Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1866-02-09

make our laws. hat Is NOT Tue klhu VI lh-
crease Of suffrage J want | want all such
men cut Oft from it. But when they have
said to all the freedmen--to their former
slaves" You are men and you shall be rep
resented then let them come here. shall
not be here to see them las did their mas
terra, who a few years since drew pistols and
daggers upon me when was making speech
yet free people will be represented and they
will take care Of themselves.
Now, cir, there is another fatal objection
TO the proposition Of my friend from Ohio
II have been rightly informed as to the
number, there are from fifteen to twenty rep
resentatives in the northern states founded
upon those who are mo- citizens Of the United
States. In New York think there are three
or four representatives founded upon the for
eign population--tbree certainly and so 1t
is in Wisconsin, Iowa and other northern
ststes. There are fifteen or twenty northern
representatives that would be lost by that
amendment and given to the South whenever
they grant the elective franchise 10 the negro.
Now, sir, while have not any particular re-
gard for any foreigner who goes against me,
yet do not think it would be wise to put in
10 the constitution. or send to the people q
would take such representatives from these
states, and which, therefore, they never viii
adopt. have no hope that any such propo
sition would ever lie adopted All want IL
that two thirds Of each branch Of this Con
gress shall vote afirmStiyely on this question
And while | should take pleasure in having
the president approve Of our conduct yet b,
has nothing to say about it on this question
We do not send /, to him and ask bis opin
ion without being asked for it.
Mr.. Smith, would ask the gentleman
from PennsylvsSla lMt. steveus) to perm
the paper which has called forth his remarks
to be read so that we may understand to whA
he alludes when he speaks Of the presiden
undertaking to dictate to Congress
Mr.. Stevsns--l have no objections to hav
ing it read. except that it will lake more tim,
than its importance warrants.
Several members" lie: it be read"
The clerk read the conversation between
the president aud 81 distinguished senator,
as sent by the associated press last Sunday
Mr.. Stevens am rather glad the gentle
man from New York (Mr. Smith) called 70
the reading OF that paper, because it show
that the president and agree exactly on on
point, at least, for be leaves out the wor,
male in condemnation Of tie gentleman from
Ohio (Mr. Shenck.) am very lad he callet
for the reading Of that paper.
Mr.. Insersoll-l would like to ask a ques
ton Of the gentleman from Pennsylvania.
Mr.. Stevens-Very we'll
Mr.. Ingersoll---I would like to ask the gen
tleman by what authority does he claim tina
'he paper just read expresses tie views Of tn
presidentf -
MIR. stevens-f think have good reason
for saying that it smanaled from the president
Mr.. Ingersoll--Has the gentleman any OBJ
lection to stating what those reasons arei
Mr.. Stevens have no right to tell tn
secrets Of the executive. (Laughter) Blu
we know perfectly we'll that The president hs
nothing to do with this matter. The psssag
of this amendment by two-thirds vote 9
both houses OF Congress will carry it befor
the state Legislatures for ratification withou
regard 70 the approval or disapproval Of tn
president. 1t is true that the constitutions
amendment for the abolition of slavery was
after its passage by both Houses of Congres.
sent inadvertently to President Lincoln 70
his signature, but slthough he signed it be
cause he approved it, yet, acting with the sa
gaci,y and the modesty which was SO charac
terlstic, he sent to Congress message statin
that that body in sending him that joint res
olution for approval had doie what the con
sti,ution did not require. We shall not troubl
President johnson. by send,r & him this amend
ment, il it shouta be passed by Congress,
because 1t is not necessary to submit it to hir
for his approval.
Mr.. Stevens concluded with an eloquer
onslaught upon Mr.. Raymond Of New Yor
for speaking of the Union aud rebel dead
connection, as If both added glory to tn
country, sentiment which he declared wa
worse than blasphemy. Mr.. Raymond ca
planned that he spoke only of the courage
: the rebels, not Of the cause in which it wa
/ exhibited.