I was
situated very fortunately in that respect. I had been absent
on a visit to Massachusetts when the bill passed. So I was
not on record for it. I had given it no great attention.
The special duties which had been assigned to me related to
other subjects. So when the measure came up in the Senate
I had only an opinion founded on my general knowledge of the
needs of the country and the public policy, that it was all
right. My reelection was coming on. I was to have a serious
contest, if I were a candidate, with the supporters of General
Butler, then very powerful in the State. He, in fact, was
elected Governor in the election then approaching. My first
thoughts were that I was fortunate to have escaped this rock.
But when the vote came on I said to myself: "This measure
is right. Is my father's son to sneak home to Massachusetts,
having voted against a bill that is clearly righteous and
just, because he is afraid of public sentiment?" Senator McMillan,
the Chairman of the Committee who had charge of the bill,
just before my name was called, asked me how I meant to vote.
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