The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1870-12-06


Yesterday, under fair ausplces--for the
weather was bland and beautiful as in Sep
tember--and with q full attendance of men,
bers, the third or short session Of the Forty
first Congress of the United States was opened.
Both Houses were called to order precisely at
noon, in the presence OF unusual throngs of
spectators, and with an evidence Of interest
on the part of both members and public that
acquired we'll for the work to be done. That
this work is not likely to be idly deferred Mr..
Sumner distinctly indicated in the Senate by
introducing financial bill to promote and
facilitate return to specie payments by
gradual and natural processes, consistent with
the exigencies of the government and the
business Of the country. The bill itself
we shall have better opportunity Of discussing
after the organization of the standing COM
mittees, to which it will in due course be re-
ferred. But we are glad to see that the subject
before the country which is the most prominent,
important and pressing, is thus ensured the
earliest consideration. The repeal Of the
income tax after the 1st of January next was
bills of Messrs. Cole and Casserly, Of
California, who, representing both par
ties, as they do, are agreed upon the
necessity Of removing burthen which cripples
the enterprise Of their young commonwealth
Notwithstanding all its vigor and resources. A
few bills of less import, but all looking like
earnest business completed the day work for
the upper chamber.
The House of Representatives, also, had
genial and pleasant meeting, and, after hear
ing the Presidents Message read, referring
the report of the Secretary of the Treasury and
passing a bill-the first, therefore, of the
session-to supply an omission in the latest
Indian Appropriation bill, adjourned at three
Pm.
Thus the new session is fairly launched,
without any sign of collision or unpleasantness
in any direction, and we sincerely trust that
the good humor OF its first day may continue
to its last. The amount of business accumu
lated and craving performance is heavy, but
with a full Congress, few, if any, of those
whose seats are now vacant, and the
carueSt ROOu intenL IudJ bnOuiu HOW
animate all parties and the representatives of
all sections, the task is easy enough for
patriotism and craftsmanship The contrast
afforded by the condition OF our great
country and that Of distracted Europe
should impress itself upon our lcgis-
lators aud nerve them to the labor that
still remains to be done ere we can consider
our prosperity consolidated and our future
secure. The nation begins to feel fresh life in
all its veins; It's monstrous losses by civil war
are being rapidly made good; its wounds are
healing; its numbers and wealth increasing
with fabulous rapidity, while, as the
Message of our Chief Magistrate reminds us
bounteous Providence has ever blessed us,
tour basket and our store" A moral duty of
the highest order devolves upon us, then, not
only to profit by these advantages our
selves but to set the example of their
proper usufruct to other nations. There
should be intelligence enough in the
American Congress to comprehend Its high
mission, and we await its performance at this
critical and eventful time with earnest conf
dence.