Year: 1865

dents POIicy-Comments Thereon he


Number Of vesers the True Basis Of


Reprcseptntion.


From Our Special Correspondent


WASHINGTON ID. C., Dec %. 1866.


Congress adjourned yesterday to meet again
on the 5th of January. On the whole short interrup
Houses, and were carried on with some warmth Of
feeling is not to be regretted. Although it GER
tainy desirable that the joint Committee on Recon
structon should be permitted to prosecute its labors
without having its action forestaled, either by the Ex
eeutve OF Congress yet it could hardly be expected
that Congress should entirely abstain from discussing
questions which were uppermOst in every mans mind.
There could certainly be difference Of opinion to
the usefulness of discussions. such those in the
Senate npon Mr.. Wilson's bill, which were cal
culatcd to draw out facts and TO spread nfor-
nation before the couutry. Less useful perhaps,
were the theoretical dsQustons the present political
stains of the Rebel States whether they in the
Union out whether they are Constitutional States or
Territories etc But since the topic is brought out it
win be impossible to preyen, continuance OF the dis
cusson Nor is there any harm in this. provided no
issues are prematurey made upon theoretical points
However desirable an exchange of views may be upon
subject Of such moment it ought not to be forgotten
that the discussion OF theoretical points will. things
stand present materially affect either the action
of Congress or the action of the people Although fond
of arguing questions OF Constitutional theory, yet the
American people are apt to look at practical matters
such as the Reconstruction business. from practical
points Of view.


There is at present before Congress and the country
mass of contradictory testimony concerning the &C.
a:.se Al. ,Io co. fafa
feeling among the majority OF Congress is that no sim
gle mans word can ought to be taken as absolutely
nabc in this matter and ,ha, the representatives of
the people have to investigate the for themselves
using all the means at their disposal for that purpose
THIS feeling points in the right direction. IT, upon
close and conscientious investigation it be found that
the people of the Rebel States have accepted the results
Of the war in good faith and have demonstrated their
good faith by unQuestionabe acts that the rights OF
tho freedmen are sufficiently established and trust
worthy guarantees given for their future security
then the practical fesus of the Presidents policy. how
ever untenabe that policy may appear in theoretiosl
point of view will be accepted and legalzed. and the
Rebel States looked upon fulStates in the Union III
II be ascerained that the Southern people have merely
cone through certain political evoutons. such oath
taking and passing certain the purpose OF
Teganng their power for mischief that the rights Of the
freedmen are secured by trustworthy guarantees and
that the building up system Of serom peonage or
another sort ofpecular institution is in progress then
whatever pleas may be set up defense the Presidents
policy the Rebel States will not be considered as fully
restored TO their Constitutional relations by the Pres
dents acts and Congress VIII undoubtedly prescribe
conditions sufficiently strict 10 secure the object IN
view The matter hinges. therefore upon question
Of fact and these facts are ascerained there
will be 10 difficulty in settling down upon theory. In
the meantime, theoretical discussions may be made
very useful, If they consist in q calm exchange OF
views and do not lead h divisions among men whose
prac icsl objects are the 1t ought TO be kept In
mind that the more that is dore to establish before The
eyes Of Congresl and the people the actual state Of
affairs in the South tie sooner will final settlement
| of the controversy be reached.


As TO the state Of public feeling at the time Of the sd
ournment il would be idle to deny that the Presdents
haste in relieving tie Provisional Governors while
Congress session. and engaged in the dscnssson
Of measures bearing upon that subject elected very un
favorable comments even from many OF thotc who are
not inclined to find fault with the President. except in
extreme cases 1t is asked, certainly not without per
tnence what has occurred to induce the President.
after having but a short time ago ordered the Pro
yisonal Governors to hold on. suddenly to order
|


ernments Of Their States. all this without taking
the sense OF Congress upon tie matter. beine
taken AS A want of consideration for the legislative
branch Of the Government this measure could mol
he calculated to foster that good feeling which
promiscd TO grow up between the President and Con
oress especially a. il is looked upon by many as On un
for breach OF the tacit understanding which was
generally presumed 10 exist. that the Executive wouid
hermit things N remain in satu until Congress had
! snoken its mind The impression is gaining ground
mat the President while protesting great anxiety tt
avoid conflict with Congress, is cndeavoTlDg 10 pnsi
forward the execution Of his own pan regardless oi h'
will of the National Legislature Such course woult
naturally lead to sharp differences and arouse the TEN
per even Of those who far have been studousy cult
waiting harmony and good feeling.


On the other hand it is gratifying to knowand cal
state this upon good authority-tha the President Is II
ayor of O very important amendment to the Constit
ton which is already before the two Houses OF Con
eress. II is the amendment making the number o
voters the basis OF representation. IL ought to be take
ND Immediately after the holidays. passed and SUB
mittcd TO the different Legislatures for ratification
Whatever NAV be thought OF the theory npon whicl
this amendment rests its practical effect upon tho sou
ton Of the most difficult problem before u can harl
be questioned and in the OF time it may be foun'
that upon this basis many differences OF opinion anoDG
those who ought TO go together can be reconced


OBSERVER


WASHINGTON. Dec. "a. 1865.
NEGRO SUFFRAGE ELECTION IN THE DISTRICT.
Lewis CIephanc, Collector Of Internal Reye
! nue. 4. c. Robbins. Register Of wills andS H. Cross