nd
protracted discussion in both houses of Congress, the bill was passed
near the close of the session. On the 2d of March the bill encountered
the veto of the President, who saw in the measure serious interference
with the ability of the Executive to keep his oath to preserve,
protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States. The bill
was immediately passed over the veto without debate.

The act thus passed provides that officers appointed by and with the
advice and consent of the Senate shall hold their offices until their
successors are in like manner appointed and qualified. Members of the
Cabinet hold their offices during the term of the President by whom
they are appointed, and for one month thereafter, subject to removal
by consent of the Senate.

CHAPTER XXIV.

THE PRESIDENT AND CONGRESS.

The President's treatment of the South -- First Annual
Message -- Mr. Sumner's Criticism -- The President
triumphant -- He damages his Cause -- Humor of Mr. Stevens
-- Vetoes overridden -- The Question submitted to the People
-- Their Verdict -- Summary of Vetoes -- Impeachment --
Charges by Mr. Ashley -- Report of the Committee.

The Thirty-ninth Congress is remarkable for having run its entire
career with the constant opposition of the Executive obstructing its
progress. In all representative governments, a contest between the
executive and the legislative branches of the government has sooner or
later arisen, which has invariably ended in the defeat of the former.
The hopelessness of the contest on the part of the executive, and the
pertinacity with which it has been waged, have given it a mock-heroic
character.

During the months which intervened between the death of Abraham
Lincoln and the assembling of Congress, Andrew Johnson had ample time
to preoeccupy the field and intrench himself against what he termed a
cooerdinate branch "hanging on the verge of the Government."

In June, 1865, delegates from the South were first admitted to private
interviews with the President. On the 17th of June he issued his
proclamation providing for the restoration of civil government in
Georgia and Alabama, in which he excludes negroes from the category of
loyal citizens entitled to vote. The President soon after proceeded to
appoint provisional governors for the Southern States--a step which
was viewed with joy by the late rebels, and sorrow by the Union men of
the North. The chara