The Potter journal. [volume] (Coudersport, Pa.) 1857-1872, 1865-02-08
DEATH OF SLAVERY.
THE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT
ADOPTED.
WASHINGTON, Tuesday, Jan. q.

WASHINGTON, IuesGaY, Jau' -
The hour has come The proposed
Amendment to tie Constitution immedl-
ately abolished and forever prohibiting
Slavery comes up for final decision. An
anxious throng of witnesses pouTs into the
galleries there is an air cfcou6dence rls
ing almost to exultation on the Uuion side,
while a sullen gloom settles over the pro-
Slavery benches.
Archibald M'Allister, Dem, OF the
XVIIIrh Pennsylvany District, reads a
beautiful paper, in which he justides his
change Of vote, ,and casts his ballot against
the corner stone of the Rebellion. Alex
apder II Coffroth, Dem, of Pennsylva-
MIA, XVIth District, follows in an unan-
swerable aud manly argument, to show
the power to amend and the policy to
amend. Applause on the Republican side
greeted these new accessionS to Freedom.
12:45 William H. Miller OfPenpsyl-
vania, XIVth District (who was beaten at
the last election by George Z. Miller.
Union) espouses pro,slavery Democracy,
and insists on keeping his party foot on
the niceers.
The galleries are getting crowded, the
floor OF the House filling up.
Arson Herrick, Democrat, 1Xth Dis
srict of New York, next gives frank and
statesmanlike reasons why he has changed
his views, and shall change his vote.
In the midst of the speaking, aad that
huzzug which always characterizes crit
ical vote upon a great question, ii is whlS-
pered that three Rebel Peace Commits
sioners, Stephens, Hunter and Campbell
are on their way here-that they were a
City Point last night. A few believe
but most people say, "gold gamblers
n wS"
1:3) P.N-The crowd increases. Sen
asor., Heads of Bureaus, prominent civil
iaus and distinguished strangers, fill tb'
spaces outside of the circle.
The interest becomes intense. Tht
disruption of the Democratic PARTY nov
going oo is watched with satisfaction anr
oy upon the Republican side of tn,
House anxiety and gloom cover the ob
stiDate body guard of Slavery, who's,
contracting lines break with the breaking
up of their party.
James S. Brown, Democrat, of Wis
consin, spitelully indicates his intention
to vote against Freedom. Aaron Hard
ing. Of Kentucky, "Border-State Union
jst," bless the mark makes meIanchol
effort to poke fun at young Democrats
converts, and rams the struggling nigge
back under the protection of the sacreC
Constitution.
Martin Kalbfeisch, Democrat of Brook
Ign, reads a long pro slavery composition
which excites little attention and u
interest.
3P M.-The hour for voting has al
rved, and the 1act is ANNOUNCED by tn
Speaker. Mr.. KalbaeiSch is only at th
I'D pase'of his composition, and bcgs
be endured through six pages more. Ihl
request is granted with much reluctance
The galleries are wonderfully crowded
and women are invading the reporters
seats. The Supreme Court ard the Sen
ate appear to have been transferred bodll
10 the floor of the House.
500 P. MA motion to lay the mo
ton to reconsider on the table assume
he character of a test vote. The mos
earnest attention is given to the call o
the roll Division lists appear on al
sides, aud bers, reporters, and specta
tors devote themselves to keeping tally.
Of course the attempt TO table tb
amendment will fail but there are DO
votes enough to pass the bill Absentee.
drop in one AYE" one 'no." The rol
called over by the Reading Clerk, bu
the count has already been declared ii
whispers through the House-57 ayes
Ill noes. It is not tabled.
$3.50 P NJ Question is taken now OF
the motion to reconsider the vote of las
session, BY which the proposed amend