Resolutions declaring the true principles of Reconstruction,
the jurisdiction of Congress over the whole subject, the
illegality of existing governments in the Rebel States, and the
exclusion of such States, with such illegal governments, from
representation in Congress, and from voting on Constitutional
Amendments.
_RESOLVED_, (1.) That in the work of Reconstruction it is important
that no false step should be taken, interposing obstacle or delay,
but that, by careful provisions, we should make haste to complete the
work, so that the unity of the Republic shall be secured on permanent
foundations, and fraternal relations once more established among all
the people thereof.
2. That this end can be accomplished only by following the guiding
principles of our institutions as declared by our fathers when the
Republic was formed, and that neglect or forgetfulness of these guiding
principles must postpone the establishment of union, justice, domestic
tranquillity, the general welfare, and the blessings of liberty, which,
being the declared objects of the National Constitution, must therefore
be the essential aim of Reconstruction itself.
3. That Reconstruction must be conducted by Congress, and under its
constant supervision; that under the National Constitution Congress
is solemnly bound to assume this responsibility; and that, in the
performance of this duty, it must see that everywhere throughout the
Rebel communities loyalty is protected and advanced, while the new
governments are fashioned according to the requirements of a Christian
commonwealth, so that order, tranquillity, education, and human rights
shall prevail within their borders.
4. That, in determining what is a republican form of government,
Congress must follow implicitly the definition supplied by the
Declaration of Independence; and, in the practical application of this
definition, it must, after excluding all disloyal persons, take care
that new governments are founded on the two fundamental truths therein
contained: first, that all men are equal in rights; and, secondly, that
all just government stands only on the consent of the governed.
5. That all proceedings with a view to Reconstruction originating in
Executive power are in the nature of usurpation; that this usurpation
becomes especially offensive, when it sets aside the fundamental truths
of our institutions; that it is shocking to common sense, when it
undertakes to derive new governments from a hostile population just
engaged in armed rebellion; and that all governments having such origin
are necessarily illegal and void.
6. That it is the duty of Congress to proceed with Reconstruction;
and to this end it must assume jurisdiction of the States lately
in rebellion, except so far as that jurisdiction has been already
renounced, and it must recognize only the Loyal States, or States
having legal and valid legislatures, as entitled to representation in
Congress, or to a voice in the adoption of Constitutional Amendments.
These resolutions were read and ordered to be printed. Mr.
Sumner, after remarking that he saw “no chance for peace in
the Rebel States until Congress does its duty by assuming
jurisdiction over that whole region,” proposed to read a letter
he had just received from Texas.
MR. MCDOUGALL [of California]. Allow me to ask the Senator
to read the signature. Let the name of the writer be given.