ome in what form it may, I will stand up to the last hour
of my service in this chamber, and will, endeavor, as best I can, to
perform my duty whatever may betide me."

The amendments of the House were agreed to, and the CIVIL RIGHTS BILL
wanted only Executive approval to become a law of the land.

CHAPTER XI.

THE CIVIL RIGHTS BILL, AND THE VETO.

Doubts as to the President's Decision -- Suspense ended --
The Veto Message -- Mr. Trumbull's Answer -- Mr. Reverdy
Johnson defends the Message -- Rejoinder -- Remarks of Mr.
Yates -- Mr. Cowan appeals to the Country -- Mr. Stewart
shows how States may make the Law a Nullity -- Mr. Wade --
Mr. McDougall on Persian Mythology -- Mr. J. H. Lane defends
the President -- Mr. Wade -- The President's Collar -- Mr.
Brown -- Mr. Doolittle -- Mr. Garrett Davis -- Mr. Saulsbury
-- Yeas and Nays in the Senate -- Vote in the House -- The
Civil Rights Bill becomes a Law.

The Civil Rights Bill having finally passed through Congress, on the
15th of March, by the concurrence of the Senate in the amendments of
the House, was submitted to the President for his approval. Much
anxiety was felt throughout the country to know what would be the fate
of the bill at the hands of the Executive. Some thought it incredible
that a President of the United States would veto so plain a
declaration of rights, essential to the very existence of a large
class of inhabitants. Others were confident that Mr. Johnson's
approval would not be given to a bill interfering, as they thought, so
flagrantly with the rights of the States under the Constitution.

All doubts were dispelled, on the 27th of March, by the appearance of
the President's Secretary on the floor of the Senate, who said, in
formal phrase: "Mr. President, I am directed by the President of the
United States to return to the Senate, in which house it originated,
the bill entitled 'An act to protect all persons in the United States
in their civil rights, and to furnish the means of their vindication,'
with his objections thereto in writing."

The Secretary of the Senate then read the message, which was heard
with profound attention by the Senators, and a large assembly which
thronged the galleries, drawn thither in anticipation of the
President's veto message.

"_To the Senate of the United States:_

"I regret that the bill which has passed both houses of
Congress, entit