Sir, shall I follow the Senator in other things? I hesitate. I began by saying I would not follow him in his personalities. I began by saying that I would meet the counts of his indictment, one by one, precisely on the facts. Have I not done so, turning neither to the right nor to the left? I have no taste for controversy; much rather would I give the little of strength that now remains for me to the direct advocacy of those great principles to which my life in humble measure has been dedicated, not forgetting any of my other duties as a Senator. If I have in any respect failed, I regret it. Let me say in all simplicity, I have done much less than I wish I had. I have failed often,--oh, how often!--when I wish I had prevailed. No one can regret it more than I. But I have been constant and earnest always. Such, God willing, such I mean to be to the end. And now, Sir, as I stand before the Senate, trying by a last effort to prevent the sacrifice of Unionists, white and black, in Virginia, I feel that I am discharging only a simple duty. To do less would be wretched failure. I must persevere. This cause I have at heart; this people I long to save; this great State of Virginia I long to secure as a true and loyal State in the National Union. Show that such is her character, and no welcome shall surpass mine. Mr. Wilson’s motion for a reference of the bill having been withdrawn, the Senate proceeded to vote on the various amendments offered. Mr. Edmunds’s Proviso was carried by Yeas 45, Nays 16. Other amendments, imposing “fundamental conditions,” to secure equality in suffrage, in eligibility to office, and in school rights and privileges, passed by small majorities. A Preamble, moved by Mr. Morton, declaring “good faith” in the framing and adoption of a republican State Constitution and in the ratification of the Fourteenth and Fifteenth Amendments to the National Constitution “a condition precedent to representation of the State in Congress,” was adopted by Yeas 39, Nays 20. The bill as thus amended then passed by Yeas 47, Nays 10. Mr. Sumner voted for all the amendments, but did not vote upon the bill itself,--it being his opinion, as shown by his speeches during the debates, that the admission of Virginia at that time, with its legislative and executive departments as then constituted, would endanger the rights and security of her loyal people. FINANCIAL RECONSTRUCTION AND SPECIE PAYMENTS. SPEECHES IN THE SENATE, JANUARY 12, 26, FEBRUARY 1, MARCH 2, 10, 11, 1870. January 12, 1870, Mr. Sumner, in accordance with previous notice, asked and obtained leave to introduce the following bill:-- A Bill to authorize the refunding and consolidation of the national debt, to extend banking facilities, and to establish specie payments.