The Potter journal. [volume] (Coudersport, Pa.) 1857-1872, 1866-08-14

Rousseau of Kentucky upon Mr.. Grinnell of
Iowa for words spoken in debate. The spec
ial committee appointed to consider this
breach of privilege reported in favor of the
expulsion of Mr.. Rosseau, but the House con-
tented itself with a vote of ceusure. Mr.
Rousseau, however, signifed his intention to
resign. Another personal matter of import
ance to Mr.. McDougall and few others was
the Senate resolution forbiddlng the sale OF
whiskey in the Capitol.
Congress voted to admit two new States to
the Union. The bill to admit COLORADO was
vetoed By the President May 25th, upon
grounds which we think insufficient. July
26th, Nebraska was declared a State by Con-
gress, but the President had thus far withheld
his approval April 10th, the House adopted
a resolution Of inquiry whether Jefferson Da-
Wis was guilty of melting assassination, as
charged by President Johnson. The report
of the Special Committee on the subject was
made July 27th and has been too recently
before our readers to need much comment.
The course Of the Democratic minority n
Congress reflected little credit on its ability.
Its members early distinguish ed themselves by
factious opposition to measures they were
powerless to defeat, and by propositions and
arguments which called forth the derision of
the people. In February we find Mr. Cowan,
ofPennsylvania,o originally elected as a Repub
lcan, but long since deserter from his con-
stituency. declaring that the war is a failure
unless the Rebel States were at once admitted.
In March, Garrett Davis advised the Presi-
dent to declare a convention Of the Congress
sional minority, and the Rebel claimants Of
seats, the true Congress, AMI to enforce its
legislation by the military power. Mr.. Rog
erS Of New Jersey, the wel-known leader Of
the Democratic party in the House, was in
favor of taxing national securities, and Mr..
Chaner, the equally velI-known follower, had
the audacity, in May, to offer a series of res.
olutons indorsing the President denouncing
/ Congress as wicked, revolutionary, malignant,
and mschievous. For this insult Mr.. Chan.
Ter was at once censured. The minority was
reinforced by small party of seceders from
! the Union party, in both Houses, Mr. Raymond
| of New York attracting great attention by his
! ingenuity in voting on both sides Of the great
questions considered. Dixon, Van Winlle,
Wiley aud Delano are among the others who,
elected to Congress by the Union party, were,
/ throughout the session, generally ready to
vote with its opponents. OF these gentlemen
| however, the Union majority was in little fear,
| but more serious cause for uneasiness was
| the attitude of the President The call for
!
meet at Philadelphia in August, resulted in
the resignation of Post master DenuisOn from
the Cabinet, July l., followed in few days
by that of Attorney Gen. Speed, and recently
! by that Of Mr.. Harlan, Secretary Of the Iute-
rior. Warned by these designations, and an
| ticipating a sweeping removal of Union men
! from Government Offices after Congress had
adjourned, and the appointments of Copper
| heads to their places, Union caucus was
held in July. to devise measures to prevent
these evils. Mr.. Stevens concurrent resolu-
ton to authorize the presiding officers to sum-
mon Congress during the recess was, however.
/ defeated, and Congress in adjourning has left
the country to the Executive Limited, fortu-
nately, by the laws it framed, and, without
his consent, established.
On the 28th ofJuly, after a session of eight
months, Congress adjourned. For its fidelity
to the great principles Of the Union party its
boldneSs and success in asserting them, it
deserves the thanks Of the country. Never
had the National Legislature such mighty
work to do-neyer had it been surrounded
with such perIs and temptations. II is true
that the XXXIXth Congress failed to insist
upon impartial suffrage, but IFS legislation
must end in the destruction Of all prescription
on account Of race or color With all its
faults this Congress has bravely and success
| fully defended the principles for which the
war was fought ana without it for oulWark
the gains of the war would unquestionably
/ be swept away. .-.s.. s.. ... -.ts