The Philadelphia Inquirer from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania • Page 2

PHILADELPHIA 'INQUIRER, FRIDAY, MARCH 9, 1866." ths first section the wnrda and there shall be no dis LEGAL INTELLIGENCE. R0CEED1NGS OF CONGRESS. I Mr. YATES ask If this proposed amendment does not allow ths Rebel Slates to exclude the freedmen from voting. Mr, WlUsONI have never read, or heard.

orseen anything that convinced me that the adoption of the Constitutional Amendment gave the Congress of the United btaies any power to regulate sull'rage In any eiaie. r. YATES I desire to know whether by the pend. ng amendments Sooth Carolina, or any other biale, cannot disfranchise them entirely. Mr.

WIL8DN I may answer the Senator simply by saying that I think this amendment leaves the matter to the Stales, precisely where It Is now. There Is no implication In it no compromise in It no surrenders of anv power of the Government Mr. YATE.1 The oosition I assume to this, that before the adoption of ths Constitutional Amendment the States had a right, tinder the Constitution and under the decision of the Hupreme Court of the United Btates, to disfranchise the colored people. Colored men were considered a subject race, not part of the people, not part of the sovereignty. Rut.

sir, by the Constitutional A Hiev nra free as the could sustain this bill. He thought that the best way to attain the desired end was to act upon the Constitutional Amendment reportesi by his colleague (Mr. Bingham), and postponed till April next, so as to make the measure proposed here Dart of the fundamental law. The principles embodied in this bill would. If carried to their logical endanger the liberties of ths coo a try.

Opposition. ERR find.) next addressed the House in opposition to the bill. He based bis argument aitainst itoo legal and constitutional and practical grounds, and quoted from Chief Justice Marshal and other authorities lnsupport of his views. Mr. WIUson withdrew the motion to recommit.

In 2.1 my amendment, which was to insert the to perform any act on the pound that It would be inconsistent with this act." lie then renewed th motion to recommit and moved Tu Previous question was seconded. I his gives Mr. Wilson the right to close debate, and he has agreed to divide his hour with Mr. xiinghtuu. The bill then went over till to-morrow.

Kmlthsonilan Library. PATTERSON (N. on leave, introduced a bin for the transfer oi the Smithsonian Library, which was read twice and relerred to the Committee on the Library. Indian Affairs. Mr.

rPSOX on leave, Introdocet! a bill to pay certain monies to tue Chippewa, Choctaw and Pottawatomie Indians lo Michigan, which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs. Mr. HUDSON (Minn.) presented a petition of certain Citizens ot innesoia, praying for redress for damages committed l.y certain Sioux or Dacota Indians in saij Stale, in the year ls'A Memorial and Petition. Mr. KKTCHAM (N.

presented the memorial of the Assistant Assessors of the Twelfth District of New York, in favorof the allowance of necessary traveling expensess. Also, the petition of N. Gndley and others, of Dutchess county, Is. for such amendments of the present tariff laws as will mora effectually protect American labor. Adjourued.

IRETHODISJMEPISCCPCHORCH. Meetlnar of 'he East Baltimore) Conference at YVilHamsport, Pa. Special Cbrrftpontlmrx of the Inquirer, Williamsport, pa.f Jlarch G. 1S6S. The ninth crimination tn civil rights," Ac, and also to strike out everything penal ia the bill, and authorising orlminal nrocpcNiintra In Hen of it tn srive to ail cilizens of the United Stales, injured by denial or vio- initvu or any or tiifcir rights securea aim proies.ieu oy tjils act, riirht of action in the United Slates Courts, with double costs In all oaana of recovery, without re gard to the award of damages.

Remarks of Mr. Raymond. Mr. RAYMOND addressed ttia Hons. Tie would Rot have discussed the bill at this time if he had not taken the liberty and resoonslbilltv ot offerlm a sub stitute for it.

He was very free to confess that he was not prupared to say anything on It at all worthy ot its great Importance. Whether considered simply as a proposed statute, or In its bearlm? ou the ceneral Ques tion of restoration of peace and harmony to the Union, he regarded It as one of the most important bills preseuted to the House, worthy of engaging the coolest, calmest and best Judgment of every member. The bill proposed two thinrs. Virat. to declare who should hecitizeus of the United States, and especially toaeciareinai an snail be ciurens without distinction of race, color or nrevlous condition of servitude, who are born on the soil.

'I hat was the first great tjrovi-siou. The second was to provide tor he class of persons thus Introduced to citizenship, protection against anticipated Inequality of legislation in the several Slates. Rot those nmvlslrina were of the ntmmt nnulhta Importance, He was thoroughly and heartily in favor of both, and he should vote tor both if he could be convinced that they fi ll: within the conferred on Cm gross by the Coustiiutioii ot the United states, and were d.i.iianded by the emergencies of the occasion. Astolhe Hrst purpose of the bill he had no doubt whatever. The substitute which he hd olfered declared thut all persons heretofore born, or hereafter to be born, within the limits ot the jurisdiction ot me united; states, are and shall be citizens or the United suites, and entitled to all the rights, privileges ami Immunities of such That was the enunciation of a great principle, which he thought ought to and would, under ordinary circumstances, secure to every one of the citizens tuus entitlud to citizenship ample and lull protection.

it was not worth while, had he any desire to conceal t'le f.ict, tnat the snecial object of his substitute, as well as of the bill, was to introduce into American ctUzeusulp the lour millions ot persons who bad just oeen emancipated irom a condition or Slavery, ne did not know lhat any bill was necessary for that purpose. He was Inclined to think that no bill was necessary, that the moment the disabilities imposed upon them by servitude were removed thev became by virtueof lhat act citizens of the United stales, and that they were to-day entitled to all the rights, privi-leues and Immunities of citizenship. But that hsd been doubted and denied in courts, in legislative halls and In the Executive department of Government. It had been asserted, and decisions to that eil'eci were on record, that they were not cilizens beciuse they were or tne race. His proposition declared that they were citizens, and should be regarded as such from this time forward.

