This proposed Amendment to the United States Constitution was originally proposed by a coalition of Republicans, at the beginning of the Lincoln Administration. It was a desperate attempt to entice Seceding States to remain in the union. It is sometimes referred to as the Corwin Amendment in recognition of it's originator and House sponsor, Thomas Corwin. The amendment was sponsored in the Senate by William H. Seward, and was passed on to the States for ratification on March 2, 1861.