The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1863-02-21

WASHINGTON, Feb. II, 1868.

WASHINGTON, Feb. IL, 1858.
To the Editors Of the Press:
The business of the House has not of late
been very interesting, except to men of facts
and figures. Ii has been busy for the most
part with the various appropriation bills which,
though very good and useful, can hardly be
served up, beyond brief statement, in the
form of interesting gossip.
The Senate has proved kinder to us, the
business transacted in that branch last week
having been of the most interesting as well as
important character. The Missouri Emanci-
patton Bill and Mr.. Shermans Currency Bill,
both measures of the gravest moment, passed
on Thursday last. Both had been very fully
and earnestly debated by the best talent in
the Senate. Both passed by close votes, the
former having but five, the latter but two, ma
ority. There will be tremendous opposition
in the House to the bill of Mr.. Sherman, and
many, it is feared, will forget, in local and in
dlyidual interests, the vastness and the urgen-
cy of the public wants. Whatever becomes
of the banks we cannot, we must not, allow
our national finances to stand as they do now,
IL human power can prevent it. However
the various theories and arguments upon the
subject may address our minds, there is one
fact of more weight than many theories,
bearing decidedly upon the point at issue I:
gold goes down and the national credit goes
up with the prospect that this Bill will be-
come law.
The sum proposed to be granted to aid
Emancipation in Missouri is very large, aud
should not be- given but for good reason. But
is not the eradication OF the great cause OF all
our dissensions and troubles, from State of
vast extent and resources, and the utilization in
bonds indissoluble, Of that State with the loyal
sisterhood-is not this a reason sufficient to
justify the outlay? Whenever the same good
and glorious work can be done In any other
State of like Importance, upon like terms, will
it not be cheaply done? What will more
strengthen our cause and weaken that of the
rebellion, than the uniting to us forever OF
those States upon whose cooperation they
counted, and which they still hope will prove
to them as they have done heretofore, wall
of defense, and 10 us a ground of weakness
The debate on the Finance Bill of the House,
upon the day of its passage, took wide range
and gave occasion TO various passages at arms,
between Senators Fessendon and Powell,
Richardson and Chandler, and Richardson and
Lane of Kansas. The beautiful consistency Of
practice with profession in Mr.. Powell, and
men of his sort, was shown by Senator Fes-
sender in a manner more clear and forcibe
than complimentary to the parties alluded TO.
Though Mr.. Fessenden is invariably calm and
digniiied in the tone of his remarks, his ami
madversions are often very severe and cutting
When Mr.. Chandler, in reply to remarks from
the Democratic side of the Chamber, declared
that " The head of the rebellion is not at Rich
mond but among the copperheaded traitors of
the North" the galleries broke out into ap-
pause. Sharp words passed between Mr..
Richardson and Mr.. Lane, and the talk got so
far as an announcement of responsibility"
but at the close of the session both Senators
made explanations. As nearly as l can find
out, members OF Congress say, most Of them,
sharp and personal things In Pickwickian
sense" and no body need become alarmed at
them.
General Fremont and Commodore Porter
were among our distinguished visitors last
week. DIR. Cheever was also here, and preach
ed twice on Sunday in the Senate Chamber.
In the evening he paid his respects in charac-
teristic style to the copperhead reactionists of
the North. An allusion to General Butler
called out an irrepressible burst Of applause,
and an aiusion to the General who was de-
termined TO ride into the Presidential chair on
horseback. instead Of into Richmond" was sim
ilarly greeted. The Dr.'s voice is not clear nor
strong, nor is his management of it happy, nor
are his gestures graceful, but the power Of
thought displayed by this fiery and determined
man makes up for all deficiencies. His vast
audience was profoundly attentive from the
beginning TO the close of his long and earnest
discourse.
There are strong indications that offensive
operations will not be resumed at present up
on the Rappahannock. "The army of the Po-
tomac has passed into history" so it is said
here, and so it may probably prove. This ar
my has performed prodigies ofendurance and
bravery, and under better commander than
it has had during the greater part of its exist
ence. it would have achieved magnificent vic
tories and glorious successes. Indeed, they
were achieved at Fair Oaks, Malvern Hill and
Antietam, and then thrown away by the timid
irresolution and fabulous laundering Of its
General. II may probably have had more than
one Fitz John Porter who deserve the execra-
tons of this whole land, but to the many of its
true and gallant officers ana to its noble rank
and file everlasting honor. TSP.