Nashville union and dispatch. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1866-1868, 1867-02-15
a SIGNIFICANT PASSAGE IN THE
HOUSE-WHAT OCCURRED ON THE
DEFEAT OF STEVENS MILITARY

a SIGNIFICANT PASSAGE IN THE
HOUSE-WHAT OCCURRED ON THE
DEFEAT OF STEVENS MILITARY
BILL.
In the u. S. House of Representatives,
on the 9Th inst,
Stevens bill for the government of the
South was discussed by Messrs. Hsrding,
Shellabarger, Dawes, Hotchkiss, Griswold,
Raymond, Garfield and others, until half
past o'clock, when
Mr.. Stevens rose to second the previous
question. He said there were but eight
days for legislation this side of veto, and
therefore he deemed it his duty to move
the previous question.
Mr. Banks asked Mr.. Stevens for per-
mission TO make a remark, while Mr.
Eldrldge was appealing TO him from the
Democratic side Of the house. At this mo-
ment the members manifested intense in
terest, and were gathered around the neigh
borhoOd of Messrs Banks and Stevens, and
the excitement seemed to be shared by the
spectators in the crowded galleries.
Mr.. Stevens yielded TO
Mr.. Banks, who said Mr. Speaker, |
would not oppose a vote by the House or
hisquestion at this time if / did not think
there was an opportunity TO do more to-
ward the settlement OF the difficulties in
which the country il involved than we are
doing az this time. | believe that day or
two devoted to the subject of reconstruction
Of the government will bring us to solu-
ton in which We shall agree, In which the
two Houses shall agree, in which the people
of the country will sustain US, in which the
President will give rs his support. If we
shall agree on a measure satisfactory TO
ourselves and in which we shall be sus-
tanned by the people, and if the President
shall resist il then we shall be justified in
dropping the subject of reconstruction, and
considering the condition of the country in
a different sense. Sensation.
Mr. Stevens, referring TO Mr. Banks,
said, sneeringly,) Mr. Speaker, ] have not
the advantage which the distinguished gen.
tleman from Massachusetts has of the Sc
Cret negotiations from which he expects
such perfect harmony between the Presi-
dent and the Congress Of the United States
within few days. IL had that advant-
age, do not know what effect il might
have upon me. Not having it, cannot Of
course act upon it. The gentleman from
Wisconsin MIR. Eldridgel says that the
| decree has gone forth that this bill is TO
pass. ] 10 not know that, sir. / have
seen enough of this House, and as ! have
| heretofore noticed, il is demoTalized so far
| laughter that there is not enough of that
spirit that sent us here 10 carry ont the
will of the people and perfect the legisla-
| ton which the people expect. ! have,
! therefore no sanguine hope that this bill is
10 be forced upon the country or upon the
gentlemen. There swords and letters in
the bill (alluding % Mr.. Binghams criti-
| Cisin Of I'D from the first through the whole
| alphabet which some friends object to and
! carp at, and make an excuse for their at
tacking e. | am quite sure that mach of
! the opposition on both sides of this House
| comes from modification oil views com
| Gliding with the Presidents views, and that
! his arguments have convinced many gen
tlemen that his theory il the true one
| lGreat excitement among members, most
Of whom were standing in order the better
/ 10 hear and witness what was going on. !
| am unable 10 learn 10 what extent that has
| prevailed but after the previous question
! shall have been voted upon ! shall be bet
| ter satisfied as to whether it is worth while
| TO proceed further in any attempt by Con-
/ gress to resist the power of the President,
or whether it is our duly, like humble
Christians 10 submit 10 the power that has
conquered us, and allow the Southern
people 10 remain in their present condi-
! Hon.
Mr.. Bauks--In the remarks which /
made, Mr.. Speaker | had no allusion to
any negotiations with the President The
gentleman from Pennsylvania MIR. Ste.
yens knows more Of his opinions than ]
do, and will yield 10 his policy auch
sooner than | shall, expressions Of encodr-
| agement 10 Mr. Banks and of satisfaction
| with the last remark / spoke in faith Go
! the House asking for time 20 debate this
| question. Nv reason for il is based on the
] simple idea, which every member can un-
/ dersiand that the measures which We pro-
lpose, Of one of which is now before
the House, depend for their efficacy on
being enacted by two-thirds of the two
! Houses against the Executive branch OF
the government. My belief is that We can
not carry on the government Of the United
states iR that way-that We must have laws
m which the Executive will cooperate in
order 10 make those laws effective Ii, after
Ne, the representatives of the people, have
| agreed 10 What laws are necessary 70 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, il is our
duty 10 the country 10 drop this question
of reconstruction, and TO proceed TO the
consideration of the position and purposes
of the President himself ] repeat NV ex-
preston of belief that We can, before this
session closes, come 20 such conclusion "a
will compel the President Of the United
States 20 sustain us in our action, or viii
| justify De in adopting another course i