Some questions had been raised as to the r.ower of Congress to pronounce such a decision, but he believed that it had such a power uncer mat clause ot the constitution authorizing Congress to establish asystem ot naturalization. He was Inclined to think that the word naturalization" might be fairly regarded and construed as implying and including a power to introduce into citizenship those now excluded Irom it, whether ttlve born or alien Rut, independent ot that, he did not see where Congress eot any authority to except these na tive persons of African blood from the general rule of the luw or every nation, that all persons horn on Ihe soil are subjects or citizens ot the Government. That was the rule In In France and in this country. No such cower of execution had been conferred on Congress, and no such power had been exercised. If this bill should fail to become a law.

anttlt the substitute which he had ottered should be reoorted hack bv ths Judiciary Committee, as he understood It would be. he would lake pleasure in dlscussiiii that point luither. He supposed he need not declare here tlie great desirableness to this class of persons of havlnz conferred noon them the grea ints itnable, pricless noun ot liberiy. jie thought that the fact or collier-ring upon four millions of people absolute personal liberty, freedom from servitude, from this time fbr-ward for ever, was the highest boon that it was in the pnwerotany Govertimeut to confer an eulsaved race. Having gone so far.

he desired to go on by successive steps still further, and to lift them In all respecis, so far as their nature would allow aud our power permit, to the level ot any other citizens. He desired, as the next step in the process of elevating that race, to give them the rieht of citizenship. He hoped that no one would he prepared or inclined to sav that that was a trilling boou, for.if so. he House was scarcely In the frame ot mind to act upou the great question coming before it. lie tor one w.ta neither prepared nor Inclined to disparage American cit zeuship.

Make the colored man a cMi.eq of toe United States, and he would have every right that any other citizn had tinder the laws and Constitution ot the United States. It was not among the least of the advantages of conferring upon him citizenship that it would constantly exercise on Min an educating process. It would teach people of all other races, his fellow cilizens, to respect him and aid him in his efforts. Every one would concede lhat it was of the highest possible value to any portion of the people living In the country to receive from the Government tlie status ot American citizenship. He presented these considerations rapidly, hurriedly, and simply as tlie reasons which induced him to oiler a substitute for the bill now pending.

The bill was intended to prevent unequal legislation: that was a nign anu proper ooject. and ne would cordiauv co-operate in securing it. His colleague (Mr. Davis) hart also declared his purpose to vote lor any constitutional law aiming at aud calculated to secure this object; and he had been a liltle grieved to hear. the point made against him (Mr.

Davis), that he required a law to he Icunstitutlonui he wouid give it his vol Not In terms but In tone that point had certainly been made. He (Mr. Raymond) could not. on his conscience and oath, however much he might think sn object desirable, vote for attaining it by means which seemed to him unconstitutional. Acting here on his responsibility as a legislator, not under ressof the necessities of war, but calmly, he could not aud would not vote f.sr any bill, except his judgment smislicd him that Sit was constitutional.

Even on grounds of expediency the House ought well to consider this matter. He desired that the House should not pass any bill lhat should be intercepted on its way to the statute book by well-grounded complaints of unconstitutionality from nny other Department of tlie Government. The second section of the hill, providing for tlie punishment, by fine and Imprisonment, ol Judges ot Slate Courts, for enforcing State laws, he could not justify to his own judgment. He saw that the gentleman from Ohio (Mr, Bingham) took the same view of It, for he had snrtested an amendment to that section; that amendment seemed lo attain the Object, and he (Mr. Raymond) would vote for it.

Mr. RAYMOND referred to the rioris of outrages commuted In the Southern States, though there was a good deal of exaggeration in them, and thought such violations of law the natural effects of war, demiual-Izing a wholecommunity. The House would recollect the extraordinary bit of evidence introduced here the other day by the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Jlinghani) In the shape of that celebrated extract from the iNor-folk Post, which was represented as a Secession organ. It bad been rend to show the auimus of the South.

He had not himself attached much importance to it at the moment, for he knew something aiuiut the character ot the paper, but he was not sure that if the vote had then been taken on the Constitutional Amendment, It would oot have been curried by acclamation on the strength of that article. Explanatory. Mr. WOOTXBRI DG (Vt.) desired to state that the editor ol that paper was a Vermonler and a thoroughly loyal mau. That article was no expression of his sentiments, but was doubtless intended as a burlesque.

He did not doubt, however, lhat tlie article was a faithful representation of the sentiment of a verv large portion ot the South, and hence the necessity of sucu a bill as had been reported by the Judiciary Committee. Mr. SCHKNCK (Ohio) thought that tlie point of the ourtcsque coiisisibu in me close resemblance ot the sentiment expressed In it and that actually tittered and entertained there, as shown hy the testimony laid before the Keconstrnction Mr. RA YMU.N 1) did not think it at all like the general utterance of the South. If the gentleman from Ohio (Mr.

Schenck) had had an opportunity to peruse the testimony as lo the condition of Southern states. It was more than he (Mr. Raymond) bad. He should like to have an opportunity to read that testimony before voting on this bill, aud he suggested whether it was not worthwhile to wait till that testimony was printed, so that the House could see qu what grounds it bad to act. IonbtruI Constitutionality.

Mr. DELANO (Ohio) next addressed the House. He confessed that while he was in lavor ol the object of the bill, he had serious doubts hi his mind as to the power of Congress to pass It. Ha should vote tor It if he could be brought to believe that there was a reasonable probability of Its constitutionality, so that he could Justify his conscience; but without some further lUht on the question he felt that there were certain difficulties In the way which called lor careful examination tn a constitutional point of view. He considered that the bill would be very much Improved If amended in accordance with the proposition suggested by his colleague (Mr.

Illngha The first section pruvidus that all cilizens shall have tbesame civil rights ss are en'oved by white citizens. He would ask the Chairman oi the Jualciarv Committee whether that conferred upon the emancipated race the right of Selling as jurors. Mr. WILSON (Iowa) I do not believe that it confers that right upon emancipated negroes, or upon any portion of the citizens of the United states who are not qualified by the laws of the several Slates to iu-t as furors. Mr.

