The Wheeling daily register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1864-1878, 1868-12-10
HOUSE.

Mr.. Paine, from the committee on
Reconstruction, reported bill t. re-
lieve from all legal and political disa-
with the rebellion, L. j. Moses, of
South Caroliua, lately elected Chief
Justice of that State. The bill passed
by the requisite two-thirds vote.
Mr.. Bingham, from the committee on
Reconstruction, reported bill provid-
ing for an election in Virginia, to be
held on Wednesday, the Goth of January
next, the question to be ''for the Con-
situation" or against the Constitution"
adopted by the Convention which met
in Richmond, December Sd, 1867.
he explained the bill and said it was
the same Us the one passed last July,
except as to the time of holding the
election. He hoped the time was near
when there would be no further COM
plant in that State of local govern
ment resting on the consent of the
governed.
Mr.. Eldridge inquired whether the
bill made any provision In reference to
persons voting excluded under the con
stitution and laws of Virginia or under
tie reconstruction acts.
Mr.. Bingham replied that the bill in
no way changed the reconstruction acts
as to disqualIfy citizens to vote in the
preliminary elections.
Mr. Washburne, Of Illinois, called at
tention TO Tie tine fixed for holding
the election, and expressed the opinion
that Congress should fix much later
day. He thought the 2O5h of January
too early for holding the election. and
desired 10 offer an amendment +ubsti-
tuting the second Tuesday in April,
trusting that at that time the loyal
people of Virginia could be protected.
Mr.. Maynard remarked that, III add
| ton to the reason assigned by Mr..
Washburnr. the middle OF January was
ordinarily IA very inclement season, aud
it would be very difficult, If not imprac.
ticab! To secure anything like full
vote. He was, Therefore, III favor OF
postponenent.
Mr.. Bingham said the tins named in
the bill WIS not fixed 10y the commit
tee Oh Reconstruction, but mad boon
designated by a Convention of the
| friends OF reconstruction measures IN
| Virginia. Those persons were entirely
sati SIZED that the result would be salts
factory 10 the friends of the Union ev-
ervwhere in the country, and In add
ton TO those suggestions, he desired
also to state that certain revolutionary
acts were taking place in this country
which it was in the power OF the PEG
Pile of Virginia, in 1859, To do some,
thing towards arresting, as they had
done on memorable occa-
sion in 1879, when there was
sedition in the land. Then Virginia,
under the lead of wise, intelligent and
patriotic men, was first of the States
! of tue Union to take action for the cx-
ercise of power, on the part of the whole
people Of the country, rs would perpet-
nate their liberties, and in their own
language consolidate the Union of the
States. In last September, since the
adjournment of Congress, the legisla-
ture of Oregon, following TIE bad eX-
ample of the Legislatures Of Ohio and
New jersey, had defeated the ratifica-
ton heretofore given 10y the people OF
Oregon 10 the Fourteenth Amendment.
He undertook 10 say tnero Were men
who would come to understand by alb
sOlute experience the positive necessity
of that amendment OF the Constitution
of the United States. If the Govern
ment was to be maintained by laws
rather than by arms, 1t was in the
power of the people of Virginia, aud he
desired that tuey should have an Opnor-
tunity of exercising it to put an end TO
the contest and restore this Congress
to power before it adjourned OK the
fourth of March, TO silence all
Questions as to the validity OF that
amendment, and as 10 the great ques-
ton of whether it is TO be part of the
Constitution of the land TO all intents
and purposes.
Alter further discussion, particularly
as to the time fixed, Messrs. Washburne,
Butler and Boutwell, insisting on day
as late as May next, but before dispos-
ing of it, the Presidents message was
received and read.
After the reading of the Presidents
message, that part of it relating to the
| public debt was denounced by Mr..
WaShburne, Of Illinois, as disgraceful
to the country and to the President.
Messrs. Brsomall, of Pennsylvania, and
Schenck, of Ohio, expressed similar
view and the message was laid on the
table without the usual order 20 print
extra copies.
The Virginia election bill was amend
ed and passed and the House at 3:45 adj
journed.