of the events alleged to have
transpired in the presence of the men who wrote and adopted these
resolutions, they seem to me the very germ of despotism and barbarity,
and yet I am assured by a gentleman friendly to them that they are
the creed of nine-tenths of the party in power in Mississippi. I
should like to know--it is right that we should learn--the groundwork
of opinions so utterly repugnant to republican institutions.

"In this investigation I would seek every palliation or excuse for
the conduct of the people complained of. I would give to their
motives and to the natural feelings of mankind in their situation
the most charitable construction. I would give to them all political
power they ever enjoyed, and, without unkindness, or pains, or
penalties, or even reproaches, I would extend to them every right,
favor, or facility, that is enjoyed by any citizen in any part of
our country; but when this concession is made to them I would demand
that in the states under their control the freedom and equality of
rights and privileges guaranteed by the constitution and the laws
to all citizens, white or black, native or naturalized, poor or
rich, ignorant or learned, Republican or Democrat, shall be secured
by the state government, or, if not, that their rights and privileges
shall be asserted and maintained by the national government. Upon
this issue I would appeal to every generous-minded man, to every
lover of his country, to everyone who wishes to enjoy his own rights
by his own fireside, free from embarrassment, to stand by those
who, yielding to others the protection of the laws in the enjoyment
of equal rights, will demand the same for themselves and for their
associates."

General Mahone made a long and interesting speech in respect to
the Danville election.

The resolution was adopted by a party vote, yeas 33, nays 29. As
the investigation ordered embraced two distinct series of events,
they were separately considered and reported upon by the committee
on privileges and elections. Mr. Hoar was chairman of the committee.
I was a member of the committee and assumed the chief work in the
examination of witnesses as to the events in Danville. Mr. Lapham
prepared the majority report, and Mr. Vance the report of the
minority. These reports, with the testimony taken, were printed
in a document containing 1,300 pages. The Copiah county matter
was referred to another sub-committee. As no affirmative action