MR. NORRIS. But I rise to a question of order. I submit that that is not the question. The Senator from Massachusetts has given notice that he would ask leave to introduce a bill. He now asks that leave. If there be objection, the question must be decided by the Senate whether he shall have leave or not. Objection is made, and the bill cannot be read. MR. SUMNER. Very well; the first question, then, is on granting leave, and the title of the bill will be read. THE PRESIDING OFFICER (to the Secretary). Read the title. The Secretary read it as follows: "A Bill to repeal the Act of Congress approved September 18, 1850, for the surrender of fugitives from service or labor." THE PRESIDING OFFICER. The question is on granting leave to introduce the bill. MR. SUMNER. And I have the floor. THE PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Massachusetts is entitled to the floor. MR. SUMNER. I shall not occupy much time, nor shall I debate the bill. Some time ago, Mr. President, after the presentation of the Memorial from Boston, signed by twenty-nine hundred citizens without distinction of party, I gave notice that I should, at a day thereafter, ask leave to introduce a bill for the repeal of the Fugitive Slave Act. Desirous, however, not to proceed prematurely, I awaited the action of the Committee on the Judiciary, to which the Memorial, and others of a similar character, were referred. At length an adverse report was made, and accepted by the Senate. From the time of that report down to this moment, I have sought an opportunity to introduce this bill. Now, at last, I have it. At a former session, Sir, in introducing a similar proposition, I considered it at length, in an argument which I fearlessly assert---- MR. GWIN (of California). I rise to a point of order. Has the Senator a right to debate the question, or say anything on it, until leave be granted? THE PRESIDING OFFICER. My impression is that the question is not debatable.[133] MR. SUMNER. I propose simply to explain my bill,--to make a statement, not an argument. MR. GWIN. I make the point of order. THE PRESIDING OFFICER. I am not aware precisely what the rule of order on the subject is; but I have the impression that the Senator cannot debate---- MR. SUMNER. The distinction is this---- MR. GWIN. I insist upon the application of the decision of the Chair. MR. MASON (of Virginia). Mr. President, there is one rule of order that is undoubted: that, when the Chair is stating a question of order, he must not be interrupted by a Senator. There is no question about that rule of order. THE PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator did not interrupt the Chair. MR. SUMNER. The Chair does me justice in response to the injustice of the Senator from Virginia. THE PRESIDING OFFICER. Order! order! MR. MASON. The Senator is doing that very thing at this moment. I am endeavoring to sustain the authority of the Chair, which certainly has been violated.