Mr. TRUMBULL. The Senator does not mean a law. I think it very important, in the right decision of this question, that we should understand what a law is, and what the proceeding is by which a Senator is elected. I have no other desire in the world than that the Senate make a right decision in this matter. I do not desire to catch at any point or place anybody in a false pesition; and if it could seem that I was doing so, I do not intend it in that way. I am only arguing it for the purpose of showing that the positiOns as sumed are untenable. Now, the Senfrom Maine says: “ it is manifest.therefore. that it maybewell toeon sider what the relation is in which the Leaislature standsto the Governmentin referencemerely to the election of Senators. I have always held, and now hold. that the Legislature in the election of a U.S. Senator is merelytheagent of the Constitution of the U.S.toperformaccrtain act. it is the designationofa body. abody recognise dns acoustitquent part of the govemgient of one State. The constitution selectsthat body of men to perform certain actsin connectionwith the Government of the U.S. The bod thus selected is therefore.in the serlormunce otf at apt. but the mere agent of the constitution ol the U.S. to perform it. It is therefore under the control of no other power. NO provision in the consiitution of NewJersey providing the modein which a Senator shall be elected or the course that shall be taken or the rules of the proceeding or anything of that kind would bind in any way the Legislature which is to perform the act. NO provision oflaw of a previousLegislature would bind the Legislature which is to perform that not." With most that is here said I entirely concur, but I am not quite prepared to concur in the last sentence, that no provision of law of a pre vious Legislature would in any manner bind the Legislature called on to perform the net. It may be so; perhaps it is; but take this very case in NewJersey, where there is a law providing that the Senators shall be elected in joint meeting. That law can only be repealed by another bod. Could the 2 Houses by concurrent resolution elect a man in violation of that law?