If I find it does continue to be a State after that, then I shall strive to ascertain whether it will so continue to be a Government--a State--after, by means of universal treason, it has ceased to have any constitution, laws, legislatures, courts, or citizens in it." "If, in debating this question," continued Mr.Shellabarger, "I debate axioms, my apology is that there are not other questions to debate in Reconstruction.

If," said he with well-timed sarcasm, "in the discussion, I make self-evident things obscure or incomprehensible, my defense shall be that I am conforming to the usages of Congress.

I will not inquire whether any subject of this Government, by reason of the revolt, passed from under its sovereignty or ceased to owe it allegiance; nor shall I inquire whether any territory passed from under that jurisdiction, because I know of no one who thinks that any of these things did occur.

I shall not consider, whether, by the Rebellion, any State lost its territorial character or its defined boundaries or subdivisions, for I know of no one who would obliterate these geographical qualities of the States.

These questions, however much discussed, are in no practical sense before Congress." "What is before Congress ?" asked Mr.Shellabarger.