REMARKS IN THE SENATE, ON A MOTION TO ADJOURN WITHOUT DAY, APRIL 11 AND
12, 1867.
On the day after the adjournment of Congress the Senate was
convened for the transaction of Executive business. Treaties
and nominations were laid before it.
April 11th, on motion of Mr. Williams, of Oregon, the Senate
considered a resolution for adjournment _sine die_ “the 13th
instant.” Debate ensued. Mr. Reverdy Johnson, of Maryland,
said: “We can fix the adjournment to-morrow or next day.” Mr.
Trumbull, of Illinois, said: “Let us fix it to-day.” Mr. Sumner
said:--
I do not think we can fix it to-day, and, further, I do not think we
ought to fix it to-day. It seems to me the calendar should be cleared
before we talk of going home.
A Senator exclaims, “Wait until we get through.” So I say. Senators
are perfectly aware, that, owing to an interpretation recently put by
the Executive upon the Tenure-of-Office Bill, there is an increased
necessity for our staying. We have passed a law. We should see to its
enforcement. At any rate, we should manifest coöperation with the
Executive, so that there shall be no excuse for setting it aside. I
do not admit that he can in any way set it aside; but I wish to do
everything that can be done to prevent him from undertaking to set it
aside. We ought to stay until our work is fully done. There can be no
excuse for going home while any part of the Executive business remains
unfinished. Other Congresses have stayed here till midsummer, and even
into the month of September. If the necessities of the country require
it, I see no reason why we should not stay till then.