Mr. STROUSE. Mr. Speaker, it is surprising with what indifference and haste amendments to the constitution are proposed in this House. I understand some 70 proponitions are already before the 2 Houses of congress to amend the fundamental law of the land, involving in some instances an almofit total change of our form of government. Bills and resolutions to change and amend the organic law are introduced and pressed, under the operation of the previous question, as lightly and inconsiderately as if this Congress were a State Legislature, and the constitution a small railroad company asking for an amendment to its charter to build a small siding or makes turn out on the road. This is truly an alarming state of things. such legislation, at this time, patching the constitution like an old coat, of which he same writer on international law roin very soon the original frabic will be invisible on account of the nor patchwork on it, is not demanded, and will certainly not be sanctioned, by the great body of the American people. The resolution now before the House is intended to affect the southern States principally and we are asked to legislate for a people and country designated here by the leaders of the dominant party as aliens and foreign, as conquered territory under the law of nations. If iliis be true, which I most emphatically deny, then there can be no necessity for amendment. The northern States require no change in this regard. The States lately in rebellion are not and never were out of the Union, but we now pass laws affecting these States and the people thereof without granting them their constitutional right. to be represented on this floor and while I am in favor of admitting members legally elected, I wish to be understood that I allude to members elected according to forms and regulations prescribed by lawgentlemen who are capable and can qualify themselves to come here and takc their seats equally with the rest of us. There shall be no taxation without representation is a fundamental principle of American law. We tax the people of the South, subject them to the laws of pthe U.S., and hold them to all the duties and responsibilities of citizens of the States in the Union, while at the same time we deny the right of representation in both Houses of congress. t would much more comport with the ignity and sense of justice of the American Congress to let the legally elected members from the southern States he admitted and participate in the proceedings and debates, especially in matters of so great importance as a change in our organic law. Let us have a representation for our whole country. Wherever the American fla floats, from the StLawrence to the Gulf of exico, wherever the starspangled banner waves, that is our country and let us legislate as Americans, as Representatives of our whole country, in a spirit of justice, liberality, and patriotism, and we will a ain have one country.