[133] Nothing is clearer, under the rules of the Senate, than that Mr. Sumner was in order, when, on introducing his bill, he proceeded to state the causes for doing it. THE PRESIDING OFFICER. It is the opinion of the Chair that the debate is out of order. I am not precisely informed of what the rule is; but such is my clear impression. MR. WALKER (of Wisconsin). If the Senator from Massachusetts will allow me, I will say a word here. MR. SUMNER. Certainly. MR. WALKER. It is usual, upon notice being given of intention, to ask leave to introduce a bill. The bill is sent to the Chair, and it is taken as a matter of course that the Senator asking it has leave. But in this instance, differing from the usual practice, objection has been made to leave being granted. The necessity is imposed, then, of taking the sense of the Senate on granting leave to the Senator to introduce his bill. That, then, becomes the question. The question for the Chair to put is, Shall the Senator have leave? THE PRESIDING OFFICER. That was the question proposed. MR. WALKER. Now, Sir, it does seem to me that it is proper, and that it is in order, for the Senator to address himself to the Senate, with the view of showing the propriety of granting the leave asked for. He has a right to show that there would be propriety on the part of the Senate in granting the leave. I think, therefore, as this may become a precedent in future in regard to other matters, that it should be settled with some degree of deliberation. MR. GWIN. Let the Chair decide the question. THE PRESIDING OFFICER. The Chair has decided that debate was not in order, in his opinion. MR. SUMNER. From that decision of the Chair I most respectfully take an appeal. THE PRESIDING OFFICER. From that ruling of the Chair an appeal is taken by the Senator from Massachusetts. The question is on the appeal. MR. BENJAMIN. In order to put a stop to the whole debate, I move to lay the appeal on the table. That is a motion which is not debatable. MR. SUMNER. Is that motion in order? THE PRESIDING OFFICER. Certainly it is in order.[134] MR. WELLER (of California). I desire to make one remark in regard to the rule. THE PRESIDING OFFICER. It is not in order now. The question must be taken without debate. MR. SUMNER. Allow me to state the case as it seems to me. I was on the floor, and yielded it to the Senator from Wisconsin strictly for the purpose of an explanation. When he finished, I was in possession of the floor; and then it was that the Senator from Louisiana, on my right---- THE PRESIDING OFFICER. Will the Senator from Massachusetts give leave to the Chair to explain? MR. SUMNER. Certainly.