Mr. WILLEY. Mr. President, I do not propose to address the Senate on this question. but I simply design to make a statement in regard to the vote which I shall give. It Will be remembered that during the discusswn of this bill prior to its passage by this bed, I objected to a portion o it upon the ground that in my judgment, it was unconstitution al; and having seen no cause to change my Opinion in that respect, I shall feel bound to vote against the bill at this time. I beg to read a few tence s from the brief remarks which I en made. I said on that occasion: “Mr. President. I know of scarcely a higher duty than has been imposed by the result of this war upon the Government to provide for the very contingen eies embraced within the provisions of this bill; I know of no higher obligation than tomake all necessary provision for the protectipnand the ele vatioonf this race, for their protection in theircivrl rights and in the enjoyment of their proper pursuits. arid for their protection in all the civil relations of life. know of but one higher duty devolving upon the Senate, and that is the obligation to abide by the Constitution. I stand here under the obligation of an oath to support that constitution I and having come to the conclusion, from the arguments that have beennindo during the progressof this discussion, that Congress hasno powerto grant the provisionscontainedWithin this section" Alluding to the 6th section, then under discussion “I shall, since the yeas&nayshave beencalled, be compelled to vote to strike.” out.” The Senate failed to strike out that section, and the bill passed finally with that section. in it. Recognizing the same obligation now which I did then, the solemn obligation of the oath under which I act, I shall be reluctantly compelled to vote against the passage of this bill now, as I was to votoa ainst that section then. I have to make this explanation for the purpose of having it placed upon record that I vote against this bil simply ccause it has this 6th section in it.I do not wish it to be understood that I approve or that I disapprove of any of the positions in the veto message, whether relating to this bill or to other subjects, except that one which holds that this bill is unconstitutional because it contains within it the provisions of the 6th section. Having made these remarks, I must record my vote against the passage of the bill.