Mr. McKEE. Now, it up cars to me the Gentlemen on the other side of the House iriiore altogether the great principles upon which our Government is fonn ed, namely, that we are a Government by the people. They are afraid to trust the people on this great question which. properly belon to them the amending of the constitution. aIghey dislike to iit the subject before them. It shows a lack oi? confidence in the people. I have always been willing to trust the people of this country, and I am not afraid to put this issue before them now. I believe it best for the future security, peace, and happiness, that it should go to them and in their wisdom and majesty let them act upon it. Gentlemen talk a great deal about usurpation. Who is it that makes these usurpations? It is the Representatives in this Hall who are simply the exponents of the people at home, and when the people indorse our action where is the usurpation?Iam not afraid. The peodo will take care of that. Now, sir, wh dea action? Why stop to inquire? Why heseec these men, who, voluntariy left the Capitol, to come back here and aid us in fixing u and restoring the countrv? I believe thatal men agree in this, that the great fabric of our institutions has been shaken. We have set out on a voyage, we have sailed smoothly, peace fully, quietly along the sea of progress. At last a great wave has swept over our ship and shaken some of her timbers, but, thank God, it has not destroyed her. Now whatis the part of wisdom? What is the duty of the men who manage the ship of state? To trim her sails anew, and repair her weak points for the purpose of devel oping her strength, so as to be prepared for all future emergencies. Mr. Speaker, I take this proposition that comes from the ComReconstruction simply and onlyupon that basis; believingthatit is the best thing. under all the circumstances, that we can do for the land at present; believing that it will be a more certain guarantee of peace, happiness, and security to our land that we are likely to get; and believing that it will do more than any measure we can secure to keep down the traitor power, and leave their influence in the councils of the nation too small to be felt.