Bradford reporter. [volume] (Towanda, Pa.) 1844-1884, 1867-02-14
from masbingtun.
WASHINGTON. D. c., Feb. 8, 1867.

WASHINGTON, ID. c., Feb. 8, 1867.
The proceedings of Congress from this
time to the c4ose of the present Congress on
the 4th of March next, will attract the earn
est attention of the people Of the entire
country.
The "new plan of reconstruction, as it is
called, emanating from the acting President
and the leading rebels of the South, has
tendency to give clearer view of the politi-
cal situation, and to make the republican
majority stronger. The main points of diff
erence between the "new plan" and that
submitted by Congress, in the proposed
amendment of the Constitution, which has
already been ratified by twenty States North,
and rejected by nearly every Southern State.
except Tennessee. are these The Southern
leaders do not like See. g. which excludes
such as they from office under the United
States Government, and therefore they cut
it all out, and the acting President is party
to the arrangement, that nothing shall go in
to the "new plan " by which traitor can
be distinguished from a loyal man. The
"new plan" proposes an educational and
property qualification for electors, without
distinction of race or color; SO as to permit
the Southern leaders to prohibit three
fourths of the blacks upon the educational
and property tests from the exercise Of the
elective franchise, while il gives them pow
er to count them as citizens in fixing the ba-
sis of representation in Congress, because
they are not DISTINGUISHED on account of
race or color, or previous condition of servi-
tude, and provides at the same time that
persons who are voters by the laws of any
State at the time of the adoption of their
proposed amendment of the Constitution,
shall not be disfranchised on account of its
provisions.
The effect Of the adoption of this plan, is
easy of comprehension-every rebel would
be enfranchised, and be eligible to the high
est offices within the gift of the people-the
people of the late rebellious States would Sc
cure an increased representation, and great
er political power than they had before the
rebelion--while counting all the blacks in
| fixing the basis of representation, they would
be to great extent excluded from voting,
by the property and educational tests there
by securing to the disloyal element entire
| political control.
This plan has few supporters in Congress,
and is only important in its affording the
| country clearer view of the position of the
President and the late leaders of the REBEL
| ion upon the question of reconstruction.
The bill reported from the Joint Select
| Committee on Reconstruction, providing for
the military government of the South will
be pressed to an immediate passage in the
House, and it is thought, will be passed f.
nally over the Presidents veto. The House
has declared decisively, against any contrac-
ton of the currency for the next year. The
Tariff Bill will no doubt become law, unless
prevented by the veto power. These meas
| ures will act as an admonition in business
circles, and put stop to excessive importa-
tons.
The settled policy upon which the Senate
seem to be acting in respect to President
Johnsons appointments, is the rejection OF
Republicans who took Office on condition OF
betraying their party
The Tenure of Office Bill, without the
clause including the Cabinet ministers, will
no doubt be passed
have given what l deem q correct view
| of the political situation at this time, which
you may insert in the REPORTER if you think
it of sufficient interest to your readers.
Very respectfully,
COMRE