Chapter 5

THE THIRTY-FIRST CONGRESS (CONTINUED). Fracas between Col. Benton and Senator Foster--Character of Benton --Death of Gen. Taylor--The Funeral--Defeat of the "Omnibus Bill" --Its Triumph in Detail--Celebration of the Victory--"Lower Law" Sermons and "Union-Saving" Meetings--Slaveholding Literature-- Mischievous Legislation--Visit to Philadelphia and Boston--Futile Efforts to suppress Agitation--Andrew Johnson and the Homestead Law--Effort to censure Mr. Webster--Political Morality in this Congress--Temperance--Jefferson Davis--John P. Hale--Thaddeus Stevens--Extracts from Speeches--Famous Men in both Houses--Free Soilers and their Vindication.