Mr. ASHLEY, of Ohio. I do not desire to take up the time of the House in discussing this proposition, as I understand the Senate has practically agreed to sustain the proposition on representation which was sent t cm from this Housea short time since. It will be noticed, that in prescribing the qualifications of electors, I omit the word “ma e” and use the words “all citizens of the U.S. above the age of 21 years.” I did this purposely, as I am unwilling to prohibit any State from enfranchising its women if they desire to do so. The Senate having struck out the 3rd clause and inserted snot er, this amendment will serve no other purpose than to show what I desired to offer the other day. But, Mr. Speaker, I have an amendment which I desire to other to this bill an amendment upon which I shall ask a vote, and to which desire the attention of the House. House bill No. 543, as reported by the committee, requires the adoption of the constitutional amendment proposed before any State, no matter when it may be ratified, shall be admitted here, thus putting it in the power of the northern States, if they desire to do so, to exclude States which in good faith ratified this constitutional amendment and amended their State constitutions and laws so as to comply with all the conditions we make. I desire, then, to have the bill reported by the committee so amended that whenever any State lately in insurrection and rebellion shall have ratified this amendment in good faith, and shall have modified its constitution and laws in conformity therewith, that its Sens&Reps shall be admitted into Congress that is, that the loyal men of Tennessee an Arkansas now elected shall be admitted; but that as to the other States, they shall, before being represented in Congress, after the adeption of this amendment and the modification of their constitution and laws, elect, or reelect, if you will, Governors and all other State officers, members of the Legislature, Senators of the U.S., and members of this House. Why do I ask for this provision? Because these governments, set up by the POTUS, set up over the heads of loyal men, have every one of them elected traitors to official positions in those States have elected traitors to this House have electe traitors to the Senate. I insist that this provision shall be applied to them, so that when their constitutions and their laws are modified in accordance with the propOsition which we lay down, the loyal men of those States shall, under the amened Constitution and laws, vote for the Officers which are to be recognized by the Government of the U.S. I as the Clerk to read the amendment which I propose be offer: