The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1865-12-21
Signs of Reaction.

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On Wednesday, 9th, both Houses adjourn
ed until Monday last, but on that day, as
we learn from Washington correspondents
of Tie New York Herald and other pa,
pers, there were several indications that
the manly, frank and able message Of the
President, had wholesome influence on
the movements of the radicals in both
bodies Of Congress.
For instance, on Wednesday, the mes
sage having been delivered the day be-
fore, Mr.. Farnsworth, of Illinois, radi-
cal of the Northwestern school, submit
ted to the Houge, resolution declaring
it as the sense of that body, that good
! faith demands that all colored soldiers
who. have been in tho service of the
Union, shall enjoy all the rights of citi-
zenship. OF course, q all the rights OF
citizenship include the right of suffrage
But it appears that the House, on the
spur of the occasion, was not preparedt to
adopt this resolution, which, though linn
tied to colored soldiers, involved a direct
issue with President Johnsonon the qucs-
ton whether this thing of the right OF
suffrage is a matter which Belongs to Con-
press or to the several States. Upon this
question. as the Constitution and the
usages of the past and the present time
arc all on the side of the President, a
break with him, it was evidently thought,
was an affair entitled to little cool con-
sideration. And SO, debate arising on
the resolution, Mr.. Farnsworth was Judi
ciously persuaded to let it go over to
some other day, without attempting a
[two-thirds test for the suspension of the
rules. Itappears that even the terrible
Thaddeus Stephens himself had become
considerably softened since Monday, and
was altogether in moro amiable frame
of mind on Wednesday.
In the Senate, on the same day, we
have another indication Of q considerable
modification in the temper of tho radi-
calls. On that day, Mr.. Sumner, as the
Herald informs us, introduced a resolu-
tion referring to tho oath of loyalty re-
ouired of one class Of mer entering upon
the duties of any public Office, and re-
marking, that "whercas it is reported
that, Notwithstanding the acts Of Con-
gross, cortain persons have been allowed
to cnter upon the duties Of Office, CTrcas-
u1y Department. and to receive the sala-
ry and cmoluments thereof, without ta-
king the prescribed oath, and certain por-
sons have been appointed to Offices not
authorized by any previously existing
law, therefore, resolved, that the Sec
rotary of the Treasury be requested, $50
far as the records of his department al
low" &C., to furnish-thc ncedful informa-
ton on the subject. This resolution,
over the shoulders Of the Secretary
of the Treasury, was evidently aimed at
the President, and at his proceedings in
reference to certain provisional officials
of his in the Southern States. Under
the rule, it lies over day, and, when
called up again, we may, perhaps, have
an interesting debate upon it.
But the little passage at arms which
followed between Mr.. Sumner and Mr.
Doolitt1e touched tho kernel of the main
question. Mr.. Doolittle moved to refer
that portion of the message which treats
of tho existing relations Of tho late rebel
States to tho Judiciary Committee. Mr.
Sumner remarked that there was now
on the Sccrotary's table resolution Chat
of Mr.. Stevens from the House) provi
ding for the appointment of a joint com
mittee, to whom this subject should be
referred. 1t would be better, he thought
to await the passage of this resolution
and then let the subject Presidents mes
sage in relation to the South) go to that
special committee, Mr. Doolittle thought
that the joint resolution itself ought tc
90 to the judiciary Committee, and just
hore tho House proposition for an ad-
iournment over to Monday came in aid
cut off any further proceedings. Here
wo see against Sumner, leading Ropub
lican Senator from the West, boldly ta
king his position on the side Of tho Pres
ident The result will probably be such
q modification of the Stevens resolution
as to leave each house, as the Constitu
ton ordains, the judge of the qualifca