Mr. BINGHAM. I stated in the outset of my remarks that it was not my purpose to attempt to enforce upon this House any particular plan of my own in regard to this subject, but only to ask the House to refer these bills to the JtCom on Reconstruction for consideration. But as my friend has asked me what remedy I would propose, I will state that it is simply this: I. give remedy by law in U.S. courts in all cases if these State governments are not sufficient for the efficient protection of life and property therein. I have no doubt there is something of good in those governments, and that may come from such a provision as that which the Gentfrom Pennsylvania, [Mr. STEvess] has incorporated in his bill, declaring those organized State governments to be valid for muni cipal purposes, and declaring that all persons shall recognize the official officers thereof; still I am not prepared to say that there is not much in those State governments which is in conflict with the Constitution of the U.S., and which ought to be corrected; and, therefore, in answer to the question of my colleague, I will say that while I would accept legislation of that sort for the time being, if I may be allowed to make a suggestion, I would, instead of that, provide complete and efficient protection for all without. to persons or previous condition in such tribunals of justice as Congress may see fit to establish there, either directly or by recognizing the tribunals now there. That is my answer to the gentleman; and if that is not deemed advisable I would adopt any other constitutional State governments and a method which this House, after due consideration, may determine to be more effectual to protect all the interests of all the people of that section. Now, I beg leave to return to the bill. The 6th section, as I have already said, declares something like a million men no longer citizens of the Republic on the grounds which I have stated. i. in my opinion is a very clear departure from the provision of the constitutional amendment, which imposed no disability upon persons by reason of their participation in the rebellion, save their disability to hold office until sueh disability shall be removed by act of Congress. But what does the gentleman propose to do by this section of the bill?. He proposes to disfranchise as well as to decitizenize them for the period of 5 years. That is precisely what every Senator declared should not be done when at the last session the 3rd " section of the amendment as reported to this House against my protest was struck out by the unanimous vote of the Senate; and it is precisely what this House declared should not. done, the gentleman himself assenting when at the last session the House concurred with the Senate in striking out that provision.