Nashville union and dispatch. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1866-1868, 1867-03-15
LATEST TELEGRAMS.
MIDNIGHT DISPATCHES.
CONGRESSIONAL PROCEEDINGS


WAsHINGroS, March l4.-Mr Van Win
kle introduced resolution instructing the
Committee on Pensions TO inquire into the
expediency of putting pensions granted by
special act of Congress on the same footing
as those granted under the general laws.
Adopted.
Mr.. Trumbull called mp the supplement
tary reconstruction bill, which lead to
lengthy discussion.
Mr.. Drake said he had some amendments
10 offer The first was to insert in section
five provision that theelection provided for
in the preceding sections, registered voters
Of each State shall vote on the question
Of holding State convention and forming
a constitution. Those in favor of con-
yention shall have written or printed on
their ballot "for convention" and those
opposed shall have against a convention"
written or printed on their ballot The
persons appointed to superintend elections
| shall make return of votes for and against.
The commissioners to whom same shall be
returned shall ascertain the total vote, and
If majority of these in any State shall
have voted for such convention, it shall be
held or if majority shall have voted
against a convention, no such convention
shall be held
Mr.. Drake said he did not like the pro-
vision of the bill as reported on the sub
ject He did not think the individuals
elected as members Of theconyention should
have in their power TO make official ex-
preston of what they choose to declare to
be the wishes of people, but that the people
themselves should, by their votes, directly
declare their wishes on that subject
Mr.. Trumbul said the Judiciary Com
mittee had considered proposition similar
to that now introduced by Mr.. Drake, but
had considered it best as it is. Now frauds
were efectually guarded against by provi-
sions that the constitution must be ratified
/ by majority of the registered voters. He
hoped the bill would be passed as it came
from the Judiciary Committee. II many
amendments were adopted it would be in
furious
Mr.. Howard contended for the right Of
/ Congress at such time and in such manner
/ as il saw fit to restore the Rebel States. He
was not in such a hurry to complete the
work as to admit States without a clear and
fair expression Of the will of the majority
of its citizens. A minority government
could not exist in this country, and if any
State contained a majority opposed to re-
turning TO the Union, he was for keeping it
out till doomsday, until its people repented
in dust and ashes Of their crimes.
After some further debate the amendment
was rejected
Mr.. Drake moved to amend the 4th sec
tion by adding the following Provided no
such constitution shall be considered as en-
titling the State for which it is framed to
such representatives, unless il provides
that in all elections for State and munich
pal officers the electors shall vote by closed
ballot, and such mode of voting shall never
be changed without the assent of Congress-.
Debate of some length followed, during
which Mr.. Drake expressed the belief that
Congress had right TO thrust out Sena-
tors and Representatives where States
framed constitutions with this provision in
them, and afterwards violated it.
Morton said he would vote for brakes
amendment if the clause referring to the
future was emitted He belived il very
important the voting should be by closed
ballot, but doubted the right of Congress
to impose a condition Of this kind which
should be binding in the future.
Mr.. Henderson spoke against the amend
ment.
After further debate, and without action,
the Senate adjourned.