The Alleghanian. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1859-1865, 1865-02-09

all IhaG is desirable 10 the prosperity OF
the country. He believed the best good
of the Democratic party would be enhanced
by the passage Of the proposition, and that
it will open up a way for its triumph in
the future.
Mr.. BROWN (Wis.) spoke of the dan
gerous abuse of power of the amendment
He had never been the apologist of Sla-
very. He never thought that it would he
a permanent Institution. IF he lived in
Missouri or Kentucky, he should vote for
the abolition of Slavery therein but as to
Congressional action on the subject, it
might be different. The question of Sla-
very under the Constitution was reserved
to the States respectively wherein it ex-
substitute which he desired to submit,
providing that hereafter every sale and
transfer of slaves shall be void, and the
slaves shall become free, and, from and
after 1880, Slavery shall cease, and Con
gress shall give compensation for the ac-
tual damage and loss suffered by loyal
citizens of the United STATES.
Mr.. HARDING said truth ard principle
never change, but men change, and from
time to time adopt opinions just as readily
as they change their garments. But he
would rather hold on TO the Constitution,
which was the only ark of safety He
denied that there was any constitutional
power to deprive any State in the Union
of its local selfoovernment Kentucky
had been treated in bad faith. Not one
of the pledges made to her had been full
filed. She had been betrayed, and now
it was sought suddenly to emancipate all
her slaves. The policy would result in
the destruction of the slaves, and the men
who proposed to carry it out had no more
love for the slaves than Satan has for sim
uers
Mr. KALEFLETsCH opposed the PROPOSE
tion. He maintained that all our political
mistortunes are attributable to disregard
Of the Constitution. He had not learned
his Democracy from his ;nveterate enemies,
and he would not be instructed by them
now. This amendment, he contended, if
adopted, would stand in the way Of peace
negotiations and a reconstruction of the
Union. He said he should strive to uphold
and carry out the pledges which he bad
made TO protect and defend the Constitu-
ton. Apart from the question of power
this was not ;hc time to attempt an amend
ment Of the Constitution in the manner
proposed. He denied that the result of
the Presidential election was in favor of
Slavery everywhere. No such
issue was made up in New York.
The debate having closed, Mr. ASHLEY,
who had charge of the subject throughout,
demanded the previous question, which
was on the motion heretofore made by the
gentleman, to reconsider the vote of last
session, by Which the constitutional amend
ment was lost Tor the want Of the requisite
two-thirds majority.
Mr.. STILES moved that the motion to
reconsider be laid on the table
This was decided in the negative-yeas,
81; nays, III.
The question was then taken on the
motion to reconsider, and it was decided
in the affirmative-yeas, 112; nays, 81.
Mr.. MALLORY raised the question that
vote of two-thirds was requisite to re-
consider, but the Speaker 6verruled the
point, saying all motions of this kind were
governed by the rules.
Mr. MALLORY suggested a postponement
of the vote until to morrow, saying that
ScNe1dl SCuClCLuGu W IO& hlSilSu W IGCOIu
their names were absent. Let the time
for taking the question be fixed so that all
could have fair warning.
Mr.. ASHLEY replied that it had been
universally understood that the question
was to be taken to-day. He had consented
to the extension of the debate even against
the protest of his frieuds. 1t came with
very bad grace TO ask for a postponement
Of the vote, considering the courtesy he
had extended 10 the other side and the fair
notice given.
Mr.. BRowN (Wis) asked the gentleman
to give way in order that he might offer
substitute.
Mr. ASHLEY said he had one himself,
which he preferred to the Senate's propo-
sition now before the House
Mr.. ELDRIDGE-Why do you not offer
it?
Mr. AsHLEY-Because I will not pro-
tract the proceedings.
The question was then taken on the
adoption Of the following Senate joint
resolution: submitting to the Legislatures
of the several States, proposition to
amend the Constitution of the United
States.
Be it resolved by the Senate and House of
of the United States of Amer
lea in Congress assembled, two-thirds of both
Houses concurring, that the following Articles
be proposed to the Legislatures of the several