North Branch democrat. [volume] (Tunkhannock, Pa.) 1854-1867, 1867-03-27

cient government OF the lnsurrectlonary States-
Mr.. BUCKALEW said
Mr.. President: My vote has been So
licited for the present amendment by gen.
Il, men in whose Judgment [ have very
much confidence; and in one respect the
adoption OF the amendment would be quite
proper, p"Ihaps beneficial. In so far as it
places limit upon this enormous, novel,
and portentions military power the bill in
tends to establish, it may be vindicated by
sound reasoning and considerations of pub
lie policy Any limitations whatever will
be better than the absence of all limita.
tions in the proposition as introduced be-
fore us.
But, sir there are two reasons which
will induce me to vote against this amend
ment. In the first place, am opposed to
the proposition which it contains upon a
consideration Of the merits of the PROPOSE
ton itself am averse, from thorough
conviction, to the Introduction of any
STATE into this Union, or to her rehabilita-
tion with all her former politica powers,
upon the condition that she shall make
suffrage within her limits universal and
unlimited among the male Inhabitants over
twenty-one years of age. | need not go
over the argument on that point. have
stated it upon IA former occasion.
In the next place, know perfectly well
that vote for this amendment, although
given under circumstances which do not
commit me to the proposition As final
one, will be misunderstood and perverted
1t will be said throughout the country of
each of T. ose who stand in the position in
which | stands that we have departed to
some extent at least from that position
which we have hitherto maintained, and
maintained against all the influences of
the time, against the pressure of cirCum-
stances which have swept many from our
sides and carried them into the large and
swollen camp Of the majority. Sir, | for
one am ambitions of being known as one
among that number of men who Lave kept
their faith; who have followed their con-
victIOns who have obeyed the dctation
of duty in the worst of times; who did
rot bend when the storm beat hardest
and strongest against them, but kept their
honor unsulIicd, thelr faith intact, their
self respect unbroken ard entire.
shall not vote to degrade suffrage.
shall not vote to pollute and corrupt the
foundations of political power IN this ccnn-
try, either in my own State or in any 9th
or. II = resist it everywhere and at all
times If ovetborne, if contrary aud OPP
posing opinions prevail, | shall simply
submit 10 the necessity which cannot re-
slst, leaving to just men and to future
times the vindcation of nv conduct.
The consideration of this amendment
does not involve debate upon the bill it
self; it is quite distinct from it, or at
least it may be considered distinctly.
am of opinion that the debates of the Sen
ate would be greatly improved if that
course were taken ordinarily or uniformly
which has been suggested in the Discus
sion of this bill, 10 wit, that when an
amendment is pending debate shall be con-
fined to it according to the strict rules OF
order, and that debate upo, the principal
proposition upon the original bill itself
SHALL stand over and be deferred until the
amendments are disposed OF. But, sir,
my experience in the Senate has instructed
me. have upon several occasions delay
ed speaking npon measure until amend
ments offered to 1t should be disposed Of,
and found myself at the end of debate
attempting to speak To All exhausted and
impatient Seuate AID when my own fresh
ness of feeling and physical energy had
departed
DURING this week those of US who are
| a hV viz
physical constitutions have been subjected
to 8; severe STRAIN by constant sessions day
and night, besides other duties very numer-
Gus, harassing, and exhaustive outside OF
the Chamber. And now, sir, nearly at
the emu of the week, at All additional night
session ordered with special reference to
this measure we are called upon to con-
slider it, and to consider it finally. We are
told that if it be within the power OF those
who give direction to the acton of the
Senate TO force final vote upon the blil
to night, that vote shall be obtained, the
giving Of it shall Ge covered.
And when did this bill come to us!-
Within about twenty four hours, believe.
| found myself able to give it only a hur-
/ lNh OOlOiO IL " 1o SahCd upOu lOA
debate. Is it not little remarkable that
bill in which the social and political con-
ditiOn of eight or ten millions American
people is involved should be driven thro'
one branch OF Congress under the pre-
vious question without opportunity for any
extended debate, aud should then be drlv-
ell through the Senate under the discipline
of an organization confined to a portion
only of the members of our body, with
some twenty-four or forty-eight hours on
ly of consideration, amid the pressure OF
other duties that crowd upon Us, and when
our own oyertasked ply seal powers scarce
ly enable US to give the subject even that
attention which is NECESSARY to vote upou
it INTEL gently, much less 10 examine and
discuss il prouerly? What Judgment will