LtLANO Without doubting the sincerity of tne cnairiuaii oi wie uuiciury committee, consiuerea that the bill would necessarily confer on negroes the I ight of being jurors. He inquired where ihe gentlemen louud the constitutional right forCongre lo say that tne tesUmouy of colored people should be tuL-an in court. Mr. II JsON replied, that he placed the power of Concresa, in mat, respect, on me same basis as that ou which he placed Its power to provide protection tor tbetu in their civil rights as citizens. Mr.

DKLANO did not ieel that that was an answer to his question. He would not say that the gentleman's remarks were "glittering generalities." because be did not wish to be ofl'eusive; but he would like the gentleman to point to the clause of the Constitution giving that power. Mr. WILSON replied that, in his opening remarks on reporting the bill, he had distinctly derived this power irom iheConstitutlonal Amendment abolishing slaverv and conferring Oil Comrreas an eroresa delega tion of authority, but he based it also on the broader ground that these peonle, being entitled to certain rights as citizens of the I nited states, were entitled to be protected in these rights, and Mat the power thus to protect vneui uw.nij impitea irom vne tire bodv ol the Constitution. Mr.

DELANO remarked that the duty of Government rested on lis powers, and that the duty of Con gress retel on Ita constitutional privileges. The powers of Congress were specific powers, and bevond then snecitic powers Congress could not co without violating the ConsUtution. lie did not bow be Injnnetlon Against Lombard and South "reel i imrujiT railway Company. SUrr.EME COVRT AT NISI PKITJS. JIJDQ STRONG.

The City of Philadelphia and others, vs. tha Ixim- bard and South strset Passenger Railway Company. in in is cass, wnicn waa anruea ine other dav nnon demurrer to a bill filed by ths city fbr an Injunction to restrain tne Aauay uompany irom layin tracts on parts of Front, Water, and Walnut streets, and ueiaware avenua, without tne consent of city Coun cils first having been obtained, Judga Strong yesterday overruled ths demurrer, and granted ths Injunc tion as asked Tor. The opinion oi th learned Judga at considerable length, and after receiving the acts the Legislature and the law applicable to the case, he says I am of opinion therefore, that the defendants have no right to remove the pavements, and construe! a railway on the new route described tn the act oi ISM, without first obtaining the consent of ths City Councils, and tt this Is correct, the city of Philadelphia, being the legal custodian of the streets which the defendants propose to Invade by tholr extension, hat exhllilted In Its bill a right to the restraining powar si this Court. Here I might conclude.

This in fact disposes of all the reasons assigned In support of the demurrer, and conducts me to the conclusion that they are without foundation. The bill does present a cass for an In (unction against the proposed use of thoss parts ol Front, Water, and Walnut streets, and Dela ware avenue, uellued in the supplement of 1W15 as tha route of the new extension. There is, however, another consideration which is fatal to the demurrsr. though applicable to Delaware avenue alone. V.V that Ueiaware avenue, from Doclt to Walnut, is not a highway over and on which th Commonwealth has nuy power to grant any franchise, except on making compensation to the city ol Philadelphia, as trustees under the will of Klephes also making compensation to the other complainants, who have aided the city by agreements and otherwise 111 accomplishing the objects enumerated in said will (some of which agreements are set out), and that Delaware avenue Is not a highway made so by due processor law, or by a plenary dedication of the owners of landed estate.

The demurrer admits all the averments of fact contained in the bill, though I agree, it does not admit men inferences of law. It is argued that the facts thus charged are averred as legal inferences from othei facts. Specifically stated, I do not think so. They are averred direcily and positively, and while it Is true that reasxns are given for the averments, and that those reasons consist of other farts, those facta are stated as evidence only in support ot the main averuienla. And looking at tiiem.

without relying upon what Is urged to be only a legal deduction from them. I am ot opinion that they show rights In the complainants superior to any constitutional power ol the Legislature to grant any private corporation tha privilege of making a railway upon Delaware avenue, without providing for compensation to the city ol Philadelphia, as a trustee under Girard'a will, and compensation to the ot icr complainants, who have made conveyances or aareomcnls, expressly to subserve the purposes of the trust. Delaware avenue Is not such a highway as is under the unlimited control of the Commonwealth, the mode of use of which can be regulated by ihe Legislature at its pleasure. Ths public right is very peculiar, and there Is nothing it. tlie bill to diminish the force and efTect ot the averment that the avenue Is not a highway that the Legislature can appropriate, or grant the use of to a railroad corporation without providing ior compensation to the complainants as owners of private property.

I will not now spend time to consider the question whether, under Mr. tlirard will, bequeathing ism.nol to the Commonwealth, on the condition described tuerein, one of which was lhat laws should be enacted to enable the making of the avenue, the removal oi obstructions, aud the prohibition of obstructions eastward thereof, coupled Willi tlie acceptance of the legacy, a contract was profored and concluded, by which the Commonwealth was disabled from authorizing a railroad on the avenue even upon making compensation. This is a grave question, and the present case does not demand an answer to it. It Is enough tliat tue trustees under tlie will, and the grantors to the trustees for the purposes defined In the will, have not so devoted It to public use as a pi bile highway, that it can be used for a railroad, without their assent, and without compensation made to them. Tne demurrer ot the defendants' Is, therefore, overruled, ami a perpetual injunction to the defendants will be decreed against extending their railway along Front or Water street to Walnut street, and down Walnut to Delaware avenue, wltnout first procuring the assent or the City Councils of Philadelphia; aud a perpetual injunction will be decreed aitainst constructing a railway along Delaware avenue irom Walnut to Duck streets, or on any part thereof.

The Given aud Weaver Contested Election late. COURT OF COMMON PI.F.AS JUDGES ALLISOS AMD PiEKCK. Yesterday morning the contested election case ot Weaver vs. Given was culled up. and Judge Allison staled that the Court had to reltr the cass to au LxKiuiner lo take le-sliiuony.

