Mr. DAVIS. Mr. Speaker, I desire to say a few words in favor of e passage of this bill. Among the powers lodged in Congress by the Constitution of the U.S. is one to establish uniform laws on the subject of bankruptcy. I suppose it was intended that these laws should not only be uniform but enduring. Congress hitherto has failed to carry out the dut enjoined on it by the Constitution in estabfishing uniform an permament laws on the subject of bankruptcy. ow, sir, the experience of this country ever since its organization is like the experience of pvery other civilized country. There are times and emergencies when men require the interposition of the Government to relieve them from misfortunes where their ener and enterprise have involved them in he ilities to which they are unable to respond. In 1842 Congress passed a bankrupt law which was for the benefit of the debtors almost entirely. Yet in the purview of the Constitution it was the duty of Congress to pass a law for the creditors as well as for the debtors. When that law was passed 1,000s and tens of 1,000s of men whose energy and enter prise added to the aggregate wealth of the country were struck down by the revulsion of 1836 and 1837. They availed themselves of the benefit of that law and again applied their energies to the development of the resources of the nation. The country has become richer from their labor. Unfortunately, however, that was not continuing legislation. Since then Congress has done nothing either for the benefit of debtor or creditor. Session after session bankrupt laws have been introduced and have been defeated, and in the mean time the men who have met with misfortune, against which they could not. struggle, have one down under the pressure of liabilities. They have remained idle, as they can do nothing with the heavy hand of the creditors upon them. In many States the debtors were liable to be put in prison for debt but advancingcivilization has either obliterated entirel or materially modified that law. But while ebtors may not be imprisoned for debt, yet the country will lose the benefit of the energy and enterprise of these men because of the pressure of their liabilities. We ought at once to relieve them. I believe there is no measure before congress which is entitled to a more careful consideration than this one for the relief of men who have been borne down by various disasters which have swept over the country since 1836. By the passage of this measure we relieve these unfortunates, and at the same time provide means by which the creditors may collect from the debtors. I do not. suppose this law is perfect. I do not suppose any law we can pass will be perfect. It is, however, the basis upon which we can erect. a more perfect superstructure, and I hope it will receive the favor able consideration of the House.