The Portland daily press., 1869-02-05
"AsHINGToN, Feb. 2, I6Oy.
To the Editor Of the Press;

10 the Editor Of the Press;
THE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT.
Contrary to general expectation the Sem
ate did not yesterday resume the discussion
OF the suffrage amendment. There is some
difference of opinion, as well as hesitation,
with regard to the proposition. A majority
of the Republicans favor a more stringent ar
ticle than one passed by the House. That
interferes in no way with the details of vot-
ing and prohibits no restrictions other than
those now made by reason of trace, color or
former condition" but leaves all these to the
States themselves. 1t is believed by many
that the amendment offered by Judge SheIa-
barger, which provided for equal suffrage,
and forbade any restriction except for crime,
mind or participation in rebellion,
would have been better than the negation of
caste in one form only which has passed one
branch OF Congress. The proposed article
will probably be amended in the Senate so as
to prohibit the State from abrilging the right
TO hold office, for the same cause as operates
on the suffrage. This provision is rendered
necessary by the example that Georgia has
set.
Some Senators on our side of the Chamber
notably Senator Ferry, of Connecticut-de-
sire to incorporate into the amendment the
eniranchisement of the rebel element at
present de-citizenized in several States. Mr..
Bingham of Ohio, who endeavored TO have
a provision inserted in the House is now
busily engaged in pressing il on the attention
OF Senators. One thing more than another
would prevent this, even if most were con-
v'need OF its justice and expediency, which
IS by no means the case. That reason is, that
such an amendment would be at once reject
ed in the Legislatures of West Virginia, Mis-
sour, Tennessee, Arkansas and Louisiana.
and perhaps by other States. Nothing is more
certain than this fact. The great obstacle to
the Democracy regaining any considerable
portion of their lost power, lies in the tempo
rary observation-disclosures of the rebel element
in the States named. To remove those re-
strictions noao is to put the power into our enc
my's hands. Aside from the general danger
il is manifestly injustice aud weakness to de-
sert our friends there, whom we have rallied
under assurance of support to policy which
is obnoxious to those now disiranchsed. Add
those five States to the States already con-
trolled by them, and in addition give them, as
they would surely have, the States of Virgin
ia, Texas, Georgia, Mississippi, and perhaps
Alabama, and we shall at once see how mis-
in political sense, at least, is the
policy OF amnesty. We are to have party
on this basis. Andrew johnson, Fowler and
Co. in Tennessee, Henderson & Co. in Mis-
souri,, and many others through the country
will be its leaders. There is very little doubt
among observant men that the earliest
steps must be taken to bring about these re-
suits, so that the props may be knocked from
under the demagogues who will try to mount
to power thereon. But that it can be done
now without real danger to the national
cause nobody believes.
THE NEXT CONGRESS.
Very little has been said regarding the as
sembling of the 41st Congress. Long since
that was settled. The session will, it q be-
lieved, be not less than six weeks, and will
in all probability, lengthen out into two
months. Considerable interest centres about
the Senate, which, with the new members
who are to appear in it, is regarded as one OF
the ablest that has met here for many years.
Mr.. Hamlin will be most cordially welcomed.
New strength poured into the body by the adj
dition OF Gen. Schurz, Hon. Matthew Carpen-
Ter, Pratt of Indiana, and Scott of Pennsyl-
vania. Fenton of New York is not deemed
a very heavy piece of timber. Collaxs pres.
ence in the chair cannot but facilitate busi-
ness and add to the general character of the
body. 1t is singular to learn the animosity
with which some portion Of the German ele-
ment here regard Gen. Sehurz. A curious
rumor circulates with regard to the interest
felt in his election by the Prussian Embassy
here. Carl Schurz's enemies recall the fac
that when in Europe a year or so ago, he, al
ex-Republican leader there, was made the
mark OF especial honor and courtesy by Coun
Bismarck and the Prussian Governments
1t is told with great particularly
of detail that Baron Gerot had an
agent at Jefferson City while the
Senatorial election was pending, that he
was kept constantly advised by telegraph
and when the result was known it was sent
at once to Bismarck. Even if all these state
ments were true it proves nothing beyond
the fact OF the great Germans far-reachins
sagacity. He knows that the next struggle
in Europe is to be with and for the people
against Louis Napoleon and his brood o
shams. Why not then have a friend il
the United States-and especially an indi
vidual one who can speak with such author
ity for German unity as can Gen. Schurz. o
course these German enemies of his say hC
is to be Bismarck's agent and ask whether i
be right to have such a one on the Committe,
on Foreign Affairs. 1t is noticeable, however
that our st. Louis friends are unduly elated-
and ask in their journals that their new Sen
ator shall be placed at the head of that Com
mitttee. Rather cool, that-wanting even 81
eminent man as Senator Schurz to pusl
Charles Sumner out of his long held and i'm
portant position.
sPEAKERsHIP OF THE HOUSE.
But to return to the House. There seem
to be among the new members no men o
special mark. So far as the organization o
the House is concerned, while the struggle i
not over, yet the general feeling in favor o
Mr.. Blaine's candidacy for the sperkershil
grows stronger daily. 1t is almost certain
that he will be the Republican nominee, but
think there will be but very little change il
the other offices. Clerk Mcpherson is op
posed by ex-Congressman Roswell Hart O
New York, and Congressman Eckley OF Ohio
the Doorkeeper, Mr.. Blackstone, has no SER
Gus antagonist as yet, and the Sergeant-at
Arms is opposed by Gen. II. d. Washbun
of Indiana, now in the House. 1t is belieN
ed that all the present incumbents viii be L,
elected Messrs. Mcpherson and Buckston
are both deservedly popular, because bot
are excellent administrative officers, and a
tend to their business.
FEMALE CLERKS AND THEIR WORK.
The House of Representatives some tin
since, passed resolution declaring that w
men clerks ought to to receive the same pa
as men when they perform the same wor
| No further action has been taken, but tn
| justice of the position will ultimately secui
its being enacted into law. Here Is Il" -
| ample of its righteousness: -. u.
| ,In