“And that, in pursuance of this duty cast upon Congress, and
further enjoined by the Constitution, Congress will assume
complete jurisdiction of such vacated territory where such
unconstitutional and illegal things have been attempted,
and will proceed to establish therein republican forms of
government under the Constitution, and, in the execution of
this trust, will provide carefully for the protection of all
the inhabitants thereof, for the security of families, the
organization of labor, the encouragement of industry, and the
welfare of society, and will in every way discharge the duties
of a just, merciful, and paternal government.”[242]
Sir, there was the beginning of Reconstruction in this Chamber. That
was its earliest expression.