Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1866-03-02

] heBlHAure OF mississippi, Wnicn prOhlOtteu
the holding OF leasing OF land by freedmen,
giving to whites in certain cases power over
their persons, and In other respects Infringing
upon their natural rights he showed that
in some localities they we're not permitted to
hire themselves out without the consent Of
their former masters. and we're restricted in
their rights to travel, and whipped If found
away from their homes without pass. There
was no protection for the freedmen in the
courts or in the laws Of the re e1ellious States.
Without this they would be despoiled Of all
their rights He thought it as extraordins-
ry that the President, in giving his opinion
that the bill was unconstitutional, had made
no mention Of that clause under which it's
friends especially claimed it's authorization
the second clause Of the amendment abolish
ing slavery and instead OF standing in doubt
Of its constitutionalty, he felt he should have
failed in his constitutional duty II he had re-
fused to favor it. In considering the last OBJ
ioction-the absence of the Representatives
Of the States affected by it's provisions-he
held, If il was valid, Congress had no right
to pass a law levying direct taxes upon those
States-no right to declare those States In
rebellion, or TO pass law to blockade their
ports. He further debated the status OF the
rebel States, holding that for national purpo-
aes they were in the Union, but for State pur-
poses were not, having no Organization in &C.
cord with the Union.
In conclusion he said that he thought he
was acting in harmony with the views of the
President in his efforts in perfecting this bill
that i. was not only constitutional and nee
essary to carry out the very provisions Of that
Constitution, but that with lut it the freed
men would be tyrannized over and enslaved.
WAsHINGroN, Feb. 81.
The Senate Committee on the District Of
Columbia met this morning, and instructed
its Chairman, Senator Morrill,, to report the
House Bill granting universal suffrage in the
District Of Columbia and to urge its passage
at the earliest possible time. As it is known
that the President will veto this bill when
presented to him, this shows determination
on the part of leading Congressman to meet
the irrepressible conflict squarely and prompt
ly.
Mr.. Elliot has given notice in the House
OF his intention to introduce freedmen's
bureau bill in which he will seek to employ
all the advantages secured by the bill just We
toed and at the same time avoid the features
deemed Objectionable by those friendly to
legislation on this subject.
As it was the understanding that the vote
on the resolution of Mr.. Stevens should not
be taken until to-day, the roll was again called
this morning when several gentlemen who
we're unavoidably absent last evening had an
opportunity to record their votes. Among
them we're Messrs. Alexander II. Rice and +.
II. Rollins, who voted aye
There was some discussion in the House
this morning as to what should be taken up,
during which Mr.. Thaddeus Stevens pleasant
ly remarked, d" | had intended to take up an
bill but as eleven States are
inexperienced. and the bill would seriously
affect them, viii postpone il for the present"
The house roared, and a contested election
case was taken up.
In the House, motion to reconsider the
vote, by which the resolution was passed
yesterday, that no Senator or Representative
from the late rebel States shall be admitted
to Congress until Congress declares such State
entitled TO representation, was lost by vote
of l0S to 81.
The Indiana election case was taken up.
The Election Committee reported in favor Of
Washburn against Voorhees,.
Representative Moulton, Chairman OF the
House Committee on Public Lands, to-day
reported from that committee very import
ant bill providing for the sale by auction of
the gold aud silver lands Of the United States.
None but citizens Of the United States, or
those who have declared their intention to
become such, shall be allowed to Purchase,
and all lands remaining unsold after public
sale shall be open to private entry.
Among the provisions OF the bill is one that
the dlarOvarar OF xunrkar ,,fa ,tra laai
or deposit OF mineral, shall have the right to
purchase it at the minimum price Fixed upon
It. The prices to be fixed by the register,
receiver and geologist. One of the latter to
be appointed for each land district.
No person shall purchase more than twenty
acres. nor enter second tract without selling
he first at public sale, to the highest bidder.
n cash.
WARRINGTON, Feb. 30.
The Presidents harangue of yesterday, as
reported in the morning papers, creates much
excitement.
There will be a caucus Of the Union Sena-
ors and Representatives this evening, in the
lsll of the House OF Representatives.
President Johnson will soon issue proc
amstion declaring that the Republic is at
peace, and that the war for the suppression OF
he rebellion is ended. He has notified Gen
Howard, Superintendent of the Freedmen's
BUREAU, that the expiration OF the operations
If tha; bureau, limited by the Law establish
ng 1t to one year after the close OF the war,
will be closed one year after the date of this
PROCLAMATION.
Already bad men are talking confidentislly
If dispersion of Congress by the President
by an armed force.
Such an event is impossible, and in case
If any such danger, two-thirds OF both branch
rs OF Congress can be relied on to so amend
be law as to put it out Of the power OF the
Executive to commit any great outrage.
In Senate, Feb. 30. Mr.. Fessenden moved
o take up the House resolution, declaring
hat no Senator or Representative shall be
eceived until tho state has been declared, by
Congress-, entitled to representation. Mr..
sherman objected that Senators were too
much excited to debate that subject. Mr..
said he thought he could debate
I IN good temper The Senate voted 20 TO
8 10 consider the resolution, The House
'oted out Vorhees of Indiana (dem.) aud gave
lis seat to Washburne (repub. deciding that
Voorhees, was elected by fraud.
OUTRAGE UPON TEAcHER.-A letter from
Woodstock, (Va.) dated Feb. IS, written by |