This would speed the ca w.Uiout monopolizing the limo of the public A question was sui-sied in regard to the costs, but the Court declined to make any order fixing this until after the consultation between all the Judges. COURT OF QUARTER SESSIONS JUDGE LUDLOW, Wm. Harmer was charged with receiving a horse, the properly of Charles Miller, knowing ihe same to h.ive been stolen. The evidence lor the Commonwealth showed that the defendant came honestly by the horse haviug purchased him from a man to whom he had been intrusted for sale by the prose cutor. This fact being proven, tha Commonwealth abandoned the case, aud the jury rendered a verdict ot not guilty.

Krnest P. 8teck was convicted of assault and battery on one John Heas, and lined and costs. Thomas A. Ustcppacher was charged with larceny, as bailee oi s.u. The prosecutor not appearing, tue jury rendered a verdict of not culily.

Alexander Tno.onsoii and Morris If ennard. colored. chanted with at sanliaud battery on Samuel Mead, also colored, were acquitted. Jacob SiuiHRter was convicted of a charge of malicious mischief. Sentence deferred.

So other cases being ready, the Court adjourned till to-day. NEW JERSEY ITEMS. Sanitakt. The activity with which the aa thorilies ot Camden appear to be moving lu reference to the removal of nuisances from the city, in case ths cholera should happen to reach here, is truly commendable. The sanitary condition of Camden Is now remarkably good, and with proper precautionary measures it can be kept so, thus lessening, in a great degree, the Virulence ol that much dreaded and tearfully destructive scourge.

The Medical Board are also acting in conjunction with the and no measure ill be neglected at all calculated to beue-tit or priierye the health of the people. Thb Water Works. The question of purchasing the Camden Water Works by the City Council Is to be mads a distinct issue by the citizens at tbs coming election, and a direct vote for or against ths measure will be taken. Tbs Committee having ths matter In charge will have separate ba lot boxes prepared at the uiflereut polls, aud each individual entitled to vote will tbeu have an opportunity to express his approbation or disapprobation of the proposition. Tuts I a measure of great importance, as it involves an increase of the deot of the cuy over three hundred thousand dollars.

Agricultural Meeting. Yesterday afternoon the farmers of Camden and adjoining counties, held a large and very Interesting meeting in the Court House, to discuss matters connected with tha Interests of agriculture throughout the Fir Congressional District. The interest was represented as being In a truly gratifying condition, and it was resolved 14 pay more atteutiou to the business of fruit growing, Thb Election. The municipal election foi Camden comes off on Tuesday next, the 13th Instant, The two parties bave made their full tickets for City and Ward otticere.and the contest Is beginning to war quite warm. It ia quite evident, however, lhat the Union men will carry the day, as they have about three hundred majority ou their city ticket to work on.

Collision. About five o'clock yesterday afternoon two freight trains on ths Camden and Am-boy Railroad cams in collision near South Amboy. but fortunately no one was hurt. The engines wera pretiv badly broken, and the trains otherwise sustained slight damages, putting the mail trains considerably behind time. Board of Freeholders.

This body ol county officers will hold their last regular meeting os the l'Jth and will not meet again until the new board organizes in May. A statement of the county finances, however, will be made. Election of Directors. Tho annual eloc- fr.r Tiiretntu of the Camden and Pblladelphll Steamboat Ferry Company will be held on the Juts at tne notei oi ii r. juweu, iu vhiuuvu, CITY NOTICES.

An Antlqne Prophery. "In ye year eighteen sixty-one Shalle be a scatbeful warre begun, But, natheless, shalle Its end arrive, Witbouten fclle. in sixty-five. Then shalle ye land iu fame increase. And manie blessings corns with peace; For, certes, tb is to you I tell, Both poore and rlche shalle bo clothed well, And goodlle garb be In ye power Of alls who seeks a mlghtie Tower!" Our Hock of Clothing tt Vie largett and most complete to thii eit, turpaated by none in material, ttyle and fit, and told at price guaranteed lower than the lowest.

Toweb Hali Ro. S18 Market street, Bemneii ACo, I Continued from tue irst I'sffo. Uartran AfnnnirMM Rnatiii itiwitl DrOViSlOS. th Constitution now rendered obsolete by lb In orhteh I hava Klliirinri? This Would be 10 Siring into your prnencr the Institution ol slavery 'Jtsell. 1 hi would to nay that, noiwiinstaiiuiua Lrul revolution thai ho nni forward.

VOU Will not Ctenvnizc it. To-daT thlrtv reorewenUHves. In theory i-rt demand admission lute the lower House ef Congress, based entirely upon the representative rystem provided by the Constl; alios of the United Italea. I would ak thosn wbo deny thai tbs promised amendment is necessary, liow do titer propose to provide for the great fact of which I have spokenf Nanlabury. Kr SATfTBrRY (Del.) desired to know of Mr.

Morrill whether he was in favor ol letting the Southern slve vole, and whether he would keep the South smrepruoeuted nulll these slaves were permuted, to Vt. MOMULL wild the qnestlon was not pertinent to the point ho wait discussing. He continued his argument iilPsjitig that some amendment has been rendered necessary. To admit the present applicants for ce ils in the other House would be to recondite the In-Blllntliin of slavery. In answer to the objection that liaii been urged against this proposition, that it would deprive the (Southern Stales of their Constitutional Tights, hesaiii these states were still Insurrectionary.

At thecioweof the war Genernl Sherman attempted lo reosriilre their existence as states with civil rights, (lilt tne president quickly repudiated bis action in thai regard, though lie Immediately afterward did himself What he had repudiated In (General Sherman. He appointed Governor Perry In South Carolina, and am homed blra lo reorganize the fsinte Government of agouti! Carolina oij) the basis of a military order; and almost the first net of Governor Perry's olliclal life was to restore all the Itebel ofiicersin the State oltlouih Carolina, uiod the condition of their taking the oath to I 'nnu'ress. lir. Mo Ii.P.1 LI, said Congress conld not recognize these Southern htate Coverninoula as set up by Mr. Johnson.

