What I object to in this bill is that it is a bill of attainder,
unconstitutional in the Territories, unconstitutional in the States,
unconstitutional wherever the flag of the Republic wavers to-day in
supremacy. It is a bill of attainder because it {328} inflicts a
punishment, in the language of the Supreme Court of the United States,
without trial by a judicial tribunal.
Mr. President, as I said before, I am prepared for the abuse and
calumny that will follow any man who dares to oppose any bill here
against polygamy; and yet, so help me God, if my official life should
terminate to-morrow, I would not give my vote for the principles
contained in this measure.