Before a resolution of such importance, so open to criticism, so
doubtful in point of order, so plainly contrary to the spirit of
the Constitution, is brought under consideration, I do think that
the Senator who brings it forward should enlighten us in regard to
its object, and the reasons in justification of so extraordinary a
proposition.
Mr. Anthony made a brief statement, in which he said that
he “supposed the reason for this proposition was so evident
to every Senator who has conversed with the members of the
body, that it would require no explanation whatever”; that
“the public sentiment of the country demanded that there
should be some legislation in order to make the Reconstruction
Acts precisely what we intended them to be, and not as they
have been construed.” Mr. Sumner then moved the following
substitute:--
“That the Senate will proceed, under its rules, to the
despatch of the public business requiring attention, and
to this end all petitions and bills will be referred for
consideration to the appropriate committees, without
undertaking in advance to limit the action of Congress to
any special subject, and to deny a hearing on all other
subjects.”