Mr. HIGBY.Mr. Speaker, I would have preferred to have had the Gentfrom Massachusetts [Mr. Bou'rwmm occu v the remainder of his time, for I‘have been big fly interested in what he has said for I think he has spoken words which will be treasured in the future. I will state briefly the reasons why I shall vote against this proposition. I have 2 prominent reasons against it. I would have yielded somewhat of one of them, provided I had seen a single shadow of hope coming from the State of Tennessee itself. I find on the examination of the constitution of Tennessee that the voting power is confined exclusively to the white population. If Tennessee would have even yie ded to allow the colored men who had been soldiers to vote; or if they had even initiated a policy which might have grown to fullness hereafter, I might have consented to the proposition. Since the proposition that is now before the House assumes to dictate terms to the State of Tennessee, and of right assumes it, we also have the power t., ipsist that that State shall recognize the greaetinciple of which I have spoken. My 2nd objection to this proposition is that the amendment of the Constitution submitted by Congress to the Legislatures of the several States, although ratified by the Legislature of the State of gTennessee, has not become a portion of the Constitution of the U.S and since it has not become a part of the Constitution, then the restrictions that are contained within it have no application upon that State whatever. And Tennessee, if admitted at this session of conress, will be admitted with the same numbero Representatives that the State had when the rebellion commenced. We will thus find the representation of the several States very unequal, and it seems to me that the people of the free North will express not only dissatisfaction but indignation at such a proposition. I think there certainly should have been a restriction here to the effect that before the proposed amendment becomes a part of the Constitution of the U.S. Tennessee shall not be entitled to any more representation than she would he were the amendment in full operation and effect. I have briefly stated the 2 principal objections with me to the adoption of this solution, and will not occupy more time of the House.