chairman of the committee on the part of this House,"
replied Mr. Conkling, "I should be able to answer that question,
because then I could tell why I had not called the committee together.
But as I am only a subordinate member of the committee, whose business
it is to come when I am called, and never to call others, I am
entirely unable to give the information for which the gentleman
inquires."

"If I could have any assurance," said Mr. Ashley, "that this committee
would be able to report promptly a bill upon which this House could
probably agree, I would not hesitate a single moment to vote for the
reference of this measure to that committee; but, believing that they
will be unable to agree, I shall vote against a recommitment."

In describing the character of the opposition arrayed against the
Congressional plan of reconstruction, Mr. Ashley used the following
emphatic language: "Why, sir, the assumption, the brazen-faced
assumption of men who during the entire war were in open or secret
alliance with the rebels, coming here now and joining hands with the
apostate at the other end of the avenue, who is the leader, the
recognized leader of a counter-revolution--a negative rebellion, as I
said awhile ago--passes comprehension."

"If intended to apply to us," said Mr. Winfield, speaking for the
Democratic members, "it is a base and unfounded slander."

"So far as I am concerned, it is a base lie," said Mr. Hunter. For
using these words, "condemned by gentlemen every-where, as well as by
parliamentary law," the House passed a vote of censure on Mr. Hunter,
and he was required to go forward and receive a public reprimand from
the Speaker.

On the 28th of January, the House having resumed the consideration of
the bill to restore to the rebel States their full political rights,
Mr. Julian expressed his belief that the time had come for action, and
that having the great subject before them, they should proceed
earnestly, and with little delay, to mature some measure which would
meet the demand of the people. "Let us tolerate no further
procrastination," said he; "and while we justly hold the President
responsible for the trouble and mal-administration which now curse the
South and disturb the peace of the country, let us remember that the
national odium already perpetually linked with the name of Andrew
Johnson will be shared by us if we fail in the great duty which is now
brought to our doors."

Mr. Julian differed