In the course of the speech of Mr. Henderson, this further colloquy occurred.
Mr. Henderson. To secure national supremacy, you must have the aid of State authority. For legitimate State authority you must rely upon the loyal voters.
Mr. Sumner. There is where I agree precisely with the Senator; and I should like to hold him to it. He says the loyal men must form the Government, and we should recognize that Government; and yet he insists upon a mere oligarchy forming it, and an oligarchy of the skin.
Mr. Henderson. The Senator says he agrees with me in my position, but insists that I am in favor of an oligarchy. If I am in favor of an oligarchy, and he agrees with me, then he also wants an oligarchy. [Laughter.]
Mr. Sumner. The Senator plays upon words.
Mr. Henderson continued at length, answering various objections to the Louisiana State Government on account of irregularity in the proceedings. Upon his statement that the failure of the Rebels to vote did not harm the great principles of Republicanism, the following passage occurred.
Mr. Sumner. It was the failure of loyal citizens to vote that did the damage.
Mr. Henderson. I answer that by asking, What loyal men did General Banks prevent from voting?
Mr. Sumner. All the colored race.
At a late hour Mr. Henderson concluded, and the Senate adjourned.