The Presiding Officer. The question is on granting leave to introduce the bill.
Mr. Sumner. And I have the floor.
The Presiding Officer. The Senator from Massachusetts is entitled to the floor.
Mr. Sumner. I shall not occupy much time, nor shall I debate the bill. Some time ago, Mr. President, after the presentation of the Memorial from Boston, signed by twenty-nine hundred citizens without distinction of party, I gave notice that I should, at a day thereafter, ask leave to introduce a bill for the repeal of the Fugitive Slave Act. Desirous, however, not to proceed prematurely, I awaited the action of the Committee on the Judiciary, to which the Memorial, and others of a similar character, were referred. At length an adverse report was made, and accepted by the Senate. From the time of that report down to this moment, I have sought an opportunity to introduce this bill. Now, at last, I have it. At a former session, Sir, in introducing a similar proposition, I considered it at length, in an argument which I fearlessly assert——
Mr. Gwin (of California). I rise to a point of order. Has the Senator a right to debate the question, or say anything on it, until leave be granted?
The Presiding Officer. My impression is that the question is not debatable.[133]
Mr. Sumner. I propose simply to explain my bill,—to make a statement, not an argument.
Mr. Gwin. I make the point of order.
The Presiding Officer. I am not aware precisely what the rule of order on the subject is; but I have the impression that the Senator cannot debate——
Mr. Sumner. The distinction is this——