Daily union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1865-1866, 1866-02-25
CoNGREssIOAAL PROCEEDINGS.

WASHINGTON, Feb. 24.-The Senate is not in
session to-day.
HousE-The House went into Committee Of the
Whole. al
Mr.. Clarke, of Ohio. submitted his views on the
subject Of reconstruction. He did not consider it
impertinent to argue the question of dead or liv-
ing States, but to look forward to such measures
as are requisite to restore at the earliest practice
bic day. these States to their original harmonious
relations as faithful and loyal States of the Union
with all the rights and immunities of the most
favored States He insisted upon such as de-
manded admission. that they establish the un-
questioned loyalty of their Representatives and
constituency. He was willing to vote for the adj
mission of Tennessee and Arkansas at any hour
when the committee shall submit the question to
the House, unless future Developments should
show these States to be unqualified for such adj
mission He said their Representatives sent here
must be loyal men. who can take the oath re-
quired of members of Congress. aiH
Mr. Plant of Ohio, now addressed the House
In the opening of his remarks, he alladed to the
amendment of the Constitutions. and declared
that il needed modification as the nation pro-
crossed, though the progress Of the country eodld
not be restorated even if the Constitution was
ideas of men eighty years ago. while the consti-
tuition of England was but the growth Of thou
sand years. While the Democrats were in power,
they deliberately perverted the Constitution
to uphold combinations Of slavery. He
yielded to no one in his administration Of
the Constitution, and he did not submit TO every
Interpretation of it the evil of the compromises
with slavery were now apparent, the agitation Of
ofI na x-ad
only the interest of political aims. The leaders
of the rebellion were the leaders Of the Demo
cratic party and when they went into the rebel
lion. they counted on and received the support of
the Northern branch of that party and to-day the
Democrats were responsible fer all the outrage in
the South and for the obstacles. We said We had
full faith in the wisdom and patriotism of Con-
gress with or without the aid Of the President,
and concluded his speech with peroration on
the future of the country as established on the
trade basis of freedom.
Mr.. Brennan wac the next speaker. He said in
April last the country was electrified by the dec
laration Of Andrew johnson that treason a
crime. and must be made odious and that mercy
to the in iivdual was treason TO the State. These
seEtimert Is met the approval ct all the loyal men
North. bat for expressing the same sentiments
now sre denounced as fanatics and traitors.
He would ask who are the men thus abusing US
for these opinions7 and where fheyawere when
armed men were being raised TO put downfhe re-
bellion? when Nallandighan was srrestedf and
when Aabeas cetpas was suspended They were the
men who cried for peace IN 1854 at the sacrifice
Of International hoaor. There was nothing he so
much desired Is the admission Of those Southern
States. but he was not willing 10 effect that end
without receivinsa guarantee Of the good faith
and Loyalty Of their people to the Government
The Democrats who were 80 lately villifyihg and
tradaeiag the President were now his champions ]