January 10, 1870, the Senate proceeded to the consideration of a Joint Resolution reported from the Committee on the Judiciary, declaring, “That the State of Virginia is entitled to representation in the Congress of the United States,”--she having, as was said, “complied in all respects with the Reconstruction Acts.” Mr. Sumner, apprehending that this compliance had been merely formal, and that the Rebel spirit was still the dominant influence in Virginia, urged postponement of the measure for a few days, to afford opportunity for information, remarking:-- I am assured that there are resolutions of public meetings in different parts of Virginia, that there are papers, letters, communications, all tending to throw light on the actual condition of things in that State, which in the course of a short time, of a few days at furthest, will be presented to the Senate. Under these circumstances, I submit most respectfully, and without preferring any request with reference to myself, that the measure should be allowed to go over for a few days, perhaps for a week, till Monday next, and that it then should be taken up and proceeded with to the end. My object is, that, when the Senate acts on this important measure, it may act wisely, with adequate knowledge, and so that hereafter it may have no occasion to regret its conclusion. How many are there now, Sir, who, on the information in our papers to-day, would not recall the vote by which Tennessee was declared entitled to her place as a State! You, Sir, have read that report signed by the Representatives of Tennessee, and by her honored Senator here on my right [Mr. BROWNLOW]. From that you will see the condition of things in that State at this moment. Is there not a lesson, Sir, in that condition of things? Does it not teach us to be cautious before we commit this great State of Virginia back to the hands of the people that have swayed it in war against the National Government? Sir, this is a great responsibility. I am anxious that the Senate should exercise it only after adequate knowledge and inquiry. I do not believe that they have the means at this moment of coming to a proper determination. After extended debate, Mr. Sumner’s proposition finally took shape in a motion by his colleague [Mr. WILSON] to postpone the further consideration of the resolution for three days. In response to Mr. Stewart, of Nevada, who had charge of the measure, and who insisted that “no one had been able to find a reason worthy of consideration why they should not proceed and act affirmatively at once,” Mr. Sumner said:--