Neither succeeded at the time; but in the next Congress a bill "to enable the people of Colorado to form a constitution and State government, and for the admission of said State into the Union on an equal footing with the original States," passed both Houses, and was approved by Mr.Lincoln of the 21st of March, 1864.

A month later (April 19, 1864) a similar bill for Nebraska was signed by the President.
It appeared that the citizens of each Territory who had been forward in asking an enabling Act from Congress were somewhat in advance of popular sentiment, for when the question of forming a State government was submitted to direct vote in Colorado it was rejected, and the same action was taken in Nebraska.

But soon afterward (in the year 1865) the movement for a State government gained strength in both Territories.

Through duly organized conventions and the formation and adoption of State constitutions, the people indicated a willingness, if not an active desire, to be admitted to the Union.

In Colorado 5,895 votes were cast when the constitution was submitted, and the majority in favor of the new State was but 155.