From the outbreak of hostilities, Mr.Lincoln regarded the position of those States as the key to the situation, and every thing which tended to weaken their loyalty as a blow struck directly and with fearful power against the Union.

He could not however veto the bill, because that would be equivalent to declaring that the Confederate army might have the full benefit of the slave population as a military force.

What he desired was that Congress should wait on his recommendations in regard to the question of Slavery.

He felt assured that he could see the whole field more clearly; that, above all, he knew the time and the method for that form of intervention which would smite the States in rebellion and not alienate the slave States which still adhered to the Union.
The rapidity with which business was dispatched at this session gave little opportunity for any form of debate except that which was absolutely necessary in the explanation of measures.

Active interest in the House centred around the obstructive and disloyal course of Mr.Vallandigham of Ohio and Mr.Burnett of Kentucky.
Still greater interest attached to the course of Mr.Breckinridge in the Senate.