Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1866-04-20
CORRESPONDENTS.

and acknowledgements Lancotns as
sasstRation-The President, dc.
Mr.. EDITOR:
The great and overshadowing event o
the week, has been the passage OF thu
Civil Rights Bill by the House over thu
Presidents veto. At the meeting of thu
House on Monday \. NJ. every member OF
either party, there in Washington, was in
his seat, fully prepared for the great
struggle. The republican members were
reliant. earnest, and confident; each feel
ing that he had an important duty to dis
charge in behalf of his country. and OF
humanity; and each rully determined to
perform that duty, in the fear of God
The old puritanical principle, and spirit
seemed to inspire and control every Union
member on the floor; and the American
Congress. has never presented so great
morale as on this occasion.
When the morning hour had expired,
Mr. Wilson chairman of the Committee on
the judiciary called up the bill. and moved
the previous question. The message was
read, and then commenced the contest ;
aud it seemed for a time by the fillibuster-
ing of the little company of copperheads,
that the day might be spent in taking
senseless votes upon side issues and
frivolous motions, but they soon saw that
their efforts would amount to nothing, as
il was foregone conclusion that the bill
would pass, and so they cared; and the
question was reached and the bill became
the law of the land. The vote stood ONE
HUNDRED AND TWENTY-FIVE TO FORTY
ONE. lacking one vots only of three fourths.
The floor and galleries were filled to their
utmost capacity; and when the result of
the vote was announced by speaker Col
fax, the scene was indiscribable. To say
that the applause was loud, hearty. univcr-
sal. and long continued. is but Il faint dis
cription of what transpired on the occasion.
The ladies waved their handkerchiefs, and
friends and strangers embraced each other,
shook hands, laughed, cried, and express
ed general joy and congratulations. The
negroes were especially iubilant. and they
had right to be. as this bill makes them
citizens of this great country, not now
voters. but citizens: yet voters by and by.
The passage of this measure has had ar-
parently modifying effect upon the copper
heads hereabouts. They do not seem near
50 feroeious as they did prior to the Con-
nccticut election. and to the adoption of
this great principle of magma charter in
the form of national law. True they call
this an unconstitutional bill. but as all
know this objection is common, SO con-
mon, that it has ceased to alarm any sane
man. Ii has become indeed, Like u
thrice told tale sounding in the dali ears
of some drowning man.
What single measure adopted by Con-
gre>s or the President TO suppress the re-
bcllion has not been denounced as uncou-
stitutiona. We We're told nj the start. by
the prince of copperhcad> James Buchan-
an. that we coild not "coerce strife" Mr.
Lincoln was informed that he had no con-
s;itutional right 10 send a national vessel
with bread To the starving garrison ut
Sunptcr; nor. To invade the sacred soil of
the South witt, national troops to put down
rebellion. .lll through the dark hours of
our civil war. every act of Congress to
suppress the rebellion was pronounced by
these same people, unconstitutional
What wonder than, that this civil rights
bill i. tnboocd in the same way. But such
twaddle proves nothing.
Congress has now shown n determined
front, aud it will stand by the doctrine it
h; 5 thus avowed, Let the people remain
firm; but will take that hack; for need
not say, let them remain firm. They must
return to the next Congress the same men
or men of like moral s,aniaa and back
bone. Our safety, and the safety Of the ma
ton. depends upon tie righteousness o
car principles, and he courage and bold
ness with which We Fgiierili and maintain
tue issues growing ont Of these principles
|, is no time to compromise with trease,
aud traitors or to ial;er il a double sens
with the colorcd man.
Keeping the word Of promise to the cal
aud breaking it to the hope. believe tia
the people understand the great work be
fore them. which is, to perfect, aud main
tain this Union; and they will not be de
tered by any blind guides, who for siniste
ends, would lead them estray. BE I'll
work longer or shorter. they will stay o
=, board and will see the old ship CT sta,
righted and brought safe into port. The
believe with the poet Longfellow and wi
adopt his, patriotic words.
ave know what masters laid thy keel,
What work men wrought the ibis Of steel,
Who made each mast and sail and rope,
What anvils rung, What hammers beat,
! In what a forge and what heat,
1 Were shaped the anchors OF thy hope!
Fear not each sudden sound AMI shock,
It's OF the wave aud not the rock,
IT'S but the tapping of the sail.
And not the rent made by the gale!
In spite Of rock and tempests roar,
In spite Of false lights on the shore,
Sail on, nor fear to breast the sea.
Our hearts, our hopes, are a. with thee,
Our hearts our hopes, our prayers, our tears,
Our faith triumphant Ger our fears,
Are all with thee--are all with thee
The bankrupt bill has been defeated
the House by a small majority. Mr.. Conf
lin of New York has introduced anothe
bill but whether this will share the san
fate or not cannot say. Most Of the re-
resentatives from the agricultural distric
oppose bankrupt law. Mr.. Schenck fro