oke in favor of the bill. Of the
oft-repeated objection that "this bill is in violation of the
Constitution of the United States," he said: "This is the very
argument that we have heard from the other side of this chamber for
the last five years with reference to every single measure that has
been proposed to this House for the prosecution of the war for the
Union. No measure has been passed for the benefit of the country, for
the prosecution of this war, for the defense of your rights and mine,
but has been assailed by gentlemen on the opposite side of this House
with the argument that the whole thing was unconstitutional."

He then proceeded to set forth at length the authority of Congress to
pass such a bill.

Very strenuous opposition to the passage of the bill was made by most
of the members from Kentucky. Mr. Ritter, of that State, uttered his
earnest protest at considerable length against the measure. He
presented his views of the "grand purposes and designs of those who
introduced this bill." In his opinion they intended "to commence a
colony in each one of the five States above named, which is ultimately
to drive out the entire white population of those States and fill
their places with the negro race." And whether this is the design or
not, it is certain, in my judgment, to have this effect. And they
could not have devised a more effectual scheme for that purpose.

"Sir, it is not to be expected that the two races will live
contentedly where there are large numbers of the colored people living
near to neighborhoods settled with white persons. Experience has
proved to many of us that wherever large numbers of colored people
live, that the white people living within five or ten miles of the
place become sufferers to a very large extent. Now, sir, if this
should be the case (as I have no doubt it will) in the States in which
you propose to establish these people, the whites and blacks will
disagree to such an extent that, when people find that the colored
people are permanently established, they will be compelled, in self
defense, to seek a home somewhere else. No doubt, Mr. Speaker, but
that those who prepared this bill saw that the difficulties and
disagreements to which I have just alluded would arise, and hence they
require that military jurisdiction and protection shall be extended,
so as to give safety in their movements; and if the white inhabitants
become dissatisfied, the commissioner is prepared with