the contest, for they would not like to yield the power of their
States in Congress; they might begin the battle animated by no high
and lofty motives; but as soon as the discussion commenced, it would
address itself to the reason, to the heart, and to the conscience of
the people. The advocates of negro enfranchisement would themselves
speedily grow up to believe in the justice, equity, and right of
giving the ballot to the black men. There would be discussion on every
square mile of the rebel States. Appeals would be made to their pride,
to their ambition, to their justice, to their love of fair play, to
their equity; all the interests and passions, and all the loftier
motives that can sway, control, and influence men, would impel them to
action. They would cooeperate with the friends of freedom throughout
the country; would seek their counsel and aid. They would be the left
wing of the great army of freedom, of elevation, and improvement in
the country. We would give them our influence, our voices, and our aid
in fighting the battle of enfranchisement. They would have the support
and the prayers of the poor black men of the South; and before five
years had passed away, there would not be a rebel State that did not
enfranchise the bondman."

Referring to the policy of "enlightened Christian States," in refusing
the right of suffrage to the negro, Mr. Wilson said: "After all the
fidelity and heroic conduct of these men, prejudice, party spirit, and
conservatism, and all that is base and mean on earth, combine to deny
the right of suffrage to the brave soldier of the republic. God alone
can forgive such meanness; humanity can not. After what has taken
place, is taking place, I can not hope that the constitutional
amendment proposed by the Senator from Missouri will receive a
majority of three-fourths of the votes of the States. I, therefore,
can not risk the cause of an emancipated race upon it. In the present
condition of the nation we must aim at practical results, not to
establish political theories, however beautiful and alluring they may
be."

It was the understanding of the Senate that the discussion would close
and the vote would be taken on the 9th of March. On that day Mr.
Fessenden took the floor in reply to objections urged by those who had
previously spoken. In reply to the objection that the advocates of
this measure were wrong in attempting to accomplish by indirection
that which they could not accomplis