherman of Ohio, reported the following resolution from the Committee on Agriculture:-- “_Resolved_, That there be printed, for the use of the Senate, ten thousand copies of a letter of the Commissioner of Agriculture, communicating information in relation to the rinderpest or cattle-plague.” In considering the resolution, he remarked that the Committee “would like very much to report some measure of a practical character, to counteract, if possible, the cattle-plague now prevailing in Europe; but we did not see that Congress had authority to pass an effective measure.” Mr. Sumner followed:-- I was sorry to hear two remarks of the Senator from Ohio. The first told that the cattle-plague is coming. I hope that by proper precautions it may be averted. I do trust it may never come. I will not despair that the Atlantic Ocean may be a barrier. I was sorry also for the other remark, that in his opinion Congress could not apply any efficient remedy. I make no issue on this conclusion; but I was sorry that the Senator having the question in charge had arrived at that result. It does seem to me, that, under the National Government, Congress should be able to apply a remedy in such a case. Is not the National Government defective to a certain extent, if Congress has not that power? I open the question interrogatively now, without undertaking to express an opinion upon it. I agree with the Senator, that it is of great importance that our people should be put on their guard; he, therefore, is right in proposing to circulate all information on the subject. But I do hope that the Senator will consider carefully whether it be not within the power of Congress, in some way or other, directly or indirectly, to apply an efficient remedy. URGENT DUTY OF THE HOUR. LETTER TO THE AMERICAN ANTISLAVERY SOCIETY, MAY 1, 1866. SENATE CHAMBER, May 1, 1866. DEAR SIR,--It will not be in my power to take part at the approaching anniversary of the Antislavery Society. My duty keeps me here. I trust that the Society, which has done so much for human rights, will persevere until these rights are established throughout the country on the impregnable foundation of the Declaration of Independence. This is not the time for relaxation of the old energies. Slavery is abolished only in name. The Slave Oligarchy still lives, and insists upon ruling its former victims.