Mr. HOWE. To reply to the criticism of the Senfrom NewJersey would lead me very much further into the discussion of the subject than I meant to go. I will say, by way of reply, very briefly, that if the question were a new one I myself would think there were grave reasons for contendin that the body spoken of in the 1st clause of the 3rd section was precisely the same body spoken of in the 1st clause of the 4th section, that the “ legislature” which is to choose Senators is precisel the same Legislature which is to prescribe reguations; but tie question is not a new one. Although I do not agree with the Senfrom NewJersey that precedent or use e or cus tom has settled the point that “ the legislature 1st spoken of means the 2 Houses in joint meeting, yet I do think precedent and u have settled the interpretation that it means ta members of the Legislature; that the members of the Legislature may, without the participation of the Governor, or without the participation of that majority which can enact a law, elect Senators; but in order to do so by any. other means than those b which they can enact a law, they must be out orized to do it by a law enacted by the lawmaking power. I believe, so far as my acquaintance extends, that in the interpretation which usage sanctions. I do not think that a joint convention has been held withoutthe sanction of a law, at least, if it has, I am not aware of any such usage. Now, Mr. President, I have said nearly all I intended to say. Iwas remarking, however, when interrupted by the Senfrom NewJer sey, that it was impossible for us to consider 40 votes as amajority of 81. Besides that. there are rules of interpretation, not made for the government of this precise case, but as I think {In the government of analogous cases which exclude us from this interpretation. I think when the Legislature delegated to its members in jointconvention the right to appoint a Senator, it did by force of that language require the assent of a number of individuals equal to a majority of those acting at the time and upon the question in order to a result.