Mr. FESSENDEN. Yes, sir. Now, there is the principle laid down in so many words, and agreed to, as I understand, speeihcall by the honorable Senfrom Maryland, whose authority we all aeknowled e, that inasmuch as the State of Louisianaha been declared to be in a state of rebellion, and intercourse with it had been suspended by a law of Congress, therefore Congress could not properly admit members from that State, except in pursuance of a law of Congress providing for her peculiar condition—I do not pretend to repeat the exact language. When that resolution was introduced into Congress, did it occasion any Foot. Henderson; Spragus, cussion upon that principle or the propriety of its application? Was there anyobjection made to it here? Was there any objection made any where? Did not everybody recognize the propriety of that exact expreSsion of opinion as applied to the proposition to admit Sens&Reps from such a State? I was not here at the time, but I am informed that there was no discussion upon that particular subject, and no fault was touiid with the particular course that was thus indicated, so far, at least. as this principle was concerned. How does it happen, then, that when a similar resolution is proposed, one applicable to other States that have been precisely in the like condition, there seems to be so much sensitiveness in the minds of gentlemen ! How can it be accounted for tha what was thought to be so proper as applicable to the State of Louisiana should be so improper as applicable to these other States? It is for gentlemen to answer. Let us look a little further and see what has occurred since that time, because I feel some what sensitive on this subject. Charges have been made with reference to the committee of whiehI have the honor to be a member that have somewhat affected my view of my own condition, and I feel compelled not only to vindicate that committee, but to vindicate the l action of Congress with reference to it. Before proceeding further, although exceedingly averse to appealing to newspalpers,dyet as I learn from all quarters that what sen to the Chair is a correct statement of what was said on a recent occasion, I will ask the Secretary to read an extract which I have marked from a report in the Morning Chronicle of aspeech made by the POTUS to his fellow citizens.