St. Mary's gazette., 1867-02-14
A Solution at Hand.

rclopcd he manifold etfcrfs at rec2ns'ruc-
ton. II debate IN Congress on The .th
instant oa the military satrapy scheme ot
Stevens. he announced. upon demand
by stephens for the previous question, i!
debate was permitted to continue for day
or two longer, it would be possible for
Congress to come to some understanding
that might harmonic the country and se-
cure the cooperation Of the Presidonf.-
The greatest exeitcuacpt was developed by
this announcement. 4 derisWe smile fit
ted over the sadouic features Of Stevens at
the bare mention of Presidential co-opera-
ton. He referred in sarcastic tones to
possible secret negotiations between Banks
and the President, and commented with
severity upon the growing Generalization
of his party friends. BE stcrnly refused
to Weld to Banks and insisted upon his
demand for the previous question. A vote
was then taken which resulted in defost
Of the Great Cosnmoner" By 81 to 81,
so debate upon the scheme IS still in order
and the promised revelations from Banks
now about due,
What there rovclations are likely to bs.
is mystery TO US. We have carefully
read Mr.. Banks remarks IN connection
with bis exciting announcement. but We
are still sadly bsfoggca. We are in doubt
whsrher the country will be damaged or
bcnehsea BY the new scheme ofsettlcmer'
be has promised US and which a few days
are to briog forth. Upon oue thing, bow
eyor, we congratulate ourselves aod the
country Something definite either in the
way of peace OF IN the Nay Of war is about
to be adopted We are, of course, for
peace, but whether peace or war be in store
for us. we thiok it subject Of congratula-
ton that the long and anxious suspense of
tho country is about to be terminated.
AS some days m.y elapse before MIR.
Banks is ready to speak and as our readers
may be anxious in the meantime to see
and weigh his PREDATORY statement for
themselves, we have concluded to publish
it for their qualification and as fine ex-
ercise for their pcwers of conjecture.
Mr.. Speaker, l would not oppose vote
by the House on this question at this time
if did not think there was an opportunity
to do more toward the settlement of the
difficulties in which the country is involved
than we are doing at this time. | believe
that day or two devoted to the subject
Of the reconstruction cf the Government
will bring Us to 4 solution IN wh:ch We
shall agree; in which the people of the
country viii sustain US, and in which
she President will give US his support. If
wc shall agree on measure satisfactory
to ourselves, aud in which we shall be SUI
tanned BY the people, and If the President
shall resist it, then We snail be Justlned
in dropping the subject of reconstruction
and considering the condition of fhe Gov
=
the subject to an issue before the people of
the country, as to whether We can act with
the President in the measures necessary
for the restoration Of peace and prosperity
to the country, or whether We shall be com
pcfled TO consider the condition OF the Gov
ernment in different sense, and in diff
fcrent way. The measures which Congress
proposes depend for their efficacy on be-
ing enacted by two thirds of she two
Houses agains. the executive branch of the
Government My belief is that We cannot
carry on the Government of the United
States in that way--that We must have
Iaws.;u which the Executive will cooperate
in order to mako those laws effective. Ii.
after We, tho representatives OF the people.
have agreed as to what laws are necessary
to secure the peace of the country and to
maintain the existence of the Government,
and after the people have sustained US ID
those laws, the President refuses coopers-
SION. il is our dnty to the country to drop
the question Of reconstruction, and to pro-
oced to the consideration of the position
and purpose. ofths President himself. l re-
peat my expression oi oeiiei tha' VIC eau'
before this session closes, come to such con-
clusion as will compel the President of the
United States 10 sustain as in our action.
or as will justify us in adopting another
course if be refuses. | have no negotia-
tons with the President, nor do | know
his opinion; and in the vote which shall
give on this question neither the gentloman
from Pennsylvania nor any other man has
a right to assume that | accept the Presi-
dents policy in the slightest degree. |
hope for s change of his position, and |
think .ha: is not impossible, and is worth
trying for.
Since the above was spoken. the proHris-
al revelations of Gen. Banks have been
made, but tho mountain. instead Of pro
Dizzy. as expected. has only brought forth
5 mouse. Mr. Banks proposes to organiz.
civil government at the South, commencing
with Louisiana, by the appointment Of
three Commissioners, one 70 be appointed
BY the Senate, one by the House and one,