Mr. HALE. Mr. Speaker, without expressing any opinion upon the merits of this bill, I beg leave to appeal to this House not to force action upon it this morning without its being printed, without an opportunity for its examination by members, and without an opportunity for discussion. It is certainly as grave a question as has ever engaged the attention even of this Congress, whose time has been occupied with grave questions from its commencement; and it does strike me that the case is not so clear in regard to precedent as has been stated by the chairman of the ComJudiciary in his argument. It does not necessarily follow and gentlemen will not understand me as attempting to controvert the truth of the gentleman's position, but merely to state that not satisfied with his argument as it stands now it does not necessarily follow that what was within the sphere of Congress at a time when rebellion was actu ally raging, is a necessary precedent for action today, when, whatever may be the theory in regard to the status of the States lately in rebellion, it cannot be claimed that we are in a state of bello flagrante. Now, while for myself I do conceive that it is in the power of Congress to determine to a certain extent when, how; and how far States shall be restored to their representation in Congress and in the Electoral College, I also believe with equal sincerity that there is a limit to that power by this body, and that it does not lie with this Congress under all circumstances and in all cases, in time of peace as well as in time of war, to say that certain States or communities shall not be represented upon this floor, I therefore urge the gentleman who reports this bill, and I urge the majority of this House, not to force action this morning under the 3 years. If that act, or its limitation, shall operation of the previous question, but to allow the bill to be printed and its consideration set down for an early day, so as to give us all a reasonable opportunity, for discussion. examination and that is done I will not say that “I shall be found in opposition to the bill. I may be found o: it. But I am today unprepared and I say it with all sincerity and honesty to record my vote upon so important a measure as this. If the gentleman will allow me, I will make a motion to print the bill and make it the special order for an early day.