The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1865-01-18


/ The Constitutional Amendment- Reeapro-
City Treaty - Gen. Butisr--Frse Mts-
wAsHrNeroN. Jan. 10, 1855.
10 the Fditor cr the Press:
The bill submitting to the States the Con-
stitutional Amendment, abolishing and forever
prohibiting slavery throughout the country
has OF late been the subject of paramount M
terest No one can fail to perceive ana ieei
that in comparison with this measure, 30 vast
! In its scope and so far reaching in us enects,
all matters of temporary or local Importance
are as nothing. The opportunity OF passing
it isihe great opportunity OF the Thirty eighth
Congress-one which If embraced, will make
IL iIlustrious forever as golden era in our ma
tioual life, or If rejected will number it among
those which have not been wise In their day
to know the things belonging to their peace.
The discussion OF The matter has been long
and earnest. There has been no lack of elo-
quent and able speeches in its favor, nor on the
other hand of speeches as good as the cause
would admit, against it. The Republican side
has brought oat good array OF talent, and
Tue 6CtIOCi dtlC Atto pun AutO JuC QlSCuSckUu Ile
very best. Holman, Fernando Wood, Cox,
and Pendleton, with other prominent Demo-
Gratis, have done what they could tosdefeat a
mearure more just, benefcent and truly con-
sentative of all the best interests of the coun-
try, than any other ever presented to Con-
gress OF the American people. While, howev-
er, the Democratic leaders are giving evidence
all too clear and conclusive that they are join
ed to their idols, and while there is too much
reason to fear that they reflect in this the sem
iiments of great numbers among tbs Demo-
cratic rank aad Ole, there are still many signs
of hope. That the discussion should have
been so galautly opened on the side Of uni
versal Freedom by Cresswell, of Mafy Wand, and
so noby sustained by Yeaman, of Kentucky,
King, of Missouri, and Odell, Of New York,
is certainly cheering. The measure has also
bsen advocated BY Kasson. Smithers, Bloom
hall, Farnsworth, Scoaeld, Grinnell, and
Others. pfag 81 &EIIIW g.
Whether so general a discussion has
strengthened the Bill in Congress, is ques-
ton about which there Is scarcely more than
one opinion here. Speeches, however good,
seldom change votes in parliamentary bodies
while on the other hand they often stir up
and intensity partizan feeling. 1t has been
feared, and not believe without good rea
son, that the prolonged discussion of this ques-
tion may result less in winning converts to,
the right side, than in committing to the
wrong some who were at first undecided, and
in exciting to active opposition some who
we're at first slukewarm.u Still the right to dis
euss thoroughly question Of so vast mo-,
ment can hardly be denied to any, and the dis
eussion, by concentrating the minds of the
people upon the great points at issue, may
tend to enlighten public opinion and prepare
the way for the desired consumation. The
further consideration of the subject in the
House has been postponed until Jan. s1st.
The passage By the Senate, yesterday, of
the Joint Resolution for terminating the Re-
ciprocity Treaty by SO decisive majority,
settles that matter. 20
have failed to perceiyeany such dissatis
faction at the removed Of Gen. Butler from
command of the Department of Virginia and
North Carolina, as some correspondents have
reported. The standing Of the General, as
merely military man, has not been high in
Ibis quarter for some time past. Every one,
however, acknowledges his unrivalled abili-
ties as Military Governor, and the whole
country would profoundly regret the perma-
ment loss of his servicesin this capacity. His
removal from active military command, though
it excited considerable comment, was acqui-
esced in by public opinion here rather readily.
"a Who, in the Border Rutian', days. could
have fo~eseen Freedom established in, .Missou-
ri in 1865? Are not these times when ma
ton is born into Liberty in day? Let those
who will, bind themselves TO slavery. They
may perish whit, butIcapnot avert its doom !:
"For doubt not. through the ages, sg,rs
fassS One ire easing purpos runs; ~
And the thoughts men viii WIDEN
With tie process of the suns. r. -
|Dld5asaa 1als9 600 te55AL Tsp.