The New York herald., 1863-12-14
Thu Opening or Constess-sfguiGcaat
Z Movements.

f Very little has been done yet in Congress.
but enough TO indicate the drift of the political
tides and currents in reference TO the next
Presidency.
First, in the election OF the Speaker Of the
House, we End that while Mr. Colfax secured
more than the republican vote, the democratic
opposition elements were scattered about upon
several individuals. Next the complimentary
resolution TO General Grant was, in the House,
passed unanimously; but in the Senate. in
order, as they say, that the subject may be de-
liberately considered it is laid, for the present
upon the table.
Now, why WAS II that Mr. Colfax was elected
by more than the strength of the republican
party Because he is stronger than his party
He is popular man, aud moderate
man Hence he received larger vote than
any hidebound radical OF one idea could pos
sibly command. He represents. not the repub-
Iican party--which was defeated in the State
elections OF 1862-but the Union party. which
has been so decidedly successful in the cleo
tions Of 1868 The republican party. ia fact
having finished its business, has gone into
liquidation; and the new Union party. Of which
Mr.. Colfax as Speaker. is the first important
official result is but temporary organization
for purposes which are already substantially
accomplished.
The scattering votes OF The scattering demo'
Gratis for Speaker show that their party is scat
tered to the winds. The efforts made to revive
the party in 1862 might have been successful
but for the impudeDt and brainless inter
ference of the copperheads. Admitted to rule
the roast, the Northern democracy, by these
cepperheads, have been as effectually do
molished as the Southern democracy. And 80
now we Gnd Sunset Cox, Fernando and Ben
Wood, BOBBY Brooks and all the other would
be leaders Of the democratic party drifting
about without party, and without any policy
of cohesion among themselves.
In the next place, the unanimous vote of the
House in favor of the resolution for medal
and lieutenant generals commission to Gene
raj Grant indicates the dawning power Of mill
tary success military eolos aad the army.
There was not a copperhead or peace man
who bad the temerity to say no to this rcsolu
ton This is but the beginning. By-and-by
we shall have some larger manifestations of
the power of military glory and availability.
If the Sachems Of Tammany Hall are begin
ming to talk about General Grant, it is because
they shrewdly guess that the party which
secures him as its candidate will walk over the
Presidential course. The copperheads, too
instructed by the late elections, have stopped
their senseless clamors for peace and are
casting about for strong man to lift them out
Of the mre. Hence there was not o voice
raised in the House against this Grant resolu-
ton.
But why was the subject laid over in The
Senatee Because there may be several Presi-
dental aspirants, or because. as we know
there are some very active Presidential pipe
layers, in that body. They. perhaps, want TO
find out frat something more than they know Of
General Grants ideas and inclinations "a
politician. Thus in the Senate, a. we'll as in
the House, we have some disclosures OF the
recognized strength Of military popr1srity as
Presidential capital. But we shall have some
movements before long which will remove all
doubts upon the subject. The parties and the
politicians of the day are all adrift; but they
will soon begin to tako their places