Bureau set them aside; and this keeps up a continual
conflict. If these obnoxious State laws were promptly annulled, it
would contribute much to the restoration of good feeling and harmony,
relieve public officers from immense labors, and the freedmen from
suffering and sorrow; and this is the opinion of the most experienced
men engaged in the Freedmen's Bureau. I have had an opportunity to
consult with and to communicate with many of the agents of the Bureau,
with teachers, officers, and persons who understand the state of
affairs in those States.

"But, sir, it is apparent now that the bill is not to pass at present;
that it must go over for the holidays at any rate. The constitutional
amendment has been adopted, and I have introduced a bill this morning
based upon that amendment, which has been referred to the committee of
which the Senator from Illinois [Mr. Trumbull] is chairman. This bill
will go over; possibly it will not be acted upon at all. We shall
probably enter on the discussion of the broader question of annulling
all the black laws in the country, and putting these people under the
protection of humane, equal, and just laws."

The presentiment of the author of the bill was realized. The bill
never saw the light as a law of the land. Nor was it needful that it
should. It contributed to swell the volume of other and more sweeping
measures.

CHAPTER VI.

THE FREEDMEN'S BUREAU BILL IN THE SENATE.

The bill introduced and referred to Judiciary Committee --
Its provisions -- Argument of Mr. Hendricks against it --
Reply of Mr. Trumbull -- Mr. Cowan's amendment -- Mr.
Guthrie wishes to relieve Kentucky from the operation of the
bill -- Mr. Creswell desires that Maryland may enjoy the
benefits of the bill -- Mr. Cowan's gratitude to God and
friendship for the negro -- Remarks by Mr. Wilson -- "The
short gentleman's long speech" -- Yeas and nays -- Insulting
title.

On the 19th of December Mr. Trumbull gave notice that "on some early
day" he would "introduce a bill to enlarge the powers of the
Freedmen's Bureau so as to secure freedom to all persons within the
United States, and protect every individual in the full enjoyment of
the rights of person and property, and furnish him with means for
their vindication." Of the introduction of this measure, he said it
would be done "in view of the adoption of the constitutional amendment
abolishing slavery. I ha