Cleveland daily leader. [volume] ([Cleveland, Ohio]) 1865-1873, 1866-01-24
XXXIXth Congress
HOUSE.

WASHINGTON, January 23.-on motion of
Mr.. GRINNELL, it was resolved that the
Select Committee on Reconstruction be in
-structed to inquire into the expediency of
providing by law for taking a census of the
United States during the year 1866 and re-
port by bill or otherwise.
Mr.. HENDERSON offered series of res
olutions declaring that the Constitution and
Government were ordained by the people
and not by the States in their individual
character. Therefore the doctrine Of State
rights strikes at the foundation of all gov
ernment No State or States can by the
constitution or laws secede or withdraw
from the Union. By such efforts they des-
troy all their rights and privileges, and gov
ernment over tqeir territory reverts to the
United States. The territory of Texas, ought
under such rules and regulations as Con-
gress may prescribe, to be set apart to the
use of the colored people of the United
States. The welfare of both races demand
that the colored people sh9nla be set anasI .ons
mitted to the COMMITTEES on Reconstruction.
The House proceeded to the consideration
of the proposed amendment to the Constitu-
tion of the United States in relation to the
apPortlonment Of representatives and direct
Mr.. JENKs suggested that the amend
ment said nothing about property quali6-
cation. South Carolina, for instance, might
require qualification of fifty acres of land
or the payment of tax. There would be
no discrimination on account of colorin that
State, yet the basis of representation would
be the same.Il -a
Mr.. STEVENS replied that no matter
whether the State cut out white or black
representation it would be diminished to
that extent.
Mr.. FARNswoRTH-But suppose the
black man does not own real estate?
Mr.. STEVENS-Then the amendment
operates. f- -ia
Mr.. BROOKS wanted to know whether
the 100000 Asiatics or Coolies in California
and Oregon, and those who are going into
Nevada and the Territories, are excluded.
Mr.. STEVENS replied he understood that
the Asiatics are excluded by the laws of
California, on account ofrace, from the cleo
tive franchise. Therefore that State to this
extent would be curtailed of representation.
Mr.. BROOKS asked why exclude the In
dian, was he not man of color
8 Mr.. STEVENS replied the Indians were
no taxed and were excluded by the COnsti-
tuition.
Mr, BRooKs-But why not include
theml
Mr.. sTEvENs-Thsy are tribes and
have their own separate governments.
Mr.. BRooKS-Why not embrace them
all while you are making liberal Consti- |
tution2
Mr.. sTEVENS-Ws have not done so be-
,ause the gentleman and his friends would
rake objection.
Mr.. SLOAN, of Wisconsin, asked Mr.. |
Stevens to withdraw bis demand for the |
previous question, as he desired to offer an |
Mr.. STEVENS-I cannot do It.
Mr.. BAKER, of Illinois-I submit whether |
t is entirely proper to put through an
to the Constitution and refuse a /
word of debate, or one moment to raise an
objection. As for myself, I protest against
his course.
Mr.. sTEVENs-I have only suggested
what have thought it our duty to do if the
amendment is to pass the House. 1 have
'nly submitted the question to the House.
After some further debate Mr.. Stevens
his demand.
Mr.. BLAINE said that having originally
winged the Constitutional Amendment he
his asertsay few words and also reafirm
sufrag basiin regard to tha effect of the
Pennsylapia. n between New York and
of the EN- ne stated on tba a1aAhA-;I--l
On Wsvs 1ent ChalrmSn Of the COMMITTEES
11oriJ I'D Means, Mr.. Morrill,. that it
NsyJYok net gain of Eve members to
tiefnan b, hbles submitted by that gen
mirage basRh. Another objection to the
that the momOuid be found in the fact
r .,,n-tioned among REPRESENTATIVES are an
a ftr;fa Of locality ls States in that wavI
S-tea where the mAqee saartaJ in al
q SEN might be greate7pulatieT Of ona
. otbe. He spoke further mn tai Vl of en sn
z ! Amendment and against the HorN e fbe
frape. The loyal States snoul9 auarS
! among themselves, nor snoulo oIeaek t.,
get any unfair advantage OF ano n9.L
olnt;on. he would do away with thu rotts,
borough system of the country. lwoulo
reduce the representation in Congrea to a
hasis of perfect equality. II men ad no
voice in the Government, other men sould
: not sit in Con gress pretending to repreut
tban. An oppressed race should no be
ranresented BY their oppressors, and It as
: ronclxing TO say q mans enemy should e
/ his a-e1t and selected by his enemies,
/ vould be the case If the white men OF u
South represented the black men IN 20
u cress without the blacks being allowed
9 vote. It was claimed this measure Wou
of ;oJuca the South TO let the negr, es vo
lg IJs 5;d moi believe this. The hope Of t
ST future political power was q very rem'
and vague feeling. Antipathy to the neg
- was direct and pressing. He wanted
"a have the two subjects Of taxes and rep
N. sentation disconnected. Direct taxes shot
: be according to assessed property, ap
he from representation. alslg
Mr. BROOKS said that this discussi
= was only for agitation, for no gentlem
90 could believe an amendment of this char
as ter could become q fundamental law Of
ar land. The opin' on Of the gentleman fr
on Pennsylvania (Stevens) was that there
mi no States in the Union excepting those rep
10 sented on the floor, and the gentlen
in, knows that the President recognized THU
Ias four States, and that it was necessary to
on tain a ratification Of two-thirds OF then
IA make valid an amendment to the Const
Ich ton, which the gentleman knew was
he possible to obtain for the amendment
stst under consideration, for it would req,
of the assent of Legislatures Of twenty