it went up without "the sound of the hammer." The
rap of the gavel was often heard enforcing order or limiting the
length of speeches.

Discussion is the process by which legislation is achieved; hence no
history of legislation would be complete without presenting the
progress of debate preparatory to the adoption of important measures.
The explanation of what our legislators did is found in what they
said. Debates, as presented in the following pages, are by necessity
much abridged. No attempt has been made to give a summary or synopsis
of speeches. That which seemed to be the most striking or
characteristic passage in a speech is given, in the words of the
orator.

Many things said and done in the Thirty-Ninth Congress, of great
importance to the nation, are by necessity omitted. The reader, in
forming his opinion of Congressional character and ability, will bear
in mind that those who speak most frequently are not always the most
useful legislators. Men from whom no quotation is made, and to whom no
measure is attributed in the following pages, may be among the
foremost in watchfulness for their constituents, and faithfulness to
the country.

If it should seem that one subject -- the negro question -- occupied
too much of the time and attention of Congress, it must be borne in
mind that this subject was thrust upon Congress and the country by the
issue of the Rebellion, and must be definitely and finally settled
before the nation can be at rest. "Unsettled questions have no pity on
the repose of mankind."

No attempt has been made to present a journal of Congressional
proceedings, giving a detail of what was said and done from day to day
in the Senate and the House. There was always some great national
question under consideration in one or the other House, forming an
uninterrupted series of discussions and transactions. To present these
in review is to give a history of the Thirty-Ninth Congress, since
they distinguish it from all its predecessors, and make it historical.

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER I.--Opening Scenes.

(Page 13-21.)

Momentous Events of the Vacation -- Opening of the Senate --
Mr. Wade -- Mr. Sumner -- Mr. Wilson -- Mr. Harris -- Edward
McPherson -- As Clerk of the preceding Congress, he calls
the House to order -- Interruption of Roll-call by Mr.
Maynard -- Remarks by Mr. Brooks -- His Colloquy with Mr.
Stevens -- Mr. Colfax elected Speaker -- His Inau