Bellows Falls times. [volume] (Bellows Falls, Vt.) 1856-1965, 1866-05-25

AT the conclusion of the war we had
expected a long season of rest and quiet
rom party contests and political strife
The successful prosecution of the war for
the Union had created patriotic senti-
ment so overwhelming, that the people had
a right to expect a long term of political
peace, like that which followed the war of
the revolution and of 1912. But the last
few months have dispelled those hopes.
This trouble has not arisen from any
sudden accession 10 the strength of the
democratic party or the party which oppos
ed the war, but entirely on account of the
differences which have arisen in the Union
party on the matter of reconstruction
1t is these divisions which have given sud-
den life and activity to those who sympa-
thized with the treason of the South, and
who are now plotting and scheming to re-
gain the political power they lost by the
Rebellion. The divisions Of opinion in the
tnien parry are nearly as numerous as
inc indigidual members composing that
Fsri Ibis fact alone ought to teach US
% exese . spirit Of federation. 1t is
true Fissi the Union party in Congress
vol 4 iafdsomely in solid column for the
lep0Fi % the reconstruction committee,
ags . ldging from the speeches made,
there were not half dozen members who
were satisfied with that report. Even
THADDEUs STEVENS wasn't, but went for
it, as he said, as the best he could do
BANKS, and BINGHAM and BouTwELL,-
all good Union men to whom the most Of
us would trust the whole subject Of re-
construction,--do not agree as to details
any more than any other class. This d.
versity of sentiment therefore is not con-
fined to the radical wing Of the Union
party on the one side and the " conserva-
tive on the other. For proof of this
witness the assault of Mr.. STEVENS the
other day upon Mr.. SUMNER. II any.
thing, the conservatives like CowAN and
DooLITTLE are decidedly more harmoni.
GUS than the radicals, but perhaps it is be,
cause they are less numerous. Even here
in Vermont we are unable to find half !
dozen Union men whe can agree upon 1
basis of reconstruction. Each man thinks
he has the only true plan.
In consequence Of the divisions above
recited, and what now seems to be an ir-
reparable breach between Congress and
the President, we shall have lively times
in the political world during the ensuing
summer and fall. In this State we shall
have three United States Senators II
elective short terms and one full term
In this district successor is TO be chosen
to Mr.. MoRRILL, and there may be !
contest for Mr.. BAxTER's place in tn,
third district. In the first district we TAX
it Mr.. Woodbridge will be re-nominatet
without opposition if he will accept Gu
State ticket will doubtless be re-nominat
ed without opposition, unless there shoul'
be change in Treasurer, Of which "
know nothing at this time. For all the ne'
Congressman we elect either to the Hous
or Senate, there will be lively, earnes
canvass. This will be the main tug {
war in this State and it will doubles
enter into the election of members of til
legislature. We trust most sincerely tina
this part of our canvass may be carrie
on in a spirit of candor and free from per
sonalities. In the matter of national pol
itics no serious division is likely to occur
Vermont is radically right but not unnee
essarily extreme, and will no doubt main
tain her former reputation for sound prir
ciples Of public policy.
Abroad it is likely to be somewhat di
ferent than here in Vermont. From til
difference between the President and Cor
gress, an appeal will be taken to the pee
pie, and the main contest will be in Ne,
York and Pennsylvania. There will b
the administration party, the Union part
and the democratic party, and the mo'
bitter feeling is likely to prevail betwee
the first two. The democratic party hay
only to lay low and reap whatever advar
tages may come to them from our own d
visions. They oppose all proposition
from the Union party as matter {
course. Their policy Is not to build u
but to tear:down. This to US seems TO b
Just aboutts the situation at the preser
time.