Mr.Wilson of Iowa, chairman of that committee, said they had considered it informally, and in order to save time it was brought up for action at once.

The first amendment offered was to strike out "inhabitants" and insert "citizens of the United States," and thus avoid the embarrassments that might result from giving it so broad an extension.

The amendment was promptly agreed to.

Mr.Wilson, by another amendment, removed the difficulties suggested in the Senate by Reverdy Johnson, touching the question of marriage between the races.
He supported the bill in a speech of great strength and legal research.
He admitted at the outset that "some of the questions presented by the measure are not entirely free from defects.

Precedents, both judicial and legislative, are found in sharp conflict concerning them.