Mr. ANTHONY. Supposing that this amendment might not provoke any debate, 1 forbore to state the purpose with which I oliered it. The Senfrom Michigan in his remarks has not touched the reasons why I proposed the amendment. It is from no opposition to what I understand to be the purpose of the words stricken out. That purpose I understand to be that both Houses shall act in concert in any measures which they may take for the reconstruction of the States ately in rebellion. I think that that object is eminently desirable; and not only that the 2 Houses shall act in concert, but that Congress shall act in concert with the Executive; that all branches of the Government shall approach this great question in a spirit of comprehensive patriotism, with confidence in each other, with a conciliatory temper toward each other, and that each branch of the Government and all persons in each branch of the Government wilPbe ready, if necessary, to concede something of their own views in order to meet the views of those who are equally charged with the responsibility of public affairs. Mr. President, the words proposed to be stricken out refer to the JtCommee of the 2 Houses of Congress matters which the constitution confides to each “House separately. Each House is made by the constitution the judge of the elections, returns, and qualifica Under this resolution, I apprehend, it would be necessary torafer to this jonit committee the credentials of persons claiming seats in this body, referringt em not only to a committee composed in part of others than mcmbers of this body, but composed of a majority of others than members of this body. 1 into“! it may be argued that this contemplates the reference only of the question whether a State has a right to be not. the question whether a person represented, o aiming to represent it has a right to represent it, and perliaps that construction might obtain; but at least the resolution, as it reads, is open to a doubtful construction, and that the Senate should avoid. There is one other reason whyI move this amendment, and that is that the resolution provides that papers shall be referred to this committee without debate. This is contrary to the practice of the Senate. The HoRep has foundit necessary, for the orderly transaction of its business, to put limitations upon debate hence the previous question and the hour to e; but the Senate has always resisted every preposition of this kind, and has submitted to any inconvenience rather than chock free discussion. Senators around me, who were herein the minority, felt that the right of debate was a very precious one to them at that time; and as it was not taken from them, they are not disposed to take it from the mine irty now. I myself should have no objection to limiting debate if I thought the Senate would agree with me. In the watches of this Chamber I have often wished that some divine wer would temperthe strength of lungs in th: s aker to the endurance of the ears. of the carers; but the opinion of the Senate on that point has been too often and too decidedly expressed to leave any doubt of its policy; there ore, I thought it was best that that portion of the resolution should be stricken out. The purpose of all that is stricken out can be effected by the separate action of the 2 Houses, if they shall so elect. The HoRep having edthis resolution by a great vote, will an doubtedly adopt in a separate resolution what is here stricken out; and except so far as relates to the credentials of Senators, find so far as relates to the restriction upon debate, I shall, if this amendment be adopted and the resolution passed, offer a resolution substantially declarin it to be the opinion of the Senate that until committee reports, presuming it will report in a reasonable time, no action should be taken in the representation of the Stateh lately in rebellion. 7