. Fessenden, of Maine, then remarked: "When this resolution was
first promulgated in the newspapers as having been agreed upon, I
approved it because I sympathized with its object and purpose. I did
not examine it particularly; but, looking simply at what it was
designed for, it met my approbation simply for this reason: that this
question of the reaedmission of these Confederate States, so called,
and all the questions connected with that subject, I conceived to be
of infinite importance, requiring calm and serious consideration, and
I believe that the appointment of a committee, carefully selected by
the two houses, to take that subject into consideration, was not only
wise in itself, but an imperative duty resting upon the
representatives of the people in the two branches of Congress. For
myself, I was not prepared to act upon that question at once. I am not
one of those who pin their faith upon any body, however eminent in
position, or conceive themselves obliged, on a question of great
national importance, to follow out any body's opinions simply because
he is in a position to make those opinions, perhaps, somewhat more
imperative than any other citizen of the republic. Talk about the
Administration! Sir, we are a part of the Administration, and a very
important part of it. I have no idea of abandoning the prerogatives,
the rights, and the duties of my position in favor of any body,
however that person or any number of persons may desire it. In saying
this, I am not about to express an opinion upon the subject any
further than I have expressed it, and that is, that in questions of
such infinite importance as this, involving the integrity and welfare
of the republic in all future time, we are solemnly bound, and our
constituents will demand of us that we examine them with care and
fidelity, and act on our own convictions and not upon the convictions
of others.

"I do not agree with the honorable Senator from Wisconsin, that by
passing a simple resolution raising a committee of our own body, and
referring to it certain papers, if we conclude to do so, we are
infringing upon the rights of any body or making an intimation with
regard to any policy that the President may have seen fit to adopt and
recommend to the country. Sir, I trust there are no such things as
exclusive friends of the President among us, or gentlemen who desire
to be so considered. I have as much respect for the President of the
United States probab