Mr. FESSENDEN. Mr. President, I think I might raise a question, itl were so disposed, upon the propriety of the amendment submitted by the houorable Senfrom Massachusetts.I am not aware that a bill can properly be offered as an amendment to a proposition to amend the constitution. It is substituting one thing for another of a very different nature; and I do not see very well how, upon the same principle, the amendment of my honorable trien from Missouri can be offered as a substitute for the bill that is presented by the Senfrom Massachusetts. I do not propose, however, to raise any question upon either, for it really makes no difference in this discussion. Itake it, it is very possible that the amendment to the constitution proposed by the committee, of which I have the honor to be a member, needs some correction. If so, Senators have had ample time to examine it, and they will be prepared, undoubtedly, to suggest what may be necessary in order to do what the lionorable Senfrom Massachusetts has said is the properolfice of an amendment. improve the proposition which I have submitted on the part of the committee. I should be very glad to see it made stronger. If the complaint against it is that it is weak, I hope Senators Wlll turn all their attention to the question of strengthening it, so that. when it shall come to be tiaally adopted, it it ever is, it may meet the approbation of the country, and accomplish the work for which it is designed. Before proceeding to consider it, allow me to sayaword upon a)etition that has been presented this morning y the honorable Senfrom Massachusetts, accompanied by the remark that be approved every word of it. I did not attend to its reading. I very seldom attend to the reading of petitions. I have taken pains to look it ever since, and am a little surprised that he should have told the Senate, with due deference to the action of one branch of congrass on this subject, that he approved all that was said in this petition. Allow me to read it, sir. I think that the Senator accompanied it with the remark that it was from “ a representative man.” I do not know what is “ meant by arepresentative man, ” or what the man who signs this petition