New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1865-12-09
PROM WARRINGTON.
Opening Of Csngrcss-Mr. stevens's Reese
Iutisu and the Presidcnt-Work Before
the Com mitsee- Oppesitisn in the Sen
ase-The Messngc-No Alterations ~
tho Inst Msment-Whnt IL Does Not
suy-Minor Criticisms.
Prom Our Special Correspondent.


the Inst Msment-Whnt IL Does Not
say-Minor Criiicisnas.
Prom Our Special Correspondent.
WASHINGTON, Dec. o, 1866.
The Thirty.ninth Congress is now three days
old Bot already the principal issues which are to
be decided by its action. clearly defined. The non
admission of the members from the late Rebel states
and the adoption Of the Stevens resolution by the House
Of took nobody by surprise and the mu
ttude which crowded the galleries and the floor os the
House Oh the fret day OF tho session. had assembled.
10, 80 much 20 witness what done, for everybody
knew II before but In what manner IL Was done. That
manner was indeed striking enough. Without losing
any time b. unnecessary debate. without stopping
10 reply 20 objections urged by OF the leaders OF The
minority without waiting for the message expected
rom the President. the majority proceeded with
prompt determination. and with the camness OF con-
soous power pass the resolution agreed upon by the
caucus OF the Republican members a few days pre-
ylously Abou, the meaning Of that resolution there
can be no doubt, IL Ia declaration on the part OF Con
rress TINT the representatives Of the people have
word say with regard TO the reconstruction OF the
State. lately In rebellion, that they investigate
the case for themselves. and 10 act upon their
Judgment The resolution involves neither q direct
ulpION nor ulItNA VI pObtt w
the Presidents bu, It does indeed indicate that the
suits Of tia, policy will no, be accepted with
out having frs, been closely scrutnized and that
the National authority viii relax It's hold upon the
late Rebel States unit, the guarantees given for future
good behavior clearly understood to De satisfactory
1t ia rumored here that the passage OF the Stevens
solution received with little favor in Administra
ton circles but. in fact the President has right
complain. That the final closing up OF 80 tremendous
a revolution as that through which have passed.
should be confded 10 the discretion OF one man. could
not be 1peo,ed In country in which the exercise Of
Democratic Government has become a fixed habit
with the people The President has assumed
probabilities almost without precedent in
the history OF this Republic. and
lis nearest personal friends will hardly ask for him
unqualified Endorsement without close examination of
the case where the stake consists In the future peace
and happiness Of the nation. There way for him
to escape this responsibility. lie might have called
extra session Of Congress Immediately after the close OF
the war and the legislative and executive branches Of
the Government might have unanimously proceeded
together In attempt to solve the great problem before
them. But the President undertook the business
alone II cannot be surprising to him that the National
Legislature when at the regular time entering upon its
functions should ask for account OF what has been
done aud inss upon being heard concerning what 10
be done hereafter.
The Stevens Committee will have wide field OF
operation II will have before 1t all the documentary
evidence concerning the actual condition of things in
the South that has accumulated in the offices OF the
Government. and 1t is likely to send subcommittee
into the Southern States to take testimony on tie spot
In this way may expect to have the contradictory
statements which come to us from that part OF the
country thoroughly sified and Congress may base its
action upon a clear understanding OF unquestionabc
facts.
il expected that there will be strong opposition
TO the passage Of the Stevens resolution in the Senate
mainly the ground that II would make the action Of
TINT body to the admission Of its members do.
pendent upon the concurrence OF the House. This. in
fact the objective trait urged in caucus OF the Re
publican members of tho Senate to-day. But whatever
modification II may undergo In point Of FORM there Is
no doubt that the principle OF the restoration will be
adopted and that the in, Investigation Will be had.
The Presidents Message u.s. OF course. still one OF the
most absorbing topics Of conversation. II was looked
for With considerable curiosity. the reading was lis
tened to in both houses with marked attention. and
both parties seemed 10 find much in II that graft
flying TO their respective tastes. There had been
current that the President had proper TO In
troducc material changes and notifications In some
Of the most important passages OF the Message
shortly before its delivery and indeed there Is a
want Of positive conclusions in that document. which
woud seem to Indicate hurried revision Of the argu
menl at late hour But nm trustworthy Informed
that as to oil essential points, Message was the same
a week ago that 1t s to-day. and that since that time
only one or verbal corrections were made. 1t up
pears therefore. that tho message 1t was read ia
Congress yesterday. with all 1t says and all IL omits "a
say Is the result Of useful consideration and that the
action OF the Republican cducus on Saturday last had
nothing to do with Its tone and Its substance.
1t h considered here that the most important feature
Of the Message copsiss in what 1t does not soy. Al
though 1t contains full and frank exposition Of the
Presidents views to tho theory Of Reconstruction.
does not urge those visws upon Congress rules O.
immediate action. 1t does not even state the Presi
dens opnions A 10 tho present condition Of things u