The Union Flag

FROM WASHINGTON.
The Republican Caucus Wednesday Night.—Impeachment—Congress to take a Recess till the 5th of May.
A caucus of the Republican members of the House of Representatives was held in the Hall of the House last evening, Hon. N. P. Banks, of Massachusetts, in the chair.
Mr. Ashley, of Ohio, moved that the subject of impeachment be referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, with power to sit during the sessions of the House, or in any recess which may be taken.
After some debate, Mr. Covode, of Pennsylvania, offered as a substitute for Mr. Ashley's motion that the question be referred to a select committee of thirteen, to be composed in part of the seven members of the Judiciary Committee of the late House, now members of the Fortieth Congress.
Both propositions were earnestly discussed, Messrs. Butler, Logan and Shellabarger taking the lead in advocating Mr. Covode's substitute, and Messrs. Ashley, Blaine and Wilson, of Iowa, favoring Mr. Ashley's motion. Mr. Covode's proposition was finally voted down and Mr. Ashley's motion agreed to, without amendment, by a large majority.
After the impeachment question was disposed of, the subject of the adjournment of Congress was next considered.
Mr. Stevens, of Pennsylvania, moved that when Congress takes a recess it shall be to the 5th day of May next.
Mr. Wilson, of Iowa, moved as a substitute the 1st of October next, on the ground that the subject of impeachment would require a long time for investigation.
This was voted down by a large majority, whereupon Mr. Stevens' motion was agreed to, almost by the same vote by which the substitute of Mr. Wilson was lost.
Mr. Pomeroy, of New York, moved that the recess be taken from Monday next to the 5th of May. This was agreed to, by a vote of yeas 57, nays 54.
Mr. Allison, of Iowa, offered a resolution declaring that it was not expedient for Congress to take a recess for more than three days at a time. This was disagreed to.
The proceedings, though entirely harmonious, were of a spirited character, the debate taking a wide range on the questions of impeachment and the adjournment, the main subjects brought before the caucus. The most prominent participants in the discussion were Messrs. Butler, Logan, Stevens, Shellabarger, Blaine, Wilson, of Iowa, Ashley, of Ohio, and Covode, of Pennsylvania.
Strong efforts were made for the appointment of a special committee on impeachment, but the feeling was decidedly against it, the old members being generally in favor of leaving it with the Judiciary Committee.
Resolutions will be introduced in the House to-day to carry out the action of the caucus.—Chronicle.