Mr. Morrill. That is what it comes to.…
Mr. Sumner. Is not the new proposition almost identical with the original House proposition on the question of color?
Mr. Morrill. On the question of the exclusion of colored men it is identical. It does exclude colored men.
Mr. Sumner. I understand that the point of difference between the two Houses was simply as to the word “white” or “black.”
Mr. Morrill. That was the principal question, and on that point I desire to say precisely how the Committee found the question.…
Mr. Sumner. Then the proposition, as I understand it, is, that the Senate shall abandon its position. Why so? Because the House of Representatives will not abandon its position.
Mr. Morrill. No, Sir, the Senator will allow me: because there did not seem to be any practical sense in adhering to it; because to adhere to it defeated the bill; because to adhere to it accomplished no earthly purpose, gave nobody any right.
Mr. Sumner. For the other House to adhere on the other side defeated the bill also.
Mr. Morrill. Yes.
Mr. Sumner. And the question is, Which shall adhere, the side that is right or the side that is wrong?