Speech of Senator Wilson. Mr. (Mass.) said there were Indications (hat the pending measure would be defeated. This he Seriously regretted, for his heart and his conscience tpproved of It. He approved of It because he believed thai it would sweep the loyal states ot this Union hy Immonse malo; liy, and that no public man could fiuccei-d who opni il it.

lie approved of it because if It were In the Constitution ot the United Males to-iiuy, liefore five years passed away every o.uck mao in America would ho enfranchised, and cluthed with the on theother side of this chamber oppose his measure as unjust to the States recently In rebel-ion, r-omeol them tell us that we, who are pressing gins Tne.a--ure, are willing, if we can ttccure the franchise for the black man, to let all other races so. We re told. too. that it Is Immoral, indecent and offensive So reasoo and conscience. This measure came into fongre.

with ilie sanction ol the Committee on composed, as It is, of men of individual potior and personal character. It comes to the tse-giate, alter an overwhelming vote of tue House of Me jprnst-iiuiUves. It is sustained by ninety men out of every hundred of the public Journals that support the Jirnp-cnt Adimiiisirution. Were it suomltted to the American people, it would be sustained by every man Inthel'iyal Stales who believes that the soldier who loughi the battles of the couutry is the equal of the lie el who fought against it. It will be a question of manhood: a question whether One Iteliei in r-oulli Carolina is to count as much in the electoral colh-KCH and in the House of Representatives fw two loyal men ot New knglaud or the great Western states lighting the bailie he lore the people.

On the cpie-dion of the equality or the basis ot representation, 3 helieve it would triumph and go into lite Const tu-ion; being incorporated into the Constitution, the at cl'ect wo.ild he this, and only this. It would rine up a parly in every one of these blates lmuie- tfVfllelW ifM It'iMQir. Thine men in glil be Influenced by tholove of power, ty pnoe. tiy amiuuon, 10 ue-in tne contest, lor tney would Dot like to yield the power of these States In the Union. They llilht benui the battle, animated by unworthy inoiives, but aa boon as the discuss.

ou eom-jnenced. It would address itself lo the reason, to the (lean and to the conscience of the people. The advocates of negro enfranchisement would themselves Brow up to believe In the Justice and equity and jit gtviug i ne nanot-oox to ineuiucg man. mere would lie discussion In every square mile ol the Rebel Stuns. to the pi ide, the ambition and the heart; to os Ice and equiiy: to the Interests and to the passlmis, and to ail ie ioity motives that can sway and couuol nd fniiitetjcA Tney would co-operate with the friends of freedmen throughout the country.

They would be ths lelX of the cieat army of liei-dmeu in the country, and we Would gire them our pravers. our lultuc-uce, our voices and our aid In lighting that '1 ney would have the support of the prayers of the poor black men ol the rvutu In that struggle, iiccjre Ave years bad liaased away there would not be a blato tout sjrould not enfranchise the colored rueti And when they did triumph they would have uiada a public euunieDt by which every black n.au could mo to the ballot-box lo salety with his friends. 'orce by pos ili v'e law to-day upon Virginia and the SJ. mining, or any ol those Blates, colored still rage, and tiie mKio would go to the ballot-box almost at the peril of his life, but let there be four, or live, or six years of us-ion, and it will triumph ami It Kill t.s ev lor It hltti-If nitn Iji vnio i (nolesL'Ulnii, as they yoie to-day In tho jmnionwe.ilth of 1 believe, too, that if this measure ss asm the Constitution it would bring sull'rage to the tilsrk men if this country within five years, and that sahen ftuti rMge did come under these circumstances, it iu iu the language ol air. Lincoln come to stay It would be lixed Xoiever In tue geueral policy of Ihe sountrv.

Relieving this, I must give my Tote for this measure. lr. WUjsUN was scussmg tue various propositions tliesiiiijwtoi repieientation now before the Senate. nd maintaining that Cor.gr-as could not, by a joint reaoiuuoa, or by a law to regulate suffrage in the several Mates, when he was interrupted by Mr. YATK.S 5111.) who desired to ask a question, and said, I would ike to ask the beuator from Massachusetts er, Jy the Cuiistiiiitioual Amendment, every man made Tree is not as free as the Senator or myself? in other words, whether he is not entitled to the same political briviieirea as the hanator or mviieif? wl.nihvr tie ia not one of the people of the United Htates, one of "eii.i,reus ot tne tinea tsiates, ana enutiea to the tame rights and privileges wua him and with mvself cm- any other of the people of ths United Ktates? mean oytneiorceoi me constitutional Amendment dxilishiruT slavery and emancipating that oeonln.

I ontend. Into the sovereignty. Into the body politic cf sue uuiiea nutiea, thai proposition Deing put, as I ahlnk, the Senator from Massachusetts will admit, for cannot aeoy it, according to the stand-point from a hicli he sees thlngslaud Irom which 1 see thlmrs, I swlii oot ask him the question whether, under the iiuuon as it now exists, states have Jurisdiction ver tue quesliou of citizenship In the btates. but 1 sarin ask him the question whether, when we came to Jnake au oritanlc alteration In the Constitution ol the I niied blaios. and when we have in view tne tecurliy of ths rights of all cltlcens of the United States, and, of course, I mean citizens lihoul regard to rare or color, as these words I believe, accordiug to the oplnlou of the benat or from Jiiaiyiuud (Mr.

Johnson). have no longer any meaning sunder the Constitution of the United Blates, whether tjoow, when we propose to establish an organic act by "the operation ol an amendment to the Constitution, hether we propose to place it In the power of any Siale (o disfranchise any portion of the American 3eo)lef That Is the question, lor the proposition now Vending submits to the people ol the Rebel Wales to decide whether the freedmen ar to have thess rights DoU lines the Senator Irom Massachusetts, or any sjther senator, pretend to say that, under this Constitutional Amendment, the question of representation -swill be deckled by the citlsens of these Rebel Stales, fcr which I mean not only white citizens, but also the yeople of the United Stales, the people that areas free ate the same rights as you and I have to-dav. he quean. II is whether you will permit, in a Dew or-sun act of ths Constitution, a portion of the people jt)f the Southern Slates, and Rebels and traitors at that, say who shall be represented upon the floor of ths These are the questions. I do not put them for the aks of embarrassing ths (senator from Massachusetts, but 1 put them lor mv own Information, and not yet decided whether I will support the amendment or Dot.

