During the progress of events in the South, briefly outlined in the preceding chapter, the Thirty-ninth Congress came together--on the first Monday of December, 1865.

The Senate and House each contained a large majority of Republicans.

In the House Mr.Colfax was re-elected Speaker, receiving 139 votes to 36 cast for James Brooks of New York.
The address of the Speaker on taking the chair is usually confined to thanks for his election and courteous assurance of his impartiality and good intentions.

But Mr.Colfax, instinctively quick, as he always was, to discern the current of popular thought, incorporated in the ceremonial address some very decisive political declarations.
Referring to the fact that the Thirty-eighth Congress has closed nine months before, with "the storm-cloud of war still lowering over us," and rejoicing that "to-day, from shore to shore in our land there is peace," he proceeded to indicate the line of policy which the people expected.

"The duties of Congress," said he, "are as obvious as the sun's pathway in the heavens.