ood his language aright, threatened us with war or worse if
we did not yield to his suggestions, and the Senator from Indiana
intimated very strongly the same thing. You have strength enough to
carry these measures, if it is the sentiment of the nation; but we are
not a people to be alarmed by words or threats."

Mr. Sherman had been, as he said, "during this whole debate, rather a
spectator than a participant." Not desiring to commit himself too
hastily, he had reserved his opinion that he might act and vote
understandingly, without feeling, or prejudice, or passion. It was
after full reflection that he voted for the bill so harshly
characterized by the Senator from Kentucky, who had evinced a degree
of feeling entirely uncalled for. Mr. Sherman said further: "I look
upon the Freedman's Bureau Bill as simply a temporary protection to
the freedmen in the Southern States. We are bound by every
consideration of honor, by every obligation that can rest on any
people, to protect the freedmen from the rebels of the Southern
States; ay, sir, and to protect them from the loyal men of the
Southern States. We know that, on account of the prejudices instilled
by the system of slavery pervading all parts of the Southern States,
the Southern people will not do justice to the freedmen of those
States. We know that in the course of the war the freedmen have been
emancipated; that they have aided us in this conflict; and, therefore,
we are bound, by every consideration of honor, faith, and of public
morals, to protect and maintain all the essential incidents of freedom
to them. I have no doubt that in doing this we shall encounter the
prejudices not only of rebels, but of loyal men; but still the
obligation and guarantee is none the less binding on us. We must
maintain their freedom, and with it all the incidents and all the
rights of freedom."

Mr. Henderson, of Missouri, like the Senator from Ohio, had hitherto
taken no part in the discussion. He was opposed to the limitations
placed upon the bill by the House of Representatives. "I would not
have voted for it if it had not been carried to my own State; and if
this amendment of the House of Representatives is to be adopted, I
will not vote for the bill. I want the bill to be made general. If it
is to be made special, if it is to be applied to Kentucky only, I
appreciate the feeling that drove my friend from Kentucky to make the
most unfortunate remark that has been made upon the f