osition to the joint
resolution. To the friends of the measure he said: "It is intended to
secure what you most wish: an entire disagreement to the whole scheme
by the eleven Southern States, and a continued omission of
representation on this floor."

Mr. Strouse, in opposing the amendment, occupied most of his time in
reading an editorial from the New York Times, which he characterized
as "sound, patriotic, statesmanlike, and just."

Mr. Strouse expressed, as his own opinion, "that the States are, and
never ceased to be, in law and in fact, constituent parts of our
Union. If I am correct in this opinion, what necessity exists for
these amendments of the Constitution? Let the States be represented in
the Senate and House by men who can conscientiously qualify as
members; and after that, when we have a full Congress, with the whole
country represented, let any amendment that may be required be
proposed, and let those most interested have an opportunity to
participate in the debates and deliberations of matters of so much
moment to every citizen."

Mr. Banks regarded the pending amendment as the most important
question which could be presented to the House or to the country. "It
is my belief," said he, "that reoerganization of governments in the
insurgent States can be secured only by measures which will work a
change in the basis of political society. Any thing that leaves the
basis of political society in the Southern States untouched, leaves
the enemy in condition to renew the war at his pleasure, and gives him
absolute power to destroy the Government whenever he chooses.

"There are two methods by which the change I propose can be made: one
by extending the elective franchise to the negro, the other by
restrictions upon the political power of those heretofore invested
with the elective franchise--a part of whom are loyal and a part of
whom are disloyal, a part of whom are friends and a part of whom are
enemies.

"I have no doubt that the Government of the United States has
authority to extend the elective franchise to the colored population
of the insurgent States, but I do not think it has the power. The
distinction I make between authority and power is this: We have, in
the nature of our Government, the right to do it; but the public
opinion of the country is such at this precise moment as to make it
impossible we should do it. The situation of opinion in these States
compels us to look to other means to prot