“Not only is Mr. Sumner right as to the power of Congress
in the present case, but long ago he was right as to the
power of Congress to govern the unconstitutional States
as conquered provinces. He then stood almost alone in the
Senate in an opinion which he has since seen adopted by his
brother Senators. We trust his compeers will agree to his
present bill. We happen to know that Thaddeus Stevens--who,
even when sick, is more well than most men--is preparing,
on his sick-bed, an argument in support of Mr. Sumner’s
plan. We happen to know, also, that Chief Justice Chase
agrees with Mr. Sumner’s view.”