June 28, 1864

Mr. HOLMAN. I wish to know whether the gentleman from Ohio, [Mr. Ashley,] who entered the motion to reconsider the vote by which the House rejected the bill proposing an amendment to the Constitution providing for the abolition of slavery throughout all the Statesand Territories of the United States, proposes to call that motion up during: the present session.

Mr. ASHLEY. In reply to the gentleman from Indiana, 1 will say that I do not propose to call up that motion during the present session. When I changed my vote from yea to nay and entered a motion to reconsider, I did hope to get a vote upon the proposition at this session. I did think that on the other side, on sober second thought, gentlemen enough on that side of the House could be brought to support this just constitutional amendment to carry it, but I have been disappointed. Those who ought to have been the champions of this great proposition are unfortunately its strongest opponents. They have permitted the golden opportunity to pass. The record is made up, and we must go to the country on this issue thus presented. When the verdict of the people is rendered next November I trust this Congress will return determined to ingraft that verdict into the national Constitution. I therefore give notice to the House and the country that I will call up this proposition at the earliest possible moment after our meeting in December next.