Mr. Sumner then took up the several points of the resolutions in order and explained them. Coming to that declaring the necessity of a homestead for the freedman, he proceeded:-- I believe that all familiar with the processes of Reconstruction have felt that our work would be incomplete, unless in some way we secured to the freedman a piece of land. Only within a few days, gentlemen fresh from travel through these States have assured me, that, as they saw the condition of things there, nothing pressed upon their minds more than the necessity of such a provision. The more you reflect upon it, and the more you listen to evidence, the stronger will be your conclusion as to this necessity. Do you ask as to the power of Congress? Again I say, you find it precisely where you found the power to confer universal suffrage. To give a homestead will be no more than to give a vote. You have done the one, and now you must do the other. We are told that to him that hath shall be given; and as you have already given the ballot, you must go further, and give not only education, but the homestead. Nor can you hesitate for want of power. The time for hesitation has passed. MR. FESSENDEN [of Maine]. I should like to ask my friend a question, with his permission. MR. SUMNER. Certainly. MR. FESSENDEN. The Senator put the granting of the ballot on the ground that without it the Government would not be republican in form, as I understood his argument. MR. SUMNER. Yes. MR. FESSENDEN. Now I should like to know if he puts the possession by every man of a piece of land on the same ground. MR. SUMNER. I do not. MR. FESSENDEN. The Senator assimilated the two, and said, that, having done the one, we must do the other. I supposed, perhaps, the same process of reasoning applied to both. MR. SUMNER. No; the homestead stands on the necessity of the case, to complete the work of the ballot. MR. GRIMES [of Iowa]. Have we not done that under the Homestead Law? MR. SUMNER. The freedmen are not excluded from the Homestead Law; but I would provide them with a piece of land where they are. MR. FESSENDEN. That is more than we do for white men.