--Strong Indications of a Rupture between the
President and the Radicals —
Stevens's Speech Condemned — Special Message from the
President--General Grant's Report of his Southern Trip — He Agrees with the
President — No Prospect of a War with
France, &c., &c.
Washington, December 19.--The dispatch to the
Governor of
Alabama excites much comment in Republican circles, and there is a feeling that the
President is trying to force his plan of early reconstruction through.
Thaddeus Stevens's speech in the
House last evening has but few admirers even among his personal friends.
Any bill based upon the speech will fail.
Mr. Raymond, of New York, is expected to speak this afternoon in favor of immediate admission of the rebel States.
Four of the
New York Republicans stand with him.
The President has just transmitted a special message to the Senate in regard to the condition of the
South, in which he states that the people are rapidly returning to their allegiance to the
Government:
‘
Accompanying the message is
General Grant's report on his recent tour.
He states that the people everywhere manifest an earnest desire to accept the present condition of affairs, but thinks it inexpedient to withdraw all military force at once.
He adds that the people are anxious to take their places in the
Union.
It fully sustains the
President's policy withdrawing the
Military Governors.
’
The proclamation announcing the adoption of the constitutional amendment, in which the
President recognizes all the
Southern States, and withdrawing the
Military Governor from
Alabama, is the principal theme in both Houses of Congress to-day.
It is in direct antagonism with the views of Congress.
The President's message, enclosing the reports of
General Grant,
General Howard, &c., on the condition of the
South, [alluded to above] has been read in the Senate, and is very conservative.
Mr. Sumner pronounced it a white-washing message, only paralleled by that of
Pierce on
Kansas.
General Grant's report, as stated above, is exceedingly conservative, agreeing fully with the
President's policy.
He says that the
South is loyal, and anxious to return to its old place in the
Union.
It is given out semi-officially at the State Department that there is no danger of a rupture with
France.
The President sustains the
Seward diplomacy.
Alley's resolution on currency contraction gives great satisfaction at the Treasury Department.
The argument in the contested case of
Coffroth and
Koontz has been closed.
The committee will decide the question to-morrow as to who shall occupy the seat during the contest.
The Special Committee who are revising the
Internal Revenue bill are in conference with the Committee of Finance of both Houses.
It is alleged that
Mr. Harris, member from
Maryland, in taking the oath committed perjury.
The matter has been referred to a committee for investigation.
General Logan is still here, and undecided respecting the
Mexican mission.
