Mr. FESSENDEN. That is precisely as I recollected it, and it supports what I “And have said shall have modified its constitution and laws in conformity therewith, ” is the language. Am I not to look to their constitutions and their laws? Am I not to see whether they are “in conformity therewith.” Am I to take it for granted, because a Legislature formed as these Legislatures are has voted pay or voted no, that therefore their constitution and their laws, which have never been submitted to congress, are “in conformity therewith?” Am I not to look at them? That brings it precisely to the point I have been suggesting, that all these matters are matters for consideration. I consider that the question of the constitutional amendment has been submitted to the voters of the U.S., and that the recent elections have established that that is to be supported and insisted upon. That was the issue made; it was the issue with the President and with all who opposed it; and that I deem to be established. The bill we have not acted upon. The bill has not been taken up in. either of Congress and acted upon. Congress has never expressed an opinion upon that proposition, although it is part of the report of the reconstruction committee. But I say now, as I have said before, I am as desirous as any man can be that this unhappy controversy should be ended; I am as desirous as any man can be that all these rebellious States should be back again in the Union on a perfect equality with those that are there now, and I will do everything in my power to bring it about, and I will not be too stringent as to conditions; I am willing to yield much and to suffer much; but I will not yield under any circumstances the guarantees we have insisted upon up to this date, and such further ones if necessary I do not say now that any others are necessary as will secure the Union against a recurrence of a disaster such as we have suffered. Now, sir, if the Senator wants to ask me any question pertinent to what I have been saying I am perfectly willing to answer.