After some time, Mr. Wade, of Ohio, remarked, that it had “got now to be pretty late in the evening,” and he moved that the resolution be postponed till the first Monday in December next. While this was pending, Mr. Wilson, of Massachusetts, moved an adjournment, which was lost,—Yeas 11, Nays not counted. After debate, the question was put on the motion of Mr. Wade, which was lost,—Yeas 12, Nays 17. Mr. Howard, of Michigan, then moved an adjournment, which was lost,—Yeas 12, Nays 19. Mr. Howard then moved that the whole subject be laid on the table, which was lost,—Yeas 12, Nays 18.
Mr. Sumner. I agree with the Senator from Michigan in the impropriety of pressing a measure of this importance. Perhaps it is the most important measure we have had before us. I shall regard its passage as a national calamity. It will be the political Bull Run of this Administration, sacrificing a great cause and the great destinies of the Republic. I will not go into debate at this time. I think the Senate is not in a condition to vote finally upon it. There are many who would unquestionably like to record their names upon it who are not here. We ought to give them an opportunity. We ought also to give an opportunity for further discussion. It never has been the habit of the Senate, except in those days which we ought not to imitate,——
Mr. Foster (of Connecticut). Will the honorable Senator allow me to ask him a question?
Mr. Sumner. Certainly.
Mr. Foster. I will ask the honorable Senator if he is not fully prepared to vote on the question.
Mr. Sumner. I certainly am prepared to vote on it.
Mr. Foster. I will merely say I am.
Mr. Sumner. … I think, on his account, it would be well that the question should be postponed for another day. It is never too late to mend; and it is not impossible that even the Senator, coming from New England, representing, as I doubt not he does, liberal ideas, devoted as he must be to the cause of Human Freedom and of his country, may think there is something in this question to justify the most mature consideration,—something on which the Senate ought to deliberate carefully, without rushing precipitately to a vote. Sir, this question ought not to be closed to-night, and I therefore move an adjournment; and on that I ask for the yeas and nays.
The motion was lost,—Yeas 11, Nays 18.
Mr. Trumbull then appealed for a vote, saying: “The Senator from Massachusetts has fought it day after day to prevent it coming up; and when a large majority of the Senate has overruled him time and again, and decided that it should come up, he stands here, at half after ten o’clock on Saturday night, making dilatory motions.” He also protested against what he called “manifestations of a determination to browbeat the Senate on the part of a minority.” Mr. Sumner followed.