ons that
has ever been presented in the history of our country or of any
country. It should be approached carefully and solemnly, and with the
assurance we have before us all the testimony, all the facts, every
thing that by any possibility can shed any light upon it."

The Senate proceeded, however, to the consideration of the joint
resolution. Owing to the ill-health of Mr. Fessenden, who, as Chairman
of the joint Committee on Reconstruction, would probably have taken
charge of the measure, Mr. Howard opened the discussion and conducted
the resolution in its passage through the Senate. He addressed the
Senate in favor of all the sections of the proposed amendment except
the third. "It is due to myself," said he, "to say that I did not
favor this section of the amendment in the committee. I do not
believe, if adopted, it will be of any practical benefit to the
country."

Mr. Clark offered a substitute for the third section--the
disfranchising clause--the following amendment, which, with slight
modifications, was ultimately adopted:

"That no person shall be a Senator or Representative in
Congress, or permitted to hold any office under the
Government of the United States, who, having previously
taken an oath to support the Constitution thereof, shall
have voluntarily engaged in any insurrection or rebellion
against the United States, or given aid or comfort thereto."

Mr. Wade offered a substitute for the whole bill, providing that no
State shall abridge the rights of any person born within the United
States, and that no class of persons, as to whose right to suffrage
discrimination shall be made by any State except on the ground of
intelligence, property, or rebellion, shall be included in the basis
of representation. "I do not suppose," said Mr. Wade, "that if I had
been on the committee I could have drawn up a proposition so good as
this is that they have brought forward; and yet it seems to me, having
the benefit of what they have done, that looking it over, reflecting
upon it, seeing all its weak points, if it have any, I could, without
having the ability of that committee, suggest amendments that would be
beneficial."

Referring to the third section of the joint resolution, Mr. Wade
remarked: "I am for excluding those who took any leading part in the
rebellion from exercising any political power here or elsewhere now
and forever; but as that clause does not seem to effect that