Mr. HIGBY. Mr. Speaker, I join with the Gentfrom Ohio [Mr. SHELLABARGER) and other members of the House in the desire that some law may be passed giving to the next and each succeeding Congress the power to convene so soon as its existence commences; that is, on the 4th of March. I know of no good reason why so important a branch of the Government should not have in its own hands the power to act, in a legislative capacity at any time within the congressional term without being subject to the will of any other branch of the Government, and especially in view of the fact that the POTUS in his recent annual message has expressed his regret that Congress has not carried out the policy which he indicated in his message of 1865, notwithstanding the fact that that policy has received such emphatic condemnation at the hands of the nation. But, Mr. Speaker, I desire to address myself more particularly to the amendment proposed by the Gentfrom Ohio, [Mr. SHELLA BARGER] So far as regards the main features of this bill without this amendment, I am in favor of them; and I should have no objection to the measure if it were so amended as simply to provide that the executives of the several States shall be empowered to fix a time for holding elections, and that if they do not do so the States may hold their elections under the laws of their respective Legislatures. But, Mr. Speaker, the amendment as now offered by the Gentfrom Ohio is utterly impracticable, because it proposes that every one of the loyal States.represented in Congress on the 4th of March next. All of us would desire this if it were practicable, but under the amendment in its present shape it will be utterly so,: two bill as reported without amendment, if we can, impossible for the State of California to be represented in this House on the 4th of March next, by holding an election on the 22d of Feb ruary. I do not think that in the time intervening between theoz2d of February and the 4th of March, which would be only ten days, the returns of the election could be sent in to Sacramento, the capital of California, so that certificates could be issued to the members who m ght be elected. Again, sir, from 20 to 28 days would be required for the members to get from California to this city. Therefore it is utterly futile to suppose that under the amendment proposed the State of California could be represented here at the beginning of the session commencing on the 4th of March next. There must be an amendment to the amendment of the Gentfrom Ohio, [Mr. SHELLABARGER,) that as early as the fore part of January there should be an election called, or else it will be utterly impracticable, as I have stated. Mr. Speaker, if the Gentfrom Ohio wishes to occupy the floor I will make no further remarks. We have a registry law in our State passed by the Legislature commencing on the 1st Mondary in December, 1865; that Legislature has adjourned, and the next regular session would commence on the 1st Monday in December, 1867; in 2 years. That registry law was passed to make preparation for the election to be held on the 2nd Tuesday in September, 1867. There is no election in the State during the year 1866. My judgment is, if this amendment should be made mandatory on that State as well as upon others, we would find the State of California with not one 10th of her voters prepared to go to the polls and vote at this special election. It would be disastrous. If it be put in the alternative, to put it in the power of the Executive, it would be well. I think, perhaps, the amendment which my friend and colleague holds in his hand will answer the purpose. But, sir, I shall most cordially vote for this not get it, leaving our State to take the risk of having no representation at the 1st session. I believe it is the duty of Congress to keep together, or to have the power to get together on the 4th of March, and we must suffer the consequences if we cannot be represented. I think the disaster would be greater to force legislation upon the State than to have no representation.