The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1870-01-12
VIRGINIA.
FURTHER INTERESTING DEBATE
I'M CONGRESS ON HER
ADMISSION.
THE RECONSTRUCTION COMMIT.
TEE REPORT A BILL.
THE SUBJECT CONTINUED FOR TO-DAY.
Special kilograms to the Dispate.

and was the most prominent subject in the
House for three and q half hours. The de-
bate continued in the Senate, and though
nearly concluded apparently, the vote WAS
cut off by motion to adjourn, SO that the
matter comes up again tomorrow after the
morning hour.
The discussion to-day was exceedingly
interesting and at times exciting. The
opinions of senators were as various as
could be conceived, no two exactly agreeing
in their views, though in the main points
for admitting tho State Internationally and
admitting with conditions. There is we'll
defined division among senators, forming
two parties, the larger evidently that
which favors the unconditional and imme-
date representation of Virginia in Con-
gress.
One of the most important legal questions
debated was that as to the effect of revo-
cation by one Legislature of o State of the
ratification of the fifteenth amendment by
preceding Legislature Of the same State,
rs illustrated in the action taken on the
amendment in New York. 1t was argued
| by several senator's that the Constitution
does not confer any power of revocation
upon State Legislature; that that body
can only consider the question of ratifca-
ton, and dispose of it only BY adopting OF
refusing to adopt it, and there its authority
over the subject ends; the Legislature has
| no jurisdiction over the subject save that
which it derives from the Constitution
of the United States in the mode
prescribed by that instrument; that
in pursuance Of that mode Congress
submitted the fifteenth amendment for
ratification, and the Legislature can
only determine that it will not ratify,
and there is an end of the States jurisdic-
ton ; having ratified the amendment, it is
not competent for the Legislature ut SUBJ
scouent time to annul the ratification by a
resolution Of revocation.
Senator Howe and others we're not so clear
of opinion, however, that it is not within
the power of State Legislature at any
time prior to the adoption of the amend
mcnt by t!ree-fourths of the States to re-
woke, or refuse, or repeal, their former &C
ton, and reject the amendment.
The proposition is novel, without prcce-
dent, and is to be the fruitful subject of dis
cussion hereafter unless very soon the
requisite number of States shall ratify the
amendment. If it shall turn out that the
three ourths vote of the States can only be
made up by including New York, it will be-
come momcntous question whether State
| CON revoke it's ratification.
Senator Sumner gave us q new coinage in
ctymology to-day when in debate he ex-
pressed his surprise at the "Ridiculosisy"
of n certain proposition. The use of the
word created surprise and amusement, and
several senators took to their dictionaries
to search for the newcomer.
In the House, the Journal of yesterday
was corrected, showing that the vote on
Bingham's bill was enormously announced.
1t resulted in the triumph of the Bingham
party yesterday, though the mistake in the
count of the vote caused q different deci-
sion; 30 the main question On the passage
of Bingham's resolution was before the
House, but Mr.. Bingham withdrew his
resolution to give way for the report
of % bill from the Reconstruction Com
mittee with the understanding that he
would offer his resolution as O sub
stitute. The Reconstruction Committee's
bill was then introduced. 1t is the same
as Paine's bill introduced yesterday
After explanations, it was agreed that the
bill should be printed and be taken up to-
morrow after the morning hour, with the
understanding that all reasonable time be
allowed for discussion and amendments.
In the Senate, discussion was resumed.
Mr.. Sherman: I desire to inquire if the
Senator from Massachusetts, (N1r. Sumner)
wishes time for debate.
Mr.. Sumner: do most sincerely ask it,
and I say that in my experience in the
Senate have never before known such q
request even debated: My friend from
Nevada is inaugurating new policy, it
seems, to this chamber. 1t may be
advisable to depart from those old
amenities which 30 long prevailed here,
but do not think it is. I think this bill,
when it comes up, should come up on it's
merits, with no question of when it should
be considered, but on its merits. Let us,
then, proceed with it. Now, I have o let
ter that have received this morning from
Virginia stating that in the middle of this
week there will be large number of gen.
tlemen interested in this measure here, in
order to communicate with senators,
and yet my friend proposes to
press it forward, taking from them the op-
portunity of being heard. Is that advisa-
BILE as senator wish to have the in
formation which I am told they can COM
municate. My friend from Nevada wishes
to hurry it on, so that I shall act without
that. He wishes to try this great case
without the evidence. Now, where the
evidence is introduced, it may be all on
his side, perhaps. I know how it will re-
suit, but let US hear the case.
Mr.. Stewart Mr.. President, do not
wish to violate any of the usages of the
body, nor to disregard request Of any
senator which is reasonable, but if there il
rule that prevails whereby requests Of
senators are necessarily to be granted for
the DELAY of important measures Of this