Mr. PHELPS. The gentleman has stated an investigation of the character now proposed was attempted to be made by the Legislature of Maryland, and that it was refused to be entertained. I ask whether the gentleman does or does not know the fact, as he seems to be familiar with the proceedings of the Maryland Legislature, that the House of Delegates have passed a resolution of inquiry in reference to the same matters embraced in his resolution. So much for his 1st misstatement. The gentleman further stated, reviewing a discussion that took place here the other day, in which I, found myself a participant, that under the laws in relation to the penalty imposed upon persons of color convicted of crime, the penalty of slavery was still being enforced in that State; and the inference from the gentleman's remarks was that there was no help, no redress for outrages, as he called them, such as those thus committed, except by the prompt action of Congress in the direction indicated by his resolution. I ask the gentleman whether he does or does not know the fact that the House of Delegates of Maryland have, by a unanimous vote, pas an act, which I in formed this House when I was last on the floor on this question, had then been introduced into that body for the repeal of the statute of Maryland authorizing negro slavery in that State as a penalty for crime. That measure is now before the Senate of the State, and from the unanimity with which it was passed in the Lower House the gentleman may judge whether or not it is likely to command a majority of the Senate of Maryland. One word more and I have done. Who are these “prominent loyal men” who are representing the State of Maryland here through the Gentfrom NewYork?. Where are my colleagues, who are presumed in the estimation of the gentleman to be considered fit and proper exponents of the loyal people of Maryland to speak for them on a question such as this? I venture to make the assertion, in the absence of any petition or memorial signed by any respectable man of the Union party of Maryland presented to the House, that the only parties to whom the gentleman refers, at whose in stance this movement is initiated, are defeated candidates for public office,