But the prevailing opinion was in favor of leaving the matter to Mr.Lincoln's discretion.

It was felt by the members that if the situation should demand the presence of Congress, Mr.Lincoln would promptly issue his proclamation, and if the situation should not demand it, the presence of Congress might prove hurtful, and would certainly not be helpful.

The calamity of Mr.
Lincoln's death had never entered into the public mind, and therefore no provision was made with any view of its remotest possibility.
Mr.Johnson, however, is scarcely to be blamed for not calling an extra session of Congress.

Aside from his confidence in his own power to deal with the problems before him, he shared, no doubt, in the general dislike which Presidents in recent years have shown for extra sessions.
Indeed, to the Executive Department of the Government, Congress, even in its regular sessions, is a guest whose coming is not welcomed with half the heartiness with which its departure is speeded.

But an extra session, especially at the beginning of an Administration, is looked upon with almost superstitious aversion, and is always to be avoided if possible.