In making this proposition at that time I only followed the proposition I had made in the Senate two years before,[230] which I had urged upon the people in an elaborate address at a political convention in Massachusetts,[231] which I had again upheld in an elaborate effort for two days in this Chamber,[232] and which from the beginning I had never lost from my mind or heart. It was natural that I should press it in committee; but I was overruled,--the Senator opposing me with his accustomed determination. I was voted down. The chairman observed my discontent and said, “You can renew your motion in caucus.” I did so, stating that I had been voted down in committee, but that I appealed from the committee to the caucus. My colleague [Mr. WILSON], who sits before me, called out, “Do so”; and then rising, said, in language which he will pardon me for quoting, but which will do him honor always, “The report of the committee will leave a great question open to debate on every square mile of the South. We must close that question up.” Another Senator, who is not now here,--I can therefore name him,--Mr. Gratz Brown [of Missouri], cried out most earnestly, “Push it to a vote; we will stand by you.” I needed no such encouragement, for my determination was fixed. There sat the Senator from Illinois, sullen in his accustomed opposition. I pushed it to a vote, and it was carried by only two majority, Senators rising to be counted. My colleague, in his joy on the occasion, exclaimed, “This is the greatest vote that has been taken on this continent!” He felt, I felt, we all felt, that the question of the suffrage was then and there secured. By that vote the committee was directed to make it a part of Reconstruction. This was done, and the measure thus amended was reported by the Senator from Ohio as chairman of the committee. I am compelled to this statement by the assault of the Senator. I had no disposition to make it. I do not claim anything for myself. I did nothing but my duty. Had I done less, I should have been faithless,--I should have been where the Senator from Illinois placed himself.