e of peace, security, and
reconciliation, so that loyal persons, white or black, may be
protected and that the Republic may live. Here in the District of
Columbia we begin the real work of reconstruction by which the Union
will be consolidated forever."

The question was taken upon Mr. Dixon's amendment, which was lost;
eleven voting for, and thirty-four against the proposition. The vote
was then taken upon the bill to regulate the elective franchise in the
District of Columbia. It passed the Senate, thirty-two voting in the
affirmative, and thirteen in the negative.

On the following day, December 14th, the bill came before the House of
Representatives and passed without discussion; one hundred and
eighteen voting in the affirmative, and forty-six in the negative.

On the 7th of January, the President returned the bill to the Senate
with his objections. The Veto Message was immediately read by the
Secretary of the Senate.

The President's first objection to the bill was that it was not in
accordance with the wishes of the people to whom it was to apply, they
having "solemnly and with such unanimity" protested against it.

It seemed to the President that Congress sustained a relation to the
inhabitants of the District of Columbia analogous to that of a
legislature to the people of a State, and "should have a like respect
for the will and interests of its inhabitants."

Without actually bringing the charge of unconstitutionality against
this measure, the President declared "that Congress is bound to
observe the letter and spirit of the Constitution, as well in the
enactment of local laws for the Seat of Government, as in legislation
common to the entire Union."

The Civil Rights Bill having become a law, it was, in the opinion of
the President, a sufficient protection for the negro. "It can not be
urged," said he, "that the proposed extension of suffrage in the
District of Columbia is necessary to enable persons of color to
protect either their interests or their rights."

The President argued that the negroes were unfitted for the exercise
of the elective franchise, and "can not be expected correctly to
comprehend the duties and responsibilities which pertain to suffrage.
It follows, therefore, that in admitting to the ballot-box a new class
of voters not qualified for the exercise of the elective franchise, we
weaken our system of government instead of adding to its strength and
durability. It may be safely a