Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1869-02-12
PRE- s. FRID a y
FORTIETH CONGRESS--THIRD
SESSION.
SENATE.

ton directing the secretary % "at " IN
possession of the Gettysburg and Articlain Ma
tional Cemetery; also a resolution directing the
committee on military affairs to inquire INTO the
operations of the freelmens bureau from May
1865, to Dec. 1868.
Mr. WILSON, from committee on PACING Rail-
roads, made a minority report on the omnious
Railroad bill
Mr.. SHERMAN introduced joint resolution
giving the assent of the United States Govern
ment to the construct on of the Cincinnati and
Newport bridge, on condition that 1t has span
of 400 feet over the main channel, and pe o'het-
wise built in accordance with existing laws
Mr. WILSON, from military committee, re-
ported with amendments the joint resolution re-
iating to the bounties of coored soldiers who en-
tered the service as slave. As amended 1t pro-
vides that such persons who volunteered for
/ three years to serve as soldiers, and were hon
orably discharged, shall receive the same bounty
as other soldiers.
The Senate then resumed the consideration OF
the joint resolution proposing CONSTITUTIONAL
amendment
Mr.. VIcKERs moved an amendment providing
that one should be DISTINGUISHED because OF
participation in the late rebellion; lost, yeas u,
nays 81.
/ Mr.. BAYARD moved amendment confirm
| ing the application of the provision against dis
I '~NNfNN
Hresident, Vice-Presdent and members Of the
House Of Representative; lost, yeas y, nays
~
Mr.. DIXON renewed this motion to amend by
striking out " legislatures" aud inserting in
stead the word - conventions, 50 as to require
the ratification Of the pending amendment Of
convention.
The discussion of the general question Of the
policy and propriety Of the proposed amendment
again sprung up, and was participated IN by
Messrs. Doolittle, Conness, Fessenden, Hen
bricks, Morton and Sumner Morton and VIII
linms urged the necessity Of excluding Cinnamon
from citizenship and political power in this
country, lest having these they should come
over in such Members as TO take possession ofthe
whole Poetic Coast
Mr. SHERMAN thought that the best form of
amendment would be one making the right to
vote and hold Office equal and universal for all
men who have reached a certain age and are not
otherwise disqualified.
The amendment was voted upon and rejected.
Mr. WILSON moved the adoption Of his amend
mend in .ese words discrimination shall be
made in the United States in the exercise Of the
elective franchise or in the right to hold office
in any State on account Of race color, nativity.
property, education or creed
Mr.. TBUNBULL called attention to the fact that I
this proposition would abolish provision in the 4
Constitutions Of several States requiring that the 4
Governors Of those States shall be native born.
MIR. HOWARD thought 1t revolutionary.
Mr.. CoNKLING also thought 1t revolutionary .
proposition and pelntel out many ways IN
which he thought IT'S operations would oe IN
convenient or highly INJURIOUS
Mr.. SHERMAN was IN favor OF sweeping away
all the Old state quil!hca'ons restrictive OF the
slnr'ge Ihe question was ten taken on MT
wilson Amendment when was adopted yeas 81,
nays ="
The constitutional amendment having been
conside' cred as in Committee Of the Whole was
reported 10 the Senate Mr. Morton again
of red the Amendment in regard to the mode Of
choosing electors for President AMI Vice Presi-
dent. Adopted, yes g., nays 80.
The joint resolution WAS then passed by u yote
Of 40 10 l1. Mr.. Morrill, voted Yea. Mr.. FL
muuls nay.
The following is tac amendment . passed
A joint resolution proposing amendments 10
the constitution of she United States
Be it resolved by ihe Senate and House Of Re
pres natives, N-. Two thirds OF both houses
cJucurriu-, that tie following articles be pro-
posed 10 the legislatures of the several States a.
amendments to tie constitution Of the United
States, either of which when rltii-I by three
iourih- OF said legislature shall Dee held as part
II said Constitute ID uaeiy
Arr. II. NJ discrimination shall bee made in
the United States among the citizens of
the Uuitci States .n the exercise Of the elec-
tive fruch So OF iU the .ht 90 hold Office
in any State ou account Of race, color,
nativity, property ein''ii.n or creed