Evening star., 1867-03-15
CONGRE EssIoNAL.

SEsArK-YesierdAy, afi-r our report closed \,
The supplementary reconstruction bill was
having been concluded,
Mr. Drake sa,d he had several amendment
20 oner- I he frst was 20 Insert a. the third
section a provision that at the election pre-
yloed ior ~ the preceding sections the rHgss
tired voters Of each State shall vc-s on the
QUESTION of holding State couventi~n and
forming 4 constitution. Those IN favor Of the
convention shall have written or printed on
their ballot "ior a convention those opposed
shall have ''agalnst a con vention" writ en- OF
printed on their ballots: The persons appoint
ed TO superintend the election shall make re-
turns of the votes for and against The com =
handing general, 10 whom the same shall be
returned, shall ascertain the total vote, aud IL
q mslority Of the whole num Ser or those "A
State shall have voted Tor such a convent
u shall be held. IL a majority shall have vet,
against The convention. no sueh convent
sEs IA be held.
Mr. Trumbun said the Judiciary Commi,,ee
Had considered a proposition similar 20 that
now introduced by AR. Drake. But they had
concluded that 1t was best as now In the ball.
Francs were effecfually guarded against by The
provision that the constitution must be ratified
BY majority of the registered voters.
Mr.. frslinghuysen Believed there was suf-
hcient security in the provision requiring the
consent OF majority OF the registered voters
TO the formation of q consultation.
MI. Howard hoped Mr.. brakes amendment
would be adopted as a necessary protection 20
ertiing full expression OF the popular voice.
The bill recently passed holds out n PROPOSE
ton by accepting which the Southern States
may be rehabilitated and restored 10 their
rights. He thought 30 proper 10 bring the
knowledge of these terms TO the whole people
OF the South, and he knew of no better way Of
doing this than by sui bmittIng 70 them the q nes-
ton whether they were willing 10 comply with
them.
Mr.. Fessenden liked the proposition In this
bill which required a registration OF the voters
and secured the free exercise OF the right OF
voters 20 all who were entitled 20 IL. But be
did not think IL ought 10 be made the duty OF a
commanding officer 10 cali a convention. That
ought TO be left 10 the people. The President
was denounced for thrustIng upon the people
OF the South constitutions 10 which they had
rot given their assent. He did not think tina,
men who called this usurpation In the Presi-
dent should favor the compulsory formation
Of constitutions now. His mode would be 70
get the registration first and put 10 into the
hands Of the provisional Governors. When
the provisional Governors expressed a deeIre
TO call a convention then the commanding gen.
eTal should DO what rs required of him 20 as
semble II. He thought IL very essential that
there should be no forcing OF the people INTO
the formation OF a constitution. He would wish
them neither 10 be forced into the Union again
nor kept out OF n forcibly
Mr.. brakes amendment was no. agreed To-
yeas l., nays %
Mr.. Drake moved 10 amend the fosrth sec
uon y adding the folio wing proviso Prorided,
That no such constitution shall be considered
as emitting the State for winch IL was framed
10 such representation. unless AZ provide thai
at all elections for State, county, or munIcipaI
officers. the electors shall vote by closed bal
lot, and such mode of voting shall never be
changed without The assent of Congress.
The Senate, pending the consideration OF
Mr.. brakes amendment, went into executive
session, and soon after adjourned.