this Union."

The discussion was continued on the day following, Mr. Eldridge, of
Wisconsin, having the floor for the first speech. After having
expressed his satisfaction that the sun was allowed to go down on the
deliberations upon this resolution, he confessed himself opposed to
the amendment of the Constitution. He said: "I believe that this is
not the time for its amendment, and I believe, further, that there are
other States than those represented upon this floor which are entitled
to deliberate with us on that question, and to that point I shall
mainly address the remarks which I have to make at this time."

He made a protracted speech on the general subject of reconstruction.
At the close of his remarks, he said: "It would much more comport with
the dignity and sense of justice of the American Congress to let the
legally elected members from the Southern States be admitted, and
participate in the proceedings and debates, especially in matters of
so great importance as a change in our organic law. Let us have a
representation for our whole country. Wherever the American flag
floats, from the St. Lawrence to the Gulf of Mexico--wherever the
Star-spangled Banner waves--that is our country. And let us legislate
as Americans, as Representatives of our whole country, in a spirit of
justice, liberality, and patriotism, and we will again have one
country."

Mr. Higby, of California, was opposed to the joint resolution from the
fact that the proviso in the proposed amendment is in conflict with
that portion of the Constitution which requires that "the United
States shall guarantee to every State in this Union a republican form
of government." "I say it," said he, "without fear or favor, that that
amendment will allow any State government in its organization to
exclude one-half of its population from the right of suffrage; and I
say such State governments will not be republican in form."

In a conversation which ensued with some members, Mr. Higby maintained
that no State excluding any class of citizens on account of race or
color was republican in form. "I do not believe," said he, "there is a
single State in the Union, except it may be one of the New England
States, which is an exception to that general rule."

Mr. Hill, of Indiana, asked whether the gentleman would favor the
House with his opinion as to what would be a republican form of
government.

Mr. Higby was sorry that the gentleman had lived to his time o