hey deemed Mr. Johnson powerless for harm, they pressed the work, well knowing that the new Congress, who would take their seats after the 4th of March, 1869, would be so largely of one party that there might be delay in adjusting these questions.
The opposition, recognizing this fact, in most cases acquiesced.
At no time in the history of the Government have there been abler men in Congress than there were then.
Among the senators were Sumner, Wade, Chandler, Morton, Fessenden, Conkling, Morgan, Sherman, Morrill, Voorhees, Trumbull, Anthony, and Wilson.
In the House were Garfield, Colfax, Butler, Brooks, Bingham, Blaine, Shellabarger, Wilson, Allison, Cullom, Logan, Ames, Hooper, Washburne, Boutwell, Randall, and Voorhees.
Such men were earnest, thoughtful, patriotic and keenly alive to the interests of the country.
They allowed nothing to pass that was in any sense questionable.
February 10, 1869, was a memorable day. It was gloomy and disagreeable, but that had no influen