Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1869-02-17
XLth COngress..-.-Last Session.


SENATE.
NIr Williams. from military committee, re
ported Joint resolution directing the secretary
of War to take possession Of the gettysburg ana
Artetm National Cemetery. In. p.u
MIR Wilson, from committee on Iaclhc hah
roads, made a minority report on the Omnibus
Railroad bill
Mr. Wilson, from military committee, reported
with amendments the Joint resolution relating 70
the bountics Of colored soldiers who entered the
service as slaves. As amended It provides uat
such persons who volunteered Tor three years 70
serve as soldiers, and were h0nomhly discharged
shall receive the same bounty as other soldiers
The senate then resumed the consideration Of
the Joint resolution proposing constitutional
amendment.
Mr.. yickcrs. moved an amendment providing
that no one should be- DISTINGUISHED because Of
participation i'm the late rebellion lost yeas 4l'
nays 80
the application Of the provision against dlsifan'
chsenent To voters Of United States officers,
President Vice President and members Of the
House Of Representatives lost, yeas u, nays ".
MIR. Dixon renewed his motion to amend by
striking out legislatures and inserting m
stead the word conventions soas TO require
the ratification Of the pending amendment by con-
ycntons.
The amendment was voted upon and rejected.
Mr. Wilson moved the adoption of his amend
ment in these words no 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 ou account of nce. color, nativity
property, education or creed.
Mr. irumhull called attention 10 the Tact that
this proposition would abolish a provision in the
Constitutions Of several States requiring that the
Governors of those States shall be native born.
Mr. Howard thought it revolutionary.
Mr. CJnkling also thought it O revolutionary
proposition, and pointed out many ways in which
he thought its operations would be inconyenient
or highly injurious.
Mr. sherman was in favor of sweeping away
all the old State qualifications restrictive of the
suffrage. The question was then taken on Mr..
Wilson. amendment which was adopted, yeas 81 ,
NAYS 81.
The constitutional amendment having been con-
sidcred as in Committee of the Whole was re-
ported to the senate Mr. Morton again offered
the amendment in regard 20 the mode of choosing
electors for President and Vice President. Adopt
ed, yeas 81, nays 30.
The Joint resolution Wns then passed hy vote
of 10 90 49, Mr.. Morrill, voted yea, Mr. Edmunds
nay.
The following j. the amendment as passed
\ Joint resolution proposing amendments %
the constitution Of the United States.
Be it resolved by the Senate and House Of Re
personalities, &c, two-thiris Of both houses
concuuing, that the following articles be propos-
ed the legislatures of the several Statesas amend
ments to the constitution of the United States,
either Of which when ratified by threc-fourths OF
said legislatures shall be held as part Of said
Constitution, namely
Art. Is. Nodscrminaton shall be made Ia the United
States among the citizens of the United States In the
exercise Of the electives franchise In the right 10 hold
office in any state account Of race, color, nativity
property, education ororecd.
Art TO- The second clause Of the first section Of the
second article Of the Constitution Of the United States
shall be amended TO read as follows Each state shall
appoint by vote of the people thereof qualified 10 vote
for Representatives In Congress, number Of Electors
equal 10 the whole number Of Senators and Representa-
tve- 10 which the State shall be entitled In Congress
but no Senator Representative, person holding
Office Of trust profit under the United States shall be
appointed Elector and Congress shall have power 20
prescribe the manner in which such Electors shall be
chosen by the people,
The Joint resolution now goes to the House for
concurrence.
At $40 the Senate adjourned.
HOUSE.
The airline railroad bin being under consider
alton, was ordered to be engros-ed and read O
third time.
Mr. Spnudiug reported the amended consular
and appropriation bill, to which various amend
ments We're made, and several Senate amendment,
concurred in. Adjourned