The tact Is these questions have disturbed me to some extent, and 1 would like to have liieni answered. Mr. iUsiin said he would endeavor to answer the squniioa ul Mr. Yates frankly. I will say, to begin riin, that the Constitutional Amendment which was proposed here by the Senator from Missouri (Mr.

Hen- MMr'l rombntl adopted by Congress and ratlued by U.epe,,p,e was never understood by any man In the 'Senate or House of ReureseniHtivi th. TVVJ Tvurr1 lL nenaior irom liliuois the oounUy, as conferring upon Congress lh ti sofirage on any StU of the Union; a say h'rther. that if it had been supposed that it gave it.S,'ernW?u.Ld bave Paased Congres, or re vum nave ceive.i l(i sanction of the Stales '1 think beyond doubt or oues uaiee. i will say, sir, that micwllnn 1. l.

isrighu It clothed Coniisw. a apower to protect the civic rights so immunlt Sf every emancipated slave fn tha coiuUy ti hat slava as tree ss I am: that th. Vhiin In cradl. to5lay li rJe a. th.

enuiorrom Illinois or myself, as much a cithtn of the imed Wales as either ol us; but, sir cit renhfn never d.d, in this country, carr? wtih the "riu i.ir.nge or the right to hold othca. A man mv be and not have the right of suffraiia. Tnae. ijneniu Massaohusetul who have been cltisena Joriy yeaA and have not the right of su BiWu.t Mr. ATs-Was It understood at theumeoftife 1bsshu ot the amendment that It would coaler civil iighis? Mr.

WILSOK-I suppose It did give Congress ample Tr to make these uieu tree as the non-voting white population of those Males. As free women or children 4r psrsons who had not tne right ot sullrase. Bull did not understand It then, and I do not belleva that It gives Congress tho right to clothe these people wiui ioe riuk ui uiii-mii. vi xiftu uuiuouice. mat night.

Mr. YATE8 Suppose I do not deny the proposition Hie Senate I will put this question to them. Ida not denv the Dower of the Stales to regulate suffrage fcyany means, ta decide upon the qualiucations of tiioso woo are to vote, to oevise ano make rules aud Vgulatioos. It Is the duty of the States to regulate this rtulit. thev cannot destroy it: aud I ask theSena- oVir from Massachusetts whether he believes It is in the -ower of the State of Massachusetts, or ol Njulh Carolina, In simpty regulating the right of suffrage, to de-ffirivt the citizeus of a Stale of the right to vols aito-fcether.

Mr. WTTfON I answer that, right or wrong, the Stale of Massachusetts has done It. Mr. a rirM 'I'hftt. not the nuestlon.

Mr. WfiioN The tsenator may say that Ills not rghi; that tt ought not to be dona. I agree with hi in. my own Htate I voted against an ameudment to Ihe taie cooKtttuuou requiring las quauacatioo. ot reau lug aua writiug.

fenator from Massachusetts this day. Now, the ques tion in, nnruifr, who tins auienument oeiore us, Will put Into this amendment a new amendment bV which these States may dislranchise these persons al-torether? Mr. Wir-SfysT- In rnnlv In 1r Vto. read from the opinion of Attorney General Bates that political rignts and political power were essentially diUcreiiK that the former helo.if in nil o.t. niike.

and were in the very name and nature of oitlaenship; but the latter does not belong to all citizens alike. mr. wiusur continued hl3 speech at some lengtu. The Senate, at four uunt intn Kzeniiive ses sion, and soon alter adjourned, having previously agreed that a vote should be taken to-morrow at four C10CK. HOr.SE Or IlEPKESESTATITES.

Miss Ilartou Reimbnracd. On motion of Mr. SCIIENC'lv (Ohio) the Senate Joint resolution appropriating to reimburse Miss Clara Barton for money expended bv her and to aid her In the further prosecution of search for the missing soldiers, was by unanimous consent taken from the Speaker's table, read three times aud passed. Tennessee. Mr.

BOUTWEIX (Mass.) from the Joint Committee on Reconstruction, presented the views of the mi nority, himself and Mr. Waehbnrne, of Illinois, in re gard to the admission of Tennessee. Ordered to be printed. Right or Way. Mr.

HIGBY on leave, introduced a bill grant ing the right of wav to ditch and canal owners In Calllbrnla over public lands. Re vl twice and reierred to tne commiiieon and Freedmeti'BBiirean. Mr. ELIOT (Mass.) otTercl a resolution, which was adopted, directing Hie t-ocretary of War lo communion le to the House all orders Issued from time to lime ny omntissiouertj and Assisiaut Coiumissiouera of the Freedincn's liureuu. Keports.

Mr. tATHAM from the Committee on Printing, repurt-d a resolution to print a thousand copies extra of the several reports or the Revenue Commissioners for the use of i he secretary of the Treasury. Adopted. The Judiciary Committee being called for reports in the morning hour. 1'uNtstl CeuiinnniCRtions.

Vr. WILSON (Iowa), from that Committee, reported back with an amendment the House bill to laciiiiate commercial, postal and military conimuui-catiou timon; the several States. Mr. WILSON explained that this was the hiil which had passed the House and gone to the (senate, from which it was recalled iu order to amend it so thut it should not hecansirued to allow payment to luud-inuit ruilro ids for services done for the Government, The amendment reported Is in these terms: l'mvidrd. Tnai this uct shall not affect any stipulation between Ilia Government of the Unite! States and any raiiioad company for transportation without compensation, nor Impair nor chance the conditions iinpored by tue terms any act graining lands to any such comi.any to aid iu the construction ot its road.

At the suggestion or Mr. COA'KLING (N. the hill went ovet till Tuesday next, to be primed iu the meantime. Supif me Jtil(reft. Mr.

