The Portland daily press., 1867-02-15

! as the Argus is to have them. The Argus
still belieyes that Butler and Stevens entertain
a dark design of ''impeaching0 Gen. Grant
Meanwhile Gen. Grant, when he last visited the
House OF Representatives, occupied a seat be-
tween jolly Thad Stevens and Gen. scbenck
without the slightest apparent apprehension
ofimpeachment or assassination. as.
ft.f % -
Letter from the National Capital.
IcoRREsPoNDENcE OF THE PREss.I s.aa
...... WASHINGTON, Feb IL, 1867.
THE SWINGING PENDULUM. "a .n'i
Watching as have done, for now fifteen
weary months, the dreary oscillations OF the
reconstruction pendulum, from "my policy" to
the last report Of the Joint Committee of Fit
teen, l have never felt so sure of reaching a
safe middle ground as within two days past
The struggle seemed about to cease. Against
conviction almost l hoped it would not be a
virtual surrender to MIR. johnson. When the
military Bill' as it is termed was reported in
the middle of last week, at a hasty glance
there seemed much to warrant approval. But
q hAohO SoAOhuA ACauinS Wdo NOhNinCilS pTOOi
of the dangerous nature OF the expedient it
involved. The Southern Unionists were
through their representative men, a unit In
opposition. Gov Hamilton in particular de
clared his inability to sell out so cheap as this
would be. He, with Mr.. Durant OF Louisiana.
declared that they would rather trust them
selves under the rebels than under military
rule. Gov. Hamilton In remarkably power
full speech made by him on Saturday night,
declared that what the loyal men wanted was
method by which loyal men could build up
loyal governments, and the only aid asked OF
the military arm was protection. There Is no
doubt that the bill would have passed could
vote have been obtained during the first two
days debate, though by but a small majority
But as the discussion proceeded, the yeast be.
gan to cease working, insight into its danger
GUS character became clearer, and this morn
ing the House was ready for some measure
which should, while keeping the civil power
supreme, give to its endeavors the single force
OF the mailed arm. Iaa4ria'i
The New Orleans Investigating Committee
reported this rning. You received last ey-
ening by the Associated Press, synopsis OF
the important bill it reported with the evil
dence and summing up. The bill has been
carefully drawn by Judge Shellabarger. The
confidence Of the House in this gentleman is
perhaps greater than in any other. To-day
were he in Mr.. Stevens position as Chairman
nffh fha Enrnpnitfao A .iatsn I'd
therefore the recognized leader OF the majori-
ity, he would have exercised controlling in
iuence, tending to obtain decisive action. A
proof OF this confidence was seen in the fact
that the majority sustained the previous ques-
ticn on the bill, before it was printed, and fin
ally ordered the main question to be taken,
pending which an adjournment was had. The
scenes meanwhile were quite exciting. The
House presenteda Bedamite appearance two
thirds of the time. During the three hours
of the session it is safe to say that two-thirLs
OF the members were on their legs at once
Half the time one-third were bawling at the
top of stentorian lungs to arrest the Speakers
attention, and motions were pouring Out in a
Babel torrent and confusion, which to chap
in the galleries was sometimes very exciting
and always amusing. td
The bill provides for the appointment of
Governor and Council for Louisiana, by the
President with the consent OF the Senate. 1t
entranchises all loyal men, and such rebels as
offer OF amnesty they were opposed to the
continuance OF the rebellion; that they were
below certain grade in the rebel army, and
always waged an honorable civilized warfare.
This they have to prove on the testimony OF
loyal men. The registration OF voters, elec-
ton OF delegates, and assembling of a conven-
ton are provided Tor. The bill is acceptable
to every loyal man from the South now here.
What is needed is to make its provisions
applicable to every one OF the ten States
This will have to be done by separate bill,
as the present position of the pending meas
ure precludes amendments, the main ques-
tion being ordered. Without being too san
guine, must say that for the first time it
does appear that practicable, radical and ei-
ficient reconstruction measure witt pass by
substantially the party vote. The more con-
servative Republicans have been compelled to
demand civil action, during the pending de-
bate on the Military Bill. Leading Senators
say they will sustain the Elliot-Shellabarge
bill. 1t can be amended there so as to include
all the unrepresented States.
There is no doubt at all that the opposition
win filibuster. They commenced to-day, but
were defeated owing to the dissatisfaction of
some Republicans who tried to obtain re-
consideration of the previous question. The
result was growing strength in favor of i'm
mediate action which put the House into
such shape that the obstruclionists in the par
ty had to face the issue. About two-fifths OF
the Republicans would like to slide over" and
not do anything definite now / think we
shall get vote and successful one ..
GROWING MELLOW.
81 A good many believe Mr.. johnson will ac-
cept the situation and sign the bill. A New
England member, Of good .repute as a saga
cious man, said he she never had known Mr..
johnson to be so mellow as now" In illus
tration he told OF late request made for a
collectorship by the friends of general officer,
who told the President said officer was rad
ical and would give no pledges. The Presi-
dent said he asked none, but would examine
his papers, The General was appointed.
This is little difference from the kicking
out" process spoken OF at st. Louis. Some
what different too from the style OF proceed
ure during last summer, when johnson De-
partmental Clubs, circular letters, and cabinet
fumigations were the order OF the hour.
There is certain fruit known as "The
Medler," believe, which is never ripe and lit
to eat until is is rotten. 1t is upon this prin-
ciple, suppose, that Andrew johnson Is be-
coming politically mellow. Being FULLY rot
ten-ripe and ready to drop from his shaky
bough when blown by the high wind of i'm
peachment, he would hike to have it appear
that he is very mellow. He probably is, in
more ways than one. .st5
WASHINGTON CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE PORT
LAND FUND. I
enclose you report made of the contribu-
items at this point for the sufferers from the
Portland fire. The Secretary, Llewellyr
Deane, Esq, deserves great credit for his ex
ertions and benevolent efforts, as does Mr.
Perham, the chairman of the committee, and
all other friends whose names are to be found
in the succinct repOrtpresented by MIR. Deane