remark, "In judging of testimony upon ordinary
subjects, we take into consideration not only the facts stated, but
the character and standing of the witness, his means of information,
and last, but not least, his appearance upon the stand," Mr. Stewart
thus spoke in behalf of the principal witness relied upon in the
defense of the South: "In this great cause, the Senate properly called
upon the chief Executive of the nation for information. Was he a
witness whose character and standing before the country would entitle
his testimony to consideration? Let the voice of a great people, who
have indorsed his patriotism and administration, answer. Were his
means of information such as to entitle him to speak advisedly upon
this subject? Let the machinery of the Government, that collects facts
from every department, civil and military, upon the table of the
Executive, answer. Was not his appearance before the public, in
communicating this testimony to the Senate and the country such as to
remove all grounds of suspicion? Let the exalted tone, bold and
fearless statement, pure and patriotic spirit of both his messages be
his best vindication."

The Senator's remarks were principally directed in opposition to the
policy of regarding the rebel States as "conquered territories." He
finally remarked: "I wish to be distinctly understood as not opposing
the passage of the bill. I am in favor of legislation on this subject,
and such legislation as shall secure the freedom of those who were
formerly slaves, and their equality before the law; and I maintain
that it can be fully secured without holding the Southern States in
territorial subjugation."

Mr. Wilson replied: "The Senator who has just addressed us questions
the testimony adduced here by my colleague yesterday. He might as well
question the massacre at Fort Pillow, and the cruelties perpetrated at
Andersonville, where eighty-three per cent, of the men who entered the
hospitals died--Andersonville, where more American soldiers lie buried
than fell throughout the Mexican war; where more American soldiers lie
buried than were killed in battle of British soldiers in Wellington's
four great battles in Spain, and at Waterloo, Alma, Inkermann, and
Sebastopol. The Senator might as well question the atrocities of
sacked Lawrence and other atrocities committed during the war. If he
will go into the Freedman's Bureau, and examine and study the official
records of officers who, for five