Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1866-07-24

would pass from Its hands to those of its
opponents; and he had therefore looked with
favor on the call for the convention. When
ever he saw reason to change his opinion as
to its object and effect, he should act accord
ingly. If it should become apparent that it
was intended to break up the Union party
and throw the power of the South into the
hands of "rebels and Copperheads," neither
the Times its editor would support it.
THE SECOND CAUCUS.
AT the second Caucus various members
expressed the opinion that it would be better
to go home and work in the elections, than
to stay here and watch the President.
MR.. BOUTWELL, ON LOUISIANA.
Mr.. Boutwell,, of Massachusetts,, said he
thought it very desirable that Congress should
continue in session for other reasons than
those which had been suggested. He would
mention one. a distinguished gentleman
from the South was in town, from whom he
had learned that the Louisiana Convention
would meet on the Both for the revision of
the State Constitution, and that amendments
would be adopted DISTINGUISHING the rebel
and enfranchisng the loyal inhabitants with
out distinction of color. If Congress should
be in session when this Constitution should
be adopted, it could, in accordance with the
precedent established in the Rhode Island
case, accept it, and thus give it validity as the
Constitution OF the State. In the Rhod Is
land case the Supreme Court decided that it
was for Congress to decide which was the
Constitutional Government of any State in
which doubts existed. If Congress should
not be in session, a long time must elapse
before action could be taken; the new gov
ernment OF the State might fail to get foot
hold, and the country would experience a
very serious calamity.
Mr.. Ashley, of Ohio, asked whether the
gentleman supposed new Constitution would
be adopted for Louisiana without being sub
mitted to the people of the State.
Mr.. Boutwell, replied that ne did not know
how that might be. 1t might, perhaps. be
submitted to the loyal people of the State.
MIR. MORRILL, EXPECTS TIE REBELS.
Mr.. Morrill, of Vermont, said he was
willing to remain in session if it would do
any good, but he thought we could very easily
finish our business, and he was satisfied there
was no reason. for sitting till December. 1t
was clear that no rebel Congress could be
brought into power before next March, when
this Congress would expire, but after that he
was satisfied that the rebels would be brought
in by fair means or foul, but we can do nothing
about this until the time comes
SENATOR SHERMAN LOOKS FACTS IN THE
FACE.
Senator Sherman said one thing is certain.
the President is no longer with the Union
Party. We must look this fact full in the
face. Whatever he can do to destroy it he
will do; but in spite of that the Union party
stands firm. In his own State (Ohiol it was
never more compact and united than it is to-
day. He did not fear anything that the
President can do against it, with or without
his aid, or that Of any who are associated with
him The Union party can maintain its
ascendancy. He thought Union members
were needed at home to attend to the coming
elections.
MIR. STEVENS AGAIN.
Mr.. Stevens said we ought not to think of
adJourning until we had passed enabling acts
to authorize the rebel States to form constitu-
tons on the principles of universal suffrage
and OF protecting loyal men, and to enable
them to organize State Governments under
them. He deemed such law Of far greater
Importance than all the others that had been
mentioned.
The resolution oadjourn on the 23d having
been adopted,
Mr. Raymond moved that the Injunction
of secrecy be removed from the proceedings
of both oaucuses
Mr.. Stevens. of PENNSYLVANIA. said he
hoped it would be that the people might see
how indifferent Congress was to the public
good
he resolution was then unanimously adopt-
ed aud the meeting adjourned.
Secrataru Sauor1 ond WoIIo