The Charleston daily news. [volume] (Charleston, S.C.) 1865-1873, 1867-02-13

Mr. Ndridge made an appeal on behalf Of men,
bers on the Democratic side, who wished to place
on record their protests against this measure,
knowing thai the !s decree had gone forth for the
Mr.. Stevens (1eferrihg to Mr.. Banks), said,
sneeringly: Mr.. Speaker, l. have not the advan-
tage which the distinguished gentleman from Mas
sachusetts has, Of the secret negotiations from
the President and the Congress Of the United
States within q few davs. If l had that advantage,
I do not know what effect 1t might have upon me-.
Not having it, cannot, Of course, act upon it. ].
should be very glad to afford time to give the
gentleman from Wisconsin Mr. E!dridge] and
question Of reconstruction has been already dis
cussed. The gentleman from Wisconsin [Mr.
Eldridge says that the decree has gone forth that
this bill 10 to pass. T do not know that, Hir.
Mr.. Edridge. I only supposed 80. .5..5.-...
= Mr.. Stevens. have seen enough OF this House;
and ;as have heretofore noticed, it is demoralz-
ed so far Iaughterl that. there is not enough Of
the spirit that sent us here to cay out the will Of
the people, and perfect the Legislation which the
people expect. have, therefore, mo ssnguine hope
upon gentlsmen.. There are words and letters in
the bill Ia1luding to Mr. Bng ghams CRITICISM Of it'll
from the first through the whole alphabet, which
some friends object to and carp at, and make an
excuse for, their attacking it,. / was quite sure
when the Inst Bill for reeonstruction was before
to which it was sent would be its death. That was
q civil bill, proposing civil government for the
South. It was objectionable; i know not why. It
was objectionable to:ayery large number Of gem
tlemen, and it went to the tomb Of the Capulets.
We have attempted in this bill give protec-
ton, as police mntter, to the Southern Btates,
and to prevent murders, r0bberieB, eKiles
and slavery there: until I'VE :can have time to
form OWL institutions more in conformity with
the genius Of the Government, know not Wheth-
s4r,1
bill or to dispense, go home, and leave the Presi-
dent triumphant. Lara quite sure that much Of the
opunaition on both sidesof the House comes from
modification Of views .coinoiding with the Presi-
9a Ss# @ end E6soF5 true
one. EGreat excitement among members, most Of
whom we're standing in order, the better to hear
and witness what was going on.1 am unable to
learn to what extent that aas prevailed, ope after
shall be better satisfied as to whether it isstorth
while to proceed further in any attempt by Con-
gress to resist the power Of the President or
whether it is our: duty, like humble Christians, TO
submit to the power that has conquered &us, and
allow tho Southern people to remain in their
present condition. i hope the previous question
will be sustained and now move 1t. ~.
Mr.. Banks rose and said That the allusi0n which
the gentleman had made to him justified him in
asking moments time. ~ 80 -
Mr.. Banlss-In the remarks which / made, MIR.
Speaker, had no alluson to any negotiations
with the President The gentleman from Pennsyl-
yania rMr. Stevensl knows more OF his opinions
than L do, and will yield to his policy much sooner
than SHALL Expressions Of encourag cement to
Mr, Banks, and OF satisfaction with the last re-
mark spoke in good faith to the House, ask
ing for time 10 debate this question, My reason
far it has been on the simple idea, which every
member can understand, that the measures which
we propose, and one Of which is now before the
House, depend for their efficacy on being enacted
bv two thirds Of the two Houses against the execu-
tive 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 laws IN
which the Executive will cooperate in order to
make those laws effective. L. after we, tho represen-
tatyes Of the people, have agreed as to what laWB are
necessary to secure the peace Of the country and to
maintain the existence Of the Government, and
after the people have sustained us in those laws the
President refuses cooperation, it is our duty to
the country to drop the question Of
and to proceed to the confederation OF the posi-
ton and purposes Of the President himself. re-
peat my expression Of belief that we can, before
this session closes, come to such conclusion as
will compel the President of the United States to
sustain us in our action, or as will justify us In
adopting another course if he refuse. I have no
negotiations with the President, nor do know his
opinion; and in the vote which shall give on this
question, neither the gentleman from Pennsylvar
mia nor any other man has right tc assume that
accept the Presidents policy in TIE slightest de.
gree. hope for change Of his position, and
think that is not impossible, and is worth trying
At the suggestion Of MIR. sohenck, Mr. Stevens
1 t(~o,. .-Jr.1t t,oPonr