Bellows Falls times. [volume] (Bellows Falls, Vt.) 1856-1965, 1865-02-10
Misrellanfoas geaains.
The Grand Triumph of Freedom,
INTERESTING ACCOUNT OF THE VOTE.

We take from the special correspond
ence of the New York Tribune the follow
ing interesting account of the vote of the
House of Representatives, on the constitu-
tional amendment for freedom
WASHINGTON, TUESDAY, JAN. 81, 1866.
The hour has come! The proposed
amendment TO the Constitution, immedi-
ately abolishing and forever prohibiting
slavery, comes up for final decision. An
anxious throng of witnesses pours into the
galleries; there is an air Of confidence ris-
ing almost to exultation on the Union side,
while sullen gloom settles over the pro-
slavery henches.
Archibald McAllister, democrat, of the
XVlIIth Pennsylvania District, reads a
beautiful paper, in which he justifies his
change of vote, and casts his ballot against
the cornerstone of the rebellion. Alex
ander II. Coffroth, democrat, of Pennsyl-
vania, XVIth District, follows in an an
swerable and manly argument, to show the
power to amend, and the policy to amend.
Applause, on the republican side, greeted
these new accessions to freedom.
1245 p. M.-Wiham II. Miller, of
Pennsylvania, XIVIh Distric, (who was
beaten at the last election by George F.
Miller), espouses pro-slavery democracy,
and insists on keeping his party foot on the
niggers.
The galleries are getting crowded, the
floor of the House filing up.
Anson Herrick, democrat, IXth Distric,
Of New York, next gives frank and states
manlike reasons why he has changed bis
views, and shall change his vote.
In the midst of the speaking and that
buzzing which always characterizes crit,
zeal vote upon great question. it is whis.
pered that three rebel Peace Commission.
ers, Stevens. Hunter, aud Campbell, ar,
on their way here--thal they were at Cit,
Point last night. A few believe, but mos
people say & Gold gamblers news"
1.30 p. M.--The crowd increases
Senators, Heads of Bureaus, prominen
civilians, and distinguished strangers, I'll
the space outside Of the circle.
The interest becomes intense. The dis
rupiion of the democratic party now goiny
on is watched with satisfaction and joy up
on the republican side Of the House; anx
iety and gloom cover the obstinate body
guard Of slavery, whose contrasting link
break with the breaking up Of their party
James S. Brown, democrat, OF Wiscon
sin, spitefully indicates his intention to vot
against freedom. Aaron Harding, of Ken
lucky, a Border State Unionist," bles
the mark! makes a melancholy effort t
poke fun at young democratic convert;
and rams the struggling nigger back un
der the protection of the sacred Constitu
tion.
Martin Kalbfeisch, democrat, of Brook
Ign, reads long pro-slavery composition
which exctes little attention, and no inter
est.
p. M.--1he hour for voting has ar
rived, and the fact is announced by tht
Speaker. Mr.. Kabfeisch is only at th
ed page of his composition, and begs t
, be endured through six pages more. Thi
request is granted With much reluctance.
The galleries are wonderfully crowded
and women are invading the reporters
seats. The Supreme Court and the Sen
ate appear to have been transferred, bodily
!, I 10 the floor Of the House.
3.2O P. MA motion TO lay the motto
to reconsider on the table, assumes tn
character of test vote. The most earnes
attention is given to the calling of the rol
Division lists appear on all sides, an
members, reporters, and spectators, devot
: themselves 10 keeping tally.
! Of course the attempt TO table th
! amendment will fail; but there are nc
votes enough to pass the bill. Absentee
drop in one aye" one mo-" The ro
; is called over by the Reading Clerk, bu
. the count has already been declared j
j whispers through the House-57 aye
{ III noes. 1t is not tabled.
$50 p. M.-Quesiion is taken now o
the motion to reconsider the vote of la.
session, by which the proposed amendmer
! was lost for want of two-thirds. Ih
House vote to reconsider, ayes ll2, nay
5 81
Now commence efforts TO stave off th
fral vote. Robert Mallory, democrat, {
Kentucky, with menace as to what cour;
he should decide to pursue, appeals to NJ
Ashley to let the vote go over till to-mo
' row. Other democrats clamor for the d.
r lay.
Mr. Ashley refuses, and stands frn
/ this being the accepted time and day
= salvation.
The final vote begins. Down the re