The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1866-12-13
LETTER FROM WASHINGTON.
Correspondence of the Richmond Dispatch


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Correspondence OF the Richmond Dispatch.
The Territorial Reduction Question: Less
for-Can it be Passed Over tho Neto-Ihe At
tempt 80 Hnmiliatc the Prosident-A finance
for POPULAR Second sober Thoughts -impor-
lance of the Radical Game being Exposed 20
the People, &c.
WASHINGTON, December IL, 1866.
No matter what viii be the result of
the present disposition among the ma
iority of the present Congress towards the
reduction of the present State govern
mcnts in the South to territorial condi-
ton, their present temper argues to GER
taintv that whatever the bill having this
end in view may provide when reported
from the Reconstruction Committee, who
have the fate Of the country in charge, it
will be approved ofby that majority. Itmay
he that Justice, reason, and good common
sense will prevent the adoption of any
measure having for its end the above pro-
posed act of oppression by two-third vote,
in which case it will not become a law, as
the veto of the President would be sus-
tanned but thus far there has been no
Radical denial either of its justice or OF the
ability 10 make il law in spite OF the Pre-
sideut's objections. Thad. Stevens, claim
ing 10 speak the sentiments Of over two
thirds of the members of the House, asserts
in his yindictive and emphatic style that
there will be no failure in this; and II is
certain that. so far as his bad influence can
be of avail, the plan will be adopted. The
main hone. leaving out of the question the
Executive veto and the perhaps numerical
inability of Congress TO pass the bill over
his objections, is in the Senate. In that
branch there is less of hurry and confu-
sion, and more of disposition to consider
these wild schemes than in the House ;
andiC the scheme for blotting out altogether
the existence of the States south of the
Potomac can be delayed until some idea
of the popular mind can be given on the
subject, there is great hope OF It's ultimate
failure. When Congress first met, the
Radicals were enthusiastic in their aSSer-
tions that all these revolutionary matters
would be pressed TO an early passage. A
few DAYS in the future will probably de-
yeIop additional features in this latest Radi-
cal stroke Of policy.
Upon the question of taking all power
possible out of the Presidents hands there
Is II
the majority of the Radicals. Almost every
bill which has thus far been introduced Is
an assurance of this. They are simply
paving the way, throwing overheard the
constitutional amendment OF last winters
proposal, and adopting more radical views
1t is well TO look everything square III the
face, and not be deceived by superficial
appearances. The Radicals have deeI
game on hand, which they will bring out
with q great flourish before the Attn o.
March, after the manipulationS are conclu
ded in the Reconstruction Committee
The people ought to be prepared for 1t
and if the conservative press OF the NORTH
should take the matter in hand at once
and probe to the core all these mad designs
so that the people could be convinced o.
the danger that threatens, much good
would be accomplished.
There is grumbling among the anxious
hosts who are waiting the passage OF the
Suffrage bill that so much discussion Il
allowed in the Senate. They are eager &c
have the law on the statute books even i
they cannot Immediately avail themSclve;
of its provisions. Mr.. Cowan's amend
mcnt 10 strike out the word male would
have, if adopted, no effect here outside o
the negro element and a few strong mind
ed females who are abiding in this locality
but whose residence five years ago was il
the puritanical precints of New England
1t is as sensible as negro suffrage; and a
New England rules Congress at present
it would not be a matter of surprise II ;
bill is not soon offered for that purpose
generally, without being connected as al
49,, .F,t...~--t - - AT-c-~ Snhraoa lill ="
a single locality.
In consideration of the fact that Con-
gress proposes to remain in session-or
rather TO meet again on the day which
viii bring the expiration of the present
one-it is very probable that a long recess
of ten days or two weeks, will be taken al
the Christmas holidays. Perhaps some OF
the ardent representatives may desire &c
confer with their constituents on the new
shape affairs are taking. IIAoN.