purpose,
and will probably effect nothing at all, I do not think it is of any
consequence that it should have a place in the measure."

On the 24th of May, Mr. Stewart spoke three hours on the
constitutional amendment. He advocated the extension to the States
lately engaged in rebellion of all civil and political rights on
condition of their extending impartial suffrage to all their people.
He announced his policy as that of "protection for the Union and the
friends of the Union, and mercy to a fallen foe. Mercy pleaded
generous amnesty; justice demanded impartial suffrage. I proposed
pardon for the rebels and the ballot for the blacks." Of the Committee
on Reconstruction, Mr. Stewart said: "I realize the difficulties which
they have been called upon to encounter. They have acted a noble part
in their efforts to harmonize conflicting opinions. I rejoice in the
manner in which the report is presented, and the liberal spirit
manifested by the committee toward those who are anxious to aid in the
perfection of their plan."

Mr. Johnson moved to strike out the third section, without offering a
substitute.

Mr. Sherman offered a substitute for the second and third sections,
apportioning representation according to the number of male citizens
qualified to vote by State laws, and apportioning direct taxes
according to the value of real and personal property.

The constitutional amendment was not again brought up for
consideration in the Senate until Tuesday, May 29th. The several days
during which the discussion was suspended in the Senate were not
fruitless in their effect upon the pending measure. The amendment was
carefully considered by the majority in special meetings, when such
amendations and improvements were agreed upon as would harmonize the
action of the Republicans in the Senate.

The first action of the Senate, when the subject was resumed, was to
vote upon Mr. Johnson's motion to strike out the third section, which
was passed unanimously--yeas, 43; nays, 0.

Mr. Howard, acting for the committee, then offered a series of
amendments to the joint resolution under consideration. The first of
these provided for the insertion as a part of section one, the
following clause:

"All persons born in the United States, and subject to the
jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and
of the States wherein they reside."

Another modification moved by Mr. Howard was the insertion, in place