Mr. SOMNER. I have no desire to discuss the question that arises on the presentation of these credentials, and I may say that there are many reasons for the expression of personal respect toward the gentleman whonow appears as a Senfrom Florida. In many respects notin all respects, iinhappily he has done well in the situation where he was placed. I say unha ily not in all respects, for no person can read is speeches and say that in all respects he has done what a governorof one of those States at this time should have done. But I have no desire to discuss his particular case. The Senator has alluded, however, to the actual condition of things in Florida. I wish to call attention to the actual condition ofthings there, as it is represented to me by thorough y competent Witnesses whose character is vouched to me by the 1st citizens of that State. Iread passages from one letter dated in Florida, but decline tomention the town in the State, december 14, 1865, as follows: “The election has been held and as you mayex pect. rebels elected. The Legislature are 4/5ths rebel oihecrs, iroin BrigadicrGeneralJosoph hinignn down to n corporal. General Barney has not yet ob tainerl his pardon. “ The peopleof Florida are more hostile than they ever have been. They were surrendered too soon. I have found out and ascertainedto a certainty, the programmeof thesouthern States, should theybe fortunate enough to get into Congress. It is as follows: W" 1st. They are to repudiate the national debt in o. “2nd. They are to pay all the southern slave ownerstor all their negro“ emancipatedby the presidqpts proclamation. 3rd. Ihcy are to stop all pensions now given to Union soldiers, their widows rind orphans. unless a he pension is given to the confederate soldiers. their wrdows and orphans. 4th. No officeror any lending rebel shall be Da“nTilsiihsedwfoour ldhibse treason against the Governincnt. a nice state of thinlgs and would damn the country. I tell you honestly shouldshud the malt.” n The letter then goes on to make a communication to which on another occasion I felt it my duty to call the attention of the Senate. The writer says: “I am advised that certain parties hero intend the make a bu:iness ofiniporting names to Cuba. It is said that there have gone 2 vesselloads of them already.” That is the testimony of one citizen of Flor ida written from that State with regard to what is passing before his own eyes. Here is the testimony of another citizen, written December 4, "1865: I supposeyour good people think this aocnrsedrebellion isiiowerushed and that all ill peacoiuid qniot dowa South; but allow me to inform you that such is not “mouse and theonly hopeof the Union niennow is vestedin the next Congress. Will the no in and admit theseStatesback and allow them i eir former rights at once I If so. the whole country is ruined. Can you notbring influenceto bear on yourdeio gation to keep is under military surveillanceforn few years and hasnot Congress the powerto disfranchise forever these leading rebels? PresidentJohnson has enfrnnchised theiii, which virtually disfranchises us. As an instance, the vote of a loyal man (a descrter from rebeldoui) was challenged a few days since at the election in Lake City for State and county officors, also representntivesto Congress. In that the way thatloya men are to be treated and abandoned by their Government? If so I have no faith in the Government. Sonicsuy that the President is just giving them rope to hang themselves with. but heis aying it out. too long to suit us here. Let him with. raw the troopsfrom this State and it would not besafefor a Yankee ordesertorto travel through the country.” There, sir, is testimony direct. from Iflorida with regard to the actual condition of things in that State. Added to that, we have the constitution itself which this recent pretended convention has undertaken to put orwarda constitution which, after recognizing the abolition of slavery and therefore the citizenship of those who were once slaves, proceeds actually to decree their disfranchisement; and Senators are expected to recognize such an ipstrument as a RFGan instrument which begins by the denial of equality to nearly 1/2 of its citizens! The nestion is now entirely changed since the abolition of slavery, for all are now citizens, and I insist, and at a proper time shall argue the question in this o, tbat no State among these States where the governments have lapsed can be recognized as republican in form which disfranchises any considerable portion of the citizens. I am perfectly Willing that these credentials shall lie upon the table.