SENATOR VEST, MISSOURI.
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 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.