WILSON also reoorted back the TTonsehlll tn fix the uuiutier of judges of the (Supreme Court of the I tided States, and lo change certain Judicial districts, which was considered and passed. It enacts tliaihere-at the supreme Court shall consist of one chief jug-tic and e.ght associate irtjres. r. WlLstJX remarked lhat he should be In favorof astiii nirincr reducin.nor Jurig-. and that In the act lo amend the Judiciary system, which would soon come oeiore the House, it might be well to provide for such reduction as vacancies occurred.

Soldiers' Claims. Mr. WILSON also reported back, with a recommen dation thai pass, mo senate, bill to restrict the expenses of collecting soldiers' claims against the Government. This Is the bill restricting claim azents' lees lo ten dollars. Some debate grew up on this bill.

Mr. WENTWORTH (III.) in denouncing claim aients. gave notice to soldiers that II thev would send their papers to members ol Congre3S they Would attend to their business with ereat Dleasnre. Mr. Wi IjsON explained that the lee or ten dollars was simply a limitation; the soldier could drive any bargain within lhat limit.

This hill had been reported f.r tne purpose ot protecting the soldiers. Ifthecen- tleman from Illinois attended to all the claims of soldiers from his district be would have very little time to oevote lo reo prociiy legislation. (Lauchtert. Hr. WENTWcRTH said he had done so slier the Mexican war, aud expected to do so now.

lie was the gratuitous agent of every man in his district for all u. astmiEton Ousilless. (Laughter.) Mr. WIl-suN reminded the gentleman that th State of Ininois hud sent more soldiers to this war than the United btates had sent to Mexico. He had himself, as he presumed every other member id, attended cheerfully and without compensation, so the tiusiut ss ot soldiers in urn district, out lie could not tin dertnke to attend to his duties as member ot Congress, and at the same time attend lo all such claims.

Mr. SCHK.NCh: (Ohio) proposed to recommit the bill, with instructions to amend the bill by providing lor a system of agents, to be paid by the United States, by whom the claims of soldiers for back pay, bounties aud pensions, due from the Government may be couecieu ireeoi cost io wie soldier. Alter considerabledebate, participated In by Messrs, shollaharger, Ingersoll, Wilson, Kldndge, Cobb and Schnnck, in which It was stated that Ohio, Illinois, Iowa and other Slates had agents here attending to nie iub ou.sniesB or soiuiers, iree oi cnarge, CiThe motion of Mr. Sclienck to recommit with in structions, was voted on by yeas aud nays, aud was vairivu. caa, iu; nays, on, Civil Rights Bill.

The House resumed the consideration of the Senate em to protect an persons in the United Stales in their civil rights, and furnish the means of their vindica tion, i estponea to in is aay, Speech of Mr. Broomnll. Mr. BROOM ALL (Pa.) said he was satisfied that our Southern allies, Iu the war waged to preserve the existence of the Union, had nothing to trust to except the integrity and firmness ol the Union majority lu both Houses of Congress. That majority, through Its appropriate Committee, had presenl3d the bill under consideration as one of the measures relied on to carry out that great and patriotic purpose.

The object ol the hiil was twofold to declare who are cillzeus ul the United states, audio secure to them the proiectiou which every Government owed to its citizens. Objec tions had been made to the bill because it called the negro a citizen, dim wny not call him so? Kvery civilised man must owe allegiance somewhere. The negro in America was a civilized man and must owe ai legiauce somewnere. I li me opponen Is ol th Is mea sure cou.a point io tne foreign power to which be was su ))eoi, ne (Mi. Broumsii) must assume the negro to be what the bill called hitn.

a citizen of ihe coiiiurv in which he was born. Jt the negro owed allegiance to the Government, tnen the Government owed nrotec tion to him, and that protection must be provided by appropriate legislation. An unsuspected argument had en made by the leader ot the opposition in this body, that this bill permitted the uegrotovote lo the several Stales of the Union, and it was rather ludic rous to see the Committee having the bill in charge, agreeing to put iu a provision to quiet the alarm of the opposilepariy. He was willing to concede that, if the Democrats were lo be kept above the negroes in the social scale, there must be some dlscriminatine legislation In their favor. II used to think that the white man was better an the neero: but an experience of three winters In the South bad satisfied hltu that depended somewhat on the white man's politics.

(Laughter.) Mr. WRIGHT (JN. J.l rose to a question of order. The subject under discussion was an act to protect all persuns in uiv i'uiwu cmira iu ineir vivii rijfuiA, no bad looked over It and found that no such terms as Democra! party." "Republican party." "Coooer- bead" were used In it. The gentleman from Pennsylvania was, therefore, talking very wide of the mark if he meant to apply any of those epithets to the constituency which he (Mr.

Wright) represented. A ue r-peaaer i oe isiier pari oi tne gentleman remarks Is not a point of order. The chair thinks that the gentleman Irom Pennsylvania Is confining himself to the bill, which is very, wide In Its range, and there fore be overrules the point or order. Mr. rrogmall.

couicssea that since tne last eieo- tion tn New Jersey he probably ought to treat the gentleman'! (Mr. Wright's) constituents with a little more consideration; Mil wuetner ne snouiu apologize to them or not, would depend a little on their future Denaviour. Reierrlnc to Mr. Seward, he spoke of him as a dis tinguished public functionary, once the foremost champion of ihe rights ot man, and whose statesman- iikb sntiwieuge nan pointed out tue lnepressioie conflict between slavery and freedom, but who could not now see that treason and loyalty were eternal and uncompromising antagonists. Haspokeot the President as one who had been denounced as a nesro Moses, and had been charged even with conspiring in the assassination ol his iueueceasor, hut who now had these same Rebels, who once denounced him, hanging around his neck like so many millstones.

seen." eTutially drown him or not, was yet to be "Tr would cousent that the 'hould desert Its allies in the South, and in thiS h.rw,,,eMr'llis n1 to the enemy, and rtl'on of tihtn of the second SffilonJo? yietiedr0 tK- th. oor, but An Amendment. Mr.I5TNOHAM(Ohlii),forthennrnA.nrivrf.. amendment to the pending Sornrt wi instructions. The amendment was out annual session of this large and growing body of religious ministers will be held In this city, commencing March "th, Bishop Edward Thom son, D.

presiding. The Conference is composed of 230 ministers, representing aMethodlst family of 29,216. There are within Its bounds 130 regular pastoral charges, with an effective ministerial force of 200 men, with a cooperating; local ministry of 155. It bas six Presiding Klder'g Districts, whose geographical limits embrace the City of Hulll- more east of Jones' Falls, the counties of Haiti more, Harford, Carroll. Frederick, Washington and Allegheny, in Maryland, and York, Frank lin, Bedford, Juniata, Perry, Cumberland, Adams, Huntingdon, Blair, Fnlton, Mifflin, Union, Northumberland, Columbia, Montour, Snyder, Lycoming, Ijttzerne, Sullivan, Carbon, Clinton, Cameron, Centre and Clearfield, In Pennsylvania.

The hospitable reception this body received here in the spring of 1S59 lod it to cheerfully na cept the present invitation. During the Interim the most remarkable changes have taken place, The convulsions of the political world have shaken our country from, centre to circumference; four years the nation struggled with the monster treason; four years the loyal masses poured out treasure and blood, and now we thank God that we are disenthralled and re deemed from tho curse of human bondage. The Conference soon to convene has so changed Its complexion in this time that It is almost a new body, and the city in which It convenes has nmlonrone similar changes. 'NVil-Hamsport contained in lS'J) a population of about seven thousand, which has increased to over twelve thousand, and has lately received a city charter. It is one of tno most vigorous and enierprisintr cities in the The climate is of the most ileliuhtftil character, its scenery on-snrnnssed, and its hotel and railroad lacilltiee excellent.

There are five Methodist churches, including German and colored; also eleven or Other denominations. illiamsDort is also the seat or Dickinson Peminarv, which was incorporated in 1H4.S, and as a collcfre 1n 1SIK). It occupies a commanding position, and is under the able management of Uev. Thompson ilitcliei, u. u.

'mere are in attendance about three hundred students. The religious Interest, awaKeneu some montns since through the joint meetings of various denominations, led by llev. 15. G. Hammond, has resulted most favorably in promoting the spiritual welfare of the community.

As many as live hundred persons, it is presumed, have realized the benelits of redeeming grace, or are earnestly seeking for pardon. It is expected that this convocation of ministers and laymen from all parts of our work will give additional interest and power to the general revival of religion. Firnt Iat. Wiixi amsfort, March 7, 1868. The Con ference convened this morning in the Court Room at 9 o'clock, Bishop Thomson in the Chair, who conducted religious exercises; read-ind 103 Tsalm, and vi Chap.

and singing the 912 Hymn, commencing. "Lord I delight In Thee. Aud ou Thy care depend." Succeeded by an earnest appeal to the throne of grace. Hefore proceeding to the regnlar business, the Bishop called the attention of the preachers to the clause in the discipline rcspect-in" their deportment while at the Annual Conference. The Secretary of the last Conference proceeded to call the roll.

On mot ion Hev. J. H. C. Bosh was elected Secretary, with power to choose assistants.

lie appointed Kcvs. Cooper, Mendenhal and Monroe. The Presiding Klders were requested to lix the various committees, viz: On the Bible CaURe, ecessitous Cases, DiCKlnson College, l'ublio Worship, l'ost unices, Seminaries, Conference Keglster, Temperance, Tract Cause, Domestic Church F.xtension, Preachers' Md Society and to receive the names of local preachers lor publication in Register. A resolution was oliortsd siguod by J. Guzer and J.

McMurray, requesting the Centenary Committee to appoint au evening for holding tieneral Centenary Meeting; also, requesting the Conference to appoiut Thuisday evening, March 8, as the time lor holding a Temperance Anniversary Meeting. So ordered. A paper was received from the General Centenary Committee at New York, which was referred to the proper committee. Also, one Irom Church Extension Committee, which waa referred. One irotu the Sunday School Union referred to the Committee on Sunday Schools.

The second question of minutes was then Whcremaln on trial? The following brethren were continuod, the Committee reporting on their their several Presiding Klders on moral character, Charles O. Cook, M. C. Kriltain, IraS. Chandler, C.

D.Hmith, William H. Noreross, H. Malileur, J. P. Moore, John Donahue and James Mullen.

Kevs. H. B. Kidgway, of New York Conference- G. D.

Carrow, of and S. ltrown, of Fast Genesee, were introduced and Invited to seats within the bar. Question four was then taken op, viz, "Who are the Deacons?" Answer M. L. Smyser, L.

8. Crone, J. D. Moore, H. A.

Crerling, T. M. West, A. K. Miller, J.

W. Leckie, J. M. Santz, W. K.

Whitney, A. W. Decker, B. C. Swallow and F.

E. Church. Kev. A. K.

Miller was permitted to pass an examination on the whole course, andacommit-teeappointed for that purpose, prior to his election to Elders' Orders. A paper was read from the Preachers' Aid Society, containing Treasurer's account and general statements of Society. Kev. Mr. Slicer moved that the tloOO to be disbursed should be done in such a manner as to give $1200 to necessitous cases, and 1300 to education of preachers' chiidteu.

Kev. Dr. lieily offered as ft substitute to appropriate the whole amount to necessitous cases. The substitute, after considerable discussion, was lost, and the former adopted. The Bishop ordered tue Conference to draw on the chartered fund for $50.

Rev. Mr. Downs moved that to-morrow, at 10 A. M. be occupied by the Stewards for making their call.

Ho ordered. The seventh question was asked, vise Who are the supernumerary preachers. Answer Oliver Kgle, J. W. Cullom, P.

a. Reese, John Lloyd, T. H. Switzer and P. B.

Knch; their character passed and relation continued. The relation of J. Montgomery aud Ashury Guyer was changed to effective; lhat of K. E. Allen to superannuated.

The case of George Hlldreth was laid over" After announcements for night the Conference adjourned by expiration oi time. Benediction pronounced by Kev. Henry Slicer, D. D..