Mr. BOUTWELL. Mr. Speaker, I have not much to add to what has been already said in this debate. Without being well convinced as to the legal effect of the section which is now proposed to be stricken out, I am confident that that section embodies a proposition which ought not to receive the support of Congress in the present condition of.affairs. We are.". in the great work of reconstructing this Government, and I suppose if we are committed to anything it is this: that in the ten States not now represented there shall hereafter be no distinction on account of race or color. Our friends in Tennessee are engaged in a life and death struggle for the establishment of the principle that a man as a man has a right to participate in the Government. In the State of Iowa the contest is now going on for the amendment of their constitution, by which they purpose to strike from the text a provision corresponding exactly to that which is incorporated in the constitution of the proposed State of Nebraska. Under these circumstances, and after great. deliberation, I am resolved as one membernot to give my support to any proposition which shall contravene the great purpose we have in view, which the country seeks as the consummation of the great war through which we have passed, the recognition of the rights of all men to participate in the Government of the country. As a question of public policy in reference to Nebraska, it is clear if Nebraska will not accept through her Legislature the proposition I now submit to this House it is absolutely inconceivable that we should believe Nebraska will obey the proposition the committee has reported here, and which I move be stricken from the text of this bill. It is plain if Nebraska desires to conform to the settled policy of this country in reference to the right of men to participate in the Government, she will speedily accept the proposition we now offer; and if she will not accept this proposition she ought not to be received into this Government as a State, when we are contending with all the strength which the free people of this country can command to secure this same principle in ten revolted and at present rebellious States. And therefore I am willing to take the ground in reference to Nebraska, to Colorado, to SCarolina, and every State constituted out of new territory, or reorganized out of the old States, that they shall not come here by their representatives until they accept this fundamental principle of a RFG. And without further debate on my part, unless some gentleman desires to be eard, I shall ask for the vote.