I make no question with the Senator from California with regard to the reply of Lord Russell.… I see that to pay the bill goes against the grain of the Senator; but I believe he, too, is not insensible to the claims of equity. While I have no doubt how the conduct of Great Britain with regard to our losses should be characterized, I am anxious that my own country should be kept firm and constant in the attitude of justice.
The bill passed both Houses without a division, and was approved by the President.[35]
POWER OF CONGRESS TO MAKE A SHIP-CANAL AT NIAGARA.
Remarks in the Senate, on a Bill to incorporate the Niagara Ship-Canal, June 28, 1866.
June 28th, the Senate took up a bill from the House to incorporate the Niagara Ship-Canal, and the first question was on the following amendment, reported by the Senate Committee on Commerce:—
“Section 28. And be it further enacted, That this Act shall not take effect, unless the Legislature of the State of New York shall within one year of the date hereof give its assent thereto.”
In the debate that ensued, Mr. Sumner said:—