Mr. HIGBY. Well, that does not belong to this question. [Laughter] If the gentleman wants to go out, I have no objection. [Laughter] I ask the gentleman. It is a free country, and if a man does not like this Government, with all its defects, as well as he does some other, I have no doubt that he can have the privilege of leaving it. I do not mean that with reference to my friendfrom NewYork [Mr. DAVIS] in, particular. He is a very pleasant gentleman, and I think very much of him. I speak generally. Now, sir, I am aware that the practice has been very different. I am aware that almost from the establishment of the Government under the present constitution, notwithstanding the construction that was given to it by those who framed it, we have practiced very differently under it, from the construction it would bear according to the principles of right and wrong. I have no doubt that they will find worlds of authority to support the position that by the practice which has prevail for the last half century SCarolina has been recognized as a State with a, RFG, and so has Mississippi, although in each of those States 1/2 of the nativeborn population have been disfranchised, in violation of that very provision of the constitution which I have just read. and, sir, what has been the result of the violation of that principle? A terrible chastisement has been received by the North, while the South. has been desolated by the scour e of war for the last 5 years. It is because the practice has been false to the principles contained in the constitution of the U.S.; and I am not ready today, now that slavery has been abolished, to break down one single barrier of that instrument, but rather to strengthen it by provisions which establish justice. I have stated in objection, and I am sincere and earnest in the declaration which I have made as to my views on this floor. I do not know that there are half a dozen in this House who will sustain me. I know, however, that I am on the side of liberty and right, and I have sworn to be on that side for the remainder of my days; and it is no matter whatconsequences may follow so long as a man has an approving conscience that will carry him